Nikon Eclipse TE2000-PFS Inverted Research Microscope With Real-Time Focus Correction

Nikon Updated: 2007-06-19
Nikon Eclipse TE2000-PFS Inverted Research Microscope With Real-Time Focus Correction

Continuous dynamic focus correction maintains perfect focus during live-cell recording.

The TE2000-PFS (Perfect Focus) is Nikon’s groundbreaking solution to one of the most significant obstacles in live cell time-lapse imaging. No longer will you have to endure the focusing problems that come with prolonged periods of observation, the addition of reagents, and a host of other factors.  PFS is the most sophisticated and intelligent focus tracking technology available on the market today.

How Nikon's Perfect Focus Works
When PFS is turned on, the position of the coverslip surface is detected, and its axial position is registered during observation. The data is continuously fed back to the focusing mechanism thanks to Nikon's proprietary COF (Continuous Optical Feedback) technology. It is possible to catch fast, dynamic, live cell events because PFS instantaneously corrects focus drift resulting from thermal contractions and expansion of the system, or rapid changes in the imaging chamber when perfusing in or rinsing out a reagent.

Perfect Focus to the Plane of Interest
Focus is continuously corrected, while imaging any plane of interest within the specimen thanks to the Optical Offset feature. Unlike other systems that have to initially focus on the coverslip interface and then shift the focal point to the plane of interest, PFS can continuously sample the reference interface while sending the image plane of interest to the eyepieces or detector. Consequently, you will never again miss rapid events in your specimen because of focus drift.

Ultra high-precision Focusing
By combining the highly sensitive focus detection system and the extremely accurate Z-axis control system of the TE2000-E, focusing precision of less than 1/3 the focal depth of the objective is achieved, making focus adjustment imperceptible to the eye or camera.

Long-term Focal Maintenance
All that is required to keep the specimen in focus is to focus on the desired plane, then turn PFS on. This allows consistent focus to be maintained for observations of days or more.

Focus Detection With Infrared Light
PFS uses microwatts of LED illumination in the infrared range and an internal linear CCD detector to detect the focal point, so it does not intrude on wavelengths used for observation, and is live cell friendly. This means you can carry out observation and focus maintenance at the same time, with no influence at all on captured images or cell viability. Since the wavelength of the LED does not affect the image quality, high-contrast visualization of single fluorescent molecules is possible.