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QuScite®

Waveguide-based total internal reflection microscopy — Introducing the world's first add-on TIR microscopy system, QuScite, designed for fluorescence and dark-field measurements. Expand your imaging capabilities and capture TIRF images across a vast area of 16.000.000 µm² (16 mm²) and generate robust and reproducible data, ideal for live cell imaging or single-molecule assays.

Ultrawide TIRF excitation

QuScite provides highly homogenous pure TIRF illumination without epi-fluorescence contamination and enhances imaging with a wide field of view spanning several mm² on any imaging system, even with low-magnification objectives.

Superb signal-to-noise ratio

QuScite enables the decoupling of excitation from the detection pathway, allowing researchers to achieve higher contrast and better resolution, yielding a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement of 2x or more compared to conventional TIRF microscopy. This enhancement reduces bleaching rates and integration times, improves localization precision, and decreases phototoxicity.

Upgrade any microscope system

QuScite is an add-on system designed to be compatible with multiple imaging techniques such as confocal, spinning disk, upright, widefield, STED, STORM, laser trap, and more. It effortlessly fits all microscope configurations, including inverted, upright, and home-built setups, ensuring smooth integration with your existing experimental platform.

Plug & Play

QuScite is a plug-and-play system featuring fully automated alignment that requires no manual alignment or special training and delivers reproducible results. it allows to swap the sample within only a few seconds using our chip carrier system and seamlessly and is operational within seconds of placement. It is a laser class 2M product for enhanced safety.

Adopting QuScite and integrating our QuChips into your experimental workflow is simple. We provide full support and an excellent database of well tested protocols that get you going as fast as possible.

Live Cell imaging

Step 1: Seeding and labeling cells on QuChip

Seed cells on the QuChip with reservoirs in a controlled environment following standard protocols. Cells can also be labeled on the QuChip using the established procedures: Prepare and apply the labeling solution, incubate, and wash cells to remove the unbound labeling reagent. For more detailed protocol, please consult.

Live Cell imaging

Step 2: Mounting the QuChip on the Chip Carrier system

Carefully insert the QuChip into the chip carrier, ensuring a secure fit with a magnetic clasp. This step guarantees the safety of the QuChip, facilitating easy handling and fast sample swapping. Samples can also be prepared on multiple QuChips with chip carrier systems for high-throughput experiments.

Live Cell imaging

Step 3: Inserting the chip carrier into your microscope setup

Position the chip carrier housing the QuChip into the microscope adapter’s rail system for reliable and reproducible imaging conditions. The microscope, equipped with the QuChip, is now ready for live-cell imaging with no prior alignment and calibration. Start image acquisition under pure TIRF illumination, capturing real-time images of your live cells.

Live Cell imaging

Step 4: Cleaning and reusing the QuChip

Ensure QuChips are meticulously cleaned and stored after experiments for reuse. Adhere to recommended cleaning practices for up to 5 reuses. For comprehensive guidelines on maintaining QuChips in optimal condition, please consult or talk to us directly!

Our Technology: Waveguide TIR-Based Excitation

At QuScite, we use proprietary waveguide technology to create an evanescent field on our QuChips, enabling direct interaction with your sample. Unlike traditional TIRF microscopy, which requires a high-NA objective, our waveguide-based system eliminates many limitations. A thin optical layer guides light over large areas, providing uniform illumination with a penetration depth similar to objective-based systems. By decoupling excitation and detection paths, our technology offers unmatched flexibility in FOV, camera, or objective configurations. Fully automated, QuScite integrates light sources and alignment, making it easy to equip any microscope with advanced TIRF functionality.

compatible with any objective
ultra-wide field of view
upgrade any microscope
defined penetration depth
perfect field homogeneity
ultra-low background
alignment-free
no temperature drifts
calibrated intensity
At the core of the QuScite system are our QuChips—glass substrates integrated with thin-film optical waveguides (integrated optics) designed to support a guided mode with a strong evanescent field extending into the sample volume. Depending on the specific design, our QuChips offer different functionalities to suit your experimental needs. 
The QuChip TIRF v.1.0 is our first generation.

Top view of
QuChip TIRF 1.0

QuChip TIRF v1.0 is specifically engineered for standard TIRF experiments, providing either a large field of view or a pure, well-defined total internal reflection (TIR) field. The active illuminated area spans 4 x 4 mm², offering ample space for various sample types. The glass surface that interacts with your sample can be chemically functionalized for a wide range of treatments, such as PEGylation, silanization, or poly-lysine coating.

Designed as multi-use disposables, QuChips are available in multiple configurations based on your specific sample requirements. For detailed information on sample preparation and cleaning protocols tailored to different applications, visit our Resource Page (coming soon).

Single chamberReservoirs

The sample can be mounted using reservoirs provided by us, your own solution and microfluidic channels. We offer a variety of standardized solution. Reach out to us for more information.

Other reservoirsReservoirs

There are many ways to mount your sample on our QuChips ranging from flow chambers to multi-well structures and many more. Please reach out to us to discuss your requirements.

The Chip Carrier (CC) is a durable metal frame that securely holds the QUCHIP during experiments, ensuring protection and reliability. Its user-friendly design streamlines sample handling, allowing for quick and precise positioning on your microscope. Simply insert the prepared QuChips, align it using the microscope adapter, and you're ready to start your measurements efficiently.
Multiple QuChips can be prepped on the Chip Carriers and quickly inserted into the Light Coupling Unit (LCU). The LCU automatically recognizes the QUCHIP and precisely aligns the laser beam, ensuring uniform illumination of the sample volume. This enables rapid sample swaps in under 20 seconds, maximizing efficiency.
The QUSCITE system features a modular design, adaptable to your microscope stage. The LCU attaches magnetically to the CCB, which sits in a stage-specific adapter. This allows a single QUSCITE system to fit multiple microscopes by simply swapping the adapter. We offer standard options for Nikon, Zeiss, Olympus, and others, with custom solutions available. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
The Control Unit (CU) is the central interface for managing the Total Internal Reflection (TIR) field, enhancing your microscope's imaging capabilities. Its user-friendly display and intuitive navigation make it easy to adjust settings for optimal imaging. Users can select regions of interest, choose wavelengths, and control illumination intensity, ensuring precise and adaptable imaging conditions.

The control unit

Take a look at QuScite in use
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