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When I look at samples with elevated salt concentrations, like MgCl2 for example, I see what looks like TV static in the background. I see from a quick search that the salt is likely affecting the landing behavior and the refractive index contrast.

I'm curious if anyone has done a study of different salts at different concentrations that I could look to for guidance when doing sample prep? I don't want to burn through the consumables on something like that.

Thanks in advance for any help or insights!

We originally purchased our OneMP with a vibration table (Everstill K-400) and have always used the table during measurements. Over the past couple weeks, though, I’ve tested making measurements with the table off and have noticed no difference in the recordings. In fact, I was able to obtain an accurate reading of a 40-50 kDa sample quite well (an exceedingly clean glass and PBS blank helped). Does the apparent lack of impact of the table on measurement accuracy simply mean that the bench where our device rests is solid enough to not warrant a table? 

I should also note that, when the table is on, I always notice that even light taps to the work surface are observable in the blue trace in the radial profile monitor, making me suspect the table’s antivibration efficacy. But I later understood this to be normal as the table is intended only to…

At the initial training for our OneMP, I was told that gaps in the focus ring due to air bubbles in the objective oil were detrimental and should be removed prior to a measurement by lifting then resettling the coverslip. I recently made a measurement with gaps in the ring and it appeared to be fine. Can you explain how gaps in the focus ring affect measuring accuracy?