To put this into context here are some very small things:
The eye is an amazing organ.
SMAL uses a microsphere to greatly increase the resolution of an optical microscope. Our patented microsphere attachment creates a super-lens that can see in super-resolution down to 90nm using nothing but light (down to 70nm for some samples). With the SMAL, you can see into the nanoscopic world like never before; we are taking light past its theoretical limit; redefining the smallest object that the human eye can see.
Optical microscopy is the best way to view live biological samples. Unlike SEMs an optical microscope can view a live sample, in real time, without damaging it, without extensive sample preparation that kills any live sample, and without the need for a vaccum. However, the size of viruses (150nm and smaller) and cells has made optical imaging of these live structures impossible, as the resolution of traditional optical microscopy has been limited by the diffraction limit of light to 200nm.
In 2011 our CEO, Dr Lin Li, proved the concept of “submerged microsphere optical nanoscopy” (SMON), demonstrating the direct white light imaging of 75nm adenoviruses. His discovery was covered in the journal Nature, as well as the NY Times and the BBC. Since then we have been working hard to apply the microsphere principle to a commercial nanoscope that can satisfy a broad range of imaging requirements. The result is NANOPSIS, powered by SMAL, the world’s first microsphere nanoscope. It is a non-contact system that works with or without immersion, that can image samples without protein fixing. SMAL has the potential to revolutionise how we image the nanoscopic world. As it is non-destructive it has myriad applications in the life sciences, and its ability to image through transparent layers and with depth makes it perfect for microelectronic quality control. We are currently working on our life sciences model, our materials model, the NANOPSIS M, is currently available for order.
Unlike SEMs, STED, STORM, and other super-resolution techniques, the NANOPSIS ONE can see the nanoscopic world in full, real colour, revealing details that would otherwise be missed using reconstructive super-resolution imaging. Imagine being able to examine nanoscopic faults in the surfaces of aircraft, or on the inside of a nuclear reactor in full colour; with the NANOPSIS M you get more detail and information than ever before. Our nanoscope can achieve a 90nm resolution along the X, Y, and Z axis, allowing for the creation of super-high fidelity images that reveal the true structure of the nanoscopic world. These images have a far greater contrast than traditional super-resolution techniques, and with our custom software, we can rapidly scan large areas to create full colour, super-resolution images.
The NANOPSIS M is our first SMAL enabled super-resolution optical nanoscope. Tailored for materials, it is an ultra-accessible, high-performance system that can perform basic routine work and super-resolution imaging. Operationally, the NANOPSIS M is the simplest super-resolution microscope in the world. It is easier to use, takes up less space, and requires less power to run than a typical SEM, STED, or STORM systems.
Click to download the NANOPSIS M brochure: HERE