An imaging system for a biological sample includes a sample container having at least one biological cell that is in contact with an interface surface of a container interface. The imaging system also includes illuminating optics that output a light beam aligned with a sample plane, the light beam being oriented horizontally along a transverse (XY) plane and illuminating the biological cell vertically along an axial (XZ) plane. The imaging system further includes imaging optics aligned horizontally along the transverse (XY) plane with the interface in the sample container, the imaging optics being configured to detect along the axial (XZ) plane a magnified image of a measurable contact angle between the biological cell and the interface surface. The measurable contact angle changes over time and is indicative of biological adhesion between the biological cell and another biological cell.

An imaging system for a biological sample includes a sample container having at least one biological cell that is in contact with an interface surface of a container interface. The imaging system also includes illuminating optics that output a light beam aligned with a sample plane, the light beam being oriented horizontally along a transverse (XY) plane and illuminating the biological cell vertically along an axial (XZ) plane. The imaging system further includes imaging optics aligned horizontally along the transverse (XY) plane with the interface in the sample container, the imaging optics being configured to detect along the axial (XZ) plane a magnified image of a measurable contact angle between the biological cell and the interface surface. The measurable contact angle changes over time and is indicative of biological adhesion between the biological cell and another biological cell.

An image capturing device for observing a sample housed in a container to which identification information is attached, from below the container, includes: an image capturing unit including an image pickup element; a light guide unit that guides light from an identification surface to the image capturing unit, the identification surface being a surface of the container which differs from a bottom surface of the container and to which identification information is attached; and a mobile unit that changes a relative position of the image capturing unit with respect to the container. After the mobile unit changes the relative position to a first relative position in which the optical axis of the image capturing unit deviates from the container, the image capturing unit images the identification surface via the light guide unit, and, after the mobile unit changes the relative position to a second relative position in which the optical axis of the image capturing unit intersects the container, the image capturing unit images the sample via the bottom surface.

A sample cartridge carrier apparatus is coupled with a focused ion beam processing apparatus (FIB processing apparatus). A guide mechanism is configured to guide a series of movements of a sample cartridge holder to allow a sample cartridge to be held by a carrier base on a sub stage. Sub cooling equipment is configured to cool the sample cartridge via the sub stage. A carrier mechanism carries the carrier base between the sub stage and a main stage.

Biological cells in a liquid suspension are counted in an automated cell counter that focuses an image of the suspension on a digital imaging sensor that contains at least 4,000,000 pixels each having an area of 2×2 μm or less and that images a field of view of at least 3 mm.sup.2. The sensor enables the counter to compress the optical components into an optical path of less than 20 cm in height when arranged vertically with no changes in direction of the optical path as a whole, and the entire instrument has a footprint of less than 300 cm.sup.2. Activation of the light source, automated focusing of the sensor image, and digital cell counting are all initiated by the simple insertion of the sample holder into the instrument. The suspension is placed in a sample chamber in the form of a slide that is shaped to ensure proper orientation of the slide in the cell counter.

Biological cells in a liquid suspension are counted in an automated cell counter that focuses an image of the suspension on a digital imaging sensor that contains at least 4,000,000 pixels each having an area of 2×2 μm or less and that images a field of view of at least 3 mm.sup.2. The sensor enables the counter to compress the optical components into an optical path of less than 20 cm in height when arranged vertically with no changes in direction of the optical path as a whole, and the entire instrument has a footprint of less than 300 cm.sup.2. Activation of the light source, automated focusing of the sensor image, and digital cell counting are all initiated by the simple insertion of the sample holder into the instrument. The suspension is placed in a sample chamber in the form of a slide that is shaped to ensure proper orientation of the slide in the cell counter.

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and methods for imaging a microscopic sample, for example in a liquid or a solid. The systems can be coupled to a portable electronic device and adjusted in three dimensions to allow for alignment of a lens assembly with an optical axis of a camera on a portable electronic device. This can allow for use across various-sized electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and digital cameras. The systems can have a compact size, which allows for portable and/or at-home analysis of samples. The systems can be used to analyze sperm samples to detect fertility issues. The systems can be used to analyze soil or liquid samples to detect contaminants, such as microplastics.

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and methods for imaging a microscopic sample, for example in a liquid or a solid. The systems can be coupled to a portable electronic device and adjusted in three dimensions to allow for alignment of a lens assembly with an optical axis of a camera on a portable electronic device. This can allow for use across various-sized electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and digital cameras. The systems can have a compact size, which allows for portable and/or at-home analysis of samples. The systems can be used to analyze sperm samples to detect fertility issues. The systems can be used to analyze soil or liquid samples to detect contaminants, such as microplastics.

A SERS unit 1A comprises a SERS element 2 having a substrate 21 and an optical function part 20 formed on the substrate 21, the optical function part 20 for generating surface-enhanced Raman scattering; a transportation board 3 supporting the SERS element 2 during transportation, the SERS element 2 being removed from the transportation board 3 upon measurement; and a holding part 4 having a pinching part 41 pinching the SERS element 2 in cooperation with the transportation board 3, and detachably holding the SERS element 2 in the transportation board 3.

A SERS unit 1A comprises a SERS element 2 having a substrate 21 and an optical function part 20 formed on the substrate 21, the optical function part 20 for generating surface-enhanced Raman scattering; a transportation board 3 supporting the SERS element 2 during transportation, the SERS element 2 being removed from the transportation board 3 upon measurement; and a holding part 4 having a pinching part 41 pinching the SERS element 2 in cooperation with the transportation board 3, and detachably holding the SERS element 2 in the transportation board 3.