New objectives optimise image quality and maximise contrast, while special fluorescence filters reduce exposure and image acquisition time by up to 50% for superior 3D imaging
Carl Zeiss describes its Axio Imager as an innovative modular system for digital fluorescence microscopy, featuring advanced flexibility and application versatility.
New IC2S objectives (infinity contrast and colour corrected system) optimise image quality and maximise contrast in all techniques, while special fluorescence filters reduce exposure and image acquisition time by up to 50% for superior 3D imaging.
The Intelligent Stand is the basis for each of the four models, ranging from manual entry-level to fully automated high-end systems.
It incorporates an award-winning complex of software elements that automatically recognise components as they are added, such as filter wheels and objectives.
In addition, the embedded contrast manager ensures simple changes between contrasting techniques.
Standard interfaces permit communication via USB and TCP/IP, making integration into a network or complete remote control quick and simple.
For the first time, defined interfaces in the reflected and transmitted-light beam paths allow coupling of additional optical components.
The vibration-free imaging cell is isolated within the stand for stable observation and unparalleled precision.
An apochromatic fluorescence beam path ensures optimum colour correction over the entire wavelength range, says Carl Zeiss Axio Imager also introduces special fluorescence filters with a significantly improved signal-to-noise ratio, which permit excitation intensity up to 70% higher than normal to reduce exposure times by up to 50%.
Fluorescence applications will also benefit from the Axio Imager's active stray light elimination, which produces significantly higher contrast, and fast, motorised reflector turrets capable of holding either six or ten filter modules.
The convenient, self-aligning HBO lamp for homogeneous illumination and LCI Plan-Neofluar objectives for live cell imaging are further features specifically tailored to fluorescence applications.
The new IC2S objectives ensure optimum transmission, contrast and working distance.
High contrast and homogeneous illumination is offered by the optimised differential interference contrast (DIC) while one condenser combines darkfield and brightfield from 2.5x to 100x oil.
Rapid image acquisition with outstanding quality in up to six dimensions means more signal in less time.
Further benefits include perfectly matched system components, a precise XY scanning stage with exact positioning, and motorised Z-focus.
Axio Imager is also fully compatible with other system solutions from Carl Zeiss, such as AxioVision software, AxioCam digital imaging equipment and the award-winning ApoTome, and may be integrated into systems from OEM partners such as Metasystems or Intelligent Imaging Innovations.
