The Olympus IX81-ZDC Zero Drift microscope provides complete autofocus imaging for investigators doing time-lapse experiments using inverted microscopes.
Unlike add-on systems, the fully integrated Olympus unit was designed specifically for prolonged time-lapse studies.
The IX81-ZDC uses a Class 1 785nm laser diode to locate the uppermost surface of the specimen's coverslip, multi-well tissue culture plate, glass bottom culture dish or other glass substrate.
Then, working in tandem with SlideBook software, the system automatically moves to a user-defined focal plane relative to the coverslip and maintains specimen focus for extended periods of time.
The process repeats with utmost precision each time images are captured throughout the life of the experiment, which can last for minutes, hours, days or even weeks.
Adding to the system's ability to provide the crispest, sharpest, brightest images possible under time-lapse conditions are its more than 30 applicable objectives, including the Olympus Plan Apochromat 60x, 1.45 NA Tirf objective.
Olympus research objectives are designed for multi-wavelength time-lapse imaging, with chromatic correction ranging from 330nm up to 1100nm, depending on the individual objective.
Olympus says it objectives are also lighter and more compact than others, so there is less mechanical stress on the system as it cycles through numerous small Z-step changes over an extended duration.
The Zero Drift system is integrated into the Olympus IX81 microscope stand, known for its rigidity, stability and reliability.
The small footprint of the IX81 houses a very efficient light-path, and supports the addition of peripheral accessories in a restricted work area.
However, the Zero Drift system does not require the use of a second control pad or other accessories that can clutter the lab bench.
The system works by taking advantage of the specimen-coverslip relationship.
While the distance between the objective and coverslip can be affected by temperature, gravity, immersion media viscosity and other factors, the distance between the coverslip and an attached cell is much more stable.
The IX81-ZDC locates the specimen-coverslip interface very reliably and thus is able to accurately return to the defined focus position even if the objective-to-coverslip distance changes.
In addition, the Zero Drift system uses an autofocus routine that is significantly faster than conventional software-based algorithms and is unaffected by changes in morphology, contrast, or fluorescence intensity of the cell.
The laser does not remain on unnecessarily during periods when image acquisition is not occurring.
While the system was designed for protracted time-lapse experiments, it is also appropriate for such applications as TIRF, high-throughput screening and other high-accuracy, time-lapse studies of living cells in stage incubation systems.
