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The
Movable Objective Microscope (MOM) is a
two-photon microscope capable of imaging deep
within living specimens when combined with a
Ti:Sapphire laser. The MOM design is unique in
providing 3-dimensional objective movement and
rotation allowing the specimen to remain
stationary. Many highly regarded imaging
laboratories around the world use MOM
microscopes and we constantly work with our
customers to adapt the design for their changing
needs.
Starting
in 2011, Sutter has begun offering the MOM
Computer System with software (MCS). The MCS is
designed to take advantage of the MOM. As a
result, when combined with MCS, the MOM becomes
a powerful tool capable of combining
electrophysiology with large scale imaging
experiments in both two and three dimensions.
How
it works:
The MOM consists of two independent microscopes.
The widefield half of the microscope consists of
an Olympus vertical illuminator, Sutter Xenon
arc lamp and camera mount to provide standard
epifluorescence. The two-photon side of the
microscope provides the optical pathway for
guiding the excitation laser light from the
table up into the scanning galvanometric mirrors
and then expanding the beam through the scan
lens and directed into the back of the objective.
Following two-photon excitation, the emitted
photons are directed by a dichroic mirror
immediately above the objective into the
detection pathway. The main body of the
microscope translates on a rail system to allow
easy access to the specimen prior to imaging.
The
objective translates in X, Y and Z as well as
rotates around the X axis. Two moving mirrors
allow the microscope to maintain efficient
delivery of the excitation light to the back
aperture of the objective regardless of movement
or orientation. The X,Y and Z movements used are
the same as that in Sutters MP-285
micromanipulator so you know the movements are
smooth, fine in scale, drift-free and highly
reproducible. These movements permit Z-stacks
and mosaic images of large regions of tissue to
be recorded without the need for a moving stage.
The
horizontal light path allows for rotation of the
objective away from the standard vertical
position. As a result of this rotation, the MOM
can easily be converted from an upright to an
inverted microscope and the objective positioned
from 0 to 180 degrees. This positional freedom
permits the imaging of nonhorizontal surfaces
and volumes.
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