Olympus MVX10 MacroView Macro Zoom Fluorescence Microscope

Olympus Updated: 2007-09-10
Olympus MVX10 MacroView Macro Zoom Fluorescence Microscope

The MVX10 MacroView is a research Macro Zoom Fluorescence Microscope. The MVX10 addresses the tradeoffs between stereo and compound imaging systems, offering high numerical apertures from a compound microscope along with long working distances and larger fields of view from a stereo microscope. Historically, stereomicroscopes have been used to view specimens that are too large or thick for compound microscopes. However most stereo microscopes have severe limitations for the researcher using fluorescence. Stereo optics have relatively low numerical aperture (NA).

* High fluorescence efficiency plus stereo observation.
* Seamless observation from 4x to 125x.
* Zoom factor up to 31 times.
* Long WD for observation at optimum magnification
* Maximum specimen protection due to short exposure time
* Complete system solutions for optimized recordings

The MVX10 Optical concept: The MVX is a mono zoom microscope designed for fluorescence imaging. The MVX features a single zoom optical path with a large diameter, which is optimized to collect light with unprecedented efficiency and resolution at all its magnifications. The MVX gives the user maximum flexibility in observing the specimen without switching objectives. A series of parfocal objectives is also available along with a dual nosepiece. This allows the user to utilize the full zoom range of two objectives by easily rotating one or the other into the light path. Using the 0.63x and 2x objectives and 10x eyepieces on the MVX10 gives an effective zoom range of 4x to 126x, or a 31:1 ratio. This allows for field of view from 55mm to 1.74mm.

The Tilting Trinocular Observation Tube: Allows the eyepiece to be inclined from 0º to 23º for maximum user comfort and offers a two position optical path selector for either 100% to the binocular tubes or 100% to the camera. This is a specially designed observation tube with a unique pupil separation optical path that can deliver a stereo-like image to the eyepieces. The stereo effect can be selected “on” or “off” via a slider mechanism.

MVX Optics.0.63x MVX Plan Apochromat lens has a high numerical aperture of 0.15.

1 x MVX Plan Apochromat lens: has a high numerical aperture of 0.25.

2x MVX Plan Apochromat Lens - A special, high-numerical aperture lens of 0.50 NA that, is equipped with a correction-collar allowing for aberration correction when imaging through plastic vessels, or up to 5mm of water. This 2x PF parfocal objective provides superior resolution of over 1500 lines/mm.

Illuminators

* Transmitted Light
There are three transmitted light bases: basic, advanced and darkfield versions. The advanced model has an adjustable mirror that can be tilted and translated across the field of view, giving contrast-enhancing oblique illumination. The darkfield version has an exceptionally large illuminated field that allows for high and low magnification darkfield observation. All transmitted light bases can be illuminated by a 6V/30W bulb or an optional 150W fiber optic illuminator.

* Fluorescence
All optical components in combination with the light path design contribute to the optimal fluorescence performance of the MVX10. The single-zoom optical path with a large diameter is optimized to collect light with unprecedented efficiency. Using the latest technologies and new materials, the MVX10 objectives produce minimal autofluorescence. This together with very high numerical apertures results in an extremely good signal- to- noise (S/N) ratio, ensuring excellent contrast for observation of even the faintest fluorescence signals. The MVX Fluorescence Illuminator has a four position turret for brightfield and fluorescence filter sets. Fluorescence excitation is accomplished via dichromatic mirrors in the optical axes of the microscope. The microscope objective acts as both the illuminating and imaging lens.

+ A new coating technique gives the Olympus HQ filters an exceptional edge steepness and very low autofluorescence. All the filter cubes are equipped to absorb stray light. Light collection efficiency is also maximizsed with an aspherical fluorescence collector, which bundles the light for minimum intensity loss.

The images below were taken with the MVX10 using a 2x MVXPLAPO objective and a DP70 digital camera. The sample is a mouse cerebellum Purkinje cell injected with Lucifer Yellow.