Setting up the mesoSPIM detection path

Overview

The detection path is mounted on the central 1 m FLS-95 rail. The focusing stage is mounted on a 200 mm rail carrier via the X95carrier-to-M605-adapter-V1 and carries another FLS-95 rail (500 mm) via another adaptor plate (M605-to-X95-adapter-V1). As the detection system is highly modular

Step-by-step guide

:warning: This section contains photographs of a mesoSPIM V4 installation This means that the installation of some of the parts in a mesoSPIM V5 (especially the M605 adaptor plates here
and here is not shown. However, the installation of these parts is straightforward.)

Mount the the PI M-406 on a FLS-95 carrier

Mount the PI M-406 stage on the carrier via the X95carrier-to-M605-adapter-V1 adapter. A manual for the stage can be found here

The stage can be moved manually by accessing the drive screw hole on the front (opposite the motor block). Use a 3 mm Allen wrench.

If you are building a mesoSPIM detection path without adapter plates to go between the PI stage and the X95 carriage then 2x M4 screws (in M6 holes with thread adapters) might be enough:

The M-406 stage has a cable looping over the stage mount that needs to be taped down to avoid damage by the FLS95-rail moving over it:

If you are are using the two adapter plates, you can connect the "X95 carrier to M-605" adapter mounts to the X95 carrier with three 16 mm M6 cap screws (screwing into the adapter plate). The M406 can the be mounted to the adapter plate using using 4x 12 mm M4 cap screws. Screw the M4 screws about 3 turns, hook on the stage, then tighten. You will need to move the motorized PI carriage back and forth using PIs software in order to access the screws. Then use 4x M6 10 mm cap screws to mount the other adapter plate to the motorized PI carriage. The MVX10 bracket (the dovetail mount for the Olympus body) mounts to a CLX95-120 carriage with 3x 20 mm cap screws.

Mount top X95 rail with M6 16 mm cap screws and washers

Mount a 500 mm FLS-95 rail on the linear stage

The rail can be coarsely centered using magnetic beam blocks as guides.

Prepare the MVX-10 Zoom body

Remove the zoom knob without markings using a 1.5 mm hex key. There are two set screws to remove and they might be quite tight: you can use a post for leverage. Once the set screws are loosened the knob will spin freely and can now be pulled off.

Mount the MVX-10 Zoom body on a X95-carrier

Assemble the camera & tube lens

The camera and tube lens are shown below. The tube lens is mounted in a holder which will attach to the back of the filter wheel. The tube lens should be positioned at 1f from the camera sensor using the fine adjuster located near the camera. Set the camera/tube lens distance by imaging a distant object through a window and focusing with the adjuster. Lock the adjuster when done. You can run the camera over USB and use a laptop if your room has no windows.

Attach the zoom servo

The zoom servo should be wired up like this.

Build a frame out of 12.7 mm Thorlabs posts to mount the zoom servo. The servo should be connected to a Dynamixel base plate.

:warning: Please note that this rendering shows the installation in a mesoSPIM V5. The servo mount in a mesoSPIM V4 is similar, but the setup would not contain X95 aluminium extrusions.

Prepare the filter wheel

• attach the Ludl adapters to interface with the MVX-10 zoom system and mount the filter wheel on the rear port of the MXV-10
• connect the MAC6000 controller to the filter wheel
• connect the MAC6000 to the imaging PC using a nullmodem RS232-cable (delivered with the filter wheel)
• insert the filters as intended and note down the filter assignment to the positions

If the camera unit is moved back on the 500 mm rail, the filter wheel can be opened to access the filters: