Carl Zeiss Redefines Flexibility and Performance for Live Cell Imaging Microscopy

Carl Zeiss launches a new inverted research microscope system in the UK specially developed to enhance the investigation of processes in living cells.

The Axio Observer incorporates a host of new features found for the first time on this class of instrument. These technological advances make it possible not only to observe processes in living cells in unparalleled detail but also to manipulate those processes and analyse the resulting changes.

New, thermally-insulated, high-performance objectives may be specified from the Carl Zeiss LCI Plan-Neofluar and Plan-Apochromat ranges. Combined with a temperature sensor that is integrated into the culture vessel, the new objectives ensure that the required temperature is controlled accurately and reliably. Users may also specify the innovative LD Plan-Neofluar 20x and 40x phase contrast objectives, which combine positive and negative phase contrast in a single objective to deliver optimum contrasting of all object structures with a single objective.

An innovative range of stackable incubation components has also been designed especially for the Axio Observer. Highly versatile, these flex-free devices keep temperatures under maximum control while maintaining a clear, unobstructed workspace. High-performance filter sets enable up to 70% higher excitation intensity and up to 50% shorter exposure times while the fast-change 6-position reflector turret enables rapid switching of the filter sets and wavelength during an experiment.

All these components are automatically recognised by the Axio Observer's ACR (Automatic Component Recognition) function and integrated into the system configuration. On motorised models the entire suite of microscope parameters is displayed on the integrated flat panel monitor and may be operated via a selection of clearly arranged menus. Since all the settings are visible at a single glance the risk of mistakes is minimised, particularly if filter sets or objectives are shared between several microscopes.

The flexible, modular construction of the Axio Observer means that upgrading is very straightforward while the open system architecture makes it easy to integrate external components. For example, the laser port enables the use of a laser for targeted manipulation in FRAP procedures, uncaging or the targeted deletion of cellular structures. Mechanical manipulators, laser scan modules, optical tweezers or laser microdissection modules transform the Axio Observer into a complete cell research station.