Fluorescence Microscopes

MicroTime 100

Upright Time-resolved Fluorescence Microscope

  • Complete system with laser combining unit, upright microscope body and detection unit
  • Pulsed diode lasers with wavelengths from 375 nm to 1060 nm
  • Multiple detector options for up to four detection channels
  • XYZ scanning piezo stage for 3D lifetime imaging
  • Optional wide range scanner with a scan range up to several cm
Image MicroTime 100 Upright Time-resolved Fluorescence Microscope

The MicroTime 100 is an idea tool for the study of time-resolved photoluminescence of solid samples such as wafers, semiconductors or solar cells. The system is based on a conventional upright microscope body that permits easy access to a wide range of sample shapes and sizes. The MicroTime 100 can be supplied with either manual scanning or with a 3D piezo scanner with either µm or cm resolution.

Flexible excitation subsystem, ideally suited for many applications

Laser Combining Unit (LCU) for the MicroTime 200 and MicroTime 100The MicroTime 100‘s excitation subsystem is highly customizable and extensible,, offering the following:

  • A laser driver from our PDL Series with one or more corresponding diode laser heads
  • Multiple excitation modes: picosecond pulsed, continuous wave (cw) or burst
  • Available wavelengths: from 375 to 1064 nm
  • Direct coupling of to the MicroTime 100 via optical fibre
  • Optional integration of up to 8 laser heads in a single Laser Combining Unit (LCU) for streamlined operation

Photoluminescence detection subsystem with single photon sensitivity

Single Detector Unit (SPAD) for the MicroTime 100A core design principle for the MicroTime 100‘s detection subsystem is to couple maximum flexibility with single photon sensitivity. The detection subsystem provides:

  • High light collection efficiency
  • Up to four detection channels which are coupled to the microscope via a multimode fiber
  • A variety of highly sensitive detectors from the PMA or PMA Hybrid Series or SPADs, optimized for various wavelength ranges, signal brightness, low dark counts or for after-pulsing free detection

Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) based data acquisition with picosecond timing resolution

PicoHarp 300 - Stand-alone TCSPC Module with USB 2.0 InterfaceThe MicroTime 100 leverages the power of our Harps product line of TCSPC units and event timers, which offer the following advanttages:

  • Time-tagging electronic based on Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) in combination with the unique Time-Tagged Time-Resolved (TTTR) mode
  • Use TTTR data acquisition to perform conventional lifetime measurements, Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) or TRPL imaging
  • Easily measure photoluminescence lifetimes ranging from a few picoseconds to up to ms with a single set-up

Intuitive data handling and analysis

SymPhoTime64 - screen shot of a time trace analysisBased on the sophisticated data collection and handling, the system software SymPhoTime 64 supports a multitude of methods, such as intensity time trace, burst analysis, lifetime histogramming, Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS), Fluorescence Lifetime Correlation Spectroscopy (FLCS), Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM), TRPL Imaging and Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET), to name only a few.
SymPhoTime 64 data handling maintains a transparent data structure where all derived data is maintained in one workspace, including a log file to keep track of all measurement and analysis steps.
A large number of algorithms for those methods are already integrated in SymPhoTime 64, providing a analysis platform for ready-to-publish data. At the same time, SymPhoTime 64 offers enhanced flexibility for the integration of novel, cutting edge algorithms by the user. A dedicated scripting language interface allows to modify and expand the analysis routines. In addition to data analysis within SymPhoTime 64, data can be exported to standard formats for external analysis.
 

Scientific guidance and user training

Logo of the Time-resolved Microscopy CoursePicoQuant annually holds the European short course on "Time-resolved Microscopy and Correlation Spectroscopy". The course is intended for individuals wishing an in-depth introduction to the principles of time-resolved fluorescence microscopy and its applications to the Life Sciences. This 3-day event consists of lectures as well as instrumentation and software hands-on training. For details see the course website.


Detailed specifications are included in the datasheet.

Excitation system
  • Picosecond diode lasers with adjustable output power and repetition rates up to 80 MHz inside a compact fiber coupling unit
  • Wavelengths between 375 and 1060 nm
  • Single or multichannel laser driver
Microscope
  • Upright microscope BX43 from Olympus
  • Side ports and back port still accessible (for e.g. widefield imaging or TIRF)
  • Transmission illumination unit included
  • Manual positioning stage
Objectives
  • Air objectives with 20x and 40x magnification (standard)
  • Various high end objectives available (Oil / Water immersion, air spaced, IR/UV-enhanced, TIRF or long working distance objectives upon request
Scanning
  • 3-dimensional XYZ piezo objective scanning with 80 µm x 80 μm x 100 µm scan range at nominal 1 nm positioning accuracy, mounted in objective scanning fashion
  • Optional: large area scanning table with 7.5 µm x 7.5 cm scan range at nominal 400 nm positioning accuracy
Main optical unit
  • Confocal detection setup in a compact housing with up to four parallel detection channels for PMA and PMA Hybrid detectors, two detection channels for SPAD detectors
  • Prealigned exchangeable major dichroic mirror holder
  • All optical elements easily accessible and adjustable
Detectors
  • Single Photon Avalanche Diodes
  • Hybrid-Photomultiplier Tubes
  • Photomultiplier Tubes
Data acquisition
  • Based on the method of Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) in the unique Time-Tagged Time Resolved (TTTR) measurement mode
  • Simultaneous data acquisition of up to two channels
Software
  • SymPhoTime 64 for imaging and FCS applications
  • EasyTau 2 software for lifeime measurement applications without scanning

All Information given here is reliable to our best knowledge. However, no responsibility is assumed for possible inaccuracies or omissions. Specifications and external appearances are subject to change without notice.

The MicroTime 100 is an upright time-resolved confocal microscope, that can be used to perform several applications such as:


The following documents are available for download:

Presentations (as PDF files)


Latest 10 publications referencing MicroTime 100

The following list is an extract of 10 recent publications from our bibliography that either bear reference or are releated to this product in some way. Do you miss your publication? If yes, we will be happy to include it in our bibliography. Please send an e-mail to info@picoquant.com containing the appropriate citation. Thank you very much in advance for your kind co-operation.