Unique instrument combines maximum detection sensitivity at the lowest magnifications with a high magnification zoom for the resolution of fine details
The Olympus MVX10 MacroView is being launched at Biotechnica in Hannover.
This unique instrument combines maximum detection sensitivity at the lowest magnifications with a high magnification zoom for the resolution of fine details within small organisms, organs, tissues and even cells.
This enables researchers to clearly see fluorescent images of whole organisms right down to the cellular level with unprecedented brightness, resolution and precision, says Olympus.
From low magnification confirmation of, for example,gene expression in whole organisms such as zebra fish (D rerio) or C elegans, to detailed observation of expression in cells at high magnification, the MVX10 is ideal for a wide range of uses.
With smooth, stepless 10x zooming (0.63-6.3), the MVX10 is said to deliver brightness and resolution beyond the capabilities of conventional fluorescence stereo microscopes.
This eliminates the need for switching between a stereomicroscope and inverted or upright compound microscopes during fluorescence screening procedures, such as gene expression.
Unlike standard stereo microscopes with two optical paths, the MVX10 is a mono-zoom microscope which uses a single, large-diameter optical path optimised to collect the weak light generated by fluorescence at all magnifications.
This optical path, with specially designed lenses, provides an exceptionally high NA (numerical aperture) enabling the unique brightness and increased resolution, while retaining the working distance and wide field of view as all stereo microscopes.
This also ensures easy observation of dynamic processes over time.
All components of the light path contribute to the 'phenomenal' fluorescence performance of the MVX10.
Using the latest technologies and new materials, the MVX10 objectives produce low autofluorescence.
Together with the extremely high NA, this results in an exceptionally good signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, ensuring excellent contrast for observation of even the faintest fluorescence signals.
The peerless attributes of all the optical components mean that specimens can be exposed to fluorescent light for shorter periods, thereby minimising the risk of photo bleaching, or even cell damage.
This is also true at near-infrared wavelengths where the MVX10 has superior transmission properties - also increasing the range of useable fluorophores.
Fully compatible with a wide range of photography units, illuminators and stands, the MVX10 MacroView also optimises recorded fluorescence images at high magnification when using high performance digital cameras.
