The UCM is a fully featured, multifunctional comparison macroscope designed for comparative examinations of toolmark, firearms and document and trace examinations. Built to rigid Swiss engineering standards and featuring some of the highest quality optics in the world, the UCM is one of the top-rated comparison macroscopes in the world.
Examinations are a delight when using the extremely wide field macro objectives, allowing the user to see more image than nearly any other microscope in its class. The wider field allows additional light to enter the stage, making evidence bright and easily visible. With a working distance of 215mm (8.5"), extremely tall objects can be viewed without difficulty, and the working stages feature 360° rotation, giving the examiner limitless examination angles and ranges.
The magnification range is the best on the market, extending from
1x magnification all the way to 90x magnification without the need for attachments. The magnification is entirely inline, which means that no corrections are necessary. When you select a magnification, you can be assured that you are seeing the exact magnification you selected.
Diaphragm controls on two of the three objectives give the examiner control over depth of field and image brightness, and three paired lighting posts allow illumination to be directed from nearly any angle onto the stages. Up to eight different illumination options are available, including two types of fiber optic lighting, polarized light, white fluorescence, ultraviolet fluorescence and three different light filter attachments. The 150-Watt cold fiber optic illumination is available in either a standard 8mm (.3") circular light or a wide 30mm (1.2") bar lighting for broader illumination. Because the fiber optic lighting is cool, it is ideal for use when dealing with temperature-sensitive materials such as toolmark casts or adhesive wax.
Unlike other comparison microscopes on the market, the UCM has non-motorized X and Y stage movements. This puts complete control of the object in the hands of the examiner and allows for finer and more precise adjustments. Objects can be held in one of the many optional object holders. Object holders are available for nearly any type of evidence an examiner will encounter, including a wide range of cartridge and tool holders for ballistic and toolmark examinations. Plasticine holders can be used to hold deformed or damaged evidence, such as bullets. An optional “training tube” can be added to the UCM, allowing a second examiner to view and verify the object being examined.
High-resolution images can be captured via an optional digital camera that allows images up to 5.0 megapixels to be taken. When coupled with the powerful PIA-6000 software, examiners can obtain live-view images on the monitor of a laptop or desktop computer. Live images can then be compared with a library of stored images, or digitally enhanced for superior visualization.