Scientific Imaging: Microscopes with microcameras and numerous contrast filters enable high-quality imaging for laboratory and clinical use

Thanks to the modular design, the microscopes of the NE900 series are not only suitable for all contrast methods but also, in combination with a MikroCam, ideal for documenting very large image fields using techniques such as focus stacking or creating a gigapixel mosaic in live mode. (Source: Bresser GmbH)

Thanks to the modular design, the microscopes of the NE900 series are not only suitable for all contrast techniques but also, in combination with a MikroCam, ideal for documenting very large image fields using methods such as focus stacking or creating a gigapixel mosaic in live mode. (Source: Bresser GmbH)

Thanks to the modular design, the microscopes of the NE900 series are not only suitable for all contrast methods but also, in combination with a MikroCam, ideal for documenting very large image fields using techniques such as focus stacking or creating a gigapixel mosaic in live mode. (Source: Bresser GmbH)

Modern microscopes nowadays enable the visualization of even the smallest cell structures, such as in these endothelial cells of the bovine aorta, using complex optics, lighting, and filters. (Source: Bresser GmbH)

The Nexcope microscopes of the NE900 series are upright microscopes suitable for all common contrast methods such as polarization, phase contrast, or differential interference contrast. (Source: Bresser GmbH)

The Nexcope microscopes of the NE900 series are upright microscopes suitable for all common contrast methods such as polarization, phase contrast, or differential interference contrast. (Source: Bresser GmbH)

The Nexcope microscopes of the NE900 series are upright microscopes suitable for all common contrast methods such as polarization, phase contrast, or differential interference contrast. (Source: Bresser GmbH)

""To achieve ideal imaging, users often have to sift through a real jungle of different models before they have a reasonable laboratory equipment available,"" reports Anke Morbitzer, scientific product manager at Bresser GmbH.

Modern microscopes with complex optics and filters help in the food industry, microbiology, and pharmaceuticals to examine even the smallest organisms down to the 1µm range. During these work steps, they often need to meet a particularly broad spectrum of requirements such as efficient sample screening with various contrast methods and simultaneously deliver high-resolution images with reliable quality. Suitable for this purpose are, for example, the flexible microscopes of the NE900 series from Nexcope. Thanks to numerous contrast methods and options for expansion with micro-cameras, microscopic samples can be examined and even documented in the gigapixel range. Due to their modular design, these microscopes can be optimally customized for any laboratory environment and application. The flexible microscopes from Nexcope are distributed in Europe by Bresser GmbH. Therefore, the optics experts from Rhede are happy to assist with any questions regarding imaging and visualization.

In modern laboratory and clinical environments, reliable and high-quality imaging for so-called scientific imaging is indispensable. These are images intended for scientific use — for example, forensic evidence, medical documentation, or the capture of micrographic data. A classic brightfield microscope can only cover a fraction of all requirements for these tasks, as different samples often require techniques like phase contrast or polarization to reveal important details. "To achieve ideal imaging, users often have to sift through a jungle of different models before they have a reasonable laboratory setup," reports Anke Morbitzer, scientific product manager at Bresser GmbH. "But with our NE900 series, every laboratory technician is optimally equipped. Not only can these instruments be configured individually for all applications, but they can also be easily upgraded at any time." Thanks to the modular construction of the microscopes and an extensive range of optics and cameras from Bresser, the appropriate setup can always be found for all applications.

High-resolution microscopy with numerous contrast methods

The Nexcope microscopes of the NE900 series are upright microscopes suitable for all applications in laboratory and clinical environments. "Each microscope features eyepieces with a large field of view of 25 mm and infinity optics with plan-achromatic objectives," says Morbitzer. "A trinocular knob with a switch allows for user-friendly switching between microscopy and microphotography at any time." Additionally, the light intensity automatically adjusts via microprocessor-controlled illumination to match the current settings of the objectives and their magnification. This also helps prevent eye fatigue.

The basic model of the NE900 series has a manual base with transmitted brightfield illumination, which is especially suitable for work in histology or microbiology. To achieve more flexibility and efficiency with different magnifications, a motorized objective turret can also be added in combination with a motorized condenser lens. In the NE950 variant, the microscope even features an epi-fluorescence module. "Our objectives with an M25 connection also enable optics with high numerical apertures, large fields of view, and uniform illumination," says Morbitzer. "For this purpose, we have placed great emphasis on a well-thought-out design, especially for highly corrected image fields. This starts with the illumination through the full Köhler LED lighting and extends through condensers and objectives to eyepieces." Furthermore, the NE900 series microscopes are equipped with all common contrast methods such as polarization, phase contrast, or differential interference contrast (DIC), and simultaneously provide large image fields.

Modular design and customization options

Thanks to their modularity, each microscope of the NE900 series can be easily upgraded and retrofitted. For example, the entire Bresser MicroCam series can be used for this purpose. Depending on the application, different sensor sizes from 1/3" to 1.2" are available for image and video recordings. "The image can be displayed on any common PC in a laboratory environment at up to 60 fps via WiFi," explains Morbitzer. "A direct image display without delay is also possible through a monitor connected to the HDMI camera. This supports users in university teaching or enables autofocus recordings without a computer connection." Movements with ultra-short exposure times can also be frozen with special cameras, while the desired image is generated through contrast methods.

Additionally, Bresser offers comprehensive and user-oriented consulting. "We are always looking for the optimal setup for our customers and are happy to support with our experience from over 60 years in optics and microscopes. A focus in recent years has been scientific imaging," explains Morbitzer. "Since our teams also include scientists from biology and chemistry, we are familiar with numerous applications and typical procedures and can advise our customers comprehensively." Such adaptations could include customized configurations with special objectives or modifications for specific sample requirements. If needed, the optics experts at Bresser can also provide individual tools or cameras for a trial period. Samples for creating comparison images can also be sent in advance for testing.