The QUAREP-LiMi power and stability assessment protocol (Protocols.io link) requires measurements repeated over different conditions for each microscope and its respective excitation light sources. Therefore, extensive time will be consumed, if the measurements are conducted manually in a sequential manner. However, most modern microscopes provide an automation programing interface capable of communicating with a calibrated, external power sensor. The automated measurement has a two-fold aim: to make time-intensive measurements feasible through automatic interleaving of the different measurement conditions and to improve reproducibility by repeating measurements in an identical fashion. A high-level description defining the automation procedure can be found here.
Visit the growing list (scripts, documentation and videos) of power and stability assessment examples that can be adapted to a series of microscope/power meter combinations.
To improve reproducibility in light microscopy, QUAREP LiMi WG1 aims to support as many microscope systems as possible. You are kindly invited to participate in this process by sharing your automation solution.
Video created by Veronika Boczonadi, Glyn Nelson, Alex Laude and Kees van der Oord
(alphabetical order)
- Nasser Darwish, Arne Fallisch, Nathalie Gaudreault, Laurent Gelman, Aleksandar Mitkovski, Mišo Mitkovski, Kees van der Oord and QUAREP-LiMi Working Group 1 members
This repository is licensed under the terms of the MIT license. The examples available for download might be licensed differently as long as they also comply with the MIT license terms.
The contributions distributed here are provided as test examples that were tested in specific systems, requiring adaptation in order to work elsewhere. These contributions are covered under open source licenses and without any warranties. Please review the disclaimer terms in the corresponding licenses before using them.
- The intense lasers, lamps, and other light sources used for microscopy are frequently eye safety hazards. Follow proper laser safety protocols for your equipment and situation.
- Measuring high-intensity light sources exposes the operator to potentially hazardous optical power levels. This procedure presents a potentially radiation hazard. Specific parameters of the radiation are determined by the product used. Please refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer for additional warnings and PPE requirements (e.g. laser safety goggles). Consult with your local Laser Safety Officer or refer to your laboratory safety documentation for more information.
- Consult Laser Safety Standards ANSI Z136 in North America and SUVA 66049.D in Europe, BS EN 60825-1 in the UK. Additionally, laser safety is covered by IEC norm 60825-1 and LED eye safety is covered by IEC norm 62471 for Europe. The documents applicable to your region will be available through your local designated Laser Safety Officer or Radiation Safety Office for your institution.