June 2, 2004 -- By looking at small objects, Dalhousie scientists have shown great vision. Dalhousie University, through its licensing body NU-TECH, has granted exclusive world licensing rights for a new imaging device known as the Digital Holographic Microscope (DHM) and Hologram Reconstruction Software to Halifax company Satlantic Incorporated.

The Digital Holographic Microscope (DHM) and its supporting Hologram Reconstruction Software, provide high-resolution images without any need of a lens. The system uses a laser point source to create a series of 2D holograms, from a 3D sample, which are then imaged onto a camera. These holograms can then be reconstructed into 3D – even 4D – images using the new software. This technology enables high-resolution imaging of moving small samples in real time – a kind of miniature movie. Additionally, the technology can be used with satellites to beam images worldwide.

The technology is still new, but its potential uses are limitless. One application of the instrument is submersible and can be used in oceans, lakes and rivers. For example, pictures of living plankton could be taken in any ocean, and then beamed live by satellite back to researchers in Halifax. The instrument could be used to monitor drinking water systems or to check pollution levels, such as in Halifax Harbour. The technology has many other possible medical and biological applications – from looking at the movements of live bacteria in cells to examining particles in living blood vessels.

With so many promising medical, life sciences and engineering applications, the worldwide market for the new microscope is extensive and diverse. Additionally, laser and digital camera companies that are interested in expanding their markets into the microscopy or scientific instrument fields are also potential buyers.    

Dalhousie University will receive royalties based on Satlantic's sales. In turn, Satlantic will produce the DHM and software for laboratory, industrial and on-site operations.

The new microscope is the result of 12 years of research by Professors Jurgen Kreuzer and Manfred Jericho of the Physics and Atmospheric Science Department, who have international reputations in imaging and microscopy. Both scientists were determined that the regional area profit from this technology. As Dr. Kreuzer says, "It was always our hope to keep this technology here in Nova Scotia and we were very lucky to get such an enthusiastic reception from the people at Satlantic. Their expertise in high-tech instrumentation is ideal to bring our microscope to an expanding worldwide market."

Carl Breckenridge, Vice-President of Research at Dalhousie, was equally positive about the new microscope's economic impact. "The licensing agreement with Satlantic is a very good example of a
discovery with great commercial potential arising directly from university research," he says. "In this way, our university helps boost a local company – and create new jobs in this region."

Satlantic (www.satlantic.com) has been in operation since 1990, supplying world-class optical sensors and systems to the oceanographic market. By working with laboratories around the world, Satlantic has been able to develop and deliver some of the most advanced optical equipment for water monitoring applications. According to President, Bill Ricketts, "bringing science like the DHM to the market is an ideal combination of successful research at Dalhousie and our expertise in commercial product and market development. This is an exciting opportunity for the company, and we look forward to working with our new partners at the university.

Innovations like the DHM support Dalhousie University's traditional strengths in life sciences and ocean sciences. Nova Scotia's most research-intensive university, Dalhousie attracts more than $80 million in annual research funding.
   
Media inquiries, contact:
Charles Crosby, Manager, Media Relations, Dalhousie University, tel: 902-494-1269, email: charles.crosby@dal.ca

Dr. Jurgen Kreuzer, A.C. Fales Professor of Theoretical Physics, Physics and Atmospheric Science Department, Dalhousie University, tel: 902-494-6594 or 902-868-2333, e-mail: h.j.kreuzer@dal.ca

Scott McLean, Vice President, Research & Development, CTO, Satlantic Inc., tel: (902) 492-4780 email: scott@satlantic.com.




This article courtesy of http://www.microscopelab.com.
You may freely reprint this article on your website or in
your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author
name and URL remain intact.

Submit Your Article