High resolution lenses for machine vision — standard and custom lens design
Three-dimensional Cell Images Able To Be Captured
High Resolution Lenses for machine vision, instrumentation, inspection and vibration-sensitive applications. Standard and custom hi-res lens assemblies.
Three-dimensional Cell Images
A new technique has been developed that allows researchers to capture three-dimensional images of cells that flow through a microfluidic channel. This technology, while not new, offered scientists the ability to view, with great detail, the interior of a living cell in 3D without having to add fluorescent markers. This technology also showed key properties in the cell including its density.
The technology has expanded to a method by which the researchers can capture images of the cells flowing through a microscopic microfluidic channel; this is a crucial step in the cell-sorting system that can provide insight into distinguishing healthy cells from cancerous ones. Previous methods of sorting the cells required the researchers to add a fluorescent molecule to highlight the cells; those fluorescent tags, however, can damage the cells and make them unusable in the development of therapeutic treatments. Once a cell has been “stained” it cannot be used, that’s why the new technology is a boon to researchers, explains a researcher at MIT’s Laser Biomedical Research Center.
Rather than having to inject the fluorescent tags, the new technology is able to analyze the “cells’ index of refraction (a measure of how much the speed of light is reduced as it passes through matter).” Because every cell has unique refraction indexes the properties are used, in conjunction with the cell volume as a way to calculate its density and mass. The information gathered from this technique will help researchers identify internal cell structures and compare healthy to cancerous cells.
Additionally, a combination of 2D and 3D microscope technologies and image capturing allow for images to be captured from hundreds of different angles as the cells travel. The laser beams pass through the cells and transmit the index refraction, allowing for the 3D model to be compiled.
Universe Optics is a manufacturer of lenses for diode laser collimators, CD and DVD players, laser pointers, laser levels, laser surface inspection systems and positioning and measuring equipment.