Nikon Instruments Inc.
1300 Walt Whitman Rd.
Melville, NY, 11747
Website: http://www.nikoninstruments.com
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Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope
The most rapid biological processes can be captured at ultra-high resolution using these new confocal laser scanner systems. Two models are available; the fully automated A1 and the high specification A1R (Nikon Instruments, Inc.). The A1 utilizes conventional paired galvonometers producing images with resolution up to 4096 × 4096 pixels). The A1R incorporates a hybrid scanner system (offering frame rates of 30 fps, 512 × 512 pixels). The hybrid scanner enables simultaneous photo-activation and imaging, critical for unveiling cell dynamics and interactions. The systems complement Nikon’s Ti inverted microscope, particularly when coupled with the company’s Perfect Focus System, which eliminates focal drift. The A1R features a hybrid resonant-non-resonant scanning system. The scanners are used in tandem; the resonant scanner capable of capturing images at 30fps (512 × 512 pixels), is employed to capture images, while the non-resonant scanner photoactivates or photobleaches the specimen. Additional functionality of the hybrid scanning system enables images to be captured at speeds of up to 420 fps (512 × 32 pixels). The A1R’s optical pixel clock generator produces ultra-stable clock sync pulses, offering images that are completely even in intensity without distortion even at high speed. A low-incidence-angle dichroic mirror gives rise to an increase in fluorescence efficiency. Both units incorporate variable hexagonal shaped pinholes that considerably sharpen image quality. By not clipping the airy disc, more light is passed through the pinhole improving optical efficiency. Coupled with the variable Z resolution, brightness, noise and scanning times can all be optimized. Image quality is enhanced by hyper double sampling, whereby PMT (photomultiplier tube) noise is sampled twice and eliminated, reducing noise. An additional benefit of the series is its ability to be used in conjunction with Controlled Light Exposure Microscopy (CLEM), a system for automatically monitoring and varying laser illumination during time-lapse studies in order to minimize the risk of cell degradation, death or bleaching.
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