Laser microtome

Laser Microtome

A Laser Microtome is a scientific instrument used in laboratories to cut biological specimens into very thin slices, typically for microscopy applications. The term "microtome" comes from the Greek words "micros", meaning small, and "temnein", meaning to cut. A laser microtome, specifically, uses a focused laser beam to make the cuts, which can be much more precise than traditional mechanical methods.

History

The first microtomes were developed in the 19th century, but the concept of using a laser for this purpose is a relatively recent development. The first laser microtomes were introduced in the late 20th century, and they have since become a standard tool in many research and clinical laboratories.

Design and Operation

A laser microtome consists of a laser source, a focusing system, and a stage for holding the specimen. The laser is typically a pulsed infrared laser, which can cut through biological tissue without causing significant heat damage. The focusing system directs the laser beam onto the specimen, and the stage moves the specimen in precise increments to create the desired slices.

Applications

Laser microtomes are used in a variety of scientific and medical fields. In histology, they are used to prepare tissue samples for examination under a microscope. In neuroscience, they can be used to create thin slices of brain tissue for electrophysiology studies. They are also used in cancer research to prepare tissue samples for histopathology.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage of a laser microtome is its precision. Because the laser beam can be focused to a very small point, it can make cuts that are much thinner and more uniform than those made by mechanical methods. However, laser microtomes are also more expensive and require more maintenance than traditional microtomes.

See Also

• Microtome
• Histology
• Neuroscience
• Cancer research

References

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