Fluorescent / UV Microscopes
Description
Fluorescent/UV microscopes are specialized optical instruments designed to visualize and study microscopic samples by exploiting the phenomenon of fluorescence. These microscopes use a focused light source to excite fluorescent molecules within a sample, allowing for the generation of detailed images that highlight specific structures or molecules.
Working Principle
Fluorescent microscopy operates by directing excitation light, often from a laser, through an excitation filter to selectively excite fluorescent molecules in the sample. A dichroic mirror then separates the emitted fluorescence from the excitation light, ensuring that only the relevant signals reach the detector. The emitted fluorescence is captured by the objective lens and directed towards a detector, which generates detailed images. This technique is particularly useful because it allows for the selective labeling of specific structures or molecules, enabling the study of single-molecule interactions and dynamic processes such as live cell imaging .
Applications
Fluorescence microscopy is widely used in various fields of biology, including cell biology, neuroscience, developmental biology, and microbiology. It is also employed in medical research and diagnostics. Specific examples include studying the interactions of proteins within cells, visualizing the distribution of specific molecules in tissues, and tracking the movement of cells in live organisms .
Advantages over other Microscopes
One of the main advantages of fluorescence microscopy is its ability to selectively label and visualize specific structures or molecules within a sample using fluorescent dyes. This capability is invaluable for studying single-molecule interactions. Additionally, confocal fluorescence microscopy enhances depth resolution by eliminating unwanted fluorescence outside the focal plane, providing clearer and more detailed images. Automation through computer control also supports efficient image acquisition, processing, and storage .
Limitations
Fluorescence microscopy faces challenges such as weak emitted fluorescence signals compared to the intense excitation light, which can lead to background noise. Precise optical filters are essential to eliminate this unwanted noise. Despite these challenges, ongoing technological advancements continue to improve the technique .
Considerations
When considering the use of fluorescent/UV microscopes, several factors should be taken into account. Initial costs can be high due to the need for specialized equipment such as lasers and optical filters. Operating expenses may also be significant, particularly if high-quality fluorescent dyes are required. Durability and maintenance costs should be considered, as the precision components may require regular calibration and replacement. Accuracy is generally high, but it depends on the quality of the optical components and the setup of the microscope.
from PCE Instruments / PCE Americas Inc.
PCE-MM 200UV is a UV USB microscope, or UV USB inspection camera, that magnifies objects up to 200 times. This UV microscope uses 8 UV LEDs with a wavelength of 365 nm for illumination. The microscope captures photos and videos as well as displays magnified objects in real time on your computer... [See More]
- Microscope Type: Fluorescent
- Magnification: 10 to 200
- Grade: Handheld
- Features: Digital Display; Fine Focus
from Evident Scientific
The BXFM-A is a space saving computer controlled microscope module incorporating a motorized Z focus and reflected light vertical illuminator. The BXFM-A offers a high performance optical sensor capability for sophisticated inspection system. [See More]
- Microscope Type: Compound; Fluorescent
- Grade: Benchtop
- Application: Semiconductor
- Optical Technique: BF/DF/DIC/KPO*/FL and Reflected
from Evident Scientific
The MX61A is a specially designed semiconductor microscope that allows operators to work in an ergonomically correct position and benefit from smoother operation throughout extended inspection periods, maximizing productivity and integration. [See More]
- Microscope Type: Compound; Fluorescent
- Grade: Benchtop
- Application: Semiconductor
- Optical Technique: BF/DF/DIC/KPO*/FL Reflected/Transmitted
from Mad City Labs, Inc.
The RM21 ™ is a versatile microscope suitable for a variety of advanced microscopy and nanoscopy methods. The RM21 ™ is available in 4 standard configurations (see tables) to satisfy a wide range of applications and budgets. The tables below compare methods and features for the four... [See More]
- Microscope Type: Fluorescent; Inverted; Scanning Probe / Atomic Force
- Grade: Research
- Application: Biological / Life Sciences
- Resolution: 0.4000
from Bruker Corporation
Bruker ™s suite of fluorescence microscopy systems provides a full range of solutions for life science researchers. Our multiphoton imaging systems provide the imaging depth, speed and resolution required for intravital imaging applications in neuroscience, oncology and immunology. [See More]
- Microscope Type: Fluorescent
- Grade: Benchtop
- Application: Biological / Life Sciences
- Features: Digital Display
from Edmund Optics Inc.
Simple C-Mount Connection to Infinity Corrected Objectives. Compact Design for Simple Integration Into Systems. 2/3 Max Sensor Size. 14mm In-line Illumination Port. M26 x 0.706mm Objective Threading. The C-Mount Video Microscope Unit connects an M26 x 0.706mm thread Infinity Corrected Objective to a... [See More]
- Microscope Type: Fluorescent
- Features: Digital Display
from KEYENCE
Capture publication-quality images in a fraction of the time and without the need for a darkroom. The value of an imaging system is measured by its efficiency and the quality of its images. KEYENCE aims to optimize the imaging process by designing a fully automated, easy-to-use system that captures... [See More]
- Microscope Type: Fluorescent
- Grade: Benchtop
- Application: Biological / Life Sciences
- Optical Technique: Brightfield, Fluorescence (Wide-field/sectioning), Phase Contrast (PhL, Ph1, Ph2), Oblique Illumination
from Zaber Technologies, Inc.
Zaber ’s MSR series of motorized, upright microscopes are designed to lower the barriers to automated microscopy. Combining Zaber precision motion control and world-class optics, MSR microscopes deliver unparalleled performance and value. The modular design allows easy swapping of key modules... [See More]
- Microscope Type: Fluorescent
- Grade: Student; Benchtop; Research
- Application: Biological / Life Sciences; Medical / Forensic; Semiconductor; Automated Microscopes
from Mad City Labs, Inc.
The Mad City Labs' MicroMirror TIRF microscope is part of our RM21 ™ microscope family and draw on our expertise with high precision, high stability piezo nanopositioning systems and microscopy solutions. The microscopy technique of colocalization single molecule spectroscopy (CoSMoS) is the... [See More]
- Microscope Type: Fluorescent
- Grade: Research
- Application: Biological / Life Sciences
- Resolution: 0.4000
from Zaber Technologies, Inc.
Zaber ’s MVR microscopes are motorized, inverted microscopes designed to lower the barriers to automated microscopy. Combining Zaber precision motion control and world-class optics, MVR microscopes deliver unparalleled performance and value. The modular design allows easy swapping of key... [See More]
- Microscope Type: Fluorescent; Inverted
- Grade: Student; Benchtop; Research
- Application: Biological / Life Sciences; Medical / Forensic; Automated Microscopes