Rapid volumetric imaging with Bessel beam
Volumetric imaging
How does it work?
The Axicon module is designed to increase the imaging depth of field. The laser beam entering the microscope is shaped in such a way that a needle of light is generated inside the sample instead of a spot. Adjustable length of the line allows to match the thickness of your structure of interest and observe dynamic processes over the entire volume simultaneously.
High efficiency
Reduce respiration movement or vascular pulsation artifacts
Compensate for X,Y,Z displacements with the video-rate acquisition of the VMS and the Axicon volumetric imaging capabilities
Courtesy of Dr Yves De Koninck, CERVO Research Center, Université Laval
Large volume coverage
Catch rapid events happening at different focal planes
The Axicon module is a powerful optical tool that easily allows the direct and rapid visualization of events happening at different focal planes.
In vivo imaging of GFP-labeled microglial cells in zebrafish. Single plane image (left) and Axicon image (right) covering 30 μm in Z. For the same scanning time, the Axicon image covers a greater DOF and provides more information than a single plane. Zebrafish courtesy of Dr Paul De Koninck, CERVO Research Center, Université Laval.
Rapid scanning
Scan 30 times faster using the Axicon!
Reduce the acquisition time of large samples by imaging volumes instead of planes.
Compact design
Upgrade your existing commercial or homemade multiphoton system
With its modular design, easily install the Axicon in the optical path of your system and switch from standard to volumetric imaging mode with a single push button.
Specifications
Axicon lens | Generates a Bessel beam adjustable in length. Converts XY scanning into XYZ volume scanning |
Depth of field (DOF) range | User-definable DOF from 10um to 50um; diffraction limited lateral resolution. Does not affect the scan speed |
Available models | - Fixed DOF - Motorized DOF adjustement * Both models come with a bypass to switch between Bessel and Gaussian illumination modes |
Motorized DOF adjustement | Up to 50um with 5um step size |
Axicon transmission | 600-1800nm |
Bypass control | Software-controlled (Nirvana) and one-push button |
Frame rate inside VMS | 32 volumes of 400 x 200 x 10-50 µm per second (1024 x 512) * * With 20X objective |
No need to move the sample | Keep the sample fixed with respect to the objective during volumetric image acquisition |
Bessel illumination | 10% improved lateral resolution compared to Gaussian illumination |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | "- Fixed: 212mm x 175mm x 115mm - Motorized: 250mm x 175mm x 115mm" |
As an upgrade | Compatibility: Most commercial and custom-made multiphoton systems Frame rate: Scanning speed unaffected (same as without Axicon) FOV: Field of view unaffected (same as without Axicon) |