Focus on microscopy and nanotechnology

Physik Instrumente (PI) designed its N-565 linear stages to offer subnanometer resolution, high forces, and high stiffness for demanding applications in bionanotechnology, fiber optics, microscopy, semiconductor testing, metrology, and research in beamlines and lasers. The stages are powered by PI’s patented PiezoWalk technology, which combines high resolution with long travel ranges and reliability. In contrast to conventional long-travel piezo-motor principles, PiezoWalk stepping drives are not subject to sliding friction effects; they achieve virtually wear-free motion. Crossed roller bearings provide straight, flat motion and high guiding accuracy and load capacity. An integrated interferometric linear encoder developed by PI has spatial resolution to 20 pm and allows incremental motion below 1 nm. The compact, low-profile stages measure 65 mm wide and from 80 mm long. Travel ranges are 13 mm, 26 mm, and 52 mm. Physik Instrumente LP, 16 Albert St, Auburn, MA 01501, www.pi-usa.us

The Nanoimager fluorescence microscope for nanoscale-resolution imaging of live cells is now available from Oxford Nanoimaging, an Oxford University spin-off. The fluorescence resonance energy transfer solution can measure the dynamics of molecular interactions and structural transitions—for example, by detecting the assembly of protein subunits or observing the synthesis of DNA in real time. Using precise, rapid imaging of single fluorescent molecules and appropriate software, it generates images that differentiate objects spaced as close as 20 nm. The company claims that the Nanoimager yields sharper images of live cells than conventional optical microscopy, which is limited by diffraction. The unit measures 21 cm × 21 cm × 15 cm and can be operated on a regular desk or bench. The robust design and passive dampening elements reduce vibrations and drift, and real-time focus and sample positioning provide the stability for data collection over many hours. Oxford University Innovation, Buxton Court, 3 West Way, Oxford OX2 0JB, UK, http://innovation.ox.ac.uk

The compound lens design of the Apreo scanning electron microscope from FEI combines electrostatic and magnetic immersion technology for high resolution and signal selection. It can be used to study nanoparticles, catalysts, powders, and nanodevices in materials and life sciences and in semiconductor, energy, and chemistry research. It features resolution down to 1.0 nm at 1 kV with no need for beam deceleration and can handle many sample orientations and topographies. On sensitive samples, it offers backscatter detection at the lowest beam currents and at any tilt angle, so materials contrast is strong. Detector segments can be individually addressed, so users can optimize angular contrast or signal intensity and extract the most crucial information. The versatile microscope provides various approaches for dealing with insulating samples, including an optional low-vacuum capability with a chamber pressure of up to 500 Pa. FEI, 5350 NE Dawson Creek Dr, Hillsboro, OR 97124, www.fei.com

According to JEOL, its JEM-F200, or F2, transmission electron microscope is the only advanced analytical, high throughput, 200 kV scanning TEM (STEM) in its class to offer a cold field emission gun (FEG) and dual silicon drift detectors. The high brightness and narrow energy spread of the cold FEG makes possible high energy resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) for rapid identification of chemical bonding states. The system features high sensitivity and throughput for x-ray analysis and wide-field STEM–EEL spectrum imaging. A quad lens condenser system independently controls electron-beam intensity (spot size) and convergence angle. At the push of a button, more than 100 beam conditions can be selected and prior settings can be easily recalled. The SpecPorter automated sample-holder transfer system allows for easy sample loading. The PicoStage drive then conducts precise, high-speed sample movements of 0.5 nm steps over a spatial scale range from millimeters to picometers. JEOL USA Inc, 11 Dearborn Rd, Peabody, MA 01960, www.jeolusa.com

Piezosystem Jena has added the 600 SG OEM to its Mipos family of microscope objective positioners. It can handle objectives up to 40 mm in diameter and is suitable for applications such as surface scanning, scan interferometry, and beam focusing. The 600 SG OEM has the longest travel range of all Mipos models: It can travel up to 600 µm in open-loop operation and up to 500 µm in closed-loop operation. Resolution in the subnanometer range allows for precise lens focusing. The positioner features highly parallel motion and high resonant frequency. It is available in an “upside down” version for inverse microscopy. A flex adapter lets users easily fix the Mipos onto the microscope. Clamping screws for microscopes from companies that include Zeiss, Leica, Nikon, and Olympus are also offered. The company recommends the use of its NV40/1 voltage amplifier for optimal resolution of the Mipos 600 SG OEM. Piezosystem Jena Inc, 2B Rosenfeld Dr, Hopedale, MA 01747, http://piezousa.com

Attocube has designed its ECSxy5050 monolithic nano drive for applications, such as microscopy, that have minimal vertical space available and that require maximal decoupling of the X- and Y-motion axes. The high- resolution nanoprecise stepper positioner covers a travel range of 25 mm². It measures 50 mm × 50 mm × 16.4 mm, accepts a maximum vertical load of 150 N (15 kg), and features a slim design and highly precise perpendicularity between the motion axes. Its high guiding accuracy is achieved with crossed roller bearings. Attocube Systems AG, Koeniginstrasse 11a, 80539 Munich, Germany, www.attocube.com

Designed for materials applications and analysis in research and industry, Zeiss’s LSM 800 confocal laser scanning microscope enables precise imaging of microstructures and surfaces. According to the company, because it combines confocal fluorescence and other contrasting techniques, it yields maximum information from the examination of nanomaterials, metals, polymers, and semiconductors. Users can capture 3D topography and investigate nanometer-scaled structures without causing surface damage. Incorporating the LSM 800 laser scanning module with the company’s Axio imager inverted microscope platform for materials research can enable various configurations in such hardware as objectives, stages, and illumination. Various optical techniques, such as bright field, dark field, polarization, and Zeiss’s circular differential interference contrast modality, help users save time on setup and sample handling. Carl Zeiss Microscopy LLC, One Zeiss Dr, Thornwood, NY 10594, www.zeiss.com

Renishaw has equipped its inVia Qontor confocal Raman microscope with its LiveTrack focus tracking technology to enable the acquisition of accurate and reproducible spectra from samples with extensive topographic variations. Uneven geological samples that normally require sectioning and polishing can be analyzed without preparation. Focusing with LiveTrack is dynamic: It provides continuous feedback to the sample stage, which adjusts to follow the sample’s height. Optimum focus is maintained across uneven, sloping, and dynamic samples and is limited only by the maximum travel of the stage. Users can track the surface live while acquiring surface or subsurface Raman data, and they can later view the Raman image and surface topography of their sample in 3D. Because a sample’s topography no longer limits Raman imaging capability, LiveTrack may potentially allow analysis of a new range of samples and applications (for example, heated samples and those with complicated surface geometry). Renishaw plc, New Mills, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire GL12 8JR, UK, www.renishaw.com

Thermo Fisher Scientific has brought to market the next generation of its system for high-resolution fluorescence microscopy research. The Invitrogen Evos FL Auto 2 builds on the company’s original automated imaging system, which does not require expertise in microscopy to perform complex imaging applications. Enhancements include upgraded software that provides more ways for users to rapidly capture and analyze higher-quality images and scan up to four fluorescence colors and transmitted light. The new design features a 58.4 cm LCD monitor. The revised user interface emphasizes workflow, which can be tailored to the sample and data required for experiments, such as collecting Z-stack images in time-lapse mode. The instrument is compatible with the company’s Evos Onstage Incubator to enable precise environmental control for demanding live-cell imaging experiments. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, 81 Wyman St, Waltham, MA 02451, www.thermofisher.com

Bruker’s novel Contour CMM coordinate measurement machine combines high-resolution optical surface profiling and coordinate measurement to investigate materials and solve manufacturing problems in a wide range of industries, including optics, medical devices, and aerospace. The company says it is the first noncontact metrology system that can perform simultaneous nanoscale surface height, texture, waviness, form, and 3D coordinate measurements for geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. For advanced R&D, such as the measurement of material wear on medical implants, the system can quantify very small wear scars with submicron accuracy. The instrument generates very high vertical (2 nm) and lateral (0.9 µm) resolution surface finish data. High-accuracy stages enable the surface data to be used as building blocks for a true part coordinate system with form error of less than 2 µm. Bruker Nano Surfaces Division, 112 Robin Hill Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93117, www.bruker.com

Prior Scientific and Neurotar have produced an integrated solution for in vivo microscopic imaging in the brains of awake rodents. Neurotar’s Mobile HomeCage accessory device enables high-precision tests in the brains of head-fixed but otherwise freely moving rodents. It eliminates the need for anesthesia and preserves full physiological brain functioning. The compact unit fits into most imaging setups and allows neurophysiological techniques such as in vivo two-photon microscopy and in vivo patch clamp to be combined with behavioral paradigms in a single experiment. Prior developed a fixing kit that allows the HomeCage to be integrated with its ZDeck platform. Compatible with a wide range of microscopes, the platform is designed for electrophysiology and microscopy applications in neuroscience. The fixing kit lets users combine the benefits of the HomeCage with the stability, height adjustment, and operational flexibility of the ZDeck. Prior Scientific Inc, 80 Reservoir Park Dr, Rockland, MA 02370, www.prior-us.com

The nVista neural imaging system from Inscopix can decode the neural language underlying brain function and behavior. Through the use of a tiny fluorescence camera implanted in hard-to-reach areas of the brain of a freely moving animal, the microscope can record, over days or several months, millisecond-by-millisecond movies of the activity of large neural networks. Users can incorporate behavioral paradigms that suit their experiments, including spatial navigation, social interaction, and motor learning. In predetermined cell types, users can target, visualize, and record population-scale neural activity with cellular resolution. With an awake subject, they can capture the activity of more than 1000 neurons simultaneously in one field of view. Most brain areas, including deep structures and surface regions, can be imaged. Fast genetically encoded calcium ion (Ca²⁺) indicators can be used to tailor observations to the most relevant cell populations. Inscopix, 2462 Embarcadero Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303, www.inscopix.com

Vision Engineering has announced a rotation viewer for its EVO Cam digital microscope. Designed for quality control, testing, and documentation, the instrument delivers an oblique view of a subject that can be rotated around a central point. A fast, simple way to inspect all around a component without holding it, the viewer is suitable for working with engineered, electronic, or precision parts. The device combines 360° rotating views (up to 105× magnification) with ultrasharp full-HD imaging. Users can seamlessly switch between the rotating view and a direct top view. Although obtaining true 3D imagery can be achieved only with a stereo microscope, the EVO Cam uses 2D digital technology to yield a good understanding of the 3D nature of a subject. It provides built-in full autofocus capabilities, live video streaming, 1080 p/60 fps image quality, LED ring light illumination, the ability to save images to a USB memory stick, and a range of stand options. Vision Engineering Inc, 570 Danbury Rd, New Milford, CT 06776, www.visioneng.us