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Nikon's Eclipse TE2000 Inverted Research Microscope Sets a New Standard For Live Cell Microscopy

Nov 12, 2001

Nikon has reinvented the function and redefined the performance of research inverted microscopy with the introduction of the Eclipse TE2000 Inverted Research Microscope. The new inverted microscope is the first to take full advantage of and utilize the infinity space. Available in three models, TE2000 microscopes all feature a multi-port design and an exclusive stratum structure which allows them to be flexibly configured to meet the progressively advanced and diversified applications of today and tomorrow.

Because of its unique design, the TE2000 models are able to use multiple optical accessories either separately or simultaneously, supporting multiple input illumination sources as well as output detector functions. Multiple epi-fluorescence techniques may then be easily used simultaneously or sequentially, allowing other techniques such as high resolution deconvolution 3D images which may be incorporated together with FRAP or FRET applications.

Laser illumination techniques such as FRAP (Fluorescence Recovering After Photobleaching), Tweezers or laser micro dissection are readily utilized. Plus, an exclusive stray light Noise Terminator(R)(R) makes it possible to capture images with unprecedented signal to noise (S/N) ratios.

The TE2000E is a high precision Z-focus automated model that features 5 output ports and 5-way motorized light path changer. It is ideal for advanced research that requires image capture in 3D, including confocal microscopy and deconvolution processing. The TE2000U is a universal model that comes with 4 output ports as standard, plus an optional fifth user defined position, thereby providing an unprecedented 5-way light path. The U model also features an integrated magnification changer module providing 1x or 1.5x magnification to all ports.

The TE2000S is a basic model that can be used for specific tasks and is equipped with two output ports as standard.

All TE2000 microscopes have the flexibility of using either motorized or manual accessories. With a dedicated communications hub controller, researchers can choose retrofitable motorized options to achieve any desired research method. This also enables external control of the microscope from a remote pad or a connected PC, making it easy to integrate image analysis using commercially available image processing software.

To ensure greater stability, Nikon adopted a new high-strength alloy material, M-45, in the microscope base that doubles the rigidity and improves the precision of the focusing movement as compared with previous models. Because thermal stability is as important as rigid construction, Nikon also designed the main body structure so that minor ambient temperature fluctuations do not adversely affect the image to be captured. This design is particularly useful for time-intensive research such as time-lapse recording. TE2000 models' combination of versatile Stratum Structure, multiple ports, stability, rigidity and motorized functions make them ideal for gene detection, (M-FISH) dynamic time-lapse cellular events, FRET (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer) studies and other advanced fluorescence applications.

Optional applications include TIRF (Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence) microscopy, which provides extremely high S/N images of low intensity fluorescing molecules. This ability is vastly improved by Nikon's exclusive stray light Noise Terminator(R)(R). This feature redirects stray light out of the image path and effectively terminates it, producing images of high contrast and greater S/N ratio when observing weakly fluorescing specimens, especially in dynamic live cell imaging experiments.

Nikon's tradition of superior ergonomics continues with innovations built into all TE2000 models. Controls are located at the front of the instrument within easy reach, allowing the operator's arms to remain in a natural position for hours of strain-free usage. The eyepiece tube inclines 25 degrees at the perfect viewing angle to minimize fatigue during long periods of observation and allows the microscope's stage to be observed in order to simplify specimen handling.

TE2000 microscopes also incorporate Nikon's CFI60 optical system, which offers research professionals the brightest, highest contrast, aberration-free microscope imaging at both the highest and lowest magnifications, with notably longer working distances and higher numerical apertures.

The new TE200 models will be available starting in December, 2001.