MELVILLE, N.Y., Nov. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikon Instruments Inc., (http://www.nikonusa.com), a leader in the development of advanced optical technology, announces the debut of the next generation of the FN1 microscope for neuroscience and electrophysiology applications. The Nikon FN1 Multipatch upright focusing nosepiece microscope system is a special purpose configuration that takes advantage of the unique properties of the “One Lens Solution” CFI75 16X water dipping objective. The objective has a large field of view of 2.0mm and a numerical aperture of 0.80 while having a very long working distance of 3.0mm and a microinjection angle of 45 degrees. This combination of optical attributes forms the basis of using one objective that never moves with the ability of imaging a large field of view at 0.35X as well as a high resolution image at 64X simultaneously and be able to optically scan the 2.0mm field at high magnification easily with no vibration that could disturb a patch clamp experiment. The Multipatch FN1 is designed to support multiple manipulator experiments, and has the ability to simulate and record from multiple cells within a large brain slice section. The multiple cells can be separated not only along X and Y plane, but also in the Z focus dimensions.
The FN1 Multipatch does not require the microscope or specimen to move in order to observe different cells within a large, low magnification field of view and the system allows multiple pipettes to be positioned automatically in three dimensional space. Users can now move multiple pipettes without worrying about hitting the bottom of the dish or the objective lens. Users can also change the high magnification field of view without moving the objective through the use of a motorized intermediate dual imaging port that adjusts the optical image position and magnification automatically. The Multipatch system also directs noise free motorized and synchronized multiple micro-manipulators allowing extremely fast and accurate micropipette positioning movement in X, Y and Z dimensions individually or simultaneously.
The Multi-patch version of the Eclipse FN1 “Physiostation” provides a fully motorized multi-manipulator patching solution for electrophysiological applications. Previous microscopes were restricted to a single view of a few cells with limited ability to use multiple pipettes. When multiple pipettes are set for a single brain slice, the needles tend to interfere with the objective lens if changing the field of view or objective magnification becomes necessary. This leads to lost patches, pipette breakage or damaging the sample.
The Multi-patch FN1’s advanced technology allows users to change the FOV without moving the objective, synchronizes the movement of the microscope view and the manipulators in X, Y and Z dimensions, and provides easy needle setup, exchange and positioning. The Multi-patch FN1 features dual ports for cameras to support both IR and fluorescence applications.
New Optics
Nikon has delivered a true one lens solution with their 16X objective which features longer working distances up to 3.0mm and a 45-degree approach angle for easy access of manipulator patch needle placements. With a variable magnification double port as an option, the objective allows users to vary magnifications between 0.35x, 2x and 4x, and makes it possible to observe from a low magnification wide field to a high magnification high resolution field with the 16x objective alone. Vibrations caused by switching objectives are no longer a problem because only one objective is needed. Users now have the flexibility to image large structures as well as small structures using the same lens.
About Nikon Instruments Inc.
Nikon Instruments Inc., is a global leader in the development of advanced optical technology. Its product line includes microscopy equipment, digital imaging, precision measuring and semiconductor wafer-handling equipment. Nikon is committed to providing technologically advanced instruments that offer optimal versatility, performance and productivity. Nikon combines state-of-the-art capabilities with innovative designs to produce optically superior, ergonomically friendly products for cutting-edge scientific research, medical and industrial applications. For more information visit the Nikon website at http://www.nikonusa.com. Product related inquiries can be directed to Nikon Instruments at 800-52-NIKON
Nikon Instruments Inc.
CONTACT: Vicki Banner, vbanner@keatingco.com, or Jonathan Pocius,jpocius@keatingco.com, both of Keating & Co., +1-973-966-1100, for NikonInstruments Inc.
Web site: http://www.nikonusa.com/
