Sample stabilization system for super-resolution microscopy

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Optical microscopy is one of the most widely-used research tools. Because of the diffraction limit, its resolution has been limited to ~250 nm. Breakthroughs made in the past several years have overcome the diffraction barrier. Super-resolution microscopy, such as STORM, PALM, and STED, has enabled researchers to carry out optical imaging with a resolution better than 10 nm. However, one fundamental obstacle all researchers are facing is the inability to hold a sample immobile on the nm-scale during the image acquisition time, typically 5-10 min. Sample drift due to thermal gradients or mechanical motion is easily in the hundreds of nanometers or even microns. This uncertainty in the sample position renders the super-resolution images inaccurate and unrepeatable. Currently no commercial systems are capable of completely resolving this issue. In response to this need, we have developed a 3D microscope stabilization system to eliminate sample drift. Our system limits the 3D drift to less than 1 nm in the x-y plane and 2.5 nm in the z axis. On the basis of our invention, a research paper was published, and a provisional patent application was filed in the USA in February 2015. The goal of this market assessment is to validate the potential market size for the technology, the end-user need, and their willingness/ability to purchase the product.