Detection Layer
Below the illumination layer(s) and the tube lens follows the detection section of the openFrame. This can consist of one or two layers. For two layers, the Flexi Layer would be configured as the first Detection Layer.
In most systems, the detectors will be (s)CMOS or EMCCD cameras, but they could also be Photomultipliers, APDs or spectrometers. Each detection layer can have one or two active detection ports. For dual port detection, a basic manual and a motorised option are available to divert the light to the left or right as required.
Mechanical connection of the detectors is achieved with any standard interface, such as C-, T-, F-, and M48-mounts.
Single Detection Layer
The Single Detection Layer provides a tip-tilt adjustable filter cube and a camera port.
On the openFrame the Single Detection Layer provides the means of connecting a single camera or similar detector to the microscope. This is the preferred solution for all applications requiring a single camera. It is also the recommended solution for systems that require simultaneous detection on multiple cameras. Here, the Flexi Layer would be populated with the first detection module and a beam splitter..
When using the Single Detection Layer, there are two possible camera mounting points located on opposing sides of the module. While only one of these is used, the two options provide more flexibility and avoid spatial conflicts with components on other layers, when bulky components are used.
At the heart of the layer sits a filter cube that typically holds a dichroic mirror and emission filter. The cube is used to reflect the desired fluorescence wavelength to the camera. This filter cube can easily be tip-tilt adjusted, to allow for pixel alignment of the camera. This is easiest achieved by viewing the live image on the camera and adjusting it to a target image.
Dual Camera Slider
The Dual Camera Slider provides a robust manual means of switching between two detectors.
The Dual Camera Slider is a robust and cost effective solution for switching between two cameras or similar detectors on openFrame microscopes. It provides ports for mounting two cameras at the same time and uses a slider with mirrors to switch between whichever camera is currently being used.
Dual Detection Layer
The Dual Detection Layer enables the stable and easy switching between two cameras or similar detectors.
On the openFrame the Dual Detection Layer provides two ports for connecting cameras. Switching between these ports is achieved through a pushbutton, or (if you prefer manual control) by the use of a manual slider. The same approach can be used as an easy means of switching filter cubes, to quickly switch between imaging different wavelength combinations with a single camera. If two detectors are installed, then these can only be used individually. A typical example would be connecting a camera to one port and a spinning disc confocal extension to the other port.
The core of the layer is the sliding rail of three filter cube holders. Each of these three positions will hold a filter cube, which can be oriented so that it reflects to either one or the other detector. Two of these filter cubes can be individually tip-tilt adjusted, so they are registered to each other (and the central cube if present) with sub-pixel precision. This is easiest achieved by viewing the live image on the camera and adjusting to a target image.
