Professional Microscopy - Services
Please find below answers to the most frequently asked questions, with regard to our microscopy service:
How are Micronaut images produced?
Typical images are based on scanning-electron-microscopy (SEM), and have to be produced in a multi-step process, including: (1) tissue specific preparation, (2) microscopy and (3) post-processing.
Why is the preparation necessary and for what does it stand for?
To make a long story short, complex SEM technology demands most careful (and time-consuming) sample-preparation, including tissue-specific fixation, critical-point-drying, and gold-sputtering, to ascertain superior image quality.
Are there any samples which cannot be prepared?
We can draw upon many years of experience and have optimized a wide range of protocols for different samples. Furthermore, we willingly accept a challenge from time to time… so you can basically come up with everything you want!
What is critical-point-drying?
This process removes liquid in a precisely controlled way, to avoid drying artifacts on the surface of a naturally wet sample.
How does SEM-technology work?
SEM works like the machines we use to copy keys, tracing objects’ surfaces with a high-energy beam of electrons. Based on the amount of emitted secondary electrons, SEM is able to deliver highly magnified black-and-white images, revealing details less than 1 to 5 nm in size.
How are the scans additionally equipped with color?
The black-and-white SEM-scans are often colorized for attractiveness and clarity. Depending on the image size and degree of visible detail, the manual colorization process may last 1-3 days.
How long does it take to produce an image?
Usually, the time to produce an image varies between 2-5 days. If more samples can be processed simultaneously, or if the final image size stays below A4, the average time per picture may be somewhat reduced.
All images of Micronaut are handled rights managed – what does this mean?
Any usage of ‘rights managed’ images is well defined and settled by a license agreement.
Which rights can I buy?
To make a long story short: the decision is fully up to you.
What are the advantages of ‚rights managed’ images?
The price for each license strictly depends from the specific usage. Therefore, you only need to pay what you are going to use. Furthermore, rights managed images allow exclusive usage of an image.
Are ‚rights managed’ images more expensive than other images?
No, unless you are not going to book redundant rights, you should get excellent value for money.
Rights of custom-made images
Our custom-made images usually include a premium license. for ‚MULTIPLE & NON-EXCLUSIVE USE’ – meaning that you can use the image for repeated publication, inclusive: print, web, PowerPoint, etc.
Additionally, we are happy to offer various exclusive licenses upon request.
Rights of stock images
Please refer to our ‚Stock’ section.
Pricing
Our prices are guided by the official recommendations of the ‘Swiss Association of Photographers and –Agencies’ and are well adapted to the current market.
Delivery
Image files can be delivered via download link (preferred), mail (only images < 5Mb) or sent on CD/DVD.
Ordering
Services available upon request. In case you are interested to receive a quote, please feel free to contact us.
