Because of the reduction in optical aberration, the microscopical image not only appears sharper but also thinner and flatter than with a conventional microscope slide. This translates to a decreased depth of focus and, when used for digital microscopy, this image flatness can significantly reduce the number of z-axis scans required and, consequently, the total scanning time for whole slide imaging (WSI). This has important efficiencies, not only in decreased scanning time but also in reducing the size of the resultant digital image files – a major cost benefit for archiving digital images.
Beyond the optical advantages, use of the CalaClear® microscope slides has a number of additional benefits over conventional glass slides:
1) The anodised aluminium finish is a perfect substrate for laser marking. Compared to the ink option most commonly employed with conventional glass slides (either powder-coated painted labelling areas or with expensive applied chemically-resistant labels), the laser marking of the CalaClear® slide is fast, truly permanent/resistant to all chemicals and with no costly ink consumables. The crisp laser marking means that font size can be reduced and more text can be applied to the slides per unit area. Small, modern YAG lasers are comparable in price to microscope slide ink printers but with significantly lower maintenance costs. Please contact us if you wish to explore the laser-marking option.
2) Because there is no application of a coverslip over the tissue or cytological preparation, there are no annoying trapped bubbles - ever!
3) The CalaClear® slides are approximately 50% lighter helping bring down costs of archival storage.
