The distance between the camera sensor and the point source - Source to Screen Distance
(SSD) of the Desktop microscope is adjustable. Contact 4Deep for the development of custom
configurations for special applications.
In order to achieve accurate images, inline holography requires that a reasonable amount of
the reference wave (unscattered light) reaches the camera sensor. Too many objects between
the PS and the camera can reduce the amount of reference wave reaching the camera and will
therefore result in poor reconstructions.
For moving objects, keep the exposure time of the camera as short as possible while still
maintaining a visible image. Long exposure times will result in blurry or smeared images. The
exposure can be adjusted in the camera control of the Octopus software.
The PS does not produce a large amount of light; therefore background light from external
sources must be reduced in order to obtain optimal images. Excessive background light can
wash out the images and produce low contrast reconstructions.
If possible, always obtain a background image (a hologram containing only the light from the PS,
without a sample/object causing scatter). A good background image will allow for background
subtraction when reconstructing holograms, producing higher contrast reconstructions while
reducing noise.
9 Care and Maintenance
Your Desktop microscope requires very little maintenance. Keeping the microscope casing
clean and free of lint or dust is recommended. Storing the microscope protected from dirt, dust
and moisture will ensure a long operational life. Take all measures to prevent contact with
the point source, as any dust or liquids on the pinhole may prevent the proper operation
of the microscope.
10 Troubleshooting
Problem: Camera is not detected by the software.
Solution: Make sure the power supply connector is properly connected to the microscope.
Make sure the microscope is connected to the Ethernet port on your computer, and that the
power button is on and indicating a current with the light.
Problem: No light from the point source.
Solution: If there is no light coming from the point source and it is properly connected there may
be an alignment problem with the laser, there may be direct damage to the pinhole, or the laser
diode may have burned out. Send the microscope or point source back to the manufacturer for
re-alignment.
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