Microscopy From Carl Zeiss

Microscopy from Carl ZeissAxioplan 2 imagingThe Universal Microscope SystemMicroscopy withdigital perfection

Axioplan 2imagingAs we start a new millennium, we also enter anew age of microscopy – the age of digital technology. As with many major milestones in thehistory of microscopy, Carl Zeiss is at the forefront, leading the digital revolution. To meet thechallenges of this new age, we have createdAxioplan 2 imaging, a flexible microscope system designed for the future. An exciting singlesolution with infinite flexibility that can be tailored to every application. Computer-controlledor operated manually, this microscope not onlycaptures and stores images digitally and withbrilliant precision, it can also communicate withother systems. Axioplan 2 imaging: the highperformance, high-flexibility microscope systemthat guarantees new heights in success.So: If you want to stay in the lead in the digitalage, you need a reliable partner. One who canalways meet the latest demanding requirementsin research and routine microscopy. One who isalways up to date with the rapid developments intechnology. With more than 150 years of experience in microscope making, with unquestionedleadership in practice-oriented software and withits highly competent sales and service organization, Carl Zeiss is this partner. Turn to Carl Zeissfor solutions that ensure you accomplish thetasks of today and tomorrow – from simpleimage handling to complex image analysis problems.

MilestonesIn 1847, Carl Zeiss sold his first microscope to a scientist.Since then, the company he founded has been a leadingplayer in microscope development worldwide.Time and again, Zeiss innovations have set new standardsin research and routine microscopy.1925The Carl Zeiss company developsthe first reflected-light microscope withinfinity optics.1939LumipanA universal microscope ushersin the modern era in microscopy:the Lumipan stand.1958Sets new standards in microscope design:The Universal Research Microscope,still indispensable in many laboratories.1973AxiomatA completely new stand and legendaryquality: Axiomat. Over and above itsrevolutionary design, it features infinityoptics for all microscopical techniques.1986The infinity optics principle brought toperfection: Axioplan and Axiophot.Technical innovations and unprecedentedAxioplanergonomic advantages set new standards.2000Subject to continuous optimization and updating, thousands ofthese “pyramids” are doing excellent service around the world.Today’s top model: Axioplan 2 imaging.

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Axioplan 2 imaging –FluorescenceHigh performance in fluorescenceSimply brilliant:must be expected of any micro-The Light Trapscope that claims to meet yourhighest expectations. With itsThe quality of a fluorescence im-optics of high light transmissionage hinges on contrast, or signal-and the precision of its innovativeto-noise ratio. However good themechanisms, the new Axioplan 2light-gathering power of the ob-imaging provides everything thatjective, the quality of the reflectedfluorescence microscopists couldlight beam or the signal selectivityever want: Perfect, high-contrastof the filter set may be, any com-images and maximum system sta-promise at the cost of contrastbility in multichannel fluorescencewould impair the system’s detec-applications.tion sensitivity and consequentlythe identification of image details.Axioplan 2 imaging solves theproblemwiththeproprietary“Light Trap”. This unparalleled CarlZeiss invention with its new filtercubes open at the rear removesstray light from the imaging beampath, thus substantially curtailingbackground noise.Stray radiation passes a dichroicmirror (2), and leaves the filter cube (1)on a direct path via the rear opening (3).The tapered mount (4) of the filter cubethen deflects it out of the beam path (5).The results: Substantially enhancedcontrast, images of greater definitionand brilliance, and higher sensitivityBeam pathwith Light Trap1344Beam pathin a conventional reflector module52

Bright And BrilliantPerfect in everydimension:The new opticsThe superbly corrected optics ofAxioplan 2 imaging guaranteeoptimal chromatically correctedillumination in the image plane.Where light intensities are verylow, an optional 5-element chromatic collector further enhancesthe illumination homogeneity. Improving color correction, it assuresmaximum excitation and, as aresult, maximum emission. Highperformance filters made to veryclose tolerances help avoid pixelshifts. The newly designed reflected-light beam path allows the system to be tailored either for besttransmission or for diffraction-limited imaging of the field diaphragm. Thanks to interchangeable diaphragm sliders, the user Human endothelium cells.Quadruple fluorescence:DAPI, Alexa 350, Alexa 488,Phalloidin-Alexa 594.Plan-Neofluar 63/1.25 oil.J. Zbaeren, Insel Hospital, Berncan select diaphragm formats ormodules.The decisive gain in contrast:FITC fluorescence micrographwithout Light Trap (1),with Light Trap (2)125

Axioplan 2 imaging –FluorescenceMultichannel fluorescence is play-With 8 positionsing an increasingly important rolein the lead :in research, whether used alone orFilters and filter turretin combination with other opticalmethods. There is a current trend,Eight filter places, easily accessiblefor example, from single channelin a compact turret without com-FISH (fluorescence in-situ hybridi-promising the full 25 mm field ofzation) to multicolor FISH, whereview: This is top performance com-combinations of up to seven fluo-bined with unequalled flexibility.rochromes yield 24 colors for auto-You can insert a wide range ofmatic chromosome analysis. Indichroic mirror-emission filter com-many research labs, different mu-binations, Optovar modules andtants of fluorescent proteins area DIC analyzer for convenientcombined with standard fluores-change. If you install the optionalcent dyes. So it is becoming moreexternal filter changer, you can useand more important to have six orup to eight excitation filters asmore positions on the filter turret.well.With Axioplan 2 imaging, youhave eight.With the Push&Clickmechanism, filter cubes arechanged within seconds.Fast access to the right filter set:the filter wheel with 8 positionsfor Push&Click filter cubes6

Number One InPerformanceAnd FlexibilityFast changeover :High-resolution four-colorbanding of human chromosomes.Dr. I. Chudoba,Institute of Human Genetics, Jena,and MetaSystems, AltlussheimPush&ClickWith so many options to choosefrom, flexibility is the key. The new,cube-mounted filter sets can bequickly removed or added to theAxioplan 2 imaging filter turret.No more screws, no problems withalignment: The practical Push&Clickmechanism ensures the filters are Metaphase. Left to right:Inverted and band-enhanced DAPIcounterstaining;RGB presentation;classified pseudocolor presentationcorrectlypositionedandheldsecurely in place. Chart of chromosome karyotypes.Comparison of DAPI counterstainingand classified chromosomes.Dr. Köhler,Applied Spectral Imaging7

Axioplan 2 imaging –FluorescenceResearch assignments pose formi-Turn minimum signalsdable challenges to both peopleinto maximum results :andZeiss opticsequipment.Axioplan2imaging brilliantly satisfies theSuppose you want to observe sig-workplace. It is the researcher’snals at a cell membrane or flowsideal partner when it comes toinside a cell, or investigate thegetting the best results.presence of GFP in, or GFP trans- demands placed on a microscopyDevelopment stadiaof C. elegans. DIC.Prof. Schnabel, BraunschweigUniversity of Technologyport between, specific cell compartments. No matter whether the1–5C. elegans. GFP-labeledneurons.H. Hutter, MPI Heidelbergemission signal comes from a fluo-1Differentiation bybetter contrast :DIC with a memoryFor studies in developmental biology using DIC microscopy, the maxi-2mum in resolution and contrast isonly just good enough. To achievethis, all parts of the instrumentmust be perfectly tuned to eachother – as is the case withAxioplan 2 imaging. For everyobjective, there is a speciallyrescence-labeled antibody, an ion-matched DIC slider, including onedepicting dye or another specificwith Sénarmont contrasting. Oncemarker, it is too faint to be detec-the DIC slider has been set, thetable with optics of any but theobjective will keep the setting inhighest performance. Objectivesmind.from Carl Zeiss feature highest NAAxioplan 2 imaging comes with(limited only by the laws ofan extensive range of ICS objec-physics), ideal chromatic correctiontives of renowned, continuouslyand image flattening, and the veryoptimized Zeiss quality, with su-best transmission properties forperb contrast and resolution. Onevisible light, UV and IR imaging. Inof them will be ideally suited toshort: maximum performance foryour current application, whateverevery application.it may be.834

Focus On ResearchPerfect specimenCorrect excitation :protection :AttoArc 2The high-speed shutterWith AttoArc 2 you can control theThe microscopy of live objects isintensity of the excitation light viaparticularly demanding. In order tothe brightness of the lamp source.get the best images, specimensAs a result, you automatically getmust be treated with the leastsignals of the intensity needed forpossible damage. The motorizeddocumentation. In computer-con-high-speed shutter of Axioplan 2trolled multichannel fluorescenceimaging provides a superb advan-work, the light intensity will betage in fluorescence work. Withautomatically adjusted from chan-shutter speeds down to a fewnel to channel. Whether with man-microseconds, it is the perfect so-ual or digital control, AttoArc 2lution for GFP images of living sys-will always provide signals of opti-tems. Simply leave the light sourcemum strength. And this meanson and control exposure time withperfect results.the shutter. This reduces bleachingand phototoxicity of the specimen.Fast but gentle :The SoftStop functionWith the new SoftStop function,you can change reflector modulesand objectives within fractions of asecond. This will save valuabletime, especially in automated processes. In addition, a special algorithm prevents switching oscillations otherwise inevitable at suchspeeds – a feature that is easy on5your microscope and your specimens.Electronic dimmerfor high-pressure lamps:AttoArc 29

Axioplan 2 imaging –ICS OpticsInfinity optics were designed in theearly 1930s on the basis of AugustPlan-NeofluarobjectivesKöhler’s concepts and calculations.But it took the invention of ICS(Infinity Color-corrected System) in1986 to make this type of opticsthe core of a complete range ofinstruments.ICS optics aim at achieving thebest possible performance withthe least possible number of optical elements. As every optical element contributes to limiting theFluarobjectivessystem’s light transmission, minimizing the number of optical components means maximizing theoverall optical performance.ICS optics and SI (System Integration) stand design have broughtabout visible improvements inoptical performance with regard toimage contrast, brightness anddetail resolution. Today, after morethan a decade, the ICS concept isC-Apochromatobjectivesstill unsurpassed. With continuedupgrading of the imaging elements and advanced manufacturing processes, ICS optics have become indispensable for providingthe high apertures and long working distances needed for the applications of today and tomorrow.Plan-Apochromatobjectives10