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Technology Disclosure: 06-095 Multi-Axial Stage for Stereo Dissecting Microscopes

The digital age is influencing all aspects of science, especially microscopy. The emergence of digital imaging combined with the use of sophisticated software is making microscopic macro-imaging more efficient and technologically advanced. Special imaging techniques, which were once impossible or very difficult with traditional film imaging, are now achievable and are taking scientific examination and documentation to the next level.

It is now possible to employ the widely used stereo dissecting microscope, along with advanced computer software, to perform special macro-imaging techniques like extended depth of focus (EDF) and automatic montage. However, these techniques require special hardware that is often found only on new model microscopes. Many researchers and scientists already have a dissecting microscope and are without the resources available to obtain a new one capable of these advanced imaging techniques. Furthermore, it is difficult and expensive to attach specialized hardware to older model microscopes.

To overcome these problems, a researcher at the University of Wyoming’s Zoology and Physiology Microscopy Core Facility has developed a simple, multi-axial stage for multi-purpose image acquisition that can easily be attached to any existing dissecting microscope. Some applications of this multi-axial stage include:

Rotation or tilt for specimen imaging at any angle, including stereo pair imaging with a 12 degree tiling angle. See Figure 1 below.



Z-axis with a 0.5 mm incremental maker, used for manual focus change and image acquisition at different focal points for creating an image with extended depth of focus (EDF). The z-axis can be motorized for more accurate and automatic z-acquisition. See Figure 2 below.


X-Y stage used for montage. If a specimen is too large to be imaged in one frame, or a small sample needs to be imaged at high magnification, several images can be taken and then stitched together. X-Y stage used to move or center the specimen without touching it. See Figure 3 below.


If you would like to learn more about this patent-pending multi-axial stage for stereo dissecting microscopes and how your company may apply it in commercial situations, please contact Davona Douglass at the University of Wyoming Research Products Center. We would be pleased to share further details.