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Innovative Nano-Technology for Contact-Free Surface Measurement
ANALYTICA NEWS
Leica Microsystems presents a new technology for contact-free 3D surface measure- ment that resolves structures smaller than one nanometer. Combining confocal mi- croscopy, interferometry and colour imaging in one sensor head for the first time, the 3D Measuring Microscope DCM 3D is a joint development of Leica Microsystems and the Spanish company Sensofar-Tech.
The DCM 3D offers ultrafast and contact-free analysis of the micro- and nanogeometry of material surfaces to an accuracy of 0.1 nanometer. A confocal microdisplay postioned in the field diaphragm, two light sources and two cameras produce unlimited field depth and highly precise 3D results. The LED light source and the sensor head, which requires no mechanically moving parts, make the system practically maintenance-free.
The DCM 3D is suitable for a wide variety of measurement applications in R&D and quality assurance laboratories all the way to online process control. Brightfield, interferometric and confocal images can be produced via the microdisplay. The DCM 3D measures smooth and rough surfaces, topological differences from nanometers to a few millimeters and flanks up to 70°. The sample is simply placed under the microscope and focused. One keystroke is enough to generate a 3D image of the surface in only a few seconds.
The DCM 3D integrates two CCD cameras, a colour camera for brightfield analysis and a monochromatic camera for metrological detection. The software enables 3D imaging in different colour modes such as a pseudocolour display of topological information, confocal stacks, infinitely focused colour image and high-resolution confocal luminance with the chrominance signal of the colour camera.
Circle no. 181 Circle no. 182
Easy to Advanced Photo-Manipulation in One New Flexible System
Olympus has introduced the new advanced cell^FRAP system as part of its newly launched xcellence live cell fluorescence imaging station. Intelligent scanning algorithms that target only the region of interest (ROI) remove the need for line scanning between ROIs and therefore increase the scan speed. With cell^FRAP it is possible to undertake simultaneous photobleaching and image acquisition of multiple ROIs.
cell^FRAP offers pre-defined, easy FRAP experiments for straight forward investigations of cellular dynamics through the seamless integration of FRAP within the ‘Experiment Manager’ software. ‘Fire on Click’ experiments also enable online triggering of single and multi-point bleaching via the mouse for manipulating moving specimens, such as vesicles.
For advanced users, high-end photo-manipulation techniques enabled by the cell^FRAP module include: FLIP, FLAP, photoactivation and photoconversion applications. In the advanced mode users can readily configure the system to their exact requirements. The module also enables pattern bleaching of large numbers of small areas, to simulate Fluorescent Speckle Microscopy (FSM), removing the need for many months of time consuming experiments.
The speed and precision of FRAP delivered by the new Olympus cell^FRAP tool is made possible by using the real-time controller together with camera-based imaging, which is up to 10x faster than point scanner confocal-based FRAP.
By providing a complete solution for all photobleaching, photoconversion and photocontrol techniques, cell^FRAP offers far greater value for money than standard confocal-based FRAP. Furthermore it is fully compatible with the advanced cell^TIRF and cell^SPIN xcellence modules, since it can operate independently of the standard fluorescence and camera ports of the microscope. This means that the system is extremely flexible, as well as fast.
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Line Extension of Microscope Series
WITec introduces a line extension of the alpha300 microscope series. Building on the system’s inherent modularity, WITec has added several new microscope versions in order to meet all the diverse and multi- faceted customer requirements one may encounter. In the field of Raman Microscopy the new baseline is the micro Raman system alpha300 M for single point spectrum acquisitions and depth profiling. The alpha300 M+ is additionally equipped with a stepper motor and allows Raman mapping experiments and large area investigations. The stepper motor can also be attached to the Raman Imaging system alpha300 R, providing an extremely flexible and powerful research tool (alpha300R+) for automated large area and high-resolution 3D chemical imaging. The alpha300 ML features cost-effective high- resolution confocal Raman mapping for the highest spectral flexibility (UV-VIS-NIR). Upgrades and combinations with Atomic Force or Scanning Near-field Optical Microscopy are possible at any time. Future fields of application can thus be engaged easily and cost- effectively.
A scientific-grade research optical microscope is the foundation of WITec’s modular and flexible microscope series. Only highly precise and optimised components are used in order to achieve the various capabilities of the different microscope models resulting in a highly sensitive setup. This sensitivity can enable a reduction in acquisition times of a single Raman spectrum to below one millisecond. When performing measurements on delicate and precious samples this can lower required levels of excitation power or allow weak Raman scatterers to be analysed.
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Performance-Leading Interline CCD Camera Platform Extension
Andor Technology plc announced the launch of the ‘Clara E’ camera, extending the available choice from the most sensitive interline CCD camera range on the market.
The Clara family of cameras is based around the popular 1.3 Megapixel ‘ICX285’ sensor from Sony®
performance available from a high-resolution scientific interline CCD camera.
‘Clara E’ avails of Andor’s proven vacuum process, delivering air cooling performance to -20 0C, complementing a low read noise of 3 e- at 1MHz. Dynamic events can be followed with outstanding quantitative stability via low noise 10 or 20 MHz readout modes, the data channelled through a USB 2.0 interface. Andor’s iCam technology and comprehensive I/O functionality enables market-leading acquisition efficiency through live cell microscopy softwares, and an accurate hardware generated timestamp ensures temporal precision. The compact, robust design and accessible SDK make Clara ideally suited to OEM integration.
Dr Colin Coates, Product Manager within Andor Technology, said: "Since the launch of the Clara interline camera in early 2009, we have been extremely encouraged by the level of recognition it has attained on account of its industry-leading sensitivity, offering deep air cooling to -55°C which complements a unique read noise of 2.4 e-. Clara E represents a significant price/performance addition to the family, and both microscopists and OEM customers will appreciate the unquestionable value that this powerful camera presents.”
Circle no. 185 and is engineered to drive the highest sensitivity and dynamic range
INTERNATIONAL LABMATE - APRIL/MAY 2010 - MICROSCOPY & MICROTECHNIQUES
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