Structured Illumination

Structured light illumination is a recently developed technique and is used to obtain high resolution optical sections of cells and tissues.    A practical alternative to high end laser confocal systems, structured illumination provides a high throughput, cost effective, easy to use solution.  The Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM) technique is a very powerful method of obtaining confocal quality images of cells and tissues using a standard widefield fluorescence microscope. Although the technique is very effective, there have been some challenges using the grid-based technique; primarily the random appearance of residual grid lines in final images.

This inconsistent performance has limited the routine use of this technology and its more widespread adoption as a low-cost alternative to point scanning confocal imaging. There are several possible causes of residual lines; however, most of these can be easily addressed and prevented. Having closely controlled all of these imaging parameters to prevent grid lines, we continued to find a pattern appearing in roughly thirty percent of all final images. Looking into this situation further, Quorum Technologies identified the source of the problem.

By implementing a closed loop architecture to drive the movement and position of the grid, we were able to consistently eliminate grid line artifacts from final images. The OptiGrid QT incorporates this new Architecture. Other advantages of the OptiGrid QT include faster calibrations, reduced photobleaching, faster acquisition times and reduced requirement for frequent calibrations.

This system is available exclusively to the Life Sciences community from Quorum Technologies. Allow Quorum to image one of your samples and “See what you have been missing.”

Quorum Angstrom™

Angstrom™ is a desktop system with single body construction that can be installed on any brightfield or fluorescence microscope. To upgrade your existing microscope stand, simply attach the angstrom™ to the video-port on the side of your microscope.  Extremely portable the angstrom™ can be moved easily from one microscope to another.

The angstrom™ was developed by Quorum Technologies to optimize image quality using structured light.  This involves the projection of a grid structure onto the focal plane of the sample.  Although many microscopes are capable of using structured light illumination, few can do this effectively.  Quorum has successfully improved the optical system using chromatically correct, enhanced optics which allow for the best possible grid projection.

The angstrom™ replaces the traditional fluorescence light path with an external light pathway.  The result is a revolutionary advance in how routine fluorescence imaging is performed.

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