The Ultima Multiphoton Microscopy System
The Prairie Ultima was the first commercial system designed to include two sets of conventional galvanometer-based scanners, the standard imaging set and the optional uncaging set, for simultaneous imaging and uncaging using two lasers.
The main difference between Ultima and most other systems on the market has to do with the starting design itself. Prairie designed an entirely new scanner in order to optimize its performance for multiphoton imaging. This translates into a very simple light path with a minimum of dispersive elements that would have adverse effects on the performance by reducing the multiphoton efficiency and the penetration depth in thick specimens.
The AOD-based option is a high-speed scanning optics set that enables video rate two-photon imaging. Our novel design allows the user to switch between either the 512x512 28 frames per second AOD mode or the conventional galvanometer-based mode 512x512 at 1 frame per second mode.
Integrated with a custom-modified fixed-stage microscope, the Ultima is ideal for studies involving the use of tissue slices or in-vivo work on small organisms such as mice.
Prairie View software controls all aspects of the scanner and collection of images while the optional TriggerSync software package is used to integrate electrical recording with line scan imaging, as well as functional mapping.
Ultima Options and Features
- Open design allows for flexible system configuration and add-ons
- Highly customizable laser delivery optics; easy to share lasers with multiple systems
- Imaging and optional uncaging galvanometer set
- High Speed (28 fps) AOD scanning optics set available
- Variety of detector options and configurations available:
- Dual or 4-channel non-descanned upper detectors
- Dual channel non-descanned sub-stage detectors
- Transmitted light Dodt gradient contrast detectors
- Prairie View scan control and image collection software
- TriggerSync software allows for uncaging and functional mapping experiments
- Master/slave I/O triggers to start acquisition with a stimulus
- High Performance PC computer workstation with flat panel display
DATA SPOTLIGHT
C. elegans embryo expressing B-tubulin GFP
Image courtesy of Koen Verbrugghe and Chris Malone, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
Time-lapse recordings of tubulin GFP C. elegans embryos during mitosis.
One image was acquired every second with a 100x Super Fluor lens using the SFC.
Image courtesy of Kevin Eliceiri and Koen Verbrugghe, LOCI, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI.
