Microscopy is entering a new era of flexibility with the 'open source microscopy' concept. Wolfgang Hempell reports.
Where traditional microscope design has been based on closed systems to meet the requirements of a limited number of uses, the open source concept paves the way for infinite applications and is set to change the face of modern microscopy.
Until recently, microscope frames were intended for a restricted range of applications and were sold as devoted systems with modules required for specific tasks already integrated. Accessing the frame's light path to alter the microscope system required a level of engineering expertise that lay beyond that of most microscopists.
Olympus has developed the open source microscopy concept with its IX3 range of inverted microscope frames, designed around an exceptionally accessible infinite light path. As infinite light paths are parallel, inserting complex optical components does not bend the light, eliminating the possibility of optical aberrations. These 'open source' microscope frames have a swappable deck design similar to a chest of drawers; exchangeable modules fit into the deck and can be easily introduced into the light path as required (Figs. 1 and 2), enabling the user to shape the microscope to fulfil many diverse requirements.
As many advances in cell biology are driven by microscopy-based techniques that permit the detailed observation of cellular activities, it is easy to see how such an adaptable frame can push the boundaries of modern research. The inverted microscope frame is the essential base on which wide-ranging microscopy systems for a variety of live cell imaging applications are built and the open source microscopy concept places this system design in the hands of the end user. Free from constraints, how will the microscopy community respond and develop the microscopes of tomorrow?
Modular optimisation
From routine observation through to the specialised requirements of advanced imaging technologies, such as high content screening or confocal laser scanning microscopy, open source microscope frames can be easily configured for any application.
A range of optical modules is currently available, which is expanding alongside the concept itself, allowing the user to combine modules to suit their needs.
When using fluorescence for example, a filter turret module can be inserted into the infinite light path and multichannel imaging performed using separate filter positions (Fig.3). This is useful in localisation and transport studies for the specific identification of molecules labelled with different fluorophores.
A camera mount (C-mount) enables the use of additional components, such as an additional laser for advanced techniques. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), is one such technique and particularly useful in studying cell membrane protein binding and diffusion.
Open source frames also allow the possibility of integrating third party and custom-made optical modules, making applications potentially endless. Prior Scientific, for example, has already released its high-speed filter wheel module designed specifically for the IX3 range, which is mounted into the frame deck using a support known as the Breadboard platform. By using this platform along with custom components, the microscope can be adapted to user requirements now and in the future.
Tomorrow's microscopy
The advantages of open source frame design are wide-ranging, especially in situations where multiple users depend upon a single microscope to perform a diverse range of applications. In such shared microscopy suites individuals must compromise with a single limited instrument. In place of this, an open source system with a choice of different modules allows each user to quickly swap in their required modules, instantaneously optimising the microscope for the experiment at hand.
Establishing the foundations for the future, this design is transforming microscopy, as systems of integrated components can now be moulded and optimised for any application.
Access to the infinite light path allows rapid and effortless switching between basic and advanced applications without specific engineering knowledge or tools. This flexible concept is set to push the boundaries of technology forward by enabling customisable microscope systems to grow with the evolving demands of life science research, and advance the speed at which microscopy moves into the future.
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Wolfgang Hempell is Section Manager at Olympus Europa SE & CO KG, Hamburg, Germany. www.microscopy.olympus.eu
