Breakthrough Stereo Microscope Optics
Traditional boundaries between scientific fields such as molecular biology and developmental biology are rapidly disappearing as researchers seek to connect findings at the molecular level to those derived from cellular, tissue, and organismal studies. Fields including molecular biology, cell biology, neurobiology, embryology, developmental biology and systems biology have increasing needs for imaging systems that span spatial scales from single cells to whole organisms.
With these demands in mind, Nikon has developed a stereo microscope that features a large zoom ratio of 25:1, high resolution and exceptional fluorescence transmission capability.
World's largest zoom range enables high resolution macro to micro imaging
An innovative optical system known as Perfect Zoom System provides the world's first zoom ratio of 25:1 (zoom range: 0.63x - 15.75x).
Even with a 1x objective lens, the SMZ25 captures the entire 35mm dish and simultaneously delivers microscopic details
Arthromacra sp. / (Using SHR Plan Apo 1x with SMZ25) / Image courtesy of Japan Insect Association
Nikon Perfect Zoom System offers new levels of imaging power and versatility
A breakthrough in stereo microscope design, Perfect Zoom System dynamically changes the distance between the two optical axes as the zoom factor is changed.
This change in optical axis distance enables maximization of light entry into the optical system at every magnification.
The result is an uncompromised, large zoom range, high resolution in both eye paths, and minimal aberrations over the entire zoom-range.
Furthermore, this breakthrough in optical design enables all of these desirable features be housed in a compact zoom body, resulting in an ergonomic instrument design.
Superior resolution never before seen on a stereo microscope
The SHR Plan Apo series objective lens offers a high resolution of 1100LP/mm (observed value, using SHR Plan Apo 2x at maximum zoom), delivering brilliant images with true-to-life colors.
SHR Plan Apo series
Comparison of resolution and color aberration by resolution chart
-
SMZ25
-
Conventional model
Auto Link Zoom (ALZ) supports seamless viewing at different scales
ALZ automatically adjusts the zoom factor to maintain the same field of view when switching objective lenses.
This function enables seamless switching between whole organism imaging at low magnifications and detailed imaging at high magnifications.
Enhanced brightness and uniform illumination in low magnification range
The SMZ25 series is the first stereo microscope in the world to use a fly-eye lens on an epi-fluorescence attachment.
This innovative design ensures bright and uniform illumination even at low magnifications, resulting in uncompromised uniformity in brightness across a large field of view.
-
Conventional epi-fluorescence attachment / Poor illumination coverage
-
New epi-fluorescence attachment / Fly eye lens uniformly illuminates the entire field of view
Improved S/N ratio and crystal clear fluorescent images thanks to an improved optical system
Nikon's newly developed optical system offers a drastic improvement in S/N ratio even at high magnifications. This improved S/N ratio makes it possible to capture low fluorescence signals and light-sensitive events such as cell division, which is difficult using conventional stereo microscopes.
Extended depth of focus (EDF)
Capture multiple high resolution images at different focal depths to create a single extended depth of focus image or quasi-3D image.
Zoom body with significant improvements in optical performance
Nikon has succeeded in improving the signal and reducing noise in fluorescent images by using a short wavelength, high transmission lens.
Combined with an innovative epi-fluorescence attachment, the SMZ18/25 is better able to detect emission signal than conventional fluorescent stereo microscopes.
Easy-to-use OCC illumination
The new LED DIA Base with a built-in OCC illuminator generates minimal heat, consumes very little power and is long-lived. This illuminator can enhance the contrast of uneven surfaces, such as that of an embryo.
The OCC illuminator can be controlled using a slide lever. Thanks to scales on the slide lever, the user can save and reproduce desired illumination levels. In addition, an OCC plate can be inserted into the illumination unit from the front and rear sides, so images with different shadow direction can be observed.
-
Conventional diascopic illumination
-
OCC illuminator
-
OCC illuminator
What is OCC illumination?
The acronym OCC stands for oblique coherent contrast (OCC), which is a form of oblique lighting method developed by Nikon.
Compared to conventional diascopic illumination that illuminates directly from below, OCC illumination applies coherent light to samples in a diagonal direction, giving contrast to colorless and transparent sample structures.
Examples of OCC images
-
OCC illumination
-
Standard transmitted illumination
Stage (Option)
The stage features an XY stroke of 6x4* inches (150 mm x 100 mm) and can be attached to any of the bases, making it effective for capturing large images when used in combination with imaging software NIS-Elements. A sliding stage and tilting stage are also available.
* Limited Y travel with 32 mm column bases
P-SXY64 XY Stage
On-axis imaging for digital images
Easily switch between stereo position (stereoscopic view) and mono
position (on-axis view) when using the P2-RNI2 Intelligent Nosepiece by simply sliding the objective lens.
스펙
