Key Features
Intelligent Imaging
Drop Location Algorithm
A proprietary combination of automated lighting and image recognition reliably locates drops in 3 dimensions.
Extended Focus Imaging (EFI)
The highest optical resolution is achieved by increasing the numerical aperture of the objective. A high numerical aperture is critical to obtaining images with the contrast and sharpness required to recognize crystal edges. The trade-off, however, is that depth-of-field (depth of image in focus at one time) is reduced. Combining multiple slices into one EFI image allows the best of both worlds. Click here for an Interactive Demo.
Region of Interest (ROI)
Specify a region of a drop to zoom into and Rock Imager automatically captures that area in high resolution.
Auto Focus and Exposure Continuous focus algorithm is fast and reliable. Auto focus parameters can be tuned so just the right z-slices are captured. Exposure time is automatically adjusted to maximize image brightness. Performance Sitting drop imaging as fast as 0.8 s per drop with one slice, fixed focus, and fixed exposure. Hanging drop imaging at 10 s per drop including locate, focus, auto exposure, and 10 slice EFI capture.
Flexibility
Multiple Plate Types
User-configured settings allow for easy configuration of multiple types of plates.
Multi-Capture
Capture multiple images of each drop with user adjustable settings such as: exposure, polarization, and condenser aperture.
Custom Scheduling
Assign imaging schedules to each plate and prioritize imaging to ensure important drops get imaged on time. Cancel imaging for drops that are no longer of interest.
Superior Optics
Camera and Optics
All Rock Imagers use a 5-megapixel, 2/3" color CCD camera which captures high-quality images at up to 25 frames per second. Twelve times motorized zoom optics with 1.66µm feature resolution projects sharp, high-contrast images to the camera and allows small-feature zooming.
Click here for an Interactive Demo.
Lighting
Kohler light source with motorized condenser provides high-contrast images with no sample heating and reliable drop location. Optional top lighting and automatic top polarizer are available.
UV Imaging Options
Formulatrix' UV imaging technology uses the fluorescence of tryptophan under UV light to distinguish protein crystals from other crystal types and aid in finding crystals that remain hidden when viewed under visible light. When UV is purchased as an option for a Rock Imager, the same high-quality visible light components remain and a UV optical path is added so you can get the best UV and visible light images. See Rock Imager UV for more details.
Features Include:
- Automated switching between UV and visible light optical paths.
- Automated drop scoring based on UV concentration, blob size, and blob count (under development).
- Fully integrates with Rock Maker crystallization software.
- Fixed Zoom Option: Choice of single zoom lens.
- Compound Zoom Option: Includes 3 lenses on a motorized wheel.