Nov 1 2007
Nikon Instruments, Inc. today announced the launch of its latest inverted microscope series, the Eclipse Ti. Available in three models, the new Ti offers improved system speed, increased flexibility and efficient multi-mode microscopy as part of a fully-integrated microscope system that is ideal for high-end research and live cell imaging.
All components of the system are seamlessly combined through Nikon's NIS-Elements software. This allows diverse image acquisition and analysis methods, with techniques such as multidimensional time-lapse imaging, FRET, FRAP, High Content Analysis and photo-activation. The newly-developed digital control HUB significantly increases accessory speed by streamlining communication between components and the PC, boosting total operational speed. Additionally, faster motorized device movement and image acquisition protocols decreases overall light exposure and subsequent photo-toxicity, leading to more meaningful data. As a result, the Ti series is ideal for live cell imaging.
At the core of the Ti System is Nikon's exceptional and highly validated CFI60 series of over 100 objectives lenses devoted to biological imaging. Seven of these objectives were newly developed especially for the Ti inverted microscope. Most notably, the VC Plan Apo 20X NA 0.75 with violet line correction, the new 60x ELWD S Plan Fluor NA 0.70 with a 0.1 to 1.3 mm correction collar, and the new apodized ADM phase contrast 20X and 40X S Plan Fluor ELWD objectives.
"Nikon has been a leader in the inverted microscope market for more than 30 years," said Stan Schwartz, vice president of Nikon Instruments. "In creating the Ti line, we drew our design experience and user supplied input from the past 4 generations of "T" inverted microscopes, added the best attributes from our industry-leading Eclipse series and incorporated new, innovative technologies that can truly make a difference in our customers' ability to conduct their research and make new discoveries."
The Ti utilizes Nikon's NIS-Elements software, which provides a seamless platform for integration of the microscope, cameras, components and peripherals, for fully automated image acquisition. NIS-Elements makes it possible to capture, display and analyze 6-D image sequences and movies while ensuring secure and quantifiable data.
The Ti series also includes a newly developed "full intensity" external phase contrast system, which is built into the microscope body, rather than in the objective lens, thereby producing very little light loss. Through the efficiency of the light usage, the Ti allows capture of phase contrast image morphology with high numerical aperture specialty objectives, such as the APO TIRF NA 1.49 series, without limiting fluorescence throughput.
Numerous other features add to the Ti's flexibility and interchangeability for both routine and unique research applications. For instance, the Ti offers five different kinds of fluorescence illuminators, supporting cutting- edge research using new FRET ratio, TIRF imaging or photo activation technologies.
Additionally, multiple camera ports, which can be outfitted with the Digital Sight series high-performance CCD cameras or other manufacturers' quantitative camera systems, facilitate the full range of image and data capture capabilities. Using Nikon's CFI60 advanced optical technology, the Ti is capable of detecting single molecule fluorescence with the highest throughput and contrast available.
Motorization has also been enhanced with the Ti Series. New Nikon high- precision motorized stages seamlessly integrate into the Ti advanced imaging system for powerful multi-dimensional imaging. Motorized laser TIRF makes it possible to automatically set the optimal critical angle for each wavelength of illumination and field depth desired. All models are suitable as a base model for confocal microscopy, with the Ti-E providing a fully-automated option ideal for this technique in principal investigator labs and core imaging facilities alike.
Further meeting researcher needs, all buttons and control switches were designed with a focus on ease of operation, visibility and understandability. With operation buttons on both sides of the microscope body, fluorescence filter and Z-axis coarse/fine switch over, objective changing -- retraction -- reset, as well as various on/off controls, including the unique and now fully integrated PFS, can be operated quickly and easily. Additionally, the newly developed joystick and ergonomic controllers allow custom programmed operations and movement speed adjustment with a precise and natural operation feel.