Olympus keeps its eyes on ergonomics
Olympus has extended its range of stereo microscopes with a number of new models featuring a compact design, improved optics, advanced illumination options and a higher level of comfort for the user.
Designed for routine stereo applications, the SZ51 and SZ61 have what Olympus claims are the best zoom ratios in their class - a 5:1 zoom ratio from 8x to 40x, and extended 6.7:1 zoom ratio from 6.7x to 45x, respectively (using 10x eyepiece).
These two models also feature a thin LED light source, which gives balanced transmitted and reflected light illumination while allowing better access to the specimen area. For specialist imaging applications, Olympus is introducing a computer-controlled multi segment LED ring illumination system, which can be programmed to create variable oblique illumination, mixed and adjustable incident and transmitted light, frequency controllable strobe lighting, and flash with adjustable duration and intensity. It is expected to provide a new range of stereo observation possibilities in cell culture and other studies of flat or translucent specimens.
A new range of bench top fibre optic cold light sources with full colour temperature and intensity control is also available. The most powerful has a 250W cold light reflector lamp suitable for fluorescence and short exposure applications.
The precision optics deliver natural colour as well as flat, distortion-free images right to the edge of the field of view, while stray light and flare have been eliminated from lens surface and edges to give brighter images.
To provide a high level of user comfort, there is a choice of 45o and 60o eyepiece angles for viewing seated or standing, a front zoom handle and zoom stopper. The new ComfortView eyepieces with pupil aberration control are said to reduce flicker, to allow long periods of fatigue-free observation. Space saving fibre illumination is available mounted on the standard frame.
For higher performance applications Olympus has introduced the SZX7 with advanced infinity corrected optics and flexible modular design. It has a zoom ratio of 7:1, covering the magnification range from 8x to 56x (using 1x objective/10x eyepiece).
A choice of observation tubes includes a 5-45o tilting binocular tube for optimum comfort. Long working distance objectives and intermediate application tubes are available as well as a variety of illumination systems. Observation methods include GFP fluorescence and oblique illumination.