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Flexible and modular hardware options
Based on the Olympus IX81 research microscope scan^R incorporates perfectly tuned hardware components as well as optional items depending on the intended use:
• Motorised Stage
• High sensitivity CCD camera
• Illumination System MT20
• Real-Time Controller inside PC
• Laser based hardware auto-focus (optional)
• Incubator (optional)
• Plate loading robot (optional) |
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Multi-function all-in-one illumination system MT20
The MT20 contains a fast filter wheel (minimal switch 58 ms) with 8 positions and a fast attenuator with 14 grades of illumination intensity. The built-in shutter has the exceptional on/off time of 1 ms and basically eliminates off-acquisition photobleaching. Two types of light sources are optional: a high-stability 150W Xe arc burner or a very stable 150W Hg/Xe mixed gas arc burner. The light is coupled via a single quartz light fibre into the microscope. |
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Hyper-precision real-time experiment control
An additional independent plug-in CPU board ensures interrupt-free data uptake by the scan^R imaging computer during an experiment. Experiment control and sub-millisecond timing precision are maintained while changing hardware settings. Filter wheel, attenuator and shutter of the MT20 are optimally synchronised with the camera, an optional piezo Z-drive and other peripherals. All modules work in parallel. |
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Digital Cameras: high resolution and sensitivity
Several latest-generation interline transfer CCD models of reputable manufacturers are supported. For low-light acquisition electron multiplier CCD (EM-CCD) and back-thinned CCD cameras can be used. |
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cell^cubator
Living cells need optimal environmental conditions. Optimal conditions define the need to have separate control over temperature, pH, humidity, culture medium and composition of air. The optional Olympus cell^cubator ensures reliable temperature control, CO2 and humidity closed loop feed back control plus HEPA air filter. |
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Professional bench system
The optional bench system provides dust & light protection and increases work safety. |
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Plate loading robot
Automated screening applications are supported by an optional plate loading robot. |
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Automated Acquisition & Analysis
The two independent scan^R software modules for acquisition and analysis with their user friendly workflow oriented design can run on the same PC or on separate computers in parallel. Preconfigured scripts for many common applications guarantee for easy handling and smooth operation of the system. An optional development version offers defined LabVIEWTM interfaces. This flexible and open concept is ideal for individual assay development because full access to all parameters is a prerequiste for professional scientific imaging and analysis.
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Acquisition module
• „Unlimited“ color channels
• Fluorescence and transmitted light
• Life view settings and auto-focus control
• Individual Z-offset on each color channel with respect to auto-focus plane
• Time and Z-series |
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Analysis module
• Cytometry oriented concept
• Image processing (i.e. background correction)
• Object detection & segmentation
• Parameter selection and extraction
• Parameter calculation (derived parameters)
• Gating & classification
• „Quality control“: Data linked to images - images linked to data
• LabVIEW source code interface |
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Modular and flexible screening station
