The CM-2 uses an Olympus SZX10 stereomicroscope outfitted with a trinocular observation tube to visualize specimens for sampling. The SZX10 is mounted on a Diagnostic Instruments boomstand for use with the CM-2 but can quickly be moved to a transmitted light base for more conventional applications. The digital camera and epi-fluorescence systems also move to the transmitted light base. The transmitted light base can be equipped with a polarizing filter and a 360° rotatable analyzer that is mounted on the SZX10’s objective lenses.
The CM-2 can be equipped with a stalagmite option to accommodate a meter long stalagmite slab. Smaller versions of this option are available. This option permits irregularly shaped specimens to be clamped in place for sampling while at the same time the entire clamped specimen can be positioned to sample specific areas. For instance, a polished slab of a whole stalagmite can be clamped in place on the CM-2's stage. Once mounted, the entire stalagmite can be moved so that a specific interval of interest (e.g., Modern, Younger Dryas, and Last Interglacial) can be positioned for high resolution sampling. As a result, stalagmites and other large specimens don't have to be cut into small pieces for high resolution sampling at different positions in their growth history.
The CM-2 can be outfitted with an epi-fluorescence illuminator system with compound specific filter sets, and a light source (metal halide or mercury lamp) to reflect light of a certain wavelength off your specimen. In the case of natural biological or geological specimens, epi-fluorescence can provide definition of the position of organic matter contained in mineral phases along crystal growth surfaces. In many cases, these organic layers can be considered synchronous growth surfaces. Specimens where epi-fluorescence can illuminate growth increments are: mollusk shells, otoliths, teeth and bone, and stalagmites. The CM-2’s digital camera permits collection of images under low light conditions such as epi-fluorescence.
The CM-2 Software generates an easy to use interface between the digital camera (using both live and captured images), the motion control system that operates the X-Y-Z axes (both manually and automatically), and the user defined location of sampling paths. Spatial calibration can be conducted either manually or automatically. Once calibrated, measuring tools are available to make direct measurements of specimen images. All measurements and sampling data can be saved directly to an Excel spreadsheet. Sampling pathways and measurements can be recalled for incorporation into digital images. Images can be saved as JPEG, TIFF, BMP, and PNG file formats.
The CM-2 uses a National Instruments motion controller and LabView software to drive three Newport Corporation linear actuators and cross-roller bearing stages (X,Y, Z Axes). The actuators and analog joystick (used for manual control of the actuators) interface with the National Instruments hardware via a National Aperture amplifier system.
The CM-2 uses a Diagnostic Instruments Flex Camera (64 MP, Firewire, Color CCD). This camera permits capture of ultra-high resolution images for both brightfield and epi-fluorescence applications. To produce high signal to noise ratios for low light epi-fluorescence applications the Flex Camera is cooled to -20°C below ambient temperatures.
The CM-2 uses a Dell Precision Workstation equipped with a 24” Widescreen Ultrasharp Monitor (UXGA Resolution). The Dell Precision Workstation has a Quad-Core Xeon Processor and an NVidia Graphics card with a Windows XP Professional operating system.
