mesoSPIM_base_setup
The location of the light-sheet relative to the optical table is shown below.
We recommend having enough space towards the front to accomodate large immersion cuvettes. The frontal part of the rail can also be used to install a second detection path or possibly a stereomicroscope to visually inspect samples.
For a mesoSPIM V4 and V5, the height of the detection axis / light-sheet is 225 mm above the optical table and 192 mm above a X95-carrier on the central rail. Please consult this mesoSPIM V5 drawing.
Frontal view of the mesoSPIM excitation units, immersion cuvette, and detection path: The height of the excitation light-sheet relative to the optical table is given by the height of the posts and can be adapted to user requirements. However, in this case, the height of the detection system needs to be changed as well.
Please note that the inner 1.5" posts are designed to have 1" diameter at the bottom - this allows sufficient clearance to the locking screw of X-95 carriers.
The inner posts consists of the following components (from bottom to top):
- 50 mm post with 1 inch diameter Thorlabs RS2P/M
- 100 mm P100/M
- 20 mm PS20/M
- 3 mm PS3/M
The outer posts consist of:
- 150 mm P150/M
- 20 mm PS20/M
- 3 mm PS3/M
In total, the total height of the posts is 173 mm. Together with the 12.7 mm breadboard, this leads to a breadboard height of 185.7 mm. The optical axis of the excitation light-sheet is located 40 mm above the breadboard. Thus, the center of the light-sheet is 225.7 mm above the optical table. The 0.7 mm difference to the detection axis can be corrected with a galvo offset rotation or offset voltage in mesoSPIM-control.
If you wish to be more accurate in height, you can use Thorlabs RS1LM laminated peelable shims.