Gradient Light Interference Microscopy (GLIM)
Gradient Light Interference Microscopy upgrades research-grade optical microscopes to provide quantitative, high resolution 3D tomography of optically thick specimens (tissues, spheroids/organoids, embryos, animal models).
GLIM is unique in the quantitative phase imaging space because it provides high imaging contrast in multi-layer specimens that are hundreds of microns thick or have high optical density and thus used in applications such as:
- 3D morphology of bovine embryos
- 3D spheroid/organoid assays with single cell resolution: growth and proliferation, cytotoxycity, viability, immune cell killing, senescence, apoptosis
- brain tissue (acute or fixed) morphology
- microscopic animal models 3D structure and behavior: C. elegans, zebra fish embryos, fruit flies
- plant tissue
GLIM advantages: image 3D cultures and model organisms with single cell resolution, seamlessly overlay with fluorescence and perform 3D tomography in the entire field of view
Phi Optics GLIM seamlessly upgrades new and existing commercial (Zeiss, Nikon, Leica, Olympus) microscopes with any magnification available (immersion or dry, 5X to 100X). Samples can be loaded in standard holders (glass slides, single and multi-well plates) and fields of view are limited only by the microscope stage movement.
High end sCMOS and EMCCD cameras can be integrated for high sensitivity fluorescence co-localization. Any fluorescence channels present on the microscope can be used for imaging.
GLIM versions:
Phi Optics implements GLIM as an add-on module that connects to the camera port of a Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscope. Phi Optics CellVista acquisition platform controls the motorization of the microscope (stage, Z-drive, fluorescence turret, shutters). CellVista can acquire programmed 4D (3D time-series) multi-channel images of the samples including GLIM, fluorescence, DIC, and brightfield. All output is captured with the same camera for seamless channel overlay.
Phi Optics Gradient Light Interference Microscopy (GLIM) imaging system comes in three different versions: GLIM Basic, GLIM Pro and GLIM Ultimate.
GLIM Basic works with manual microscope stands, therefore is suitable for single-location, single-focus time-lapse imaging.
GLIM Pro interfaces with motorized microscope stands to yield fully automated high-throughput, multichannel acquisition. It is suitable for more complicated projects that require 2D and 3D scanning. GLIM Pro is also suitable for multi-channel experiments and fast dynamics measurement.
At full speed, GLIM Pro generates more than 1TB of data per hour. For efficient management of this high volume of data acquired over a long period of time (weeks/months) we recommend GLIM Ultimate. GLIM Ultimate combines GLIM Pro with a vast storage server of 100TB.
CellVista GLIM Pro module attached to a Nikon Ti2 microscope (Microscope sold separately)
CellVista GLIM Basic module attached to a Leica DMi8 microscope (Microscope sold separately)
Phi Optics GLIM-based products:
| FEATURE | GLIM BASIC | GLIM PRO | GLIM ULTIMATE |
| Real-Time Imaging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Programmed 2D Scanning | No | Yes | Yes |
| Programmed 3D Scanning | No | Yes | Yes |
| Programmed Fluorescence Overlay | No | Yes | Yes |
| Large HDD array | No | No | Yes |
| GLIM Acquisition Speed: | Up to 5 fps @1928×1448 px | Up to 15 fps @2048×2048 px | Up to 15 fps @2048×2048 px |
For a high image resolution solution for cell assays please see our Spatial Light Interference Microscopy (SLIM) systems
For a high speed solution for material RI changes please see our whitelight Diffraction Microscopy (wDPM) systems
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