altair

Cost-Effective, Open-Source, Light-Sheet Microscopy Solutions for Subcellular Imaging.

Altair aims to democratize high-resolution light-sheet fluorescence microscopy. By combining modular optomechanics, cutting-edge lens simulations, and intelligent software, Altair enables the rapid assembly of high-performance light-sheet microscopes in a user-friendly package.

As reported in our eLife publication, Altair-LSFM is a high-resolution, sample-scanning light-sheet microscope that uses an in-silico optimized optical train and a custom-machined baseplate to simplify alignment. In bead-based benchmarking, Altair-LSFM achieved average FWHM values of 328 nm (x), 330 nm (y), and 464 nm (z) before deconvolution, improving to 235.5 nm (x), 233.5 nm (y), and 350.4 nm (z) after deconvolution across a 266 µm field of view.

Publication

• Haug J, Galecki S, Lin H-Y, Wang X, Dean KM. A high-resolution, easy-to-build light-sheet microscope for subcellular imaging. eLife. 2025;14:RP106910. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.106910

Motivation

Cellular behavior is orchestrated by diverse signaling mechanisms that often hinge on molecular events precisely organized in space and time. These events include rapid, localized protein interactions that drive processes such as cell division, migration, and differentiation. Altair addresses the need for high-resolution live-cell imaging, empowering researchers to:

• Visualize spatially regulated processes.
• Collect quantitative 3D time-lapse data.
• Bridge molecular probe design and advanced computational image analysis.

Goal

The overarching goal is to provide a modular, cost-effective 3D light-sheet microscope that:

• Can be assembled with minimal prior optics expertise.
• Delivers ~235 nm lateral and ~350 nm axial resolution after deconvolution (~328/330 nm in XY and ~464 nm in Z before deconvolution) across a 266 µm field of view.
• Seamlessly integrates with our user-friendly, intelligent imaging software navigate.
• Streamlines data acquisition, drastically reducing barriers to cutting-edge microscopy.

Key Features

1. High-Resolution Optics

   • Optical designs extensively simulated in Ansys Zemax OpticStudio to ensure robust performance across the visible spectrum.
   • Thorough tolerance analysis to maintain alignment and resolution in non-specialist environments.

2. Rugged Mechanical Design

   • Computer-aided design (CAD) with Autodesk Inventor for stress testing and mechanical reliability.
   • Xometry manufacturing ensures precision component fabrication.
   • Dowel pins and Thorlabs Polaris mounts allow reproducible alignment of optical elements.

3. Easy-to-Source Components

   • Optics primarily sourced from Thorlabs, with Polaris mounts for stable positioning.
   • Motion control solutions (X, Y, Z, focus, sample scanning) from Applied Scientific Instrumentation.
   • Open-hardware ethos with minimal custom parts to reduce cost and wait times.
   • Detailed step-by-step assembly instructions.

4. Intuitive Control Software

   • Built to interface seamlessly with navigate.
   • Automated routines for calibration, 3D volume acquisition, and intelligent imaging.

Getting Started

• Review the Documentation
• Procure Hardware
• Download and Install navigate
• Assemble Hardware
• Optimize Alignment
• Validate Performance

Authors

• John Haug, Ph.D.
• Kevin M. Dean, Ph.D.

Funding

• UTSW-UNC Center for Cell Signaling Analysis NIH NIGMS RM1GM145399
• Center for Metastatic Tumor Imaging NIH NCI U54CA268072