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Retrieving better data from image stacks
TOOLS & TECHNIQUES
Retrieving better data from image stacks The latest version of Media Cybernetics’ image processing and analysis software offers new deconvolution tools for removing blur and haze from image stacks and improved support of file formats. The SharpStack image deconvolution tools in Image-Pro Plus Version 6.2 include real-time, two-dimensional, nearest-neighbor and no-neighbor deconvolution algorithms, as well as an inverse filter algorithm. Contact: www.mediacy.com
Laser beams find a safe route The Aegis Qube™ beam routing system from Newport can help protect researchers from exposure to harmful lasers by routing, shielding, and enclosing the laser beam. The system consists of a hollow cube holding a mirror mount that routes the optical beam. Attached to an optical table, a large selection of adjustablelength tubes safeguard the beam from physical obstruction. In this way, the shielding can also reduce interference with experimental results, as well as improving laboratory safety. Contact: www.newport.com
New accuracy in cryogenic temperatures Lake Shore has introduced a cryogenic temperature sensor that is calibrated from 40 K down to 20 mK. The unique package design of the RX-102B-CB Ru oxide (Rox™) resistance sensor maximizes thermal connection and minimizes heat capacity at ultralow temperatures. The sensors are calibrated below 1 K using traceable thermometer standards and nuclear orientation thermometry. This gives calibrations that are accurate to 2.0 mK at 20 mK, 3.0 mK at 30 mK, 4.0 mK at 40 mK, and 5.0 mK between 50 mK and 1 K. The RX-102B-CB cryogenic temperature sensor can be combined with Lake Shore’s 370 AC resistance bridge to give precise control of cryogenic temperatures or allow lownoise, ultralow temperature resistance measurements. Contact: www.lakeshore.com
Viscometer in its prime A new entry-level viscometer from Brookfield offers continuous sensing and digital data display. The simple to use DV-I Prime is ideal for many laboratory applications. The instrument has up to 18 speeds to cover a wide range of viscosity values with an accuracy of ±1% for each range. Viscosity, torque, speed, and temperature can be displayed digitally. Optional analog outputs are also available for reading torque and temperature.
Microfluidic dispenser sets a new pattern
An autorange function shows the full scale range at 100% and maximum viscosity measured with the spindle/speed combination. It also displays under/over range conditions.
Windsor Scientific’s Bioforce Nano eNabler is a nanoscale surface patterning tool designed to aid research in the materials and life sciences.
Optional accessories for the DV-I Prime viscometer include a small sample adaptor, temperature bath, and helipath stand.
The Nano eNabler can deliver atto- and femtoliter volumes of solutions to defined locations on surfaces with nanometric spatial resolution. In this way, nanomaterials such as quantum dots, colloids, or nanoparticles can be patterned on surfaces. Reactive solutions like etchants, resists, and adhesives can be introduced to Si chips. Alternatively, biological molecules can be bound to preformed Sindex™ chips or other modified surfaces.
Contact: www.brookfield. co.uk
Liquid solutions are dispensed via microfluidic channels in a surface patterning tool (SPT). Multiple SPTs allow parallel printing of a single solution or multiplexed printing of several compounds to give arrays. In each case, the force exerted by the SPT is controlled by a laser in feedback mode. Contact: www.windsorscientific. co.uk
Fast indentation studies in an AFM The Triboscope II is a nanomechanical test instrument from Hysitron that can indent and image ten times faster than previous depth-sensing indenters and fits commercial atomic force microscopes (AFMs). The mechanical properties of a wide range of materials can be characterized, with the Triboscope II able to give quantitative data for hardness, elastic modulus, fracture toughness, loss and storage moduli, and interfacial adhesion. The indenter features high resolution and high mechanical bandwidth (2-4 kHz). This is achieved using a microelectromechanical-system-based transducer with independent force actuation and displacement sensing. The instrument has a low force noise floor and a very low drift rate. Contact: www.hysitron. com
SEM meets FIB for low-vacuum studies FEI Company has launched a new dual-beam instrument that combines both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a focused ion beam (FIB) at low vacuum. By removing some of the limitations of traditional high-vacuum systems, the Quanta™ 3D FEG should aid nanoscale research in many areas from electronics to biology. The microscope uses new ion and electron optics, as well as FEI’s environmental SEM technology. The marriage of FIB with SEM offers rapid, site-specific cross-sectioning of samples to reveal subsurface structures with high-resolution imaging. Contact: www.fei.com
JUNE 2007 | VOLUME 10 | NUMBER 6
59
Retrieving better data from image stacks The latest version of Media Cybernetics’ image processing and analysis software offers new deconvolution tools for removing blur and haze from image stacks and improved support of file formats. The SharpStack image deconvolution tools in Image-Pro Plus Version 6.2 include real-time, two-dimensional, nearest-neighbor and no-neighbor deconvolution algorithms, as well as an inverse filter algorithm. Contact: www.mediacy.com
Laser beams find a safe route The Aegis Qube™ beam routing system from Newport can help protect researchers from exposure to harmful lasers by routing, shielding, and enclosing the laser beam. The system consists of a hollow cube holding a mirror mount that routes the optical beam. Attached to an optical table, a large selection of adjustablelength tubes safeguard the beam from physical obstruction. In this way, the shielding can also reduce interference with experimental results, as well as improving laboratory safety. Contact: www.newport.com
New accuracy in cryogenic temperatures Lake Shore has introduced a cryogenic temperature sensor that is calibrated from 40 K down to 20 mK. The unique package design of the RX-102B-CB Ru oxide (Rox™) resistance sensor maximizes thermal connection and minimizes heat capacity at ultralow temperatures. The sensors are calibrated below 1 K using traceable thermometer standards and nuclear orientation thermometry. This gives calibrations that are accurate to 2.0 mK at 20 mK, 3.0 mK at 30 mK, 4.0 mK at 40 mK, and 5.0 mK between 50 mK and 1 K. The RX-102B-CB cryogenic temperature sensor can be combined with Lake Shore’s 370 AC resistance bridge to give precise control of cryogenic temperatures or allow lownoise, ultralow temperature resistance measurements. Contact: www.lakeshore.com
Viscometer in its prime A new entry-level viscometer from Brookfield offers continuous sensing and digital data display. The simple to use DV-I Prime is ideal for many laboratory applications. The instrument has up to 18 speeds to cover a wide range of viscosity values with an accuracy of ±1% for each range. Viscosity, torque, speed, and temperature can be displayed digitally. Optional analog outputs are also available for reading torque and temperature.
Microfluidic dispenser sets a new pattern
An autorange function shows the full scale range at 100% and maximum viscosity measured with the spindle/speed combination. It also displays under/over range conditions.
Windsor Scientific’s Bioforce Nano eNabler is a nanoscale surface patterning tool designed to aid research in the materials and life sciences.
Optional accessories for the DV-I Prime viscometer include a small sample adaptor, temperature bath, and helipath stand.
The Nano eNabler can deliver atto- and femtoliter volumes of solutions to defined locations on surfaces with nanometric spatial resolution. In this way, nanomaterials such as quantum dots, colloids, or nanoparticles can be patterned on surfaces. Reactive solutions like etchants, resists, and adhesives can be introduced to Si chips. Alternatively, biological molecules can be bound to preformed Sindex™ chips or other modified surfaces.
Contact: www.brookfield. co.uk
Liquid solutions are dispensed via microfluidic channels in a surface patterning tool (SPT). Multiple SPTs allow parallel printing of a single solution or multiplexed printing of several compounds to give arrays. In each case, the force exerted by the SPT is controlled by a laser in feedback mode. Contact: www.windsorscientific. co.uk
Fast indentation studies in an AFM The Triboscope II is a nanomechanical test instrument from Hysitron that can indent and image ten times faster than previous depth-sensing indenters and fits commercial atomic force microscopes (AFMs). The mechanical properties of a wide range of materials can be characterized, with the Triboscope II able to give quantitative data for hardness, elastic modulus, fracture toughness, loss and storage moduli, and interfacial adhesion. The indenter features high resolution and high mechanical bandwidth (2-4 kHz). This is achieved using a microelectromechanical-system-based transducer with independent force actuation and displacement sensing. The instrument has a low force noise floor and a very low drift rate. Contact: www.hysitron. com
SEM meets FIB for low-vacuum studies FEI Company has launched a new dual-beam instrument that combines both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a focused ion beam (FIB) at low vacuum. By removing some of the limitations of traditional high-vacuum systems, the Quanta™ 3D FEG should aid nanoscale research in many areas from electronics to biology. The microscope uses new ion and electron optics, as well as FEI’s environmental SEM technology. The marriage of FIB with SEM offers rapid, site-specific cross-sectioning of samples to reveal subsurface structures with high-resolution imaging. Contact: www.fei.com
JUNE 2007 | VOLUME 10 | NUMBER 6
59