New range of inverted microscopes for observation of living cells provides three sets of differential interference contrast optics to achieve optimum imaging for thick and thin cells
Microscopists will no longer have to accept a compromise adjustment aimed at 'average' cells.
Differential interference contrast (DIC) is a technique widely used for observation of unstained objects such as living cells.
A system of polarising filters and prisms renders sharply defined relief-like images with excellent resolution and contrast. However, in setting up a conventional microscope system for DIC observation, a compromise has to be reached in the image.
The optimum configuration will depend on the sample under observation - its refractive index, thickness and surrounding medium - as well as the magnification.
For particularly thick or thin specimens, the user may wish to increase the resolution at the expense of contrast, or vice versa.
For the IX2 series inverted microscopes, three groups of DIC prisms are supplied to achieve the best DIC image for a wide range of specimen types and thickness.
A high contrast combination provides optimum results with thin specimens, and a high resolution system is designed for thick specimens.
A further prism combination enables high and low magnification observation of general specimens.
Three new condensers are provided for these DIC optics.
Two of these have long and extra long working distances of 27mm and 45mm, essential for the majority of inverted microscopy work.
A third condenser is designed for specialist applications with exchangeable top lenses for dry, water immersion and oil immersion work with working distances of 1.5, 3.8 and 0.6mm respectively.
The IX2 range of inverted microscopes is designed around a highly stable optical bench, with a wide open stage space fully accessible from front and sides.
It provides high performance optics and multiple port flexibility for system development in bioresearch applications.
