Nikon launches macro laser confocal microscope

Using the AZ-C1, researchers can view large specimens in confocal mode, enabling the capture of more information than before.

Designed for macro imaging, the AZ-C1 can capture fields-of-view larger than 1cm and also permits deeper confocal imaging than conventional microscopes thanks to its large working distance objectives.

Whole organisms can be monitored and documented over time (for example, embryos) offering continuous information on development or the organism's response to experimental variables.

Observations ranging from macro imaging of a whole organism to micro imaging of a single cell can be achieved with one lens.

Up to three separate objective lenses can be attached, offering a large optical zoom range to easily achieve high magnifications using stepwise or continuous zoom mode.

The addition of a motorised stage further expands imaging possibilities by allowing image capture in multiple fields of view.

The C1 confocal system is expandable from easy-to-use personal point scanning systems to spectral point scanning systems, which will separate closely associated fluorophores and auto fluorescence.

The AZ-C1 also offers many other features, including: an ergonomic tilting eyepiece tube; up to seven laser lines; fibre-coupled optics; modular system; telecentric zoom system; and an epi-illumination light path separated from the imaging path.

It is future-proofed to offer CLEM and other techniques.