TILL Photonics imaging workstation uses a single spinning disk
The iMIC-Andromeda imaging workstation from TILL Photonics (Graefelfing, Germany) can perform total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF), fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), photoactivation, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), multi-photon, structured illumination, and proprietary confocal laser spinning disk imaging applications. Instead of using microlenses and two synchronized rotating disks, the Andromeda uses a single spinning disk and places long-pass dichroics into the infinity space, improving point spread function (PSF) and providing higher resolution and optical sectioning.
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PRESS RELEASE
TILL Photonics Introduces iMIC – Andromeda
TILL's iMIC-Andromeda is an imaging workstation capable of combining a broad range of imaging applications. The modular approach of the iMIC allows the integration of methods such as TIRF, FRAP, Photoactivation, FRET, FCS, Multiphoton, Structured Illumination and last but not least our proprietary Laser Spinning Disk Confocal Andromeda.
The heart of the Andromeda is a single spinning disk which derives its outstanding performance and versatility from its fundamentally new optical concept. Instead of using microlenses and two synchronized rotating disks, Andromeda needs only a single disk and places (long-pass) dichroics where they belong, into the infinity space. This greatly improves the point spread function (PSF) and provides higher resolution and better optical sectioning than achieved by previous approaches.
Details
How can a single disk perform a function that other approaches need two disks for? The core component of Andromeda features a novel patented optical design, quasi-hexagonal pattern of concave micro-mirrors, carrying pinholes in their center. While the micro-mirrors form a rotating point pattern, a retro-reflector projects the focus pattern back onto the pinholes where it can pass and reach the sample.
This elegant approach ensures maximal optical throughput and enables a much better matching to the numerical aperture (NA) of a variety of objectives, including water immersion—and low magnification objectives.
Key features of iMIC - Andromeda
- Modular concept for more configurations
- Automation to control complex experiments
- Flexible software for changing demands
- Integration of all major fluorescence techniques possible
- Epifluorescence and TIRF
- FRAP and Photoactivation
- FRET, FCS, Multiphoton
- Structured Illumination
- Laser Spinning Disk Confocal (Andromeda)
- Improved smoothness of rotation (all units run at 10.000 rpm)
- Field optimized for 9x9mm CCD chips, bigger fields (sCMOS) in preparation.
- Full automation of all filters (10 excitation-filters, 10 emission-filters and 5 dichroics)
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Posted by Lee Mather
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