Customer Journeys Part 1 - Aura Illuminator
In this new series we are highlighting some of the challenges our customers have been faced with and what solutions our technical sales team have provided
Introduction – Customer Research Challenge
The various parts that need to be fitted to a microscope frame for phase contrast microscopy tend to be rather bulky. This classical arrangement for phase contrast imaging often restricts access to the sample from above on an inverted microscope frame, preventing the end user from applying certain experimental techniques. One such technique is Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy (SICM) where an electrode is positioned immediately above the sample and can be used to map its surface profile without needing to be in direct physical contact with it.
Dr Gabriel Meloni (Warwick University) is interested in multimodal microscopy and wanted to find a way to combine SICM and phase contrast microscopy to monitor bacterial spore germination. It would not be possible to do this using a conventional phase contrast assembly on an inverted microscope frame because the component parts would hinder the precise positioning of the SICM electrode tip. Furthermore, the electrode assembly itself would block light from the transmitted light source reaching the sample, thereby degrading image quality.
Cairn Research Solution
The Aura illuminator, which permits phase contrast imaging but can do so with fewer components versus the conventional configuration for phase contrast. For example, the condenser assembly is no longer necessary meaning that there is more free space above the sample to accommodate the SICM electrode body.
Within the Aura illuminator head there are several concentric LED rings, with each ring suited to either PhL, Ph1, or Ph2 phase contrast objectives. A custom adapter manufactured by Cairn Research enabled the Aura illuminator to be directly attached to the existing transmitted illumination pillar of the end user’s Leica DMI4000B microscope.
Conclusion
Working together with Cairn Research, Dr Meloni has expanded the functionality of an old, previously under-used microscope. It is now possible to perform SICM and phase contrast imaging simultaneously on the same microscope frame, thereby permitting the end user to study bacterial spore germination in much greater detail.
Special thanks to Kevin Webb (Nottingham University) who came up with the Aura concept. This is his original paper here –
The Aura has been great for us! ...It actually introduces zero noise as far as I can tell! I It is performing really well! We are very happy.
