Resolution enhancement by removal of out of focus blur Sharp, high contrast semi-confocal images Cost efficient optical sectioning Reduced post image processing efforts
Semi-confocal images using a cooled CCD camera In conventional fluorescence microscopy the inside structure of thick specimens cannot be resolved clearly because of pronounced contibution of out of focus light from above and below the focal plane. It is possible to reject this out of focus light by placing a rotating slit disc in a confocal plane of the microscope. The result is a clear, continous, optically cross-sectioned image that can be recorded with high speed using a cooled CCD camera . The confocal effect alleviates efforts for post image processing.
Advanced system performance 3D image stacks can by acquired easily using the inverted IX81 or the upright BX61 microscope platforms with their built-in, precise Z motor. Integrated control of DSU, motorised microscope and cooled CCD camera is implemented in Olympus image acquisition software packages, resulting in a complete imaging system solution.
Easy operation A simple switch close to the operator's hand makes it easy to control such functions as inserting the slit disc into or removing it out of the light path, exchanging cubes and opening/closing the shutter. It is quick and easy to switch between general fluorescence observation and semi-confocal observation.
The right disc for each condition Five disks are available of varying slit width and spacing allowing the DSU to be optimised for varying objective numerical apertures and speciment thicknesses. Semi-confocal images can be collected with objectives ranging from 10-100x.
Excellent cost The DSU is a cost efficient alternative to laser based confocal microscope systems. The arc lamp illumination source (xenon or mercury lamp) present on any fluorescence microscope can be used without modification. Fluorescence excitation characteristics can be flexibly changed according to the users needs by the addition of new filters and dichromatic mirror sets.
UV fluorescence excitation capable DSU optical design is optimised for 350-700nm excitation allowing excellent performance from near UV to near IR. DSU accepts standard Olympus filter cubes for excellent system flexibility. The motorised DSU filter turret has six positions, and can accept up to 5 different fluorescence filter cubes for excellent system flexibility. IX2 microscope frames can optionally be equipped with a second motorised turret (IX2-FRFACA).
Resolution enhancement by removal
