Focal Drift Compensation: Live Cell Imaging with Automatic Focus

摘要

The ability to consistently produce high quality, accurately focused images is essential for any life science research project utilising microscopy. For this reason, Olympus provides the IX81-ZDC2 microscope system, which combines the IX81 frame with the ZDC2 Z-Drift compensation module to ensure that every image you capture is in focus. The system is designed for both short- and long-term live cell experiments, with users able to employ either a 'continuous' or 'one-shot' focusing mode. Automatic focal adjustments counteract the effects of thermal drift and increase the accuracy of time-lapse and multi-image experiments. The manipulation of samples mid-experiment can also be carried out. By combining the system with the cellSens Dimension software suite, experiments can be easily planned and executed, with a level of automation that is truly 'set and forget'. Accurate image focus and clear images are required to provide insight into biological questions. The IX81-ZDC2 Z-Drift compensation module ensures that every image captured during an experiment is in focus, by monitoring the distance between the sample and the objective lens and adjusting this distance. Using two different modes, the system is equally adept at maintaining focus during both ultra fast and long-term studies. When controlled using the cellSens Dimension software suite, a whole range of complex, multi-parameter experiments become available, which can be easily programmed using the graphical user interface.