Typical System Applications For Our Systems
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Back to the site Home Page Back to the main Autoscan Systems PageBenefits of the Autoscan Fission Track Dating system :
The system is primarily used, by these clients, for two applications :
1. Petroleum exploration, in which the likelihood of finding oil in a given location is assessed by means of determination of the age and temperature history of the rock
2. Fundamental determination of rock age in such locations as Antarctica and the Himalaya ranges, for research purposes. The major users in this case are government research departments and universities, with an emphasis in geology.
The key reason why our clients have purchased the Autoscan system is because of the high-precision repositioning capability of the stage, which allows the client to revisit the points of interest within +/- 2 micron in X and Y and +/- 0.2 micron in Z (focus). Also, the execution of the FTD technique is a highly tedious process which our equipment not only simplifies, but for which it delivers a time saving estimated to be at least 85% for an experienced operator.
2. Radiation Protection (alpha particle tracks in solid detectors)
The Autoscan Radiation Protection system consists of :
3-axis AS3000B stage, AutoScope software and associated hardware and electronics.
Benefits of the Autoscan Radiation Protection system :
Our system automatically recognises, locates, and re-positions to the etched damage tracks created in polycarbonate (CR39 [TM]) or fused quartz detector material. This allows automated counting and measurement of the tracks, and an assessment of the level of radiation to which the detector (and thus the wearer of the badge) has been exposed. In addition, for research purposes, our equipment generates a large volume of geometric and statistical data, which it is not possible to generate by manual counting. This data allows the calculation of radiation source strength and location. The system is also useful in relation to radon studies. Radon is a radioactive gas which is generated in old rock, especially granite. It poses a human health hazard, and is usually detected with CR39 or similar detectors.
3. Microbeam Technology (heavy ion bombardment of single biological cells)
The Autoscan Microbeam system consists of :
3-axis AS3000B stage or AS3000i stage (for inverted microscopes)
AutoScope and Irradiate software packages and associated hardware and electronics.
Benefits of the Autoscan Microbeam system :
This system was custom-designed to facilitate cutting-edge research being developed by JAERI. The equipment assists in the selective radiation of specific locations within biological cells by the following process:
During initial examination of a sample in the laboratory, the Autoscan system (using our AutoScope program) detects, characterises and locates a wide range of biological entities for later treatment. A large volume of geometric, statistical and location data is generated by the program and stored in the computer. The sample is then transferred to another Autoscan stage system which is located under a heavy-ion beam. A second Autoscan program ("Irradiate") then retrieves the object locations, positions each cell at the exact location required for bombardment at a specific location within the cell, and then triggers the heavy ion generator at the appropriate time.
4. Confocal microscopy
The Autoscan Confocal Microscopy system consists 3 stage options, each of which is used with a Bio-Rad confocal microscope. (Our stage driver software library is linked directly into the Bio-Rad software and used with our associated hardware and electronics).
1. 3-axis AS3000B stage for 3-axis movement on an upright microscope
2. AS3000i stage with AS3500 (focus only) attachment for inverted microscopes
3. AS3500 (focus only) stage for focus-only studies. In this arrangement, the AS3500 stage is fitted directly to the microscope (all major brands).
Benefits of the Autoscan Confocal Microscopy system :
Our system is able to deliver extremely accurate positioning capability, specifically in the focus axis. This ability to accurately revisit a given focus level is of the utmost importance, in particular in laboratory techniques which involve revisiting a sample in order to assess the effectiveness of a treatment, or monitoring of the condition of a sample over time. If the focus steps are not reproduced with impeccable accuracy each time, the 3-dimensional reconstruction of the image of the sample will be unacceptably degraded. For some applications, no X or Y motion capability is required, hence our offer of various stage configurations. Since our stage driver software library can be tied into most PC-compatible software, we would be very happy to consider incorporation of our stage commands into the software for other confocal microscope brands.
5. Stereology
The Autoscan Stereology system consists of :
Two 3-axis AS3000B stages or AS3000i stages (for inverted microscopes)
Stereology software package and associated hardware and electronics.
Benefits of the Autoscan Stereology system :
Our system is able to synchronise the motion of two stages, each of which carries an adjacent sample slice for comparison. Stereology is a technique whose primary aim it is to make an assessment of the population density of objects of interest in a 3-dimensional volume, given the results of examination of a number of serial 2-dimensional sections of that volume. Successful reconstruction of the volume of interest requires very accurate positioning of each of the serial sections for analysis. Our stage systems provide the means of achieving that accurate positioning with a minimum of tedium on the part of the operator. Stereology is an emerging technique which has already found application in many fields of endeavour, ranging from anatomy and neurology to metallurgy and satellite imaging.
6. Materials Technology Research
The Autoscan Materials Technology Research system consists of :
3-axis AS3000B stage or AS3000i stage (for inverted microscopes)
AutoScope software package and associated hardware and electronics.
Benefits of the Autoscan Materials Technology Research system :
This application involves image analysis of novel embedded electrode materials, whose individual conductors can be detected, located, characterised and counted by our system. The total exposed surface area of the electrode tips, as well as their number, both have a direct relationship to their effectiveness, and can be directly assessed by our system. The same system could also be used to locate, detect and characterise other items such as pollen grains, mineral grains, etched metal grains, and a very wide range of other objects, as long as these objects have a reasonable contrast in comparison to the image background.
7. Semiconductor Quality Control
The Autoscan Semiconductor Quality Control system consists of :
3-axis custom-built stage for upright or inverted microscopes, with large scanning area
AutoScope software package and associated hardware and electronics.
Benefits of the Autoscan Semiconductor Quality Control system :
The semiconductor wafers which are used to manufacture modern complex and high-density semiconductor chips often incorporate areas of naturally occurring uranium. This uranium damages the wafer, and if these damaged areas are subsequently processed (which is a step that usually involves significant costs), they result in non-functioning chips and a material level of wastage. The Autoscan system uses our AutoScope image processing software to map damage to CR39 detectors which have been in contact with the unprocessed wafers during pre-processing storage, and thus allow damaged areas to be avoided.
8. Custom applications
On request, we can supply any of our microscope stage models with our ASDK (Autoscan Software Development Kit). This software driver bundle (for Windows NT/2000/98/95) allows the user to incorporate control of our Autoscan computer-controlled microscope stages into their own application software. The ASDK includes sample applications.
9. Compatibility
Our stages can be fitted to most popular upright and inverted microscopes, including those manufactured by Zeiss, Leica, Olympus and Nikon. Attachment to the microscope is a simple matter involving the fitting of typically four attachment screws and, in some cases, a conversion bracket. Our software is designed to run on IBM-compatible PCs. The power supplies for our stage systems (which are operated at low-voltages) operate automatically from any mains supply world-wide, ranging from 85 to 264 Volts and 47 to 400 Hz. Where possible, we supply electrical plugs which match those in use in our client countries. We use the information shown in a table on the website of Korjo Pty. Ltd., a major manufacturer of adapter plugs and other travel products. Please check out the table shown under "Adapter Guide" at http://www.korjo.com and let us know if there are any inaccuracies for your area.
| Street Address : | 4/293 Bay Street, Brighton 3186 Victoria Australia |
| Postal Address : | PO Box 112, Ormond 3204 Victoria Australia |
| Telephone : | +61 3 9596 8065 / +61 3 9596 8092 |
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