Nikon Instruments has announced the release of the Eclipse Ci series, an upright microscope system for clinical applications.
Suitable for multi-user laboratories, the Ci series - a three-model line consisting of the Ci-E, Ci-L and Ci-S - is built to withstand frequent use, as well as adjust to the preferences of individual users.
The ergonomic features allow the user to sit in a natural, relaxed posture throughout their workday.
With simultaneous, motorised switching of objective lens, condenser and light intensity, the Ci-E was designed so that the user can concentrate on the specimen without concern for operation.
Incorporating Eco-illumination, a power-saving, long-life, high-intensity LED optical system, the Ci-E and Ci-L models are three times brighter than that of the previous Nikon system, while offering a lifetime of 60,000 hours, according to the company.
They also offer very low power consumption and heat generation, and eliminate colour temperature changes that occur with halogen light sources.
LED illumination eliminates IR associated with halogen light sources, minimising eye strain for users spending long hours at the microscope.
Eco-illumination supports a variety of microscopy techniques, including dark field, simple polarising and sensitive colour polarising for gout testing and phase contrast.
With a focus on allowing users to concentrate on observation versus operations, new features are designed to make the imaging process as easy as possible.
For example, the Ci-E model offers automated nosepiece rotation and the switching of objective lenses with the condenser top lens both in and out.
User-defined light intensity for each magnification is also automatically reproduced when switching between magnifications, enabling users to view samples at optimum brightness without intensity adjustment.
An image-capture button on the side of the main body also lets users take an image without removing their eyes from the eyepieces, improving efficiency and comfort.
The angle and proximity of the eyepiece tube and the height of the stage handle can be adjusted to reflect each user's physical size or general observation posture.
The new and improved ergonomic tube and stage-height adjustment mechanism allow comfortable viewing positions for different users.
At the same time, a highly durable, scratch-resistant ceramic coating has been added to the stage in order to meet the needs of high-volume users.
The stage handle remains in a fixed position, allowing hand and body positions to remain constant and in line with the instrument.
The view provided by Nikon's proprietary CFI60 optics is enhanced with 'fly-eye' technology.
By combining the collimator lens and fly-eye optics with LED and Nikon's CFI60 optics, bright, uniform, clear images can be obtained, even in high magnification.
The Ci's digital imaging system with image-capture provides a tool menu for annotations and measurements, and split-screen capability for live comparisons.
Clinicians are able to share images and consult on the fly over their network or internet through firmware, not software, without compromising the integrity of the hospital network.
The complete Ci imaging system is easily adaptable without losing any ergonomic benefits.
The ergonomic tube combined with the newly designed microscope body has an extended telescoping feature and can accept Nikon's new DSC port, allowing easy and direct connection of the recommended digital camera Digital Sight series.
