strange optical problem at DeltaVision system

[Oliver Biehlmaier]

Dear list members,

We have a strange optical problem at one of our DeltaVision Systems:
The image is somehow distorted. If imaging a standard bead sample with 200nm beads, instead of round shaped beads, we see elliptical/distorted structures (always the same 45° orientation towards the top right corner of the image) which look like originating from spherical aberration or from an objective with a bad PSF. However, the error occurs when using the 100x, 60x or another 100x from a different system. Thus, we exclude an objective problem. Also, we see the distorted image on the camera as well as on the oculars. Furthermore, the problem persists with different dichroics and/or filter wheel positions. The optovar is out (problem persists also with optovar in), and there is no DIC-prism or else in the light path. The stage is clean and in a horizontal position... Momentarily, we are checking for problems which might originate from a vibration somewhere on the system (camera, incubator ventilation, etc. ...).
Does anyone have an idea what could be the origin of this problem?

Cheers,
Oliver


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Oliver Biehlmaier, PhD

Advanced Microscopy
Light Microscopy Centre (LMC)
Schafmattstr. 18
ETH-Hönggerberg, HPM F16
8093 Zürich
Switzerland

Phone:  [phone]
Fax:    [phone]
Email:  [hidden email]
URL:    http://www.lmc.ethz.ch/People/OliBiehlmaier
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[M. van de corput]

Perhaps a misalignment of pinhole vs. laser??
Mariette


on 14-07-2010 08:59 Biehlmaier Oliver said the following:

> Dear list members,
>
> We have a strange optical problem at one of our DeltaVision Systems:
> The image is somehow distorted. If imaging a standard bead sample with 200nm beads, instead of round shaped beads, we see elliptical/distorted structures (always the same 45° orientation towards the top right corner of the image) which look like originating from spherical aberration or from an objective with a bad PSF. However, the error occurs when using the 100x, 60x or another 100x from a different system. Thus, we exclude an objective problem. Also, we see the distorted image on the camera as well as on the oculars. Furthermore, the problem persists with different dichroics and/or filter wheel positions. The optovar is out (problem persists also with optovar in), and there is no DIC-prism or else in the light path. The stage is clean and in a horizontal position... Momentarily, we are checking for problems which might originate from a vibration somewhere on the system (camera, incubator ventilation, etc. ...).
> Does anyone have an idea what could be the origin of this problem?
>
> Cheers,
> Oliver
>
>
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
>
> Oliver Biehlmaier, PhD
>
> Advanced Microscopy
> Light Microscopy Centre (LMC)
> Schafmattstr. 18
> ETH-Hönggerberg, HPM F16
> 8093 Zürich
> Switzerland
>
> Phone:  [phone]
> Fax:    [phone]
> Email:  [hidden email]
> URL:    http://www.lmc.ethz.ch/People/OliBiehlmaier
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

[Peter Gabriel Pitrone]

Howdy Oliver

Your illumination needs realigned!

Pete


On Jul 14, 2010, at 08:59 AM, Biehlmaier Oliver wrote:

> Dear list members,
>
> We have a strange optical problem at one of our DeltaVision Systems:
> The image is somehow distorted. If imaging a standard bead sample with 200nm beads, instead of round shaped beads, we see elliptical/distorted structures (always the same 45° orientation towards the top right corner of the image) which look like originating from spherical aberration or from an objective with a bad PSF. However, the error occurs when using the 100x, 60x or another 100x from a different system. Thus, we exclude an objective problem. Also, we see the distorted image on the camera as well as on the oculars. Furthermore, the problem persists with different dichroics and/or filter wheel positions. The optovar is out (problem persists also with optovar in), and there is no DIC-prism or else in the light path. The stage is clean and in a horizontal position... Momentarily, we are checking for problems which might originate from a vibration somewhere on the system (camera, incubator ventilation, etc. ...).
> Does anyone have an idea what could be the origin of this problem?
>
> Cheers,
> Oliver
>
>
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
>
> Oliver Biehlmaier, PhD
>
> Advanced Microscopy
> Light Microscopy Centre (LMC)
> Schafmattstr. 18
> ETH-Hönggerberg, HPM F16
> 8093 Zürich
> Switzerland
>
> Phone:  [phone]
> Fax:    [phone]
> Email:  [hidden email]
> URL:    http://www.lmc.ethz.ch/People/OliBiehlmaier
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>