Leica Microscope To Board International Space Station
The first four fluids experiments to be conducted in the FIR—three involving colloids and one involving fluid flow in a pipe—require microscopy for visualization and analytic measurements. To fill this need, NASA GRC and Dynacs have purchased a modified Leica Microsystems (Deerfield, IL) model DM RXA microscope for use in the FIR.
The Leica module was chosen for its modularity and its ability for motorization. Almost all of the microscope's functional controls will be monitored and controlled remotely from the ground. Auto-focus and -tracking algorithms will be included in the on-orbit control software to facilitate operations due to round-trip communications delays. In addition to brightfield, darkfield, phase contrast, and differential interference contrast imaging methods, the microscope will be outfitted with several additional instruments to perform static and dynamic light scattering measurements and spectroscopy. I twill also have laser tweezers to manipulate colloidal crystallization.
The microscope will require a number of modifications to make it "spaceworthy," include the launch load hardening of mechanical components, conformal coating the circuit boards, and altering the wiring to meet NASA specifications. The sample area of the microscope will be sealed within an auxiliary fluids control box to contain any spilled fluids or broken microscope slides. In addition, the microscope itself will be sealed to block potential leak paths from within the box to the external environment.
Colloids—minute particles suspended in a fluid—can crystallize under the certain conditions. The colloidal assembly research performed on ISS will support both fundamental physics and material science.
Leica Microsystems manufacturs microscopes and microscope systems as well as measurement and inspection systems for chip and wafer production in the semiconductor industry.
For more information, call Molly Lundberg of Leica at 847-405-7026.