New Custom Objective Lenses to Support Two-Photon Microscopy Applications from Navitar

Special Optics, a division of Navitar and supplier of precision optical assemblies, offers objective lens solutions optimized for use in two-photon microscopy systems. These apochromatic objectives are customized with high numerical apertures (NA) and long working distances (WD) for use with various sample sizes and applications. Biomedical researchers typically use two-photon microscopy to image tissue and look deeper into samples to determine their nature and structure.

“Two-photon microscopy applications are a natural fit with Special Optics’ capabilities because we excel in delivering advanced solutions through innovative optical design. Special Optics truly understands the importance of breakthrough techniques such as two-photon microscopy, and is committed to continuously evolving in our product offerings,” comments Craig Fitzgerald, Vice President of Product and Business Development.

Special Optics’ custom objectives meet the need for working distances from 0.3 mm to a longer range of 30 mm. Lenses are also tailored to function at wavelengths from visible light (390-750 nm) to the near infrared (700-1400 nm). Depending on the type of studies being done, two-photon microscopy systems may also be modified for aqueous, oil, and vacuum research environments.

About Two-Photon Microscopy

Two-photon microscopy is a fluorescence imaging technique used to detail tissue up to a depth of one millimeter. This technique is widely used in biotechnology and life sciences, and uses red-shifted light to excite fluorophores. A high-energy pulsed laser delivers bursts of high-frequency illumination. For each excitation, two photons of infrared light are absorbed; using infrared light minimizes scattering in the sample tissue, and allows for deeper tissue penetration and reduced phototoxicity. Layers of fluorescently labelled samples are gradually built up, creating three-dimensional images of living tissue, such as neural and embryonic cells.