Humidity in ambient air can lead to condensation on all surfaces, especially on the lids of cell culture vessels. If these surfaces are within the optical pathway, small water droplets will cause light scattering. This diminishes the optical quality of transmitted light microscopy (i.e., phase contrast and DIC). To ensure the highest image quality, condensation on any surface must be prevented during live cell imaging experiments.
ibidi Solution
The independently controlled heated glass lid of the ibidi Stage Top Incubation Systems prevents from condensation during live cell imaging.
By heating the lid to a temperature higher than the plate, a vertical temperature gradient is created. This gradient, and active humidity control prevent the formation of condensation on the lid of the cell culture vessel.
In addition, condensation inside the optical pathway of the ibidi channel slides is intrinsically impossible.
Read on and learn more about the Imaging Method and Photon Dose in live cell imaging.