In the recent years, we developed optical systems that achieve homogeneous illumination of the sample, including an affordable, high-power, laser engine. For more details, visit the microscope illumination sub-module.
Low axial drift is a critical feature of a microscope, in particular for superresolution methods. In order to compensate for axial drift, we build a focus-locking system similar to the Nikon perfect focus or the open-source pgFocus.
In order to perform automated imaging, we place optical elements that are frequently exchanged on stages or servos. In order to bring the price down, we often opt for custom solutions based on inexpensive servos. You can find here some of the modules we use on our microscopes.
- Filter wheel to change filters.
- Flip mount to insert or remove a filter or a lens. It can also be used as beam stop.
- Linear stage to insert more precisely an optical element, such as a cylindrical lens (3D localization) or multiple filters in a row.
Note that these elements are controlled on our microscope using an FPGA (see the electronics section), the project is hosted on Github.
Sample Holder that seals immediately, no breaking of the coverslip.