Olympus has developed new UIS2 objectives and fluorescence filters for its life science microscope systems

Citation

(2006), "Olympus has developed new UIS2 objectives and fluorescence filters for its life science microscope systems", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 35 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2006.12935cab.001

Olympus has developed new UIS2 objectives and fluorescence filters for its life science microscope systems

Olympus has developed new UIS2 objectives and fluorescence filters for its life science microscope systems

Keywords: Microscopes, Optics

New frame optics have also been developed for the IX71 and IX81 inverted microscopes. Together these deliver the ultimate optical performance for the even the most demanding applications, allowing the exploration of new areas requiring IR or low-level fluorescence. It says the new UIS2 objectives, frame optics and filters provide peerless contrast and transmission throughout the spectrum. Fluorescence users restricted by current technology can now push the boundaries with the best available optics and fully explore the exciting area of live cell imaging. Viewing living cells using fluorescence microscopy requires the incident light intensity to be reduced as much as possible, since high level radiation can affect cell behaviour and reduce their viability. The advanced objective line of UIS2, designated UPLSapo or Spectral-Apochromatic, have a significantly increased transmittance across the spectrum, but especially in the UV and IR regions. This is achieved by a newly developed multi-layer coating and greatly increases the sensitivity by allowing the collection of more light very quickly. To aid researchers in their choice of objectives, Olympus says it is the first manufacturer to publish all the transmission curves online. Signal-to-noise ratios have been enhanced by the specially developed lead-free materials used in the UIS2 optics. These drastically reduce the autofluorescence of the components, allowing the detection of even the faintest fluorescent signals. Moreover, the new IX71/IX81 frame optics achieve better IR transmission by using the same coating technology as the UIS2 objectives. Therefore, as a total system, the complete light-path from the objective to the camera provides considerably enhanced infrared transmission. This allows the more effective use of infrared emitting fluorescence dyes. Red shifted light is much better for live cell imaging since it has lower energy and is therefore less harmful to cells than light of shorter wavelengths. In addition, the USPLapo objectives have unparalleled correction for chromatic aberrations over a much broader wavelength range. Images, therefore, remain sharp for fluorescence across the spectrum, so there is no need for re-focusing when using several labels or confocal microscopy. The peerless objectives and frame optics within the UIS2 are complemented by new advanced filters which use ion deposition technology. This method gives a more durable film, producing very even layers, guaranteeing top filter performance. By using up to 100 layers, with new substrates and coating materials, the Olympus-HQ filters can be precisely controlled to provide high transmissions, exceptionally sharp cut-offs and ultra-fine precision. As a result the distance between excitation and emission bands of the fluorochromes used can be narrowed, resulting in higher fluorescence efficiency. Additionally, all the filters are equipped with a stray light noise eliminator, further enhancing signal-to-noise ratio. In combination, Olympus life science microscope systems, UIS2 objectives and filters form perfectly-tuned fluorescence platforms, says the company.