Nikon Launches Next Generation Confocal Microscope

Nikon Instruments has launched the next generation Confocal Laser Point Scanning Microscope for entry and mid-level confocal imaging. Building on Nikon’s superior optical technology, the new modular C2 confocal laser microscope provides increased accuracy and speed.

The C2 incorporates the latest version 3.2 release of NIS-Elements C software, providing one, easy-to-use and versatile imaging software platform for complete control with unrivalled imaging options – whether it be confocal or widefield.

Offering excellent hardware and software stability, coupled with first class optics, the C2 confocal laser microscope has three dedicated PMTs for multi-channel imaging. The flexible, modular design offers an easy upgrade to the dedicated 32 channel PMT array for spectral detection. The new system can capture and unmix data acquired at any channel resolution across the entire detector bandwidth, while an increased number of optically ideal pinholes (from four to six) and electronics improvements increase scanning accuracy and speed; up to a maximum 24fps (512x32) and 4 fps (512x512, bidirectional) have been achieved. An optional four laser module is also available.

NIS-Elements version 3.2 supports the complete Nikon confocal family of products, providing easily customisable protocols for device control and presets, as well as enhanced multi-camera support, facilitating workflow and providing full control of experimental parameters. The renowned NIS-Elements package now offers a consistent, universal interface and software environment for core imaging facilities and a variety of applications and techniques, allowing researchers to easily switch between confocal and widefield within the same platform. New options are available for 2D and 3D deconvolution, as are new tracking tools linked with regions of interest. The software also offers numerous new options for data export. With a large number of analysis functions for its class, the C2 supports routine and advanced laboratory research activities.

Optimised for live cell imaging, Nikon’s high Numerical Aperture CFI series objectives enable the highest transmission at a broad range of wavelengths, resulting in high contrast image acquisition with excellent resolution and brightness. Together with the C2, they offer the ideal combination for confocal imaging, providing unrivalled high performance imaging.

The C2 can be coupled with Nikon’s upright, inverted, physiological, and macro imaging microscopes, with options for combinations with various high end research systems. In addition, the C2 eliminates the need for different software programmes, offering the advantage that now only the one software platform, NIS-Elements, need be learnt, a distinct benefit for large groups of users and future training.