Multiphoton imaging system by Scientifica

A multiphoton imaging system from Scientifica (Wokingham, England) enables deep image capture to 900 µm. Its proprietary Scanhead design achieves diffraction-limited resolution, allowing researchers to visualize fine biological structures essential for investigating morphology and live activity within samples. The system also integrates with other experimental techniques, including electrophysiology.

More Biophotonics Products

-----

PRESS RELEASE

ioneering versatility - Scientifica’s Multiphoton Imaging System launch at SfN 2012!

The Queen’s (Queen Elizabeth II) Award winner, Scientifica acknowledges that multiphoton imaging is one of the most powerful life science research tools of the 21st century, working towards new treatments of neurological disorders. In response Scientifica will launch (and demonstrate) their modular, Multiphoton Imaging System at The Society for Neuroscience 2012 conference from 14-17th October. The system allows the capture of deeper imaging, to typically 900 microns and beyond.

Scientifica have enabled users to build a cost-effective and future-proof system in conjunction with its acclaimed SliceScope microscope, ensuring the best possible return on investment (ROI).

Multiphoton imaging uses high-intensity femtosecond pulsed Infrared (IR) lasers, fast-moving mirrors and precision optics to capture image structure and activity within living tissue. A laser spot is scanned quickly over a sample, exciting dyes within the tissue. The emitted light is collected with super-sensitive photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) with the resulting image being captured and displayed on a PC screen.

“We sought to offer researchers a flexible, cost-effective multiphoton solution providing in-depth imaging into living tissue, while sustaining a healthy sample. The provision of a DIY or fully-integrated package system offers crucial flexibility to a variety of users with differing experience, requirements and budgets,” stated Mark Johnson, joint managing director at Scientifica. “This therefore, expands the opportunities for laboratories around the world to utilise multiphoton techniques.”

Whether working with tissue sections in vitro, or with whole organisms in vivo, the use of short pulses of high energy IR light decreases the average laser power reaching the sample and reduces phototoxicity.

Scientifica’s exclusive Scanhead design achieves diffraction limited resolution. This allows researchers to visualise the finest biological structures that are essential for investigating morphology and live activity within samples.

Efficient photon gathering (via the PMT’s) can be accomplished from a range of objectives. In addition, the user has the ability to detect very weak signals with a reduced laser intensity exciting the dyes.

Scientifica’s high quality detection units use custom optics, mechanics and noise-reducing electronics to achieve superior signal-to-noise ratio by maximising light collection either above or below the sample.

Scientifica have purposefully chosen a range of free open-source software packages (ScanImage or Helioscan) to be used in conjunction with the Multiphoton Imaging System. These versatile and continually evolving platforms are perfect for experimental control flexibility due to the opportunity of engaging directly with the developer community, to address future software capability needs.

The elegant and exceptional quality Multiphoton Imaging System, allows for effortless integration with other popular experimental techniques including electrophysiology; broadening access to and the appeal of this ground-breaking technique.

-----

Follow us on Twitter, 'like' us on Facebook, and join our group on LinkedIn

Laser Focus World has gone mobile: Get all of the mobile-friendly options here.

Subscribe now to BioOptics World magazine; it's free!