Brand_Name_Only_Justification.pdf

Brand Name Only Justification: Scientifica

The Retinal Neurophysiology Section (RNS) of the NEI intramural program is requires a Scientifica brand multiphoton microscopy system.

1. The following unique features make the Scientifica system the only option for our research projects.

2. Additionally, RNS currently owns a Scientifica system and the new system will share the same laser with the old system, allowing parts to be shared and swapped between the two systems to realize cost savings.

Scientifica Scanning System

1. Unique relay lens system: Scientifica system images the finest details across the whole field of view due to its unique relay lens system that separates X and Y Galvo to improve beam stability at the back aperture of the objective and improves image quality. The relay lens ensures X Galvo mirror is imaged onto Y Galvo which is then perfectly imaged onto the objective back aperture.

2. Software: Compatible with variety of open source software Scan Image as well as Scientifica’s own Labview based scanning program, SciScan. SciScan is a free software (LabVIEW license required) which is unlimited and open source allowing customers to customise their own modules for their experiments. Built by Scientifica, it is fully supported and will continue to be developed with customers.

SciScan includes options for chronic imaging and sequential imaging. Also allows files to be save in OME (open microscopy environment) compatable format with metadata. All future multiphoton software releases from Scientifica will be free of charge.

Scientifica Multiphoton Detection Unit

1. Design: Slim, space saving design allows easy placement of other equipment around sample.

2. Oversized collection lenses sit very close to the objective back aperture which help ensure that the loss of photons is kept to a minimum.

3. Entire detection optical block is fixed to the focusing arm of the microscope meaning that the distance between the collection lens and objective back aperture remains fixed which means that no matter how deep the sample is imaged;

collection will always be optimal (i.e. collection optics moving with the objective).

4. Modular design means that PMTs can be switched for different variants quite easily including GaAsP detectors.

5. Safety switch – prevents high voltage being applied to the PMTs by mistake where the switch ensures a tight connection between the PMT and the MDU to ensure no damage to PMTs is made and ensure high signal to noise ratio. This electronic deisng performs exceptionally by minimising background noise which can degrade the image quality.

6. A liquid-light-guide (LLG) coupled detection unit (ChromoFlex) is used. The Chromoflex ensures that emission light can be gathered with high efficiency and transferred to up to four detectors. This layout increases overall light collection by about 10% compared with Scientifica directly mounted detectors. Even more important, efficient light collection by the ChromoFlex applies to all of the installed detectors. This is different with directly mounted detectors, because space restrictions would prohibit collection optics of all four detectors to be placed close to the microscope objective and to be as large as possible.

SliceScope Frame

1. Slim design allows for easy placement of multiple pieces of equipment.

2. Free software with unique follow function: Scientifica’s free LinLab software offers the customer to integrate their motorised elements to virtually link manipulators and stages to keep pipettes in the field of view whilst searching areas of interes saving the customer time when placing multiple electrodes.

3. Open design allows easy access to the light path and easy customizations.

4. Motorised condenser and objective arms which allows accurate, remote control for fine image optimisation. This neatly integrates with Scientifica’s ultra-stable micromanipulators and stage.

5. High resolution, low noise and low drift motors (X,Y,Z and condenser) with 20mm travel range, 500nm repeatable step size, 100nm minimum step size , 20nm motor resolution with less than 1um drift in 2 hours.

6. Compatible with DODT, Oblique, DIC and Brightfield contrasting.

06/03/2016