ITO coated Microscope Slides and Coverslips
When you apply ITO (indium Tin Oxide) to glass, it forms a conductive and transparent surface which allows visible light and UV rays to pass through. As it also reflects UV rays, ITO glass has become perfect for use in microscopy slides.
As a result, ITO coated microscope slides are now commonly used globally, in many research and development, scientific and medical applications. Leading colleges across the US are now using ITO glass slides, with ITO Coatings becoming a preferred supply choice.
Our ITO coatings are also used for beam splitters and coverslips in fluorescence microscopy.
ITO coated microscope slides
The most common glass used in microscope slide production is soda lime glass, as it has good chemical stability and low processing costs. It can also be chemically and thermally strengthened and can be cut to a range of diverse sizes.
Over time, however, the diffusion of sodium ions into the ITO layer can occur, which will have an impact on the durability and quality of the slides. At ITO Coatings, we have developed a solution to this – we can provide an optional (additional cost) silicon oxide barrier which inhibits the sodium ion diffusion.
This SiO2 layer has further increased the durability and longevity of our ITO coated microscope slides.
ITO coatings offer a range of sizes and grades, with high levels of transmittance and differing options for dimensions, thickness and resistance. We can also provide specific sizes on request. Additionally, we can supply with silver busbars / polymers for greater electrical current application.
ITO Coated Coverslips
Coverslips are used to preserve the integrity of the specimen under examination, as well as keeping it flat and in place. They are also useful for reducing contamination through accidental contact.
In high resolution microscopy, it is essential that the overall optical quality and conductivity of the coverslips is at optimum levels. Our range of ITO coated coverslips are exactly that: highly conductive and optically clear and are available in a range of thickness and sheet resistance, making them the perfect addition for high resolution microscopy.
Made from top-quality borosilicate (Type D263) glass, our coverslips can be supplied in an extensive choice of stock-held thicknesses, dimensions & sheet resistance options (learn more).
We can also supply:
- Coverslips to match customer specific requirements (i.e. sheet resistances/dimensions)
- Custom circular coverslips and
- Coverslips with silver polymer busbars
For more information on our ITO coated microscope slides and coverslips, please get in touch with a member of our team, we would be delighted to hear from you.
