Fixed Stage Upright Microscope BX51WI/BX61WI : Features (4)
- vibration-free design.
- experimental operation.
- A powerful new concept.
- live cell observation.
Ultimate image clarity for electro-physiological experiments.
A new concept in live cell observation.
IR-DIC/ Nomarski DIC observation
IR-DIC Optimized Optics: Designed for observations at 775nm to 900nm
Thanks to the precisely aberration-compensated IR-DIC optics covering from visible to near infrared light of 775nm/900nm wavelength, the clarity of images observed under near infrared light has been improved still further, allowing clear observation of even deep sections of brain slice.
- Visible light DIC
Allows operator high-resolution observation of the tissue surface. - 775nm IR-DIC
In combination with an IR camera allows observation within the tissue slice. Optics are corrected for visible and IR wavelengths allowing fast switching between wavelengths with minimal refocusing. - 900nm Nomarski DIC
Allows observation deeper into the tissue (requires special polarizer and analyzer optimized for 900nm).
Senarmont compensation for Nomarski DIC observation
When using a Senarmont equipped condenser, all contrast adjustments are performed with the 1/4 wave plate below the condenser, thus eliminating the risk of bumping the stage, specimen, manipulators or nosepiece.
Oblique illumination observation
Oblique observation optimizes contrast by changing the direction of the specimen shadow
Olympus has developed an oblique condenser (WI-OBCD) whose long working distance enables the angles of shadow to be altered through 360 degrees without moving the specimen. Requiring no additional accessories, oblique illumination is easy to set up and control. Plastic dishes (normally unsuitable for all types of DIC) are easy to image with oblique illumination. The oblique illumination slit aperture is variable in size and on a slider allowing quick changeover.
Fluorescence macro observation
2x and 4x Macro lenses with high numerical
apertures provide fluorescence images
Designed for GFP imaging of large cells such as neurons
2x and 4x low magnification fluorescence objectives and a special GFP observation mirror unit are available. The objectives have a long working distance for maximum flexibility. An optional water immersion cap (XL-CAP) is also available to remove image aberrations caused by ripples on water surface of immersed specimens.
Observing changes in membrane potential
Measuring changes in membrane electric potential by using the XLUMPLFL20xW objective with N.A. 0.95The XLUMPLFL20xW objective, with its high N.A., and 2.0mm of working distance allows the measurement of cell membrane electric potential (as seen right). Also, the 4x macro objective (XLFLUOR4x/340) can be used to measure membrane potential at the tissue level. A water immersion cap (XL-CAP) can be attached to the macro 2x or 4x objectives to eliminate disturbances caused by water ripples.
Imaging of neuronal activity with voltage sensitive dye
Spread of neural activity in area CA1 of acute rat hippocampal slice (400µm thick) in response to a single stimulation applied to Schaffer collateral pathway imaged (at frame rate of 0.7 ms/frame) with a fluorescent voltage sensitive dye (VSD; Di-4-ANEPPS). The fluorescent image (90x60 pixels) captured by a digital high-speed CCD camera (MiCAM01, Brain Vision Inc.; with 20x objective and 0.5x adapter) is superimposed on the illustration of a hippocampal slice (upper left panel). The image is enlarged and shown on the illustration of pyramidal cells (solid line) (lower left panel). Each laminar of CA1 is shown as follows: SO-A, Stratum oriens-alveus; SP, Stratum pyramidal; SR, Stradum radiatum. The individual somas of cells were visible (indicated by dotted circle on the image) and were found along the stratum pyramidal. The changes in the fluorescence of VSD (optical signal) in accordance with the membrane potential change upon a stimulation (Stim) onto Schaffer collateral (Sch) were pseudo-color encoded and shown as consecutive images (upper right panel; number in each image shows time from the stimulation (ms)). The depolarizing signal (red) spread along Schaffer collateral, which was followed by a hyperpolarizing signal (blue) originated in stratum pyramidal. The time courses of optical signals in representative pixels are shown in lower right traces.
* Takashi Tominaga Ph.D, Brain-Operative Device Lab., Brainway Group, Brain Science Institute, Riken
