A new concept in vibration-free design.

A major concern for researchers conducting electro-physiology experiments is the vibration which occurs when switching objectives and the resulting interference this can cause to the specimens and adjacent equipment. To solve this problem, Olympus introduces a new concept — the provision of an intermediate magnification changer in combination with the new High N.A. long working distance 20x objective that allows the user to switch between low and high magnifications without the need to switch objectives.

New 20x objective (XLUMPLFL20XW) N.A. 0.95; W.D.: 2.0mm

The new 20x water immersion objective makes high-resolution observation possible with a wide range of intermediate magnification lenses. Since exchanges between low and high magnification are performed through the intermediate magnification changer, vibration is reduced to a minimum and the usual concern about collisions between objectives and patch clamp electrodes is eliminated.

Simultaneous fluorescence and IR-DIC observations

With the included 690nm dichroic mirror in the WI-DPMC, fluorescence light is sent to the front port, and IR-DIC light is sent to the back port allowing two cameras to image simultaneously with no vibration introduced by light path selection.

Variable magnification dual port (WI-DPMC)

The WI-DPMC rear camera port includes a 2 position intermediate magnification selector. A high magnification 4x intermediate lens is included and a (0.25x, or 0.35x) low magnification lens is optional. High or low magnification selection is via a single lever with no click-stops or detents allowing a specimen to be scanned and measured with minimal disturbance from vibration. 775nm and 900nm IR-DIC compatible.

*Available for 0.5x, 1x and 2x intermediate magnification lenses by special order.

Front operation with no shock and no noise.

Olympus offers a wide choice of nosepieces for different applications.

Swing nosepiece / WI-SRE2
Uniquie slim, compact design and front-to-back swing motion permits objective changes without interfering with electrodes and micromanipulators. Objective positioning incorporates a vibration-free counterspring mechanism.

Slide nosepiece / WI-SLRE
This nosepiece is designed for the attachment of one large diameter, low magnification fluorescence objective (XLFLUOR 2x/340 or 4x/340) and one objective with normal (RMS) diamerter threads. Nosepiece motion is a simple horizontal slide.

Single position nosepiece / WI-SNPXLU
Designed to accept the unique, large diameter XLUMPLFL20x objective.

RMS adapter / WI-RMSADU
This adapter enables the attachment of an objective with RMS thread size to the WI-SNPXLU.

Supports the dedicated electrophysiological experiments

Patch clamping

(IR-DIC/ DIC/ Oblique illumination)

Benefits of IR illumination offers higher penetration depths.

 
IR-DIC gives high contrast for even thick tissue slices, enables reliable electrical pipette access for patch clamping. The oblique condenser offers 360-rotation of variable slit aperture provides high contrast images, and plastic dishes are easy to image with oblique illumination (See Fig.1).

Fig. IR-DIC
Nucleus of solitary tract from slice
of rat medulla oblongata
(thickness: 400 µm)

Prof. Fusao KatoSchool of Medicine
Physiology Dept., Jikei UniversityKato
& Shigetomi, J. Physiol.(2001),
530: 469-486

Voltage sensitive dye / Membrane potential imaging

Bright, consistent illumination and the world's highest standard "UIS2" optics provide the best fluorescence image. The combination of high-resolution UIS2 objectives and high-speed digital CCD camera allows imaging of membrane potential with high S/N ratio (See Fig.2).
Also, dedicated 2× and 4× macro objectives can be used to measure membrane potential at the tissue level.

Fig.2. Imaging of neuronal activity with
voltage

Takashi Tominaga Ph.D, Brain-Operative
Device Lab., Brainway Group, Brain Science
Institute, Riken

Provides the stability crucial for patch clamping

A new concept in vibration-free design

The double port magnification changer allows low and high magnifications without changing the objective. This optical magnification changer in combination with new high-resolution 20× objective (XLUMPLFLN20×W N.A. 1.0) (See Fig.1)is compatible with high-contrast and vibration-free in different magnification (See Fig.2).

Swing nosepiece WI-SRE3

Slide nosepiece U-SLRE

Dedicated water immersion objectives for easy access of electrical pipette

A lineup of water immersion objectives (See Fig.4) gives long working distances and large approach angles for easy pipette access. A water immersion cap (XL-CAP) can be attached to the macro 2× or 4× objectives to eliminate disturbances caused by water ripples.

UIS2Water immersion objectives

IR-DIC for thick tissue slices on the patch work station

Benefits of infrared illumination are higher penetration depths, gives high contrast for even thick tissue slices on the patch work station (See Fig.5). DIC equipment for 750 nm IR-DIC and 900 nm Nomarski DIC are selectable.When using a Senarmont equipped condenser, all contrast adjustments are performed with the 1/4 wave plate below the condenser, thus eliminating a risk of bumping the stage, specimen, manipulators or nosepiece (See Fig.6).

Fig. Patch clamping IR-DIC image

Frontal Control for smooth experiment operation in electrophysiology

Fine focus control (See Fig.7) is located at the front on both sides of the microscope body. The knob on the right integrates both coarse and fine focus control. When engaged at the desired position, the objective can be raised with the coarse focus knob and then returned precisely to its original position.

The XY mover (See Fig.8) allows the movement of the microscope frame without moving either the specimen or electrodes. Especially useful for multiple patch-clamping experiments, the XY mover has convenient frontal controls.

Additional functionality and solutions to meet a wide variety of needs

Experimenting with small animals

The arm height raising kit (WI-ARMAD) provides an additional 40 mm of clearance and is mounted between the microscope frame and the reflected light illuminator. The stage may be lowered an additional 50 mm, providing a total clearance increase of 90 mm. Raising the objective and lowering the stage to enable small animal experiments (See Fig.1).

Microinjection

The stage adapter WI-STAD is designed to allow the attachment of a traditional microscope right or left hand stage to the WI frame. The compact design of the BX2 stage (U-SVRB-4, or U-SVLB-4) reduces the distance between the specimen and the manipulator and creates a stable platform for injections (See Fig.2).