Products

LED LIGHT SOURCE

for full-field photostimulation

Technology Overview

Full-field illumination using a selected LED source allows molecules and cells to be stimulated over the whole FOV homogeneously. Combine this module with gated detectors to achieve millisecond switching between stimulation and imaging.

See more at Optogenetics

Features

• Typical wavelengths: 430, 450, 480, 590 nm, others on special request
• Precisely timed and highly repeatable impulses
• ~200 µm penetration depth
• Software controlled operation
• Equipped on the objective arm
• PMT protection during the stimulation by optional gated detectors

Benefits

• Simultaneous stimulation over the entire FOV
• Optimized for optogenetics studies: precise spatio-temporal activation of ChR2 and/or NpHR
• Millisecond switching between stimulation and detection

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3P RANGE MICROSCOPY

for three-photon excitation

Technology Overview

Three-photon (3P) microscopy is a powerful technique that allows for the noninvasive structural and functional imaging of deep tissues with higher axial resolution compared to two-photon excitation. 3P excitation is performed at longer excitation wavelengths which scatter less in biological tissues. (See more at 3P imaging.) This extends the penetration depth, reduces out-of-focus excitation, and increases the SNR.

The figure shows spontaneous neuronal activity in the GCaMP6f-labeled visual cortex of a mouse captured using 3P microscopy: the cells were excited using a 1300 / 1400 nm laser wavelength for 3P excitation.

The 3P range microscopy kit contains:

• A pump laser and a Noncollinear Optical Parametric Amplifier (NOPA)
• High-quality optical elements optimized for transmission between 1,200-1,700 nm (with optional extension: get in contact with us for details)
• Full optical engineering

Features

• Excitation wavelength range: 1,200-1,700 nm
• XY resolution is diffraction-limited (less than 1 µm, wavelength-dependent), Z resolution ~ 5-10 µm (sample and wavelength-dependent)
• Excites fluorophores with the 3P excitation phenomenon: 3P wavelength range (1,200-1,700 nm) corresponds to the regular (1P) excitation wavelength range of fluorophores ranging from blue to red
• Less tissue damage compared to 2P excitation

Benefits

• Functional and structural imaging through the whole cortical depth; provides an advantage in strongly scattering samples
• Third Harmonic Generation (THG) option available

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MOTORIZED TILTING OBJECTIVE UNIT

for free rotation of the objective

Technology Overview

The motorized tilting module rotates the objective, giving a higher level of freedom to reach the sample from different angles. The module also includes a Piezo objective positioner, ensuring additional movement of the objective in the Z direction.

Applications

Novel surgical methods utilizing grin lenses or miniature prisms allow optical investigation of deep structures within the brain. Implementing these technologies is greatly enhanced by our motorized tilting objective:

• aligning optical axis of the embedded optical elements is facilitated by the handwheel operated multi-axis positioning of the grin lens/Smart microscope,
• store and reuse optimal angles and positions when experimenting multiple times with the same animal,
• utilize the units high-precision movements to fine adjust position and alignment without actually touching the assembly,
• suitable for imaging lateral brain regions, even in non-human primates.

Features

• 180º rotation around the horizontal axis
• 100º rotation around the vertical axis
• Speed of rotation: 4º/sec
• Unidirectional repeatability: less than 0.02 mrad (~2 µm)
• Z movement with piezo objective positioner module: 400 µm
• Transmission over 80% (700-1100 or 900-1300 nm)
• Accepts both conventional and large back aperture objectives
• Green illumination module
• Maximum number of mounted detectors: 3

Benefits

• Flexible objective positioning with high precision
• Highly stable in all positions
• Fast z-stack acquisition also from tilted position
• Close coupled detectors
• Useful for in vivo experiments, intravital imaging, and deep brain imaging in rodents or even non-human primates

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PIEZO OBJECTIVE POSITIONER KIT

for fast Z-stack and 3D imaging

Technology Overview

A Piezo objective positioner kit enables the microscope to change the focal point by mechanically moving the objective. With this module, the microscope is able to collect signals from different depths fast enough to resolve biological activity in 3D samples. We can equip most of our microscopes with two types of piezo: piezo specialized for large scanning volumes moves the objective in a 400 µm travel range with up to 30 Hz speed, and the faster one moves it in 100 µm volume with up to 100 Hz (the refresh rate depends on the scanning volume and the size of the objective).

Features

• Positions objectives in the Z direction with nm resolution
• Traveling range 100 or 400 µm (depends of the piezo’s type)
• Up to 100 Hz frequency in resonant mode
• Millisecond step-and-settle
• Any types of objectives can be attached
• No influence on the optical path

Benefits

• Femtonics microscopes containing galvo scanner equipped with piezo objective positioner and RollerCoaster software module support 3D trajectory scanning
• 3D trajectory scanning allows collecting signals from dendrites arbored in the 3D tissue and to resolve biological activity thanks to the high scanning speed
• Femtonics microscopes containing resonant or galvo scanners are able to image a 3D volume scanning
• 3D volume scanning enables you to reveal the activity of the neural network or other cell groups
• Fine positioning along the tilted axis when using tilting objective module

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BRIDGE STRUCTURE

for coarse Z movement

Technology Overview

The Bridge structure is a lifting apparatus for FemtoSmart which can replace the foot. It provides extreme freedom in positioning of the body and an increased space under the objective.

Features

• Moving range: 50 cm
• Coarse Z adjustment: 1 mm
• Distance between the foot and the objective: 880 mm

Benefits

• Very large space for the sample or accessories
• High-range mobility
• Locate your chronic imaging spot within the craniotomy

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EPIFLUORESCENT UNIT

for multicolor full-field illumination

Technology Overview

Wavelength-specific full-field excitation is performed by powerful LED light sources built in a rotating unit above the objective. Fluorescent imaging can be achieved with a wide variety of scientific cameras.

Features

• LEDs for customizable wavelengths (430, 450, 480, 530, 590 nm, others on special request)
• Wavelength-specific filters for excitation of narrow ranges
• Additional emission filters for blocking the reflected light and filtering the emission spectra
• Up to 5 sets of exchangeable filter cubes
• 100 µm penetration depth
• Detection by CMOS camera
• Software controlled operation
• Installed into the light path above the objective
• PMT protection during the stimulation by built-in gating system

Benefits

• Homogenous excitation of the entire FOV in 100 µm depth
• Excitation specified for GFP, YFP, RFP, mCherry, etc.
• Cleared emission for bright signals

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FLIM EXTENSION

for Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging

Technology Overview

Time correlated single photon counting and the derived fluorescence lifetime imaging measures the time delay between each emitted photon and the laser pulse eliciting it. This time is not affected by fluorophore concentration and excitation intensity fluctuations, however provides intimate information about molecular interactions and dynamics. See more: Applications – FLIM.

Features

• High efficiency hybrid GaAsP PMTs for photon counting
• No afterpulsing
• Up to two photon counting wavelength channels
• Non-descanned design for high photon collection rate
• Minimized optical path length by travelling detector system
• Sub-picosecond temporal resolution
• Parallel conventional integrating and photon counting modes

Benefits

• Absolute ion concentration measurement
• Characterization of bio-physical properties

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Related Publications:

Fluorescence lifetime imaging reveals regulation of presynaptic Ca²⁺ by glutamate uptake and mGluRs, but not somatic voltage in cortical neurons. Olga Tyurikova, Kaiyu Zheng, Elizabeth Nicholson, Yulia Timofeeva, Alexey Semyanov, Kirill Volynski, Dmitri A. Rusakov, Journal of Neurochemistry (2020)

Local Resting Ca²⁺ Controls the Scale of Astroglial Ca²⁺ Signals. Claire M. King, Kirsten Bohmbach, Daniel Minge, Andrea Delekate, Kaiyu Zheng, James Reynolds, Cordula Rakers, Andre Zeug, Gabor C. Petzold, Dmitri A. Rusakov, Christian Henneberger, Cell Reports (2020)

Multiplex imaging relates quantal glutamate release to presynaptic Ca²⁺ homeostasis at multiple synapses in situ. Thomas P. Jensen, Kaiyu Zheng, Nicholas Cole, Jonathan S. Marvin, Loren L. Looger, Dmitri A. Rusakov, Nature Communications (2019)

Polymer microchamber arrays for geometry-controlled drug release: a functional study in human cells of neuronal phenotype. Olga Kopach, Kayiu Zheng, Olga A. Sindeeva, Meiyu Gai, Gleb B. Sukhorukov, Dmitri A. Rusakov, Biomaterials Science (2019)

Glutamate Imaging Reveals Multiple Sites of Stochastic Release in the CA3 Giant Mossy Fiber Boutons. Sylvain Rama, Thomas P. Jensen, Dmitri A. Rusakov, Front. Cell. Neurosci. (2019)

A genetically encoded fluorescent sensor for in vivo imaging of GABA. Jonathan S. Marvin, Yoshiteru Shimoda, Vincent Magloire, Marco Leite, Takashi Kawashima, Thomas P. Jensen, Ilya Kolb, Erika L. Knott, Ondrej Novak, Kaspar Podgorski, Nancy J. Leidenheimer, Dmitri A. Rusakov, Misha B. Ahrens, Dimitri M. Kullmann & Loren L. Looger, Nature Methods (2019)

Monitoring intracellular nanomolar calcium using fluorescence lifetime imaging. Kaiyu Zheng, Thomas P Jensen & Dmitri A Rusakov, Nature Protocols (2018)

Monitoring single-synapse glutamate release and presynaptic calcium concentration in organised brain tissue. Jensen TP, Zheng K, Tyurikova O, Reynolds JP, Rusakov DA, Cell Calcium (2017)

Time-Resolved Imaging Reveals Heterogeneous Landscapes of Nanomolar Ca²⁺ in Neurons and Astroglia. Kaiyu Zheng, Lucie Bard, James P. Reynolds, Claire King, Thomas P. Jensen, Alexander V. Gourine, Dmitri A. Rusakov, Neuron (2015)

IN VITRO EXTENSION KIT

for cultured cells or acute brain slices

Technology Overview

Imaging acute brain slices or cultured cells and tissues enables the user to study cells in a controlled environment, outside of a living organism. Gradient contrast illumination eases camera guided patch-clamping while transmitted fluorescence detectors enhance signal collection and SNR.

Features:

• Transmission Köhler illumination with a high-power IR LED (850nm)
• High NA condenser (dry or oil immersion options)
• Visible light detection (Fluorescence, SHG, THG, CARS, etc): efficient, large aperture light collecting optics with visible detection ports between 400-690 nm, a maximum of 2 visible light detectors (options: GaAsP, gated GaAsP, multialkali PMT or hybrid detectors for FLIM), and a manually exchangeable filter cube
• Transmission infrared detector with a TIR detection port between 720-1070 nm (options: biased silicon photodiode or multialkali PMT)

Benefits:

• An easily replaceable protective window with waterproof sealing safeguards the sensitive internal optics from leaking water and corrosive solutions during experiments
• Versatile mechanical solutions:
• Compatible with Femtonics microscopes (SMART with tiltable or normal objective arm, Platform), and with an LN stage
• The condenser, condenser holder or the whole module is removable prior to in vivo measurements, owing to the quick release adapter placed on the fix mount to the optical table

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MULTIPLE BEAM PATH

for uncaging and optogenetics

Technology Overview

The optomechanical design of the light path enables us to direct more beams into the microscope, utilizing the same light path. We offer secondary, fine-tuned laser sources for a wide range of biophotonics applications. See more: Optogenetics, Uncaging.

Features

• Additional IR or CW laser(s) coupled to the existing light path
• Lightpath can be optimized for three wavelength ranges  (450-1100 or 700-1100 or 900-1300 nm)
• Full optical engineering
• Software controlled operation

Benefits

• Photostimulation with IR or visible light
• Flexible stimulation patterns supporting stimulation of selected regions
• Two-photon uncaging studies
• Visible light optogenetics:
  • ChR2 activation with 473 nm laser
  • NpHR activation with 561 nm laser

   

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INTELLIGENT OPTOGENETICS SYSTEM

for light-controlled neuromodulation

Technology Overview

The unmatched spatiotemporal precision and high tunability make optogenetics a powerful tool in neural research. This device integrates light source output and control into one tool, which is simpler and provides a more stable performance than other solutions. It comes with an intelligent design. Fields of application include research of neural circuits, learning and memory research, research of movement, addiction, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and Parkinson’s disease. 

Features and benefits:

• All in one machine
• Touch screen operation interface
• Convenient parameter setting
• Control and visible waveform state
• Group custom editing and data import or export available
• Compatible with external behavior equipment, electrophysiology, calcium imaging equipment, etc.

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MINUX ROTARY MICROTOME

for preparing tissue sections             

Technology Overview

Tissue sectioning made intelligent, precise, easy, and safe: this device provides reproducible, thin, serial sections of high quality. Comes with a patented visual pointer for quick and accurate section positioning. With a section thickness set range of 0,5-100µm. 

Features and benefits:

• Touch screen operation interface
• Side sampling knob for comfortable operation
• Knife guarding and retracting device for safe operation
• Adjustable speed (0-1800μm/s) for better sample control
• Alarm function and dual lock system for the handwheel
• The half-knife repair function simplifies the operation process, saves time and effort
• Sample position memory function, one-click reset to improve sectioning efficiency
• Record system to facilitate information tracking

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HEAD HOLDERS

for rodents

Technology Overview

Head holder stands and head plates fix the rodent’s head in different positions, enabling precise measurements in the brain. Three types of head holders are available with different dimensions. For anesthetized rodents, we offer a heating pad coupled to a holder, or for behaving animals a stand that ensures access to jetballs, treadmills, or other devices. See more at Behavioral Studies.

Flexible head holder

Offering maximum flexible adjustment for positioning the head, this holder fixes the scull from one side. The head plate can be moved in three directions of the space and also along the bridge. It is offered for difficult to access parts such as eyes or auditory cortex, and anesthetized rodents.

Stabilized head holder

Stabilized head holder is attached to the rodent’s head at two sides. It is ideal for craniotomy or other surgery where the head of the animal model has to be fixed. It can be coupled to the Gramophone.

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GRAMOPHONE

for behavioral studies            

Technology Overview

Gramophone is a single-dimension locomotion tracking device. It allows a head restrained mouse to run on the disk and to respond to visual or other stimuli. The speed and the direction of the running are registered by software-controlled manner. It can be used for high-accuracy velocity recording in conjunction with a two-photon microscope, or as a control interface for behavioral training in a virtual linear maze. The behavior response and the two-photon Ca²⁺ signals can be recorded simultaneously and aligned with each other.

Features

• 14400 counts/rotation angular resolution
• Up to 500 Hz sampling frequency
• Robust and durable construction
• Easily removable and cleanable running surface
• Easily adjustable head fixation for in vivo imaging and electrophysiology
• Programmable inputs and outputs
• Open-source Python 3 software for recording locomotion and conditioning mice

Benefits

• Flexible usability: mobile, compact system for behavioral training, locomotion measurements, microscopic imaging, electrophysiological studies, etc.
• Easily integratible to your own system
• Custom mazes and behavior rules can be designed easily
• Built-in image patterns
• Velocity and movement detection
• The system can handle two monitors simultaneously, providing a corridor-like arrangement
• Stabilized head holder keeps the skull stable during movement

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