|
|
|
XYClone is for non-clinical research use only.hESC research using the XYClone should be conducted in accordance with any applicable Federal, State or local laws and regulations.
Please Note: The XYClone™ is for use ONLY with ANIMAL and STEM CELL APPLICATIONS. (For Clinical Laser Assisted Hatching and Biopsy applications, please see the ZILOS-tk.)
XYClone Laser Module
 
Integrated Laser and 40x or 20x Objective Combination
Compact, portable and unique! The XYClone laser is integrated into the objective. The XYClone laser-objective is attached directly to the turret of the inverted microscope, leaving both the fluorescent and filter cube ports open for normal use. The XYClone is compatible with all current and older models of inverted microscopes. This patent pending design is unique in that all components required are contained in the single module. This allows the laser to be aligned under strictly controlled factory conditions and locked in place, so that physical alignment on-site is not required.
Fixed Laser for Precise Optical Alignment
Since even the smallest movement of the laser beam can affect alignment to the optical center, the XYClone uses a fixed laser with alignment locked to the precise optical axis. There is only one centered optical axis from the laser diode, through the collimator, to the dichroic mirror, and finally through the objective lens; thus, there is also only one corresponding target in the field of view where a laser aligned to the center axis can hit (at a 90° angle). It is impossible to maintain alignment to the optical axis at multiple target points within one field.
The Mechanics of a Laser System
There are several vital components inherent to a laser microsurgery apparatus. In addition to the laser itself, a collimating lens, a dichroic mirror, and an objective that can transmit the beam are required:
- Laser: 1450 µm, Infrared Class 1
- Collimating Lens: A lens used to produce a beam of parallel light rays
- Dichroic Mirror: An optical device which acts like an optical gate to split light into two colors ("di" = two, "chroic" = pertaining to color). The dichroic mirror reflects the infrared laser beam up through the objective, while the visible light passes through.
- Objective: Must allow transmission of laser beam to the sample.
Why Does the End User Not Need to Perform Laser Alignment on the XYClone?
Once the optimum translational and angular alignments and beam quality are achieved, the laser is "locked" into place, and does not move position. We are able to do this because all the components of the laser system are integrated into a single unit (see image below).
This "locking" process is similar to that used for aligning and locking microscope objectives. Just like you do not have to align the inside components of your microscope objectives, you also do not need to align the internal components of the XYClone, even if you switch microscopes.
|
|
