FAQs

Scientifica stands out through a partnership-first approach. Our international team works closely with researchers to understand real experimental challenges, from experimental design and lab planning to long-term system optimisation. We support researchers throughout their research careers, not just the lifetime of the equipment, combining technical expertise with a collaborative, researcher-focused mindset.

900 nm IR-DIC is often preferred for retinal tissue, as it minimises visible light exposure and reduces the chance of activating photosensitive cells. In brain slices, the choice depends on tissue thickness and myelination. Older or more heavily myelinated slices scatter shorter wavelengths more strongly, so 900 nm can provide deeper penetration and clearer contrast. However, 900 nm optics are typically more expensive and may increase tissue heating. 775 nm remains a reliable, versatile choice for most standard slice preparations.

Choose a stage based on which part of the rig you want to move - the microscope, the sample, or the micromanipulators. Stages may be fixed or motorised, and different sizes suit different workflows depending on how much equipment surrounds the sample. The stage must provide high rigidity, low drift, and good access for patch clamp. Scientifica offers a range of stages designed for stable, flexible electrophysiology setups, allowing you to select the configuration that best fits your experiment.

Yes. Scientifica stages and platforms include modular mounting hardware that adapts to most upright and inverted microscope frames, making them excellent upgrade components for older or mixed-brand rigs. Integrating a Scientifica platform can greatly improve mechanical stability, pipette access, and overall usability without requiring a full system replacement. Many labs modernise existing rigs by adding Scientifica staging to reduce drift and increase experimental success.

Motorised microscope control reduces vibration by eliminating the need to touch the rig during patch clamp recordings, helping protect gigaseals and maintain stability. It also enables smooth, repeatable positioning for reliable, reproducible, high-quality data. Scientifica’s motorised modules provide low-noise, high-precision motion that preserves optical and mechanical stability throughout long patch clamp experiments. Motorised often suggests remote control, useful when the preparation is in a dark or sealed space where it is difficult for the user to get hands-on. It also allows unique features such as saving memory positions for visualisation, stimulation, or pipette following, so pipettes are always available relative to the field of view.

The best contrast method depends on the preparation. IR-DIC or DODT are commonly used for patch clamp recordings in thick brain slices, where depth and scatter are challenges, while phase contrast or fluorescence imaging is often used for cultured cells and iPSC-derived models.

Yes. Scientifica offers professional installation and tailored user training to ensure systems are set up correctly and aligned with your experimental workflow. Training can be adapted to the experience level of the user and helps researchers begin experiments confidently, safely, and efficiently from day one.

Yes. Many labs upgrade existing electrophysiology systems by adding Scientifica manipulators, platforms, cameras, or motorised modules to improve stability, control, and overall reliability. Because Scientifica equipment is modular and mechanically compatible with most rigs, researchers can modernise specific components - such as manipulators or staging - without replacing the entire setup. This offers a cost-effective way to boost performance while maintaining familiar workflows and existing hardware.

The smallest table suitable for most electrophysiology patch clamp setups is around 30 × 36 inches (70 × 90 cm). This footprint can accommodate a microscope, manipulators, and essential accessories. However, larger systems- especially those using Dodt/gradient contrast tubes, optogenetics modules, or bulky stimulation hardware - may require additional space. Choosing a table with tapped mounting holes provides greater flexibility for positioning equipment and helps maintain a stable, low-vibration layout for reliable, reproducible recordings. Chat to one of our team to discuss your specific experimental requirements.

NIR (775 nm) is best for most acute slices and thick tissue, offering strong IR-DIC contrast, good penetration and high camera sensitivity.

Far-IR (900 nm) is useful when tissue is highly scattering, you need deeper imaging, or want to minimise interference with optogenetic wavelengths.

Scientifica systems support both options, and our team can help match the wavelength to your sample and workflow.

Scientifica microscopes are compatible with a wide range of scientific cameras, including IR-sensitive sCMOS and CCD models used for electrophysiology. This covers cameras optimised for IR-DIC, low-light imaging, fluorescence, and high-speed pipette tracking. Common options such as SciCam+, Hamamatsu, and Photometrics integrate easily via standard adapters. Our team can recommend the best camera for your rig and experimental workflow.

To check for drift, position the pipette near a fixed landmark - such as debris, a cell edge, or grid line - and watch for movement over several minutes under normal experimental conditions. Any shift usually indicates thermal drift, mechanical relaxation, or a loose mounting point. Repeat the test after small temperature changes or after moving the manipulator to confirm the source. Scientifica manipulators are engineered for ultra-low drift, and our support team can help diagnose any unwanted movement.

To reduce electrical noise in patch clamp recordings, start by checking grounding, cable routing, amplifier shielding, and perfusion flow, then isolate components one at a time to identify the source. Minimising ground loops, avoiding cable movement, and keeping signal paths short and clean are essential for low-noise performance. Scientifica rigs are engineered for ultra-low electrical noise and high patch-clamp sensitivity, and our team can help diagnose and resolve persistent noise issues. Some of the most common sources are components that were not designed for electrophysiology, such as light sources, cameras, perfusion systems, or other accessories.

IR-DIC imaging is widely used in electrophysiology because it improves cell visibility in thick tissue, particularly in acute brain slices, while reducing phototoxicity. Infrared contrast helps researchers target cells accurately without compromising recording stability.

Yes. Scientifica rigs are modular and upgradeable, allowing you to add extra manipulators, new cameras, updated optical modules, or advanced control electronics as your research evolves. This protects long-term investment and ensures your system can adapt to new electrophysiology or imaging techniques. Scientifica systems are forward-compatible, making it easy to expand capability without replacing the entire rig. Chat to one of our team to discuss the best-suited system for your current and future research plans.

Yes. Scientifica equipment is designed to integrate with a wide range of third-party microscopes, cameras, platforms and amplifiers, making it straightforward to upgrade, expand, or adapt existing electrophysiology rigs.