Nikon Eliminates Focus Drift in Live Cell Microscopy with the New TE2000-PFS
A Powerful New Microscope Debuts With Real-Time Focus Correction
MELVILLE, N.Y., Nov. 8 / -- Nikon Instruments, Inc., (www.nikonusa.com) a world leader in the development of advanced optical technology, today introduced a new solution designed to eliminate focus drift in live cell time lapse observation. The Nikon TE2000 Perfect Focus Inverted Research Microscope (PFS) delivers automatic focus correction for the TE2000E2 series of inverted research microscopes.
"Nikon's TE2000-PFS removes one of the biggest obstacles to acquiring live cell time-lapse data," said Stan Schwartz, vice president, Nikon Instruments. "The new system is compatible with a variety of observation methods from brightfield, fluorescence to DIC, TIRF, phase contrast and many others. Researchers will never again miss rapid events in specimen observation because of unwanted focus drift."
The TE2000-PFS eliminates the need to adjust the image focus every time stage movement occurs. Also, eliminating focus adjustment for time lapse recordings substantially reduces photobleaching and keeps specimens alive for longer periods of fluorescence observation. The Nikon TE2000-PFS works by optically detecting the surface of the coverslip and transmitting focusing data through Nikon's Continuous Optical Feedback (COF) technology to the microscope's focusing mechanism. The mechanism automatically adjusts focus to compensate for even the tiniest drift in image focus.
The new system achieves focusing precision of less than 1/3 of the focal depth of the objective by combining Nikon's PFS technology with the extremely accurate Z-axis control of the TE2000E2. Additionally, the Nikon TE2000-PFS features an Optical Offset feature permitting researchers to freely select focus planes throughout the specimen while maintaining focus at the coverslip interface. For focus detection, the system uses an LED in the infrared range and an internal linear CCD detector to sense the focal point so it does not intrude on wavelengths normally used for specimen observation. Since the LED wavelength does not affect image quality or in itself add additional noise, high contrast visualization, normally feasible using only high S/N fluorescence imaging, is now possible.
The Nikon TE2000-PFS comes standard with motorized focus and 5-way light port changeover, ideally suited for advanced live cell imaging research. The system uses Nikon's most acclaimed CF160 infinity objectives both oil immersion and dry types, which deliver excellent resolution with high numerical apertures and long working distances.
About Nikon Instruments Inc.
Nikon Instruments Inc. is a global leader in the development of advanced optical technology. Its product line includes microscopy equipment, digital imaging, precision measuring and semiconductor wafer-handling equipment. Nikon is committed to providing technologically advanced instruments that offer optimal versatility, performance and productivity. Nikon combines state-of-the-art capabilities with innovative designs to produce optically superior, ergonomically friendly products for cutting-edge scientific research, medical and industrial applications. For more information visit the Nikon website at www.nikonusa.com. Product related inquiries can be directed to Nikon Instruments at 800-52-NIKON
Source: Nikon Instruments, Inc.
CONTACT: Norman Booth, nbooth@keatingco.com, +1-973-966-1100 or Jonathan Pocius, jpocius@keatingco.com, +1-973-966-1100, both for Nikon Instruments, Inc.
Web site: www.nikonusa.com/
