Mona Lisa and the Electron Microscopy
For almost ten years, Mona Lisa Production, in partnership with Philips/FEI, has been exploring the possibilities offered by Environmental Electron Microscopy for filming the infinitessimal.
Currently,
all electron microscopic images available on the market are still photographs
or animated photos. Video images are at present an exclusivity of Mona
Lisa Production.
Mona Lisa has been a forerunner in the visualisation
of the microscopic universe, of living and moving things. This innovation,
a veritable world first, used in the documentary series “Les Envahisseurs
Invisibles – Squatters ” launched in 1997 has been recognised
by numerous awards in international festivals. The series has been broadcast
in over 50 countries around the world, notably by Discovery Networks International.
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Mona
Lisa now possesses expertise in the techniques of capturing video
images from electron microscopy and in the post-production treatment
of these images. |
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The
patent registration in 1999 represents the foundation on which Mona
Lisa’s current new research is based: the objectif is to obtain
animated sequences in HD quality (a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels,
with a signal-to-noise ratio of 54dB). |
This
technological challenge corresponds to an actual market tendency, since
more and more programmes are produced in high definition and it will be
of great importance in years to come to be able to obtain electron microscopic
video images in High Definition norms.
This is also essential for full-length films projected in theatres on
large screens.
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At the same time, Mona Lisa continues to work with Philips/FEI in developing new techniques for capturing images: -
The possibility of creating new visual effects: 360° rotation
around a sample (possibility of rotating the microscope platform.
Rotation speed in relation to the microscope scan frequency), panoramic
shots, zooms in and out, etc. |
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use
of micro-manipulators and gas pipette in the ESEM chamber |