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Nikon Revolutionizes Imaging, Doubles Field of View with New Inverted Research Microscope

Nov 9, 2016

New Eclipse Ti2 Inverted Research Microscope delivers unprecedented 25mm field of view

Nikon Instruments Inc. today raises the bar for core imaging capability with the release of the new Eclipse Ti2 Inverted Research Microscope. The Eclipse Ti2 revolutionizes how researchers capture data with a microscope, delivering an unprecedented 25mm field of view—up to twice as wide as competitive systems—as well as improved stability and usability powered by an intelligent microscope operation guide. Nikon Instruments will introduce the new Eclipse Ti2, the successor to the popular Eclipse Ti inverted research microscope, at Neuroscience 2016, on November 12-16 in San Diego, California.

“Nikon’s inverted research microscopes have become a keystone platform for many live-cell imaging systems in laboratories around the world,” said Stephen Ross, Ph.D., General Manager, Products and Marketing, Nikon Instruments Inc. “Dynamic live-cell imaging and throughput are even more critical in research today, and the new Eclipse Ti2 will enable scientists to address questions with limitless flexibility and throughput never seen before. In combination with Nikon’s powerful acquisition and analysis software, NIS-Elements, the Ti2 is a total innovation in imaging.”

With this incredible FOV, the Eclipse Ti2 maximizes the sensor area of large-format CMOS cameras and significantly improves data throughput. The Ti2’s exceptionally stable, drift-free platform is designed to meet the demands of super-resolution imaging, while its unique hardware-triggering capabilities enhance even the most challenging, high-speed imaging applications.

The Ti2 also offers intelligent functions to guide users through imaging workflows by gathering data from internal sensors – eliminating the possibility of user errors. The status of each sensor is automatically recorded during acquisition, providing quality control for imaging experiments and enhancing data reproducibility.

Nikon Instruments Eclipse Ti2 Features

  • Large diameter observation optics. The Eclipse Ti2 provides an unprecedented 25mm field of view, the largest FOV achieved in the inverted microscope market and up to twice as wide as competitive systems. Integrated fly-eye lens technology ensures uniform edge-to-edge illumination of the large FOV while redesigned large fluorescence filter cubes further ensure flat field imaging. The Ti2’s large FOV revolutionizes imaging workflows by changing the amount of data acquired within a single FOV. For example, the Ti2 significantly reduces the number of image acquisitions needed in high content experiments and large-image stitching applications. The Ti2 also improves data throughput for fast time-lapse imaging experiments that are limited to single FOV captures.
  • Improved stability (Ti2-E). The quality of image data is influenced by focus stability, which in turn is greatly affected by even the slightest changes in temperature and vibrations in microscopic environments. The focusing mechanism has been completely redesigned in the Ti2 to provide high-precision focusing capability and an ultra-stable imaging platform to meet the needs of demanding applications such as super-resolution and long-term high-content screens. The smaller design and close positioning of the new focusing drive to the objective nosepiece contribute to minimizing drift in XY and Z. Furthermore, the Ti2 incorporates a fourth generation Perfect Focus System (PFS) which once again improves upon the industry leading auto-focusing mechanism to provide an ultra-stable imaging experience.
  • Improved usability (Ti2-E/A). User experience has been revolutionized with the Ti2’s built-in sensors, internal camera1 and the Assist Guide, the world’s first2 intelligent microscope operation guide. The Assist Guide integrates all of the status information collected from the sensors to help navigate users through their desired observation method and also detects and alerts users of errors in microscope setup, eliminating the need for troubleshooting. This intelligent guide can be accessed either through a tablet or PC interface. Furthermore, the Ti2 has been completely redesigned, from the overall body design to the selection and placement of every button and switch, for more intuitive operation.
  • Auto Correction Collar for highest quality imaging. Changes in sample and cover glass thickness, refractive index distribution, and temperature can lead to spherical aberration and image deterioration. Precise positioning of correction collars on objectives is critical in counteracting these changes and for achieving highest resolution, best contrast images. The Ti2’s automated correction collar utilizes a harmonic drive and automatic correction algorithm that enable users to easily achieve precise collar adjustment to achieve maximal objective performance every time.

The Eclipse Ti2 will be available in January 2017.

1 Includes eyepiece tube base with built-in camera
2 As of October 2016, for conventional research inverted microscopes (based on Nikon’s survey)