Aug 7 2007
Nikon Instruments has introduced the LV-UDM Universal Design Microscope, a breakthrough universal microscope platform able to meet the demands of the academic and industrial fields.
With its newly designed turret condenser and motorized nosepiece, the LV-UDM is a unique multifunctional microscope that can be used in bioscience and material science applications without the need to change hardware.
Advanced illumination techniques for both transmitted and reflected light observations can be performed on a multitude of specimen types ranging from thinly sliced biological tissues requiring a cover glass to larger three dimensional industrial samples requiring greater working distances. When coupled with an array of biological and industrial objective lenses that fit the motorized nosepiece, these advanced illumination techniques provide the capability to cross over between bioscience and industrial markets and address the new generation of mixed samples in the growing BioMaterials arena.
"With its expanded observation techniques, the LV-UDM offers a complete solution for organizations in 'crossover' markets, such as the pharmaceutical and BioMaterial industries," said Stan Schwartz, vice president of Nikon Instruments. "The microscope is well equipped for Industrial applications, with its increased sample height capability, and reflected light contrast techniques. At the same time, it is ideal for research and development applications within universities and bioscience applications that require transmitted light observations."
A true solution for routine and R&D applications, the LV-UDM's turret condenser supports transmitted brightfield, darkfield, differential interference contrast (DIC), and phase contrast observation techniques. Additionally, the motorized nosepiece accommodates both biological and industrial objectives and supports reflected brightfield, darkfield, DIC and fluorescence observations. The LV-UDM microscopes can be configured using any one of three new universal stands which include motorized/manual operation or a separate focus module for applications requiring working distances up to 102mm.
Ergonomic considerations are also key features of the microscope's design. The tilting eyepiece tube and motorization allow users to control the microscope without moving their hands away from its base. Additionally, the controls are easily accessible, making the LV-UDM exceptionally user-friendly.
The microscope has also been optimized for digital image capture and image processing using the Nikon DS series cameras and NIS-Elements software, creating an all-in-one solution for users. Additionally, the motorized model meets all requirements for digital imaging, analysis, obtaining Z focus stacks to produce Extended Depth of Focus (IDF) images and image archiving and reporting.