Ultima Multiphoton Microscopy System

The Prairie Ultima is the first commercial system specifically designed to accomodate two sets of galvanometer scanners in one scanhead. Including the standard imaging and the optional uncaging galvanometer sets allows for simultaneous imaging and uncaging using two lasers.

The scanner was engineered from the ground up to optimize multiphoton imaging. This translates into a very simple light path with a minimum of dispersive elements, allowing maximum laser efficiency and penetration depth for thick specimens.

Focus is controlled by the height of the objective, not the movement of a stage, making the Ultima ideal for studies involving tissue slices, in vivo work on small organisms such as mice, and electrophysiology experiments.

The Acousto-Optical Deflector (AOD) based option is a high speed scanning optics set enabling 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 512x512, 1 frame per second mode.

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, uncaging experiments and external triggering with line scan imaging, T-Series and photoactivation experiments.

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

Download Ultima Specification Sheet (PDF)

Contact Prairie for more information or check our Frequently Asked Questions