Introducing extended configurations to the
FluoView FV1000 and Fluoview FV1000MPE

Olympus has introduced advanced laser sharing and dual port SIM scanning capabilities to its FluoView FV1000 confocal laser scanning and FluoView FV1000MPE multiphoton laser scanning microscopes. Providing effective and efficient methods of increasing flexibility, these modules enable users to perform a diverse range of applications, without the need to invest in additional imaging systems.

Laser sharing dual microscope system
The innovative Olympus laser sharing dual microscope system enables users to utilise the same IR laser on two MPE systems. As a result, researchers can carry-out a diverse range of applications, linking multiple multiphoton systems based on inverted and/or upright microscopes.

Dual port SIM scanner
The addition of a second laser port in the Olympus FV1000 SIM scanner increases the versatility of the Olympus confocal and multiphoton systems. For example, it becomes possible for researchers to use IR and visible light simultaneously for stimulation experiments. In addition, both lasers can be used alternately for ultra-fast multi-point scanning applications.

FluoView FV1000MPE systems
The Olympus FluoView FV1000MPE range provides excellent deep imaging for live and thick slice samples. Based on the unique Olympus FluoView FV1000 confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (cLSM), the MPE system is available in four models, providing the highest penetration depths on the market. Each model uses prechirped IR femtosecond pulsed lasers and non-descanned detectors to cover every mutiphoton excitation image required. The 'Multiphoton exclusive system' is designed to achieve deeper imaging with minimum complexity, whereas the 'Basic system' enables multiphoton deep imaging and confocal imaging with a visible laser. The 'Stimulation system' is equipped with two sets of laser scanners for confocal and simultaneous stimulation using multiphoton absorption. As the most advanced model, the 'Twin system' incorporates the unique SIM scanner, providing an independently controllable, fully integrated second IR laser for simultaneous multiphoton imaging and laser manipulation.

For further information, e-mail: microscopy@olympus-europa.com or view website: www.microscopy.olympus.eu  Refer to page 225

The Olympus LEXT OLS4000 optical metrology instrument

The Olympus LEXT OLS4000, is the latest version of the highly successful LEXT confocal laser scanning microscope metrology system. The OLS4000 brings a number of additional features and enhanced functionality, including near-vertical slope capabilities, larger optical zoom and navigation overview window. The new software also brings even the most complex of processes within easy reach of a broader range of users, with the use of different user interface sheets for the main tasks -acquisition, analysis and reporting. As well as these internal functional improvements, the whole system has a sleeker look and now only requires a single control unit. The LEXT OLS4000 not only matches the challenges of the measurement laboratory, but also leads the way in establishing optical technology as the most flexible measurement systems available - Optical Metrology.

The Olympus LEXT OLS4000 has been designed with a larger and faster MEMS scanning mirror along with dual pinholes, which provide the most advanced confocal laser scanning microscopy in the market. The larger mirror enables the system to provide superior optical quality, and the increased scan speed halves the time it takes to create a 3D image of a sample. The 405nm laser and dual pinholes operate simultaneously to ensure that the system provides the highest possible resolution and clarity as well as enabling steep slope detection up to 85^o, ensuring that even the most complex of surface topologies can be imaged and analysed.

The new line scan function enables the LEXT to perform optical surface roughness measurements to the same international standards as cantilever -based systems. Moreover, the LEXT is leading the way in applying the new 2D surface roughness standards, taking surface analysis to the next level of precision.

The new Z-drive provides movement steps of under 1 nm providing an accuracy of 10 nm, which ensures that 3D measurements are extremely precise and repeatable. The new stage also enables much more precise movement and the instrument has a built in vibration cancellation system, ensuring that accuracy is not affected by sample navigation or external vibrations.

The completely new software, builds upon the concept of making complex optical metrology processes accessible to all users. For example, a small sample overview window provides a lower power image of the sample next to the main image to enable easier navigation and orientation. Furthermore, key analysis functions can be applied and utilised with great ease, ensuring that user errors are minimised and results are consistent between users. Reporting is also exceptionally easy, with an intuitive report generator ensuring that data is always presented in the best possible way. What is more, each user can be assigned their own login and therefore their specific settings, files and projects are immediately available to them. This ensures that multi-user groups are free to define individual setups and that there is enhanced data security, both between users and groups.

The Olympus LEXT OLS4000 pushes the boundaries of optical microscopy and confirms that optical metrology provides the measurement capabilities and flexibility required for even the busiest of laboratories.

For further information, e-mail: microscopy@olympus-europa.com or view website: www.microscopy.olympus.eu   Refer to page 214

INFINITY 1.4 Megapixel ultra-sensitive CCD microscopy camera

The ultra sensitive high color fidelity CCD scientific camera from Lumenera Corporation, available from Vision Source, is its newest USB 2.0 offering from the popular INFINITY family of microscopy cameras is an ideal solution for low light applications such as fluorescence, and where precise color reproduction is needed.

The INFINITY3-1U offers large 6.45μ x 6.45μ pixels in a 2/3" format with a maximum resolution of 1392 x 1040. It employs the Sony ICX285 1.4 megapixel CCD sensor - the market leader for fluorescence and other challenging low light applications. In addition, the cameras near-perfect color rendition makes it an excellent addition to any clinical laboratory. Suitable for both fluorescent and brightfield imaging, this camera offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio.

The camera's adaptability to vary resolution and frame rate requirements, combined with low noise performance and 8- or 12-bit pixel data mode, make the INFINITY3-1U an ideal camera for both live and fixed cell imaging. Live video preview allows for real-time focus; while auto exposure and auto/manual white balance efficiently capture your optimal image. This complete solution includes Lumenera's INFINITY CAPTURE and INFINITY ANALYZE software, and is offered with both color and monochrome capability. Advanced camera control is available through a Software Developers Kit, while TWAIN and DIRECTX drivers ensure integration and compatibility with a variety of 3rd party software applications.

The INFINITY3-1U is a perfect complement to the existing INFINITY3-1 cooled camera, designed specifically for low light and fluorescence applications that do not need the extra cost of a Peltier™ cooler. It offers excellent performance for virtually any application, and priced well below the competition, this camera allows microscope users to meet the highest imaging standards. For further information, e-mail: info@visionsource.co.uk 

Bitplane Imaris 3D/4D image visualization and
analysis software used to gain new insights in vivo

Dr Patricia Barral and her colleagues study the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling lymphocyte activation and eventual fate. Knowledge of these processes is invaluable not only in increasing our understanding of the causes of cancer but also in the treatment and prevention of infectious and autoimmune diseases. The Lymphocyte Interaction Laboratory was the first team to establish a role for a group of macrophages in acquiring antigen and presenting intact antigen to follicular B cells in lymph nodes in vivo. Now, they have identified a novel role for CD169+ macrophages in activating Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells.

Using Bitplane Imaris, the world's leading 3D/4D image visualization and analysis software, Barral and her co-workers transformed image stacks acquired from multi-photon examination of the lymph nodes into volume-rendered 4-D movies for analysis. Cell movement was automatically tracked and the Imaris software also calculated average and instantaneous cell speeds together with displacement and the confinement index. Imaris was also able to demonstrate the confinement of the iNKT cells in the vicinity of the CD169+ macrophages following administration of particulate lipid antigen by reconstructing the lymph nodes in three dimensions.

In these studies, the research team successfully used Imaris to visualize the long-standing interactions between CD169+ macrophages and iNKT cells and found very fast iNKT activation and cytokine secretion. These processes are probably very important factors during the early stages of immune responses and host defence.

"Imaris offers life scientists a uniquely powerful and versatile solution for the visualization, analysis and interpretation of 3-D and 4-D images," says Marcin Barszczewski at Bitplane. "Fast, precise and easy-to-use, Imaris accepts images from almost all wide field and confocal microscopes and combines with a range of seven specialist modules for additional flexibility, such as MeasurementPro, Track, Coloc and FilamentTracer."

Andor and Bitplane in profile
Bitplane, the world's leading Interactive Microscopy Image analysis software company, was founded in 1992 and operates out of two offices: one in Zurich, Switzerland, and one in Saint Paul, MN, USA. Customers in all parts of the world are served with direct representation in the US, Canada, China and Europe and through partner organizations in Asia and Australia. Through constant innovation and a clear focus on 3D & 4D imaging, Bitplane actively shapes the way scientists process microscopic images. More information may be found at the Bitplane website: www.bitplane.com

Bitplane was acquired by Andor Technology plc. in 2009. Andor is a world leader in Scientific Imaging, Spectroscopy Solutions and Microscopy Systems, employing over 260 people in 16 offices worldwide, distributing its portfolio of over 70 products to 10,000 customers in 55 countries. Andor's vast product portfolio and experience brings the capacity and system knowledge to further expand the technological developments from Bitplane.

For further information about Andor Technology PLC (LSE: AND) view website: www.andor.com   Refer to page 231