Spatial Light Interference Microscopy (SLIM)
Spatial Light Interference Microscopy upgrades research-grade optical microscopes to provide 4D label-free quantitative imaging of optically thin specimens. SLIM is used in many applications including:
- high image resolution 2D cellular assays on large populations with single cell precision: growth and proliferation, cytotoxycity, viability, immune cell killing, senescence, apoptosis
- tissue morphology and disorder in biopsy micro-arrays
- size, count and 3D morphology of protein particles and aggregates
SLIM advantages: image large cell populations with single cell resolution, seamlessly overlay with fluorescence and perform 3D tomography in the entire field of view
Phi Optics SLIM 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.
SLIM imaging from cell dishes to multi-well plates
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.
SLIM versions:
Phi Optics implements SLIM as an add-on module that connects to the camera port of a phase contrast 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 SLIM, fluorescence, phase contrast, and brightfield. All output is captured with the same camera for seamless channel overlay.
Phi Optics Spatial Light Interference Microscopy (SLIM) imaging system comes in three different versions: SLIM Basic, SLIM Pro and SLIM Ultimate.
SLIM Basic works with manual microscope stands, therefore is suitable for single-location, single-focus time-lapse imaging.
SLIM 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. SLIM Pro is also suitable for multi-channel experiments and fast dynamics measurement.
At full speed, SLIM 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 SLIM Ultimate. SLIM Ultimate combines SLIM Pro with a vast storage server of 100TB.
CellVista SLIM PRO module attached to a Zeiss Axio Observer microscope (Microscope sold separately.)
CellVista SLIM PRO module attached to a Nikon Ti2 Eclipse microscope (Microscope sold separately.)
CellVista SLIM PRO module attached to a Leica DMi8 microscope (Microscope sold separately.)
Phi Optics SLIM-based products:
| FEATURE | SLIM BASIC | SLIM PRO | SLIM ULTIMATE |
| Real-Time Imaging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Programmed 2D Scanning | No | Yes | Yes |
| Programmed 3D Scanning | No | Yes | Yes |
| Fluorescence Overlay | No | Yes | Yes |
| Large HDD array | No | No | Yes |
| SLIM Acquisition Speed: | Up to 4 fps @1928×1448 px | Up to 12 fps @2048×2048 px | Up to 12 fps @2048×2048 px |
For a high speed solution for material RI changes please see our whitelight Diffraction Microscopy (wDPM) systems
For a 3D tomography solution for thick specimens please see our Gradient Light Interference Microscopy (GLIM) systems
For more information about customization don’t hesitate to contact us! Follow us on our social media channels: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.