Olympus Offers Multiphoton Laser Scanning Microscope System


Center Valley, PA, October 15, 2006 - Olympus has introduced the Fluoview FV1000-MPE multiphoton laser scanning microscope system * for deep observation and imaging of living or thickly sliced specimens. Neuroscientists and cell biologists can use the system to image dynamic processes up to several hundred microns deep in living cells and tissues without inflicting significant photo-damage to specimens. The system is particularly useful for repeated, long-range or time-lapse exposures, and any application that requires deep imaging and/or extensive fluorescence excitation.

The FV1000-MPE incorporates the use of a femtosecond pulsed laser to achieve photon density at the focal plane with minimal damage or photobleaching of living cells. It is optimized for use with near-infrared (IR) wavelengths, and a full line of water immersion objectives is available for the best possible specimen penetration and imaging.

In multiphoton microscopy, a fluorescently-tagged specimen absorbs the energy from two (or more) photons that arrive simultaneously, and emits a fluorescence signal as if having been stimulated by a photon of double (or triple) the photon energy. Multiphoton systems can use excitation wavelengths that are of a longer, lower energy type, which scatter less as they pass through tissue. In addition, the detector is "non-descanned" (i.e. light does not need to travel through the scanning mirrors or confocal aperture before reaching the detector) and can thus be located as close to the objective as possible for maximum efficiency. Multiphoton systems allow researchers to achieve thinner optical sectioning and also cause less photobleaching and phototoxicity to surrounding areas of the specimen. They are thus ideal for deep, in vivo imaging.

The system is built around Olympus' widely used FV1000 confocal imaging platform, with its proprietary SIM scanner. This allows for two lasers to be used simultaneously in different regions of the specimen. When combined with the MPE system, one can use two multiphoton lasers simultaneously for 3D uncaging experiments. There are two specialized optics sets available in addition to the standard in vivo observation optics set. The acousto-optic module (AOM) set allows high-speed on-off toggling of the laser. Negative chirp, which corrects the time delay of laser pulse components and adjusts the beam so that the narrowest pulse is achieved, is provided as standard with the AOM optics. Additionally, there is a SIM scanner optics set , which delivers highly localized stimulation of a specific site in three dimensions, making 3D uncaging possible. The optics integrated with this set are also equipped with an AOM module, for highly precise two-dimensional stimulation of the targeted area.

For more information on the Olympus FV1000-MPE multiphoton laser scanning microscope system , contact Olympus America Inc., 3500 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley PA 18034-0610; phone 1-800-455-8236; visit www.olympusamerica.com/microscopes or email olympusseg@econnextions.com .

About Olympus Scientific Equipment Group

Olympus Scientific Equipment Group provides innovative microscope imaging solutions for researchers, doctors, clinicians and educators. Olympus microscope systems offer unsurpassed optics, superior construction and system versatility to meet the ever-changing needs of microscopists, paving the way for future advances in life science.

About Olympus

Olympus is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering imaging solutions in healthcare, life science and photography. Olympus works collaboratively with its customers and its parent company, Tokyo-based Olympus Corporation, to leverage R&D investment in precision technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines. These include:

Gastrointestinal endoscopes, accessories, and minimally invasive surgical products;
Advanced clinical and research microscopes;
Lab automation systems, chemistry-immuno and blood bank analyzers and reagents; and
Digital and film cameras, and digital voice recorders.

In the U. S. and Canada, Olympus serves healthcare, scientific and commercial laboratory markets with integrated product solutions and financial, educational and consulting services that help customers efficiently, reliably, safely, and easily achieve superior results. Olympus is the leader in gastrointestinal endoscopy and clinical and educational microscopes. The company's consumer electronics business spans North and South America. For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com.

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