Diascopic illumination type

The newly developed high-intensity 50W halogen light source is brighter than a conventional 100W halogen lamp. Low power comsumption means less heat generation, thereby reducing the chance of heat-induced focus drift.

Improved body shape realizes higher robustness. Due to the newly designed stage mount, the LV100POL achieves double rigidity compared to the conventional model.

Nosepiece comes with a DIN standard compensator slot to accept various compensators for advanced quantitative measurements. All five objectives are centerable.

The intermediate tube incorporates a Bertrand lens, enabling both observation and capture of conoscopic and orthoscopic images.

Both diascopic and episcopic polarizing observations are possible by mounting the LV-UEPI universal epi-illuminator. Switching the illumination technique is a simple operation. The epi-illuminator uses the same lamphouse as the diascopic illuminator using the 12V-50W lamp as standard, which provides brighter illumination than a conventional 100W lamp. With an optional universal-type nosepiece and DIC accessories including objectives, episcopic differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy is also possible.

A breakthrough in stereoscope design, Perfect Zoom System dynamically change the distance between the two optical axes as the zoom factor is changed. This change in optical axis distance enables maximization of light entry into the optical system at every magnification. The result is an uncompromised, large zoom range, high resolution in both eye paths, and minimal aberrations over the entire zoom-range. Furthermore, this breakthrough in optical design enables all of these desirable features be housed in a compact zoom body, resulting in an ergonomic instrument design.

SHR Plan Apo series

Nikon's newly developed objective lens series, the SHR Plan Apo series, offers a high resolution of 1100LP/mm (Observed value, using SHR Plan Apo 2x at maximum zoom). The new SHR Plan Apo series of lenses deliver brilliant images with true-to-life colors.

The SMZ25 series is the first stereo microscope in the world to use a fly-eye lens on an epi-fluorescence attachment. This innovative design ensures bright and uniform illumination even at low magnifications, resulting in uncompromised uniformity in brightness across a large field of view.

(Using SHR Plan Apo 2x at zoom magnification of 9x with SMZ25 and camera head DS-Qi1)
Image courtesy of Joe Fetcho, Ph.D., Cornell University

Calcium-imaging: Time-lapse imaging of GCaMP expressing neurons inside a live zebrafish shows individual neurons firing at different times (arrowheads). The last time-frame shows a whole cluster of neurons firing (asterisk).

Select the in-focus area (white square) and produces one all-in-focus image
Zebrafish embryo
(Using SHR Plan Apo 2x at zoom magnification of 3.4x with SMZ25)
Image courtesy of Hisaya Kakinuma, Ph.D., Laboratory for Developmental Gene Regulation, Developmental Brain Science Group, RIKEN Brain Science Institute

DS-L3 is an easy-to-use high-definition, large touch-panel monitor that can be used to quickly capture images without a PC or monitor. The scale bar automatically adjusts to accommodate changes in magnification. Optimal imaging parameters for each sample type and observation method can easily be set using the icons.

Easily switch between stereo position (stereoscopic view) and mono position (on-axis view) when using the P2-RNI2 Intelligent Nosepiece by simply sliding the objective lens.

The diagram shows the case when an immersion type objective is used. A dry type objective is also available.

By now employing 870nm wavelength for the coverglass interface detection, near-infrared fluorescence dyes including Cy5.5 can be used.
Nikon offers two PFS models, one for UV-visible wavelength imaging and one for multiphoton imaging. The multiphoton model can correct for focus drift even when imaging with wavelengths ranging from 880-1300 nm.

Multipoint snapshots of HeLa cells transiently expressing Venus-tubulin and mCherry-actin and stained with Hoechst33342 and DiD. (All in pseudo-color)
Dr. Kenta Saito, Research Institute for Electronic Science, Hokkaido University and Dr. Takeharu Nagai, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University

The operational speeds of motorized components such as the nosepiece, fluorescence filters and stage have been greatly enhanced, allowing high-speed screening image capture during multi-dimensional experiments. Faster device movement and image acquisition reduce overall light exposure and subsequent photo-toxicity, leading to more meaningful data. The digital Controller Hub significantly increases motorized accessory speed by reducing communication overhead time between components, boosting total operation speed.

The revolutionary external phase contrast unit incorporates a phase ring and allows the use of high NA objective lenses without a phase ring for phase contrast observation. Because there is no light loss due to a phase ring, bright "full intensity" fluorescence images as well as high-resolution phase contrast images can be captured using the same objective lens.

Three-color TIRF image
Using the gradation ND filter, a very even TIRF illumination is achieved. An in vitro preparation of fluorescently-labeled microtubules (tetramethylrhodamine and Alexa 647) and tubulin binding proteins (Alexa 488) was imaged using the H-TIRF illuminator and the gradation ND filter. Incident angles can be automatically adjusted for multiple wavelengths.

Image courtesy of Melissa Hendershott and Dr. Ron Vale, University of California, San Francisco

Use of an optional back port enables multiple wavelength FRET imaging with multiple cameras. Moreover, by adding an eyepiece tube base unit with a side port, a maximum of five imaging ports* including left, right and bottom ports are available. (*With Ti-E/B model with bottom port)

The flagship model that is fully motorized for automated multimode image techniques and acquisition
(A model with a bottom port is also available.)

The universal model with the potential for diverse laser illuminators and motorized components
(A model with a bottom port is also available.)

The basic model that can be dedicated to specific tasks

The newly developed high NA, long working distance 16x objective (NA 0.8, W.D. 3.0) provides 5.6x, 16x, 32x and 64x magnifications when combined with an optional magnification module. This objective enables observation from a low magnification widefield of up to 2.0mm to a high magnification high resolution field without changing objectives.

Axial chromatic aberration in near-infrared region (up to 850nm) has been corrected in 40x and 60x objectives to clearly observe the minute structure of a thick specimen. The 100x objective (NA 1.1, W.D. 2.5) is the world's first water dipping lens with depth-induced aberration correction. Because of its special correction ring, this lens can correct spherical aberration induced by imaging deep in tissue or by working at physiological temperatures. Consequently, it is ideal for IR-DIC imaging and confocal applications as well as Multi-Photon imaging. Alternating the wavelength from visible to infrared or the illumination technique from DIC to Oblique Light is carried out simply by rotating the condenser turrets.

Access of microelectrodes to the specimen is easy as the objectives have a long W.D. of 2.5-3.5mm and broad approach angle up to 45°.

Objective retraction mechanism

Objectives mounted on the sliding nosepiece can be raised when switching magnifications. This prevents the objective from colliding with the manipulator or the chamber. The retraction distance is 15mm, so even a thick glass dish is protected. The lens top can be easily dipped (approximately 1mm) into the bath solution by using the lever to eliminate the risk of specimen disturbance.

The focus knob and field diaphragm ring are located on the front part of the microscope base, and there are no cumbersome outside belts; so operation is easy when using a fixed stage. An optional remote handle is also available to enable operation from outside the cage.

Electrical noise has been successfully reduced by utilizing fiber illumination to bring light into the system from outside the cage and by connecting ground pins to all main parts of the microscope. Vibration noise has also been reduced by undertaking critical measurement and simulation analysis to improve microscope rigidity.

By inserting a spacer between the body and the arm, you can raise the microscope height 10-30mm. This facilitates large specimen observation. Moreover, the condenser, sub-stage and turret can be removed entirely from the microscope to allow for more free space, depending on the purpose of the experiments.