frequently asked questions

The tight integration of the required light engines (femtosecond laser, 8-channel cw light engine, white light source) together with the corresponding detection modules and beam handling optics allows an entirely new way of implementing and using a multi modal microscope. The microscope becomes a truly turn-key, integrated, compact, easy-to-use, maintenance-free and very easy-to-install imaging platform.

The user does not need to worry about laser alignment, detection efficiency or non-compatible or misaligned hardware over time. The entire microscope consists of two parts, controlled through a flexible, non-detachable umbilical, the scanhead and the controller box. The compact scanhead incorporates laser beam handling and scanning, detectors and control electronics. Everything is pre-aligned, rigid and firmly fixed. The scanhead can be rotated and translated in any direction (truly 3D) and enables all multi-photon-based imaging needs. Cells, molecules, even live whole animal imaging can be accomplished.

The controller on wheels incorporates a built-in PC together with other electronic and photonic devices. Only a power cord, keyboard, mouse and display need to be connected to the controller box to make it completely operational. The device can easily be operated even by non-experts. It allows, through the built-in multimodality, extra features and combination of imaging capabilities for correlative microscopy which is not available until now. It is simple to use, and has the utility of a household appliance. Researchers can share the microscope; it is easily moveable and transportable between different locations. This novel capability is unique to the field, and serving a growing need. A modular and flexible product layout allows the user to upgrade the microscope at a later stage and ensures the researcher can add extra features over time on the same platform.

Currently, you have the possibility to image in widefield fluorescence, two-photon fluorescence and brightfield modality without changing the device.

The user can freely choose between the built-in modalities (1P, 2P and brightfield) to image their samples with a broad spectrum of corresponding modalities. The options are limitless. They can then easily overlay/correlate images and process the multidimensional/multimodal data with our powerful software.

• University labs in the biomedical and neuroscience sector
• Hospitals with a strong R&D background
• The cosmetics, pharmaceutical, diagnostics and clinical CRO (contract research organization) industry sector
• Forensic R&D could also be a potential target audience.
• MDs in the hospitals, working with patients deploying intra operating theatre imaging replacing or enhancing classical HE staining and immunohistochemistry (#instantpathology).

• Label-free imaging
• Digital pathology
• Whole slide imaging (WSI)
• Deep tissue imaging
• 3D imaging
• Imaging of fresh biopsies
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Immunocytochemistry (ICC) and other labelling techniques
• Life cell imaging
• Organoid imaging
• Neuroimaging
• Live animal imaging
• Whole animal imaging
• Calcium monitoring

The laser wavelength is fixed at around 1040nm for now. SHG and 3PEF works, for THG the laser wavelength is still a little bit too short, as THG will be generated too far in the UV range (although it will work in forward direction).

Yes, one can use up to 4 PMT channels simultaneously with the appropriate bandpass and dichroic filters.

Typical loss in the scan optics and objective account for approx. 50 % which leaves about 200 mW at the sample.

Yes, we are using ScanImage as scan software. The lowest resolution mode is 64×64.

Yes, there is the possibility to add a resonant scanner.

Yes, we have tested Nikon 16x/0.8 NA and Olympus 25x/1.0 NA. The higher the NA, the better!

Our software allows to choose independently any of the 3 positions on the turret. The Customer can mount any objective on any position.

As the scanhead is freely movable (translation & rotation) in all directions, one can move along any axis.

There will be no re-alignment necessary. Our microscope will arrive turn-key at your facility.

These modalities are optional.

No, not yet.

Yes, the configuration can be updated anytime.

Yes, we can provide you with the according solution.

No, there is no limitation. The system is properly air cooled. In fact, our demo device is often under test for a long time without problems.

There is basically no limit to the working space. The umbilical connecting scanhead and controller is 2 meters long.

Typically 10 minutes. However, the scan speed depends on dwell time, resolution and objective.

Ideally it should be flat. If we get 3-dimensional tissues samples, we gently press them against the glass bottom, of the Fluorodish (or any other) plate.

Yes, we do. Please contact us for further information.

Depends on the galvo-scanangle and objective: You can choose between 60 µm and up to 1200 µm

Yes, you can use standard fluorescence dyes and use filter-sets optimized for your spectral range. In addition, you can optimize your experiments by using special commercially available 2P high-absorbance fluorescence dyes.

You can save the images as tiff-files and pre-processing the RGB-images (Brightfield) or 16-bit grayscale (1PM and 2PM) images with the image editing software of your choice.

No, we are working with well-established software like Windows10, ScanImage, µManager, Fiji or MATLAB. All software will be pre-installed and ready-to-use.

Yes, this is no problem. The customer can choose between galvo-galvo only or with resonant.