SSJ_Etaluma_microscope.docx

Sole Source Justification

Item:

Etaluma - Lumascope 720

Our Requirements:

1. Cannot have larger dimensions than 42.0cm x 52.0cm x 30.0cm (D x W x H), 21.0cm x 52.0cm x 60.0cm (D x W x H), or 42.0cm x 26.0cm x 60.0cm (D x W x H)

2. Safe to use long term, in a high humidity (~80%), cell culture incubator

3. Automated programmable stage with autofocus

4. Open source interface

5. Be able to image at least 2 (preferably 3) fluorescent wavelengths simultaneously

6. Have no overhead optics

7. Be compatible with large (2 mm) optical correction objectives

8. Non-proprietary output of images and physical connectors/cables

9. At least 3MP, 12-bit or higher, images taken at a minimum rate of 2 per second

Details:

We require the purchase of an Etaluma - Lumascope 720 because they are one of only two companies that we found that make microscopes designed to go into incubators and the only company that has a design that can fit several into our incubators simultaneously. The project these will be used with is a project in which custom design microfluidic chip arrays will be imaged inside the incubator while the cells are having media pumped across them.

The Etaluma – Luma Scope is the only microscope with the combination of the below features that, in combination, meet the requirements listed above.

Form factor:

Dimensions:

37.2cm x 41.5cm x 22.4cm (D x W x H) Lumascopes are the only mono-block optic design that keeps the size small and eliminates any misalignment as light sources, dichroic filters and mirrors are fixed in place, unlike traditional technology. This design is important when subcellular structures or other microscopic details are being analyzed in environments where the microscope might be moved or shaken (non-airtable) frequently.

The Lumascope series are the only microscopes on the market designed with no overhead limitation.

The lumascope 720 has minimal moving parts and is specifically designed to operate in a high humidity environment.

Optics:

Three Fluorescent excitation wavelengths are possible with custom, micro-sized Semrock Brightline® Pinkel filter set optimized for 405 nm, 488 nm, and 594 nm LED light sources. The 5-filter set is comprised of 3 excitation filters, 1 triple-band emitting filter, and 1 beam-splitting filter. Emission wavelengths detected are 1) Blue, 429-462 nm, 2) Green, 502-561 nm, and 3) Red, 612-680 nm.

The 720 also contains a 1900x1900 (4MP) pixel high sensitivity 12-bit monochrome CMOS camera capable of high frame rate video at 10 frames per second (at reduced pixel depth, up to 30 frames per second). The camera can also do 3 shot composite tricolor images in both time lapse as well as single images.

The Lumascope is the only compact fluorescent microscope on the market in this size that exclusively controls emission and excitation by software with no physical moving parts. This increases the robustness of the platform and increases functionality in an enclosed remote environment.

Objectives are in open format and thus any RMS-threaded, infinity corrected, 45 mm par focal distance objective can be used with the microscope. This allows the user many venues to obtain objectives.

Interface:

The Lumascope 720 microscope operates through USB interface only, while the X/Y stage and auto focus require standard AC power.

The brightfield/phase contrast optional attachment also operates through USB interface only. This platform is the only compact scope that allows the user to change computers as needed, or place the unit in contained locations such as standard incubators, hoods, and hypoxia chambers, with computer control and access maintained external to the enclosure. The Lumascope 720 can be powered up to 50% illumination power simply using the on-board USB connection and with included booster power source for low signal, high sensitivity samples.

Lumaview software is open-source and a free copy of SDK is available for download to allow users to modify and manipulate the software to function as they wish. The Lumascope series are guaranteed to operate optimally using the official release versions posted on www.etaluma.com.

Lumaview takes images as non-proprietary tiffs that are compatible with open source software packages such as ImageJ and FIJI.

Supported operating systems: Windows 7 up to current Windows 10.