Nikon releases first three-laser entry-level microscope
which builds on the technology of its entry-level system, which
meets the growing popularity of confocal imaging in research
applications.
The versatility of confocal imaging has added a new dimension to microscopic research adding new depth of detail to specimens while remaining affordable.
In the confocal microscope all structures out of focus are suppressed at image formation. This is obtained by an arrangement of diaphragms, which at optically conjugated points of the path of rays, act as a point light source and as a point detector respectively. Rays from out-of-focus are suppressed by the detection pinhole.
The depth of the focal plane is, besides the wavelength of light, determined in particular by the numerical aperture of the objective used and the diameter of the diaphragm.
At a wider detection pinhole the confocal effect can be reduced. To obtain a full image, the image point is moved across the specimen by mirror scanners.
The emitted/reflected light passing through the detector pinhole is transformed into electrical signals by a photomultiplier and displayed on a computer monitor screen.
>Nikon's e-C1plus package builds on the e-C1 microscope system and now includes a three laser-line option, increasing flexibility and generating improved fluorescence images.
Nikon have emerged as a contender for leading microscope manufacturer with a number of companies jostling for top position. The likes of Olympus and Gilson have raised the standard to a point where microscopes have become an essential part of research due to the sheer image detail produced.
With three lasers operating at 405, 488 and 543nm, the e-C1plus can capture impressive fluorescence images when used for almost any imaging technique required today, including simultaneous dual-channel fluorescence, DIC, time-lapse recording, and spatial analysis.
Live 3D images can be captured as the settings and procedures required can be viewed in a single window, eliminating the need to switch between multiple windows.
Furthermore, using the simple and intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI), experimental set-up, image analysis and processing can all be carried out by the click of a mouse.
To remove problems with crosstalk between channels when using simultaneous imaging, the e-C1plus can be configured to capture sequential channel images frame by frame.
Changing the filter to match fluorescent dyes is quick and simple, enabling the use of the latest probes or dyes available today.
