Nikon today announced the introduction of two models of new Perfect Focus System (PFS) at the 2012 Neuroscience conference. The new Nikon PFS will extend the imaging capabilities of Nikon’s inverted research microscope, The Eclipse Ti, and bring new imaging capabilities to a larger field of research. Inverted research microscope are the standard workhorse in many advanced applications such as super resolution imaging which allows for determination of biological structures at the nano-scale level, multiphoton microscopy that allows for the analysis of activities found deep in the brain, time-lapse imaging of some of the most sensitive cells such as iPS cells to study the mechanism of their differentiation.
While significant improvements have been made in improving the spatial and temporal resolution of imaging systems, the ability to correct for focus drifts, which reduce reliability of acquired data, is still one of the most important considerations especially in long-term time-lapse imaging. The Nikon PFS is designed to combat this problem and keeps the focus precisely by making real time corrections. The new Nikon PFS extends the focus-maintaining capabilities to a wider range of applications and offers upgraded microscope imaging. In addition to glass bottom dishes, the new PFS now allows researchers to image through plastic dishes. This new ability can cut down on costs and simplify the experimental workflow for the researcher when imaging through glass is not required.
With its slimmer, more streamlined design, the new PFS allows for easier access to the objectives and operation of their correction collars. In addition, the new PFS is now completely controlled through the computer or external controller, eliminating the need to open and close environmental chambers that can lead to disturbances in the imaging temperature.
