Cooling systems and methods for cryo super-resolution fluorescence light microscopy and other applications
AssigneeBrandeis University
InventorsCharles G. INGERSOLL, David J. DEROSIER, Gina TURRIGIANO, Marc NAHMANI
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Abstract
New systems and methods are described for maintaining a desired steady state temperature differential between two objects that may otherwise undergo heat transfer to restore thermal steady state. In one application, a cooling microscope assembly and its use with conventional optical microscopes are described for achieving super-resolution imaging. The assembly allows for the high resolution imaging of samples at cryogenic temperatures while maintaining the temperature of the objective lens above freezing by employing circulation systems and a coupling fluid between the sample and objective lens.
Claims20
A high resolution microscope assembly, comprising:
- an immersion objective lens maintained at a temperature above the freezing temperature of the immersion fluid;
- a light transparent element;
- a sample stage maintained at a temperature below the amorphous to crystalline transition temperature of ice;
- and
- a cryogenic coupling fluid, wherein the coupling fluid optically couples the immersion objective lens with the sample stage,
- wherein the light transparent element, the cryogenic fluid or both provide a temperature drop of greater than 50° C.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.