Large scale imaging / analysis

Large area imaging is integral to brain mapping, enabling detailed visualization and analysis of extensive brain regions at high resolution. This technology is crucial for unraveling the intricate architecture and connectivity within the brain, which is essential for advancing neuroscience research and medical applications.

Large area imaging is instrumental in revealing the organization of brain regions, such as the cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum, at a microstructural level. By providing comprehensive, high-resolution views of large brain areas, these techniques enable the identification of neural pathways, the study of synaptic connectivity, and the understanding of interactions between different brain regions. This information is essential for elucidating the mechanisms underlying brain function, neurological diseases, and cognitive processes.

The application of large area imaging in brain mapping has led to significant advancements in our understanding of brain structure and function. It has facilitated the discovery of new neural pathways, the characterization of synaptic networks, and the identification of changes associated with neurological diseases. By providing the detailed, large-scale data necessary for comprehensive brain studies, large area imaging is transforming neuroscience and paving the way for new therapeutic strategies and diagnostic tools.

Ion beam imaging over a large area together with ion milling capabilities are pivotal in advancing tomography and 3D reconstruction techniques for biological applications. These technologies provide high-resolution, precise insights into the complex structures of biological specimens, facilitating significant breakthroughs in various fields, including cellular biology, neuroscience, and medical research.

Ion beam imaging, particularly focused ion beam (FIB) technology, uses a finely focused beam of ions to scan and image the surface of a sample. FIB imaging is instrumental in visualizing cellular and subcellular components with exceptional clarity, enabling researchers to study the intricate architecture of cells, tissues, and organelles. In addition to imaging, ion beam milling is a critical process that involves the precise removal of material from the sample surface. By systematically milling away thin layers, ion beam milling facilitates the serial sectioning of biological specimens. Each milled layer can be imaged sequentially, creating a stack of 2D images that represent the entire volume of the sample. This stack is then computationally reconstructed to generate a 3D model, providing comprehensive insights into the spatial organization and morphology of the specimen.

Large area imaging complements ion beam techniques by covering extensive regions of the sample with high resolution. It could be used in conjunction with ion beam milling to capture large area images of milled sections. This integration enables the reconstruction of large-scale 3D models, essential for studying complex biological structures such as neural networks and tissue architectures.