Microscope Photomanipulation System

The UGA-42 system starts as a simple module, the AiWon, which directs up to 4 independent, fixed position laser spots into the optical path and onto the sample plane. These diffraction-limited spots can be used for spatial stimulation by moving the sample relative to the spot(s). Exquisite control of timing can be obtained using Rapp’s SysCon software which can be used as a stand-alone method for controlling optical stimulation or coupled to data and/or image acquisition software using a suite of analog and TTL controls.

A variety of powerful diode lasers are available for the UGA-42 system, ranging in wavelength from ~270 nm to ~1500 nm. Off-the-shelf lasers have a range of maximum output between 50 and 300 mW, depending on wavelength, making them sufficient for the majority of in-vitro photomanipulation applications.

For precise spatial control of laser stimulation, any or all of the wavelengths can be coupled to a Firefly module. The Firefly module uses a pair of galvanometric scanners to rapidly move the laser in user-defined, arbitrary patterns across the entire field of view. Alternatively, the scanners can be used to engage “click-and-fire” mode where simple mouse clicks in the SysCon interface can be used to apply brief laser exposures in discrete locations. Using region of interest (ROI) scanning allows for extremely rapid moves between ROIs or between wavelengths, with switching between independent ROIs requiring just 700 µs.

For fast, homogenous, illumination of large areas and geometrically defined illumination, the AiWon module can be combined with a Geo module. The Geo is a beam shaping module which instantaneously expands the diffraction limited laser spot to any of 40 predefined shapes and sizes. Shape categories include circles, squares, and annuli. The size range depends on the objective. With a 20x objective, e.g., sizes between 7 µm and 38 µm can be realized. The Geo module allows rapid expansion of the beam to illuminate large, geometrically constrained, areas.

The modular nature of the UGA-42 system allows for these modules to be combined as necessary for a given application. Large, rapid, scans can be achieved by combining a Geo and Firefly module on the same laser line. The equipment is field-upgradable by the user, meaning new modules can be added to an existing photomanipulation system as experiments arise. The powerful and flexible SysCon software communicates with each module regardless of how the overall photomanipulation system is configured. A Rapp photomanipulation system can be configured with any Sutter Instrument BOB or NAN open-design microscope, including existing installations.