New at AHF: Patterned Illumination from Mightex Systems
Generate Precise Light Patterns for Microscope Applications
We are expanding our product portfolio for spectral light qualification with light projection systems from the Canadian manufacturer » Mightex Systems, which allow microscope users to generate precise spatial and temporal projections of freely selectable geometric light patterns.
The projection systems of the 'Polygon' product family use the newest micromirror technology (Digital Micromirror Devices – DMD) to enable very flexible and versatile applications in the life and natural sciences and related industries. Almost any existing laboratory microscope can easily be transformed into a spatially and temporally high-resolution light stimulation tool by using Polygon system – for a multitude of exciting applications.
Fields of Application
With over 700 systems sold and more than » 150 publications, Mightex Systems is the global market leader for light pattern projection systems. You can see an overview of the fields of application for this technology here:
Optogenetics
The discovery of light-switchable ion channels, transporters and cytoplasmatic proteins revolutionized many modern life science applications from the ground. Just by illuminating genetically prepared cells, 2D/3D tissues or even organs with bright light of defined color and intensity, diverse cellular processes can be orchestrated and peculiarly monitored – without any direct mechanical or chemical interaction. This approach currently leads to an immense gain of both basic and practial knowledge and understanding – predominantly in the field of neuroscience.
Optopharmacology
There is a increasing set of synthetic and highly bioactive molecules, which gain their actual function only after being illuminated with light of a distinct color and energy. By spatially and temporally controlling and orchestrating the activation of these photo-isomerizing compounds in selected cell types or tissues, researchers gain elementary insights on pharmacological correlations. This Methodology lays an important base also for systemic healing approaches - with minimal off-target effectuations.
Local Compound Uncageing
Complementing applications around photoisomerizing compounds in Optopharmacology, in so called „uncageing“ experiments, the energy of light is used to remove protective or „cageing“ molecules, which equally allows a highly local compound activation and on-site administration. Using this method, bioctive compounds such as ligands, second messengers, neurotransmitters and even nucleic acids (e.g. primers for cell-specific gene expression) have been successfully administered with high spatial resolution to a predefined, exclusive set of cells – a fascinating and very powerfull extension of any molecular toolbox in modern life science labs.
Photocatalytic crosslinking of Biopolymers
After integrating distinct molecular sequences into (Bio-)polymers, applied UV lightpulses can generate a transient or permanent formation of robust molecular crosslinks. With that approach done in a spatially resolved manner, cellular processes (e.g. protein-protein interactions) may be stopped or tightly controlled – and afterwards analyzed from a „freeze“-state. Also in larger scaled applications, patterning approaches (like linking selected proteins to a surface area) or even non-biological applications - spatially defined UV-crosslinking makes an interesting and very versatile tool.
Optoelectronic Tweezers (OET)
Optoelectronic tweezers have turned into a very helpful tool for precise contact-free locomotion and micromanipulation of small, polar particles, and allows researchers to move matter just by dielectric interaction with the electromagnetic field of light. Applications may range from simple interaction force studies - over fixation or translocation of (biological and non-biological) particles – up to engineering of light driven molecular robots and machines.
More Examples of Applications
There is a wide field of applications for illuminated patterns. Für die Projektion von Lichtmustern ergeben sich viele Anwendungsmöglichkeiten. Find more fascinating and inspiring applications here:
Mightex Pattern Illumination Systems Polygon 1000
Mightex Polygon 1000 G
Standarad pattern illumination with 3 mm light guide input for any microscope light source with spectra 350 – 1000 nm.
Mightex Polygon 1000 DL
Pattern Illumination with fiber input for laser light sources (400µm, 0.22nA) and higher optical output for large FOV applications 400 – 1000 nm
New: Mightex Polygon 1000 UHC
Pattern illumination with fiber input and improved contrast ratio (up to 1:10.000.000)
Working Principle of Pattern Illumination
The Polygon uses digital mirror device (DMD) technology to illuminate multiple regions simultaneously. A DMD is composed of hundreds of thousands of micro-mirrors that can be individually turned on to reflect light onto the sample. Thus, you can control each mirror to control the area(s) of illumination and create any number of different sized patterns. The Polygon DMD pattern illuminator can be mounted into the infinity-path of any microscope.
Connection to Microscope
The three members of the Polygon product family are mounted right into the infinity port of any standard microscope with corresponding adapters (for upright or inverse microscope models) and will be directly controlled via a proprietary and intuitive software module.
TTL-in and TTL-out interfaces allow simple temporal integration and automation of light pattern projection in a variety of experimental setups.
Matching Light Sources for Mightex Pattern Illumination Systems
AHF also offers adequate high-power light sources for your application in attractive bundles – So you don't worry about spectrally correct, sufficient bright and spatio-temporarily precise light. Just tell us about your intended application and we’ll configure your ideal setup – all coming from one competent source.