In the fields of life sciences, medical research, and materials analysis, the pursuit of high-Resolution, low-damage 3D imaging technology has long been a central goal for scientists. While traditional confocal microscopes deliver clear images, they are limited byslow Scanning speed, strong phototoxicity, system complexity, and high cost—making them particularly inadequate for long-term live-cell observation.
To overcome these challenges, CAS Microstar has leveraged its proprietary phase-type Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) to develop the new generation Optical Sectioning Structured Illumination Microscope (OS-SIM). By inteGrating this in-house core technology into a complete imaging system, the OS-SIM achieves breakthroughs inhigh-speed, high-resolution, and low-phototoxicity 3D imaging, offering researchers a competitive and practical tool for advanced applications.
I. Technological Breakthrough: Proprietary Phase-Type SLM as the Core Advantage
Specifications:
| Model | FSLM-2K73-P02HR |
| Modulation Type | Phase |
| LCOS Type | Reflective |
| Grayscale | 8-bit |
| Resolution | 2048×2048 |
| Pixel Pitch | 6.4 μm |
| Active Area | 13.1 mm × 13.1 mm (0.73″) |
| Phase Range | 2.2π @ 637 nm |
| Optical Efficiency | 85±5% |
As the “heart” of the OS-SIM system, CAS Microstar’s self-developed phase-type reflective liquid crystal SLM (FSLM-2K73-P02HR) offers the following key advantages:
● High resolution and large active area:With 2048×2048 pixel resolution and fine 6.4 μm pixel pitch, the SLM provides a 13.1 mm × 13.1 mm square active area, enabling uniform, wide-field structured illumination for large field-of-view, high-contrast imaging.
● High diffraction efficiency:Compared with amplitude gratings, the phase-type SLM achieves significantly higher first-order diffraction efficiency, greatly improving energy utilization.
● Ghost-line-free, minimal stray light:Eliminates interference signals caused by mechanical ruling errors in traditional gratings, resulting in higher image contrast.
● No mechanical movement required:Fringe shifting, rotation, and frequency adjustments are fully electrically controlled, ensuring excellent system stability..
● Multi-wavelength compatibility:Supports 405–650 nm wavelength range, adaptable to various fluorescent dyes and experimental needs.
This core component not only ensures the OS-SIM system’s leading performance, but also demonstrates CAS Microstar’s deep expertise in photonic control and high-end imaging system integration.
II.OS-SIM vs. Confocal Microscopy: Five Key Advantages
OS-SIM System Specifications
| Parameter | Specification (Optical Sectioning) | Specification (Super-Resolution) |
| Light Source | LED, 405/488/561/640 nm | |
| Imaging Mode | Wide-field, OS-SIM, 3D tomography | |
| Lateral Resolution | ≤330 nm (wide-field); ≤240 nm (OS-SIM) | ≤120 nm |
| Axial Resolution | ≤600 nm | ≤300 nm |
| Imaging Speed | 30 FPS | |
| Minimum Sectioning Step | Adjustable from 10 nm to 100 μm | |
| Sample Thickness | ≤200 μm | |
| Field of View | ≥130 μm × 110 μm (100× oil immersion objective) | |
| Camera | 4 MP effective pixels, 95% quantum efficiency | |
Compared with traditional laser confocal microscopes, the OS-SIM system of CAS Microstar has significant advantages:
| Feature | Confocal Microscope | CAS Microstar OS-SIM |
| Imaging Speed | Slow (point scanning) | Fast (wide-field, ~10× faster) |
| Phototoxicity / Bleaching | High | Very low, ideal for long-term live-cell imaging |
| System Complexity | High | Simple, easy to operate and maintain |
| Price | 1.5–4 million RMB | 0.7–1.5 million RMB |
| 3D Reconstruction | Supported, but slow | High-speed 3D tomography |
In addition, the OS-SIM system has good scalability and can be upgraded to super-resolution imaging mode (SR-SIM), further breaking through the diffraction limit of traditional optical microscopes and achieving nanoscale resolution.
III. Wide Application Scenarios: Empowering cutting-edge research and industrial inspection with superior live-cell imaging capabilities
The OS-SIM Optical Sectioning Structured Illumination Microscope from CAS Microstar, with its unique advantages of high speed, high contrast, and low phototoxicity, has become a powerful tool to replace traditional confocal microscopy in various fields.
● Live-cell Dynamic Long-term Observation
☆ Core Advantages: Ultra-low phototoxicity + high-speed optical sectioning
☆ Application Examples:Clear and complete recording of cell division, migration, and apoptosis; real-time tracking of the dynamic interactions of organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosomes. Compared with laser confocal microscopy, it can significantly extend cell viability and obtain more realistic physiological data.
● Embryonic Development and Organoid Research
☆ Core Advantages: Non-invasive imaging + 3D reconstruction
☆ Application Examples:Non-destructive, long-term 3D imaging of the early embryonic development process of model organisms such as mice and zebrafish; precise monitoring of the formation, growth, and differentiation of organoids. Particularly suitable for research on light-sensitive sperm, oocytes, and early embryos.
● Millisecond-level Neural Activity and Calcium Signal Capture
☆ Core Advantages: High temporal resolution + excellent signal-to-noise ratio
☆ Application Examples:Efficient recording of the electrical activity of neuronal clusters (such as calcium ion fluorescence signals), capturing rapid synaptic transmission events; deciphering the 3D dynamic response of neural circuits under specific stimuli or behaviors.
● 3D Non-Destructive Inspection of Materials Surfacesand Microchips
☆ Core advantages: Rapid, high-precision 3D surface reconstruction
☆ Application Examples:Accurate chip packaging quality inspection, material surface contact angle measurement; non-contact, high-precision 3D surface topography reconstruction and analysis of micro-/nano-structures and transparent materials (e.g., polymer films).
● 3D Non-Destructive Inspection of Materials Surfacesand Microchips
☆ Core advantages: Rapid, high-precision 3D surface reconstruction
☆ Application Examples:Accurate chip packaging quality inspection, material surface contact angle measurement; non-contact, high-precision 3D surface topography reconstruction and analysis of micro-/nano-structures and transparent materials (e.g., polymer films).
● Precise 3D Analysis of Pathological Sections and Immunostaining
☆ Core advantages: High-speed, high-contrast optical sectioning
☆ Application Examples:Rapid 3D scanning of tissue sections (e.g., tumors, brain tissue), eliminating the interference caused by out-of-focus blur in thick samples, achieving clearer and more precise localization and quantitative analysis of key biomarkers, thereby facilitating precision medicine research.
● 3D Cell Models and Drug Screening
☆ Core advantages: Deep tissue penetration + High-throughput compatibility
☆ Application Examples:Internal structure analysis of tumor spheroids and stem cell aggregates; used for high-throughput drug screening to achieve more accurate quantitative analysis at the cellular level.
● Plant Science Research
☆ Core advantages:Exceptional optical sectioning to suppress strong autofluorescence (e.g., chloroplasts) + Low phototoxicity, ideal for long-term observation of living plant samples.
☆ Applications Examples:3D imaging of transgenic plant tissues for precise subcellular protein localization at subcellular levels such as the cell membrane, vacuole membrane, and nuclear envelope; real-time study of key life processes such as root development, plant-microbe interactions (e.g., symbiosis/infection), and chloroplast dynamics.
3D Measurement of Thin Plastic Layers Attached to Glass
3D Measurement of Relief Patterns on Metal Surfaces
3D Imaging of Fluorescent Microspheres in Agar
3D Imaging of the Intracellular Highway (Microtubules)
Invitation to Free Sample Testing♥️
We understand that choosing the right microscopy solution is critical to your research. To help you evaluate OS-SIM with zero risk, CAS Microstar is pleased to offer a Free Sample Testing Program:
● Authentic Experience:Provide your own samples, and our professional technical team will perform the imaging for you.
● Comprehensive Report: Receive detailed imaging data with comparative analysis.
● Tailored Solutions: Imaging strategies customized to your specific research needs.
● Full Support: From sample delivery to data interpretation, we provide end-to-end assistance.
✅ Book Your Free Sample Test Now: Contact us today to schedule your free test and experience the outstanding performance of OS-SIM in your research field!
IV. Conclusion: Empowering Scientific Research with CAS Microstar’s Homegrown Innovation
The launch of OS-SIM optical sectioning structured light illumination microscope marks not only a breakthrough in imaging performance, but also a milestone achievement in China’s independent development of advanced microscopy equipment. By combining CAS Microstar’s proprietary phase-type SLM, advanced LED illumination, and cutting-edge image reconstruction algorithms, the OS-SIM delivers outstanding competitiveness in speed, compatibility, and cost efficiency.
CAS Microstar warmly welcomes researchers and partners worldwide to experience OS-SIM, engage in collaboration, and jointly drive the advancement and application of China’s high-end microscopy technologies!
Learn More
Visit the CAS Microstar official website or contact our technical team to access detailed technical documentation and application cases.
CAS Microstar | Pioneering Optoelectronic Control and Imaging, Advancing Intelligent Manufacturing in China
