Download Olympus adds Advanced Optigrid M Illumination System to Life

PRESS INFORMATION
Highly precise structured illumination system provides outstanding
fluorescence images with confocal quality.
Olympus adds Advanced Optigrid M Illumination
System to Life Science Microscopy Range
Hamburg, 18.02.2008 – Olympus has announced the addition of the
new Optigrid M structured illumination system to its life science
microscopy range. Optigrid M yields ultra-rich, multi-channel
fluorescence and 3D/4D imaging, whilst still using standard
illumination. Compatible with Olympus BX2 and IX2 microscopes,
Optigrid M controls are fully integrated into Olympus cell* imaging
software to provide all users with excellent confocal-like images.
Utilising the light emitted from an existing stabilised illumination source, the
Optigrid M uses a one-dimensional optical grid mounted on a piezoelectronically driven actuator to project a line pattern onto the specimen.
The grid is then moved perpendicularly to the grid lines, in 1/3 steps of its
period length so that three grid movements result in one optical section.
The structured illumination process returns a strong signal wherever focus is
sharp and a weak signal where focus is soft. Furthermore, a patented
algorithm is used to combine these strong signals from the grid images so
that each optical section contains data that is exactly within the focal plane.
A series of optical sections taken through a sample (z-stack) can then be
combined to create a haze-free ultra-sharp composite image. Image stacks
can also be used to produce 3D reconstructions using post processing
software.
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The Optigrid M slider is inserted into the field diaphragm slot of a standard
illuminator on both upright (BX2) and inverted (IX2) Olympus microscopes.
This enables it to be used with any of the wavelengths available from the
illumination system from UV to IR and also to be easily removed for standard
microscope functions. The Optigrid M is fully controlled using Olympus cell*
software via a USB connection, which also ensures simple system
integration. Furthermore, it provides users with excellent imaging throughput
and programmable experiment repeatability for parallel multiple-specimen
imaging.
The Optigrid M is an excellent and cost efficient system for expanding the
imaging capabilities of new or existing microscopes without taking
up valuable laboratory space. Offering confocal-like image quality, the
Optigrid M integrates quickly and easily with Olympus IX and BX
microscopes.
Please contact:
OLYMPUS LIFE SCIENCE EUROPA GMBH
Microscopy
Esther Ahrent
Department Manager Marketing Communication
Tel: +49 40 2 37 73 - 5426
Fax: +49 40 2 37 73 - 4647
E-mail: [email protected]
www.microscopy.olympus.eu
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