From routine cell culture detection to high-resolution images of multi-layer scanning of nano-scale specimens, microscopes are an important tool used by uncountable research laboratories in the world. In this article, we will discuss the key factors of choosing a microscope with an imaging system that best meets your research needs.
Determine your requirements
Identify the needs and the applications expected to be realized using the microscopic imaging platform, including the more advanced applications planned to be implemented, which will make the selection and decision-making process easier.
Is it upright or inverted?
Of course, according to the expected application and the sample you want to observe, you can immediately determine whether you need an upright or inverted microscope. The difference between the two lies in the optics above or below the sample. "But another thing to consider is not only the sample itself, but also the utensils used when observing the sample," said Lauren Alvarenga, deputy product manager of Olympus. "This is very important for choosing upright or inverted microscopes. If To microscopically image a sample in a flask or plastic dish, you need to invert the microscope and configure a long working distance eyepiece to accommodate the thickness of the vessel.
Optical system
Resolving power is the ability to observe the details of the sample and the resolution speed of the image-another important factor to consider.
"Objectives are crucial in optical systems," Jeff McGinn, President of McCrone Microscopes and Accessories, McCrone Group Instruments, emphasized: "The higher the numerical aperture (NA) of the objective, the stronger the resolution. We assess the level of detail that users need to see And budget, to help users choose the appropriate numerical aperture (NA) objective. "In addition to the numerical aperture (NA), you also need to evaluate the degree of correction of the spherical aberration and chromatic aberration of the microscope objective.
Testing
Another important part of the optical path of the microscope is the acquisition device for the sample signal.
"Camera technology is developing rapidly," Olenych said. He believes that compared with traditional CCD technology, the market demand for CMOS camera chips is increasing rapidly. He explained that usually CMOS chips are larger than CCD chips and have higher sensitivity. CMOS chips have more pixels, which means they can achieve finer imaging in a smaller area. The photomultiplier tube PMT is also an option in applications that do not require spatial resolution. PMT does not store charge and can respond to changes in luminous flux input within a few nanoseconds, so it is used to detect and record extremely fast events.