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Nikon Instruments Inc. today released two new inverted microscope Eclipse models for routine laboratory work and basic research. Featuring enhanced functionality, improved workflow, a newly developed emboss contrast technique and a compact design, the new Research Microscope Eclipse Ts2R and Routine Microscope Eclipse Ts2 set a new standard in inverted microscopes. Nikon will showcase both products at the American Society for Cell Biology annual meeting in San Diego, December 12-15.

“Nikon's new Ts2 and Ts2R microscopes provide a new standard for both routine and basic research microscopes with their streamlined, space-saving design and enhanced functionality. Both models incorporate compact, ergonomic designs, LED illumination as well as a new contrasting technique to meet demands for a cost-effective observation method that is compatible with a wide variety of samples and substrates," said Steve Ross, Ph.D., General Manager, Products and Marketing, Nikon Instruments Inc. "We are excited to introduce our newest inverted microscopes that will enhance workflow and elevate imaging for both routine tissue-culture work and basic research."

Both models feature advancements that improve functionality and workflow in a space- and cost-saving design.

• New Emboss Contrast Technique: Nikon’s newly developed contrasting technique provides three-dimensional-like, high-contrast images. Even thick samples such as oocytes, embryos and colonies of stem and cancer cells which are not easily observed by conventional phase contrast, are readily resolved with Nikon's latest emboss contrast method. The new technique is also compatible with plastic and glass dishes thereby enhancing its utility for both cell culture observation and research in medical and biological fields.

• LED Illumination: The new microscopes utilize LED sources for both diascopic and epi-fluorescence illumination, eliminating the need for frequent lamp replacement, alignment, and long warm-up times.

• Improved Workflow and Ergonomics: The new microscopes have been designed to improve overall workflow. Controls for operating basic functions have been placed at the front of the microscope body for easy access whereas controls for operating diascopic and epi-fluorescence illumination have been separated to different zones on either side of the body. The new design also includes a stage with a long travel stroke which enables users to observe an entire 96-well plate. A contrast shield is provided to block ambient room light from entering the optical path, thereby enabling users to easily observe fluorescent samples in bright rooms. Additionally, a lowered stage height of the Ts2R reduces fatigue during operation and frequent exchanging of samples.

• Space-saving Design: The depth and height of the microscope body is approximately ten percent smaller than the standard inverted research microscope, saving space around the microscope and improving overall workflow in the laboratory.

ABOUT ECLIPSE Ts2:

The Eclipse Ts2 is the successor of the Eclipse TS100 and sets a new standard for entry-level inverted microscopes with its compact design, enhanced functionality and ease of use. Its compact design saves valuable space in the laboratory and fits easily inside tissue culture hoods. Controls are positioned intuitively on the microscope body for easy access. Accessories, such as the new contrast shield, allow users to observe fluorescent samples even in bright laboratory environments. Furthermore, LED-based diascopic and epi-fluorescence illumination enhances the efficiency and consistency of routine microscopy by eliminating the need for lamp alignment and long warm-up times. The new emboss contrast technique enables users to easily observe samples on either plastic or glass substrates with high contrast without requiring costly optical components.

ABOUT ECLIPSE Ts2R:

The Eclipse Ts2R is a new inverted research microscope that is intermediate in size between a routine tissue culture microscope and a standard research microscope. The Ts2R provides a wide variety of observation methods and many of the enhanced functionalities that standard research microscopes provide but with a space-saving compact design.

Observation methods available with the Eclipse Ts2R include Phase Contrast, DIC, Hoffman Modulation Contrast and the newly developed Emboss Contrast. The Eclipse Ts2R incorporates high performance optical accessories common to the standard inverted research microscope Eclipse Ti to produce high quality images. As with the Eclipse Ts2, the Ts2R also showcases intuitive controls, LED illumination, and new accessories like the contrast shield for improved workflow and functionality. The compact design of the Ts2R not only saves valuable laboratory space but also improves ergonomics. For example, the lower stage design on the Ts2R reduces fatigue during repetitive sample scanning while maintaining functionality of a full-sized inverted microscope.

American Society for Cell Biology 2015 attendees are invited to experience Nikon’s new inverted research microscopes at Booth #701.

The Eclipse Ts2R and Eclipse Ts2 are now available for purchase.