Grayfield Optical Inc - High Resolution Optical Microscopes

"Those who say it cannot be done should not get in the way of the person doing it" - Chinese proverb.

Introduction
Ever since the German physicist Ernst Abbe determined that light microscopes cannot resolve objects smaller than half the wavelength of visible light (about 250nm), this has been seen by most scientists as the limit of light optical microscopes.

The current Olbrich Lens System (OLS) is the result of over 30 years research and development by the German engineer, Kurt Olbrich. By closely examining and optimising every part of the optical pathway and closely reexaming the laws of optics, putting every aspect of those laws into question, Kurt Olbrich was able to discover a different way of making optical systems which avoid the limits normally associated with optical resolution.

We recognise that many of the statements we make on this site regarding the optical capabilities of our microscopes will appear incredible to those who have studied the existing laws of optical physics.

True scientists should however be open for new scientific developments and we ask you to reserve judgement while you view the numerous images, videos and data and ask yourself if the capabilities of our optical systems, as presented on this website, would be useful to your research work. Anyone visiting our labs can see for themselves what can really be achieved with this technology.

On this website, we will present a considerable amount of proof for you to judge for yourself what is possible with this technology.

We thank-you for your interest.

Light Microscopy with Ergonom-Technology

Depth of Field, Color Contrast, Natural Colors, Contour Sharpness
The Ergonom technology introduces a new method of providing a much higher depth of field and contrast, where the natural colors and contour sharpness remain clearly decernable even with ever increasing magnification.

This allows a quality of observation that can meet the highest and most demanding requirements. Only the real time analysis (In-Situ) of living microorgnisms (In-Vivo, in-Vitro) and materials can provide a truely realistic insight. This means that samples can be observed optically, without time consuming preparation (staining, etc.), under normal room temperatures.

These capabilities are controlled, thanks to a sophisticated mechanism, using just one control. In contrast to current light microscopes, the Ergonom microscopes fully maintain parallax free images and are free of reflection.

The angle of view, by which the object is imaged, can be modified between vertical (90°) and diagonal (45°).


No staining or complicated sample preparation is required. All our objectives are designed for dry use. No messy oil immersion is required or desired to obtain the high resolutions (100nm under reflected light) available. The variable depth of field allows you to see uneven surfaces in sharp contrast or alternatively to see individual layers of living tissues without the higher or lower layers interfering with the image quality. Even at high magnifications, we can still maintain a greater than normal working distance, typically 1-3mm, it is rarely necessary for the objective lens to actually touch the object.

New Standards for Light Microscopy
Phase Contrast without over-exposure!
The phase contrast method is used for all thin-layered structures including fibres and textiles. With conventional methods, focussing is limited by overlapping layers and the structures also have the same fractal index causing the structures to become blurred. The Ergonom technology removes these limitations and provides clear and sharp contours.

Standardized objectives for colour contrast, transmitted light, darkfield and polarisation
The ERGONOM-technology makes it possible to use the same objectives for phase contrast, transmitted light, darkfield and polarisation. Until now, polarisation required not only a separate microscope, but also special polorisation objectives. Without such objectives the phase rings would be seen as distortions when using transmitted light.

Grayfield Contrast Method
An entirely new method in optical microscopy is the grayfield contrast method, developed by Kurt Olbrich. This method allows you to see detailed structures that are otherwise not even visible with conventional phase contrast microscopes. For example, the grayfield method allows you to observe the in-vitro decomposition processes of blood. During this transitional phase new viruses and structures arise, which tend to decay and could previously not be made visible due to the lack of suitable microscope techniques.

Confocal method: Vertical and at an angle
This very interesting feature makes it possible to switch very quickly between vertical and an angle (from 45° to horizontal).

This enables the following:
· Following the movment of viruses
· Combining the momentum of viruses with magnetic fields ("Freezing" of living procedures (1/1000 sec) for a still image observation
· Intruding into translucent surfaces with complete analysis within 2 - 3 minutes (digital, analog or in "slow motion")
· In-Vivo-Focussing of human arteries with "magnetic freezing" to allow for immediate analysis of all cells in (flowing) blood to allow analyisation of the substances contained (duration ca. 1-2 seconds).
· Is comparable to an endoscope with a magnetic field "Blocker" on the probe

Pricing
When compared with other commercial optical microscopes, the Ergonom 4000 series (100nm or better resolution) microscopes may appear to be expensive. Due to the considerably enhanced capabilities, the Ergonom microscopes should be compared in price to mid-range scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and/or confocal microscopes where the Ergonom can view living material non-destructively for prolonged periods, in natural color and in real time

The Ergonom 3000 series, features 200nm resolution, while maintaining the other features like depth of field, full color contrast, etc. at a quarter of the price of the respective Ergonom 4000 series microscope.

The new Ergonom 2000 series features 250nm whereas the Ergonom 1000 series offers 300nm true resolution with variable depth of field, full color contrast, etc. at prices that should be affordable to to professionals needing more details and better image quality than available with existing optical microscope (e.g. darkfield) systems. These new systems have been priced at a level which should be affordable to clinincs and research labs, etc.

We have a large range of objectives and accesories that can be selected for each microscope to match your application. Each system is built to order after we have been able to determine your precise needs. Please note that due to the large variation in costs for the various objectives, etc. it is impossible to give a meaningful quote before we have learned enough about your individual application.