Depending on the manufacturer, the microscope's optics, and the ability to adapt a digital camera to the microscope - yes. Please contact us to determine if your existing microscope can be used.
Epi-fluorescence is a reflected light microscopy technique whereby light of a specific wavelength illuminates a specimen and this wavelength is absorbed (Excitation) and light of a longer wavelength is given off by the specimen (Emission). Epi-Fluorescence microscopy is made possible by the use of a dichroic mirror which reflects certain wavelengths while allowing higher wavelengths to pass through to the eyepieces or camera. Our application uses a reflected light source (metal halide or mercury light source) and an illuminator system attached to the microscope that contains filter cubes that are specifically designed to generate the wavelngths of light needed. Each cube is composed of three parts-- 1) Excitation filter(s), 2) Emission Filter(s), and 3) a Dichroic Mirror.
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.
http://www.olympusmicro.com/primer/techniques/fluorescence/anatomy/fluoromicroanatomy.html
To use epi-fluorescence on your specimens - it's possible to illuminate your sample with a given excitation wavelength and collect microsamples at the same time. This will require positioning the drill asembly so as to minimize the shadow that it will cast on your specimen. An alternate method would be to document the position of organic layers in your specimen prior to positioning the drill assembly.
How should I prepare my samples for microsampling?
All specimens should be polished to a high polish. This permits high quality imaging. We suggest using either alumina powder or diamond paste polishes. All surfaces should be "flat" - preferably slabs should have two parrallel cuts with one surface polished to a high polish.
Smaller specimens (thick sections and thin sections) can be prepared in a similar manner and then mounted to a glass microscope slide (any slide up to a 2" x 3" slide. Specimens can be mounted using UV-cured epoxy or "Crazy Glue".
Why is the price of the CM-2 higher than that of other manufacturers?
A complete CM-2 system includes the following:
- Research Quality Stereomicroscope with a 10:1 zoom and excahngeable objective lenses
- An optional tranmitted light base with polarization for use as a petrgraphic microscope
- Flexible design permitting multiple uses of this equipment - including micro- and macro-fossil examinaton
- 64 Megapixel Color, Cooled CCD Camera
- High Quality computer workstation designed for manipulation of high-resolution graphics
- Epi-fluorescence system (up to 3 wavelengths)
- Custom stage assemblies to permit specimens up to a meter in length and several inches thick
- Two servo-motor driven precision handpieces with indexable chucks to permit a variety of drill orientations
When you compare the specifications of the various components - the CM-2 is a superior product. streomicroscope optics, a high resolution digital color camera -- not a video camera. Furthermore, our competitors use components that can only be used for microsampling. The CM-2's components can be used for both microsampling and many other laboratory applications that require a research quality stereomicroscope.
Carpenter Microsystems offers superior system components:
CM-2 FEATURES |
COMPETITOR FEATURES |
- Galilean Optics - multiple objective lenses
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- Greenough Optics - no objective lenses
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- High Resolution Color Cooled CCD Camera (for use with brifghtfield and epi-fluorescence applications), multiple file formats
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- Color Video Camera (for use with brightfield applications only), requires video capture to collect still images in low resolution, limited file formats available.
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- Microsampling in live epi-fluorescence illumination (up to 3 wavelengths)
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- No epi-fluorescence available
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- No large specimen sampling
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- Two servo-motor driven handpieces - straight/vertical mount and indexable right angle/horizontal mount handpieces. Both handpieces can be mounted in a variety of positions to create the proper drill orientation for your specimens and to facilitate sample collection.
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- One straight handpiece - no position adjustments.
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- Transmitted and reflected light capabilities, with a stand alone transmitted light base for use as a petrographic microscope with epi-fluorescence and for examination of microfossils among many other types specimens.
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- Transmitted light option?
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- Numerous ergonomic features to allow adjustments for both specimens and user - including tilting eyepieces, adjustable boomstand, and indexable stage assembly.
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- System has fixed dimensions with little to no adjustability.
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