Dec 8 2009
The new super corrected Olympus 60x, NA 1.4 microscope objective is the world’s best-corrected microscope objective lens, designed to deliver its optimal levels of performance using light at wavelengths not only up to 650nm, but down to the unprecedented 405nm wavelength as well. It is useful for cell biologists, neuroscientists and others using lasers for imaging inter- and intracellular detail in biological specimens.
The PLAPON60XOSC lens provides for under 0.1-0.2µm of chromatic aberration when working with lasers from 405nm up to 650nm. Most other comparable objectives only deliver their optimal performance down to around 435nm. Because 405nm light is useful for imaging in many scientific experiments, the improvement in chromatic aberration means that users can now do multicolor imaging with the highest color fidelity even at the shortest wavelengths commonly used, allowing reliable colocalization and 3-dimensional microstructure studies. Images down to 405nm benefit greatly from highly improved optical performance with better flatness; even more important, shadowed areas at the periphery of the image are virtually gone, so users see a bright, crisp image from edge to edge. In addition, the objective provides excellent near-infrared fluorescence imaging up to 850nm. Not only is chromatic aberration vastly reduced, but other aberrations are as well. Importantly, along with each objective, Olympus is providing written optical performance specifications that the company is guaranteeing to meet.
The new objective, which has a working distance of 0.12mm and a field number of 22, takes advantage of proprietary Olympus technology that helps provide an enhanced point spread function for confocal imaging at low ultraviolet wavelengths with enhanced flatness and improved brightness out to the periphery of the field. It is designed to be used with an appropriate cover glass and immersion oil. The objective can also be adapted for use with differential interference contrast (DIC).
Like all Olympus UIS2 optics, the objective is constructed using the company’s proprietary lead-free ECO glass materials as part of the Olympus worldwide commitment to reduce the environmental impact of its operations and products.