Research Inverted System Microscope IX71/IX81 : Features (5)
- Live Cell Fluorescence Imaging
- Optical Port system
- New FL system (1)
- New FL system (2)
- DIC system
- RC/PH System
- Basic Characteristics
- Motorized Units
- Live Cell Imaging System
Nomarski DIC system offers the choice of optimal resolution or high contrast in live cell observation.
Live cells specimens vary in thickness from from that of a nematode worm such as C. elegans to a monolayer of cultured cells. The requirements for DIC are also varied according to the specimen from thinner cells being almost invisible to thicker specimens having a lot of inherent contrast. Olympus provides three DIC systems with varying amounts of shear. Small shear, high resolution sets are excellent for thicker specimens. High contrast prism with twice the normal shear are excellent for very thin specimens.
Selecting the optimum DIC prism optimum for specimen thickness and objective magnification
New DIC system gives a wider choice
UIS2 expands the selection of DIC
applicable objectives. Each condenser
prism is compatible with more lenses
making setup and configuration easier.
HR/HC optical elements for IX2-LWUCD and applicable objectives
| DIC elements | Applicable objectives |
|---|---|
| IX2-DIC20HR, IX2-DIC20HC | UPLSAPO20X, UPLFLN20X, LUCPLFLN20X |
| IX2-DIC40HR, IX2-DIC40HC | UPLSAPO40X2, UPLFLN40X, UPLFLN40XO, LUCPLFLN40X |
General type optical elements for IX2-LWUCD and applicable objectives
| DIC elements | Applicable objectives |
|---|---|
| IX2-DIC10 | UPLSAPO10X2, UPLFLN10X |
| IX2-DIC20 | UPLSAPO20X, UPLFLN20X, LUCPLFLN20X |
| IX2-DIC40 | UPLSAPO40X2, UPLFLN40X, UPLFLN40XO, LUCPLFLN40X |
| IX2-DIC60 | PLAPON60XO, UPLFLN60X, UPLFLN60XOI, LUCPLFLN60X |
| IX2-DIC100 | UPLSAPO100XO, UPLFLN100XO, UPLFLN100XOI |
Simple principle of Nomarski DIC microscopy
Nomarski DIC amplifies contrast by using the phase difference which occurs when light passes through material with different refraction values (e.g. a cell) in a particular medium (e.g. water). The wave direction of light from the microscope light source is unified in a polarizer (condenser side); and when it passes through the condenser side DIC prism, it separates into two phases which cross each other at right angles. The distance of separation is called the shearing amount. When two such separated lights pass through a medium with different refraction values (e.g. a cell), one of their phase is delayed; and when the two lights are re-composed by DIC slider (the observation side) and analyzer, the is the principle of Nomarski DIC.Olympus has developed the most suitable DIC prisms for different types of specimen, based on the shearing amount. When DIC contrast is low, the specimen is hard to observe, while high contrast also hinders observation because of excessive glare. Olympus has therefore developed three different types of DIC prisms to ensure clear observation for every kind of specimen.
Long working distance universal condenser
/ IX2-LWUCD
Combining a long working distance (27mm) and a high numerical
aperture (N.A. 0.55), the LWUCD condenser accommodates most
incubation chambers and T-Flasks. The 5-position turret provides
versatility with DIC or phase inserts. DIC components are specially
designed to obtain high-contrast, high-resolution images with 20X
and 40X objectives.
Water immersion DIC condenser / IX2-DICD
High performance DIC condenser designed
for excellent optical performance and
specimen access in high magnification
observations. Designed for specimen
access, all controls are front mounted
including prism exchange and aperture
control. Three high numerical aperture top
lenses are available including the water
immersion IX2-TLW that offers 0.9 N.A.
with 3.7mm of working distance and a 40°
approach angle for micro manipulations.
| Top lens combination | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical Aperture (N.A.) |
Working Distance (W.D.) |
Immersion | |
| IX2-TLW | 0.9 | 3.7mm | Water |
| U-TLD | 0.9 | 1.5mm | |
| U-TLO | 1.4 | 0.63mm | Oil |
Condenser adapter/IX-ADUCD
This is the condenser adapter for upright
microscope condensers on the IX2,
including the 8-position turret condenser
(U-UCD8) for maximum system flexibility.
This combination allows the use of various
optional element with high N.A., just
rotating the smooth turret for switching
them easily. The IX2 illumination pillar also
offers a 'condenser-only' tilt mechanism to
quickly allow access to the
specimen without tilting
the entire illumination pillar.
* IX2-TLW cannot be used for U-UCD8
Gliding stage/IX2-GS
The Gliding Stage was designed for quick
rotation of the specimen using your
fingertips. With 20mm of X-Y travel,
360 degree rotation and completely flat
surface, a specimen such as the nematode
worm C. elegans can be quickly brought into
the correct position and alignment for
injection or micromanipulations.
