Inverse Time-resolved Fluorescence Microscope

MicroTime 200

Performance of the large area scanner

The large area scanner is available for the MicroTime 200 and the MicroTime 100. It features a maximum scan range of to 10 × 10 cm and a positioning accuracy down to a few micrometers.

In order to demonstrate of the excellent performance of this scanner, Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) measurements were made with a standard stamp issued by the "Deutsche Post", showing "Roter Sand" a famous beacon in the north sea.

The following three images show the original stamp, scanned using an ordinary table-top scanner for PC as well as the fluorescence intensity image and the fluorescence lifetime image aquired with the large area scanner using bidirectional scanning and a 4× objective. For the fluorescence images, the stamp was excited using a 470 nm laser of the LDH-Series at a repetition rate of 20 MHz. The autofluorescence from the stamp was detected at wavelengths >520 nm.

Original image	Fluorescence intensity image	Fluorescence lifetime image
Original image size: 35 × 35 mm Scanned with 300 DPI	Image size: 37 × 37 mm 512 × 512 pixels	Image size: 37 × 37 mm 512 × 512 pixels

An interesting detail is the visibility and behavior of "R O T E R  S A N D" writing. This writing is red, just like the upper levels of the beacon. The comparison of the fluorescence intensity image with the FLIM image shows, however, that the two red inks are different. Unlike the paint of the beacon, the ink used for writing is non-fluorescent as it is invisible on the fluorescence intensity image. However, the ink seems to quench the background fluorescence of the white paper, so that it becomes visible again on the FLIM image.

To demonstrate the excellent resolution of the scanner, a part of the image was scanned with increasing resolution until even the ink droplets can be resolved !

Image size: 3333 × 3333 µm 170 × 170 pixel (Corresponds to > 400 DPI)	Image size: 827 × 827 µm 150 × 150 pixel (Corresponds to > 4500 DPI)	Image size: 260 × 260 µm 150 × 150 pixel (Corresponds to > 14500 DPI)

All Information given here is reliable to our best knowledge. However, no responsibility is assumed for possible inaccuracies or ommisions. Specifications and external appearences are subject to change without notice.
© PicoQuant GmbH, 1998 - 2006

last updated 27.06.2006