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High-Resolution Episcopic Microscopy / Imaging Microtomes
Imaging Microtomes, Built for Custom Setups for Custom Setups
An imaging microtome sections a sample and photographs the newly exposed surface after every cut, combining sectioning and image acquisition into one automated instrument. Our Optical HREM (OHREM) systems are hand-built imaging microtomes, configurable around your optics, motion, illumination and detector requirements.
1-8µm
Section thickness
<70mm
Max sample size
2
Systems, fully customisable to application
WHAT IS AN IMAGING MICROTOME
A microtome that captures the block face as it sections
An imaging microtome is an instrument that sections a resin-embedded specimen and photographs the exposed block surface after each cut, rather than simply producing physical slices for manual mounting. The result is a stack of images captured directly from the block itself evenly spaced and inherently aligned, ready for 3D volumetric reconstruction without a separate registration step.
Our imaging microtomes implement this using High-Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM), an optical serial block-face technique. Every OHREM system combines a precision sectioning mechanism with an integrated optical imaging path, camera and control software in a single instrument, built and configured to order.
SECTIONING ALONE VS SECTIONING & IMAGING
How an imaging microtome differs from a standard microtome
A standard microtome produces physical sections for manual mounting and imaging elsewhere (e.g. a slide scanner). An imaging microtome captures the data from the sectioned block face and discards the sections, allowing for full 3D reconstruction of samples with XY scanning stages, structured illumination and automated processes for 11+ hours of imaging.
Step | Standard microtome | Imaging microtome (OHREM) |
|---|---|---|
Workflow | Multiple instruments and manual handling steps | One instrument, one automated acquisition run |
3D reconstruction | Requires registration software to align scanned sections | Stack exports ready for immediate reconstruction, no registration, limited artefacts and no distortion |
Alignment | Manual mounting introduces distortion and misalignment | Images captured directly from the block, inherently aligned |
Imaging | Not included, sections must be mounted and imaged separately | Block face imaged automatically after every cut |
Sectioning | Cuts the specimen into physical sections | Cuts the specimen at controlled 1–8µm intervals |
CUSTOM SETUPS
Configurable to your requirements
Every HREM system can be upgraded or configured to match your application across resolution, throughput, illumination, and sample handling. Options shown with system compatibility.
XY
SCANNING
Scanning stages
Extend field of view across larger samples. Resolution no longer limited by sample size.
EF
FOCUS
Electronic focus module
Adjust focus across the full block face with ease from the dedicated software application, for multiple samples or simply ease of use.
SI
ILLUMINATION
Structured illumination
Improves fluorescence contrast and rejects out-of-focus background for targeted channel imaging.
Det.
SESNORS
Detector options
Choice of detectors from low-noise sensors to high-resolution single-shot sensors, matched to your resolution and sensitivity needs.
4×
BLOCKS/RUN
Multiple samples
Image up to 4 blocks per session. Increases throughput for cohort phenotyping and knockout screening.
+
CUSTOM
Custom configurations
Specific requirement? We work with you on optics, blade types, illumination, and software to meet your exact imaging needs.
HREM Ultra Imaging
TWO PLATFORMS, ONE TECHNIQUE
Choose the imaging microtome that fits your throughput
Both the OHREM Micro and Ultra use the same sectioning and imaging principle. The difference is the scale, throughput and configuration depth.
OHREM Micro
A benchtop imaging microtome for routine imaging of samples up to 15mm. Straightforward acquisition, ideal for a single lab.
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Simple acquisition workflow, ideal for smaller laboratories
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Single sample per run, standard throughput
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Optional XY stage for sample positioning and scanning
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Upgradable: extra fluorescence channels, XY scanning
OHREM Ultra
The flexible imaging microtome for high-throughput environments, larger specimens up to 25mm+ and advanced experimental configurations.
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Advanced scanning configurations for extended field of view
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Multi-sample acquisition for large-scale phenotyping
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Expandable fluorescence channels for SBF experimentation
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Designed for imaging cores and long-duration workflows
Indigo Scientific - HREM Team
Based in Hertfordshire, UK. Every imaging microtome is hand-built, tested to order, and shipped with worldwide installation and support.