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Products Home / Imaging Systems & Components / Microscopes & DIY Components: Cerna Series / Cerna® Series: Modular Microscopy Systems and ComponentsCerna® Series: Modular Microscopy Systems and Components
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Thorlabs' Cerna® Microscopy Platform
Click on the image below for our selection of DIY Cerna® components.
Options at a Glance
- Accepts RMS, M25 x 0.75, or M32 x 0.75 Objectives
- Single-Objective Holder or Dual-Objective Nosepiece
- Motorized Focus Control with 1" Travel
- Compatible with Piezo Objective Holders for Fast Z-Stacks
Sample Holders and Motion Control
- Rigid Stands Hold Slides, Recording Chambers, Multiwell Plates, or Custom Inserts, with Optional 1" Motorized Travel in X and Y
- Fixed Arm Attaches Our Fast XY Scanning Stage Directly to 95 mm Support Rail
- XY Platform Translates Large Setups Over 2" in X and Y
- Integrate Thorlabs' Optomechanical Components into a Cerna Microscope
- Breadboard Tops, Fixed Arms, and Adapters Provide Compatibility with Lens Tubes and Cage Systems
- Trinoculars
- CCD, CMOS, or Scientific-Grade Cameras
- Optional Double Camera Port
- Single-Cube or Six-Cube Epi-Illuminator with Turret
- Easy-to-Reach Filter Cubes Accept 25 mm × 36 mm Dichroics and Ø25 mm Filters
- Supports Ø3 mm Liquid Light Guide Lamps, X-Cite® Lamps, and Thorlabs' LEDs
Trans-Illumination
- Motorized and Manual Condenser Stages with 1" Travel
- Brightfield, DIC Imaging, and Dodt Contrast Modules
- Compatible with Nikon Condensers
Cerna is a modular microscopy platform for applications ranging from routine experiments to advanced optical systems. Designed for the user to configure or modify their system to exact experimental requirements, it is especially useful for setups that require large-range adjustment for positioning of the sample or wide-angle access to the objective and other optical components.
Benefits
- Large Working Volume Underneath and Around the Objective
- Modular Design that Enables the User to Customize the Instrument for the Application
- Full Support for Conventional Microscopy Techniques, Such as Epi-Fluorescence, Dodt Contrast, and DIC Imaging
- Broad Compatibility with Thorlabs, Industry-Standard, and User-Supplied Add-Ons
- Interfaces to Thorlabs' Ø1" Lens Tubes, Ø2" Lens Tubes, 30 mm Cage Systems, and 60 mm Cage Systems Let You Build Your Own Microscope
360° Video of Cerna Configured for Entry-Level ElectrophysiologyMany of the example configurations shown on our website are viewable in 360°. Cerna Series Configuration C211 is an entry-level electrophysiology configuration. |
Acknowledgements
- The red false-colored image on computer screens in gallery images 4, 5, and elsewhere is courtesy of Dr. Lei Zhang and Professor Joshua Singer, University of Maryland.
Cerna® Microscopes: Highlights
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Our Open Microscope Construction Allows the User to Modify and
Optimize the System for Specific Experimental Needs
User Expandable with Thorlabs, Industry-Standard, or
User-Supplied Add-Ons
The modular design of Cerna components makes it simple to adapt these microscopes for a wide variety of imaging modalities and experiment applications. We provide several high-performance products, including epi-illuminator modules for one to six filter cubes, Dodt gradient contrast and differential interference contrast (DIC) modules for transmitted light imaging, scientific cameras and accessories for widefield and fluorescence imaging, and manual and motorized micromanipulators for patch clamping.
The experimental versatility of Cerna systems is aided by the linear dovetail mounting surface that spans the height of the microscope body support rail. Modules such as motorized condensers, sample holders, and our transmitted light imaging modules can be positioned along this surface using a balldriver. The dovetail centers the modules along the optical axis so that the user can avoid painstaking optical alignment procedures.
For system developers who wish to build microscopes entirely from Thorlabs' catalog of parts (see the For Developers tab for an example), we offer body attachments and extensions that provide connections to our standard mechanical interfaces, including SM1 threads (1.035"-40), SM2 threads (2.035"-40), and taps for 30 mm and 60 mm cage compatibility. Breadboard accessories with either 1/4"-20 or M6 x 1.0 tapped holes attach to the top of the support rail to allow the construction of custom illumination pathways.
Click for Details
The Compact Profile of the Cerna® Microscope Body Leaves Ample Space for Experimental Equipment
(Optical Table Size: 3' x 6')
Click for Details
The Rear-Mounted 95 mm Support Rail Provides Long-Term Mounting Stability and Clear Approach Angles
Minimal Footprint that Maximizes Available Working Space
Cerna microscope bodies are engineered around Thorlabs' 95 mm optical construction rails. We chose these rails because they offer a linear dovetail mounting surface, excellent vibrational damping, and stable long-term support. These stiff rails were originally designed for users of our optomechanics who require rigid support for large, three-dimensional, load-bearing structures. The support rail is recessed with respect to the microscope's optical modules, leaving the approach angles to the objective unrestricted.
Our open design is ideal for electrophysiology applications, as it provides access to the focal plane from the front, sides, and even behind. The rail also enables a vertical construction that consumes a minimal amount of space in the horizontal dimension, preserving valuable table space for experimental apparatuses.
Compatible with Extensive Range of Electrophysiology Accessories
Cerna microscopes are designed for compatibility with electrophysiology components, as illustrated by the example below.
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Example Cerna Microscope Configured for Electrophysiology
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Micromanipulators Available in manual or motorized configurations, our micromanipulators use piezoelectric elements to enable nanometer-resolution positioning. |
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Epi-Illumination To illuminate the field of view from above, Cerna systems can be equipped with industry-standard liquid light guides or broad-spectrum LEDs. |
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Rigid Stands Designed to hold slides, recording chambers, and experimental equipment, these stands are outfitted with variable height adjustment, a height retention collar, and a quick-release clamp. |
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Transmitted Light Illumination Our microscopes are compatible with several kinds of condensers from Nikon, which provide illumination from underneath the objective. Brightfield, differential interference contrast (DIC) and Dodt gradient contrast are supported. |
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Motion Control We manufacture motion control stages that provide one- or two-axis travel for our rigid stands, as well as low-profile XY platforms. Travel ranges of 1" or 2" are available. |
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Workstations Our vibrationally stabilized optical tables and ScienceDesks are available in several sizes and with a range of shelving options for storage. |
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Scientific Cameras Up to two cameras can be attached for patch visualization, differential interference contrast (DIC) imaging, or other transmitted light imaging modalities. |
Thorlabs recognizes that each imaging application has unique requirements.
If you have any feedback, questions, or need a quotation, please contact ImagingSales@thorlabs.com or call (703) 651-1700.
Example Cerna® System: Developers' Configuration
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Through the Use of Fixed Arm Attachments, a Selection of Thorlabs'
Optomechanical Components Are Integrated Into this Cerna® System
Highlights
- Fixed Arms Integrate Thorlabs' SM1, SM2, 30 mm Cage, and 60 mm Cage Construction Standards with the 95 mm Support Rail
- Breadboard Tops Enable User-Designed Widefield Viewing Schemes
- Ø1.5" Through Hole for Optical Path
- Array of 154 1/4"-20 or M6 x 1.0 Taps
- Two-Position Slider Option to Integrate Multiple Optical Paths
- Custom-Built Illumination Apparatuses Using Thorlabs' Selection of Light Accessories
The configuration shown here contains several microscope body attachments and extensions that are specifically designed for expanding the microscope's functionality using Thorlabs' mechanical construction systems. Intended for system developers, these accessories enable a high degree of system customization.
For instance, the 95 mm support rail has been capped with a breadboard that has a Ø1.5" through hole and an array of 1/4"-20 taps, which here have been used to build a widefield viewing apparatus with our plasma light source and scientific camera. Taking advantage of the linear dovetail mounting surface on the support rail, we have attached an SM1-threaded (1.035"-40), 30-mm-cage-compatible fixed arm and an SM2-threaded (2.035"-40), 60-mm-cage-compatible fixed arm in the optical path underneath the objective, allowing us to construct custom transmitted light illumination apparatuses. Please see the full web presentation to explore DIY Cerna options for custom constructions.
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30 mm and 60 mm Cage Systems Thorlabs' cage systems use four rigid steel rods on which optical components can be mounted along a common optical axis. |
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Fiber-Coupled Lasers Thorlabs' extensive line of fiber-coupled laser sources includes both single channel and four channel options. |
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LED Light Sources Thorlabs provides a range of mounted LEDs that emit in the 280 - 1550 nm spectral range for brightfield illumination, Dodt contrast, and DIC imaging. |
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Plasma Light Sources Thorlabs' high-power, solid-state plasma light sources combine the best features of solid-stage electronics and full spectrum plasma emitters. |
360° Video of Cerna Series Developers' Configuration |
Thorlabs is eager to assist with custom system builds, starting from either the catalog configurations shown here
or parts from our components catalog. Please contact ImagingSales@thorlabs.com to start a conversation.
Example Cerna® System: Cerna Microscope for Epi- and Trans-Illumination
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This Cerna® Microscope has been Configured for Epi-Fluorescence Imaging
and Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) Imaging
Highlights
- Sliding Nosepiece Accommodates Two Objectives
- Low-Magnification Objective for Finding the Region of Interest
- High-Magnification Objective for High-Resolution Imaging
- Two Scientific Cameras can be Individually Dedicated to Widefield Fluorescence and DIC Imaging
This Cerna microscope is configured for both epi-fluorescence and differential interference contrast (DIC) imaging.
To support epi-fluorescence studies, we have equipped this system with a broad-spectrum LED lamp. This configuration can also accommodate an industry-standard liquid light guide source. To easily switch amongst filter sets, we have added an epi-illuminator with a turret for up to six dichroic filter cubes.
For DIC imaging, we have outfitted the microscope with several Nikon-designed components, including a condenser, polarizers, and prisms. Trans-illumination is provided by Thorlabs' LEDs, which provide broadband illumination in the visible and NIR and are available at multiple wavelengths. We can also configure Cerna systems to support Dodt contrast.
By using these non-destructive techniques to image in vitro, the detrimental effects of photobleaching are largely avoided.
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Scientific Cameras Thorlabs' monochrome scientific CCD cameras are based on high quantum efficiency, low-noise CCD imagers, which make them ideal for high-performance imaging techniques. |
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Objectives Thorlabs offers several types of objective lenses: infinity-corrected visible imaging objectives, focusing objectives for laser sources, infinity-corrected telecentric scan lenses, F-theta scan lenses, and reflective objectives. |
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Rigid Stand with Slide Holder Thorlabs' Rigid Stands are ideal for mounting our micromanipulators and other electrophysiology accessories such as slide or chamber holders. |
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LED Light Sources Thorlabs provides a range of mounted LEDs that emit in the 280 - 1550 nm spectral range for brightfield illumination, Dodt contrast, and DIC imaging. |
Thorlabs recognizes that each imaging application has unique requirements.
If you have any feedback, questions, or need a quotation, please contact ImagingSales@thorlabs.com or call (703) 651-1700.
Example Cerna® System: Entry-Level Electrophysiology Rig for Single-Cell Recording
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Since the Micromanipulators and Recording Chamber are Mounted on Separate Rigid Stands, This Entry-Level Cerna® Configuration is Best Suited for Single-Cell Recording
Configuration C211
- Liquid-Light-Guide-Based Light Source for Epi-Illumination
- LED-Based Transmitted Light Source
- Recording Chamber Holder is Motorized for 1" of Fine Travel in X and Y
- Trinoculars and Scientific Camera for Visualization of the Sample
This basic Cerna configuration is designed to perform single-cell patch clamp recordings. The recording chamber and micromanipulators are held in place by our rigid stand sample holders, which offer a quick-release clamp that makes it easy to lock the device in place at the desired position. In order to position the cell within the field of view, the rigid stand has been mounted on motorized stages that provide 1" of fine translation in X and Y.
Widefield Viewing Accessories
The sample can be viewed directly using the trinoculars or recorded using the scientific cameras. For sample excitation, this rig is equipped with a single cube epi-illuminator and a DC-stabilized source that is delivered through a liquid light guide. Alternative illumination sources include Thorlabs' LEDs or industry-standard broad-spectrum LEDs.
Motion Control for Micromanipulators, Sample Holders, and the Microscope
The motorized XY stage, objective focusing module, and condenser focusing module can be controlled by our 3-axis knobbed controllers, which offer variable speed control and permit axes to be disabled on an individual basis. The motorized micromanipulators have two controllers: a joystick for coarse control of the Y, Z, and approach axes, and a knob box for controlling the piezos.
360° Video of Cerna Series Configuration C211 |
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Scientific Cameras Thorlabs' monochrome scientific CCD cameras are based on high quantum efficiency, low-noise CCD imagers, which make them ideal for high-performance imaging techniques. |
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Liquid Light Guides Thorlabs' Liquid Light Guides (LLGs) offer high transmission from 340 - 800 nm for white light illumination applications. |
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LED Light Sources Thorlabs provides a range of mounted LEDs that emit in the 280 - 1550 nm spectral range for brightfield illumination, Dodt contrast, and DIC imaging. |
Example Cerna System: Premium Electrophysiology Rig with XY Platform
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By Mounting the Micromanipulators and Recording Chamber on a Common Motorized Platform, Experimental Flexibility is Improved in Comparison to Our Entry-Level Configuration
Configuration C202
- Epi-Illuminator with 6-Position Filter Cube Turret Allows User to Select Appropriate Filter Sets for Specific Fluorophores
- XY Platform Moves Specimen and Apparatus in Unison Over 2" Range in X and Y
- Scientific Cameras can be Individually Dedicated to Visible and IR Imaging
This advanced Cerna configuration has several upgrades compared to the basic system shown above. Rather than mounting each rigid stand directly to the workstation, the rigid stands are secured to an intermediary XY platform that moves the micromanipulators and recording chamber as one unit. This design choice allows the field of view to be freely translated underneath the objective without having to first withdraw the pipettes.
Large, Motorized Two-Axis Platform
Our XY platform provides 2" of motorized travel in X and Y, offers an array of either 1/4"-20 or M6 x 1.0 tapped holes for securing equipment, and enables access to the focal plane from in front of, alongside, or behind the objective. Moreover, the large 24" x 18" (600 mm x 450 mm) work surface is capable of supporting space-consuming experimental apparatuses that need to be moved concurrently with the rest of the setup.
Double Camera Ports for Dedicated Purposes
This rig has also been upgraded with a double camera port that allows the user to have dedicated cameras for different imaging modalities. Visible light is sent into the front port and NIR light is sent into the rear port, providing independent detection for different regions of the spectrum.
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Motorized Micromanipulators Thorlabs' micromanipulators offer excellent control of pipette manipulation for electrophysiology research. |
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Objectives Thorlabs offers several types of objective lenses: infinity-corrected visible imaging objectives, focusing objectives for laser sources, infinity-corrected telecentric scan lenses, F-theta scan lenses, and reflective objectives. |
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Rigid Stands Thorlabs' Rigid Stands are ideal for mounting our micromanipulators and other electrophysiology accessories such as slide or chamber holders. |
360° Video of Cerna Series Configuration C202 |
Thorlabs recognizes that each imaging application has unique requirements.
If you have any feedback, questions, or need a quotation, please contact ImagingSales@thorlabs.com or call (703) 651-1700.
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Schematic of Hyperspectral Imaging
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A hyperspectral imaging system built using Thorlabs' Cerna® Microscopy Platform, KURIOS-VB1 Tunable Bandpass Filter, and 1501M-GE Monochrome Scientific Camera. Several components shown here were modified from their stock configuration.
Application Idea: Hyperspectral Imaging
In hyperspectral imaging, a stack of spectrally separated, two-dimensional images is acquired. This technique is frequently used in microscopy, biomedical imaging, and machine vision, as it allows quick sample identification and analysis.
Hyperspectral imaging obtains images with significantly better spectral resolution than that provided by standalone color cameras. Color cameras represent the entire spectral range of an image by using three relatively wide spectral channels—red, green, and blue. In contrast, hyperspectral imaging systems incorporate optical elements such as liquid crystal tunable bandpass filters or diffraction gratings, which create spectral channels with significantly narrower bandwidths.
Thorlabs' Cerna® microscopy platform, Kurios® tunable filters, and scientific-grade cameras are easily adapted to hyperspectral imaging. The Cerna platform is a modular microscopy system that integrates with Thorlabs' SM lens tube construction systems and supports transmitted light illumination. Kurios tunable filters have SM-threaded interfaces for connections to the Cerna platform and our cameras. In addition, Kurios filters include software and a benchtop controller with external triggers, which enable fast, automated, synchronized wavelength switching and image capture.
Example Image Stack
The data in the images and video below demonstrate the hyperspectral imaging technique. Figure 1 depicts two images of a mature capsella bursa-pastoris embryo (also known as shepherd's-purse) taken with a Kurios filter set to center wavelengths of 500 nm and 650 nm. These two images show that an entire field of view is acquired at each spectral channel. Figure 2 is a video containing 31 images of the same sample, taken at center wavelengths from 420 nm to 730 nm in 10 nm steps. (10 nm is not the spectral resolution; the spectral resolution is set by the FWHM bandwidth at each wavelength.) In Figure 3, images from each spectral channel are used to determine the color of each pixel and assemble a color image. Figure 3 also demonstrates that a broadband spectrum is acquired at each pixel, permitting spectroscopic identification of different sample features within the field of view.
Kurios tunable filters offer a number of advantages for hyperspectral imaging. Unlike approaches that rely upon angle-tunable filters or manual filter swapping, Kurios filters use no moving parts, enabling vibrationless wavelength switching on millisecond timescales. Because the filter is not moved or exchanged during the measurement, the data is not subject to "pixel shift" image registration issues. Our filters also include software and a benchtop controller with external triggers, making them easy to integrate with data acquisition and analysis programs.
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Figure 3: A color image of the mature capsella bursa-pastoris embryo, assembled using the entire field of view acquired in each spectral channel, as shown in Figure 1. By acquiring across multiple channels, a spectrum for each pixel in the image is obtained.
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Figure 1: Two images of a mature capsella bursa-pastoris embryo taken at different center wavelengths. The entire field of view is acquired for each spectral channel.
Figure 2: This video shows the image obtained from the sample as a function of the center wavelength of the KURIOS-WB1 tunable filter. The center wavelength was incremented in 10 nm steps from 420 nm to 730 nm. (10 nm is not the spectral resolution; the spectral resolution is set by the FWHM bandwidth at each wavelength.)
Building a DIY Cerna® System
The Cerna microscopy platform's large working volume and system of dovetails (see the Microscope Dovetails tab) make it straightforward to connect and position the components of the microscope. The flexibility offered by these dovetails both simplifies initial setup and provides easy paths for later upgrades and modification.
Assembly of Cerna® Microscope Kit 3
This Cerna microscope configuration uses D1N and D2N dovetails for alignment of the sample viewing and epi-illumination apparatus. A 95 mm dovetail is used to connect the objective and condenser mounts, as well as the transmitted light illumination module. The linear 95 mm dovetail surface allows components to slide along the vertical rail prior to lockdown.
Assembly of DIY Cerna Rig
The DIY Cerna rig in this video uses a CSA3000 Breadboard Top, a CSA2001 Dovetail Adapter, our CSA1001 and CSA1002 Fixed Arms, and other body attachments and extensions. These components provide interfaces to our lens tube and cage construction systems, allowing the rig to incorporate two independent trans-illumination modules, a home-built epi-illumination path, and a custom sample viewing optical path.
Selecting and Installing Accessories
Cerna modules utilize industry-standard interfaces, providing wide compatibility with Thorlabs' and third-party accessories, such as scientific cameras and illumination sources.
Walkthrough of Example Rig
For illuminating and viewing thin in vitro specimens, the example rig in this video includes a CSE1000 Epi-Illuminator Module with Filter Cube Turret, XCITE120LED Lamp, CSD1002 Double Camera Port, and a selection of Nomarski DIC accessories.
Camera, Filter Cube, and Illumination Source Installation
All of our camera tubes offer C-Mount (1.00"-32) threads for compatibility with an industry-standard camera. For epi-illumination, the CSE1000 module accepts Nikon-compatible filter cubes and any illumination source with a male Nikon bayonet mount, such as an XCITE200DC Lamp.
The Cerna® Series Mind Map is a visual tool for selecting the modules that make up a complete Cerna microscope. Created as a supplement to the information provided directly on our website, it lays out both the required and optional components in a single 11" x 17" printed sheet. We have designed it to be used as a flowchart, starting from the red arrow at the center of the document and following the steps in order.
Click here or on the image below to download a printable PDF (6 MB).
Thorlabs' sales engineers and field service staff are based out of eight offices across four continents. We look forward to helping you determine the best imaging system to meet your specific experimental needs. Our customers are attempting to solve biology's most important problems; these endeavors require matching systems that drive industry standards for ease of use, reliability, and raw capability.
Thorlabs' worldwide network allows us to operate showrooms in a number of locations where you can see our systems in action. We welcome the opportunity for personal interaction during your visit! A demo can be scheduled at any of our showrooms by contacting ImagingSales@thorlabs.com.
Sterling, Virginia, USA
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Customer Support Sites
Newton, New Jersey, USA
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Thorlabs recognizes that each imaging application has unique requirements.
If you have any feedback, questions, or need a quotation, please contact ImagingSales@thorlabs.com or call (703) 651-1700.
Click on the different parts of the microscope to explore their functions.
Elements of a Microscope
This overview was developed to provide a general understanding of a Cerna® microscope. Click on the different portions of the microscope graphic to the right or use the links below to learn how a Cerna microscope visualizes a sample.
Terminology
Arm: Holds components in the optical path of the microscope.
Bayonet Mount: A form of mechanical attachment with tabs on the male end that fit into L-shaped slots on the female end.
Bellows: A tube with accordion-shaped rubber sides for a flexible, light-tight extension between the microscope body and the objective.
Breadboard: A flat structure with regularly spaced tapped holes for DIY construction.
Dovetail: A form of mechanical attachment for many microscopy components. A linear dovetail allows flexible positioning along one dimension before being locked down, while a circular dovetail secures the component in one position. See the Microscope Dovetails tab or here for details.
Epi-Illumination: Illumination on the same side of the sample as the viewing apparatus. Epi-fluorescence, reflected light, and confocal microscopy are some examples of imaging modalities that utilize epi-illumination.
Filter Cube: A cube that holds filters and other optical elements at the correct orientations for microscopy. For example, filter cubes are essential for fluorescence microscopy and reflected light microscopy.
Köhler Illumination: A method of illumination that utilizes various optical elements to defocus and flatten the intensity of light across the field of view in the sample plane. A condenser and light collimator are necessary for this technique.
Nosepiece: A type of arm used to hold the microscope objective in the optical path of the microscope.
Optical Path: The path light follows through the microscope.
Rail Height: The height of the support rail of the microscope body.
Throat Depth: The distance from the vertical portion of the optical path to the edge of the support rail of the microscope body. The size of the throat depth, along with the working height, determine the working space available for microscopy.
Trans-Illumination: Illumination on the opposite side of the sample as the viewing apparatus. Brightfield, differential interference contrast (DIC), Dodt gradient contrast, and darkfield microscopy are some examples of imaging modalities that utilize trans-illumination.
Working Height: The height of the support rail of the microscope body plus the height of the base. The size of the working height, along with the throat depth, determine the working space available for microscopy.
Click to EnlargeCerna Microscope Body
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Body Details
Microscope Body
The microscope body provides the foundation of any Cerna microscope. The support rail utilizes 95 mm rails machined to a high angular tolerance to ensure an aligned optical path and perpendicularity with the optical table. The support rail height chosen (350 - 600 mm) determines the vertical range available for experiments and microscopy components. The 7.74" throat depth, or distance from the optical path to the support rail, provides a large working space for experiments. Components attach to the body by way of either a linear dovetail on the support rail, or a circular dovetail on the epi-illumination arm (on certain models). Please see the Microscope Dovetails tab or here for further details.
Click to EnlargeIllumination with a Cerna microscope can come from above (yellow) or below (orange). Illumination sources (green) attach to either.
Illumination
Using the Cerna microscope body, a sample can be illuminated in two directions: from above (epi-illumination, see yellow components to the right) or from below (trans-illumination, see orange components to the right).
Epi-illumination illuminates on the same side of the sample as the viewing apparatus; therefore, the light from the illumination source (green) and the light from the sample plane share a portion of the optical path. It is used in fluorescence, confocal, and reflected light microscopy. Epi-illumination modules, which direct and condition light along the optical path, are attached to the epi-illumination arm of the microscope body via a circular D1N dovetail (see the Microscope Dovetails tab or here for details). Multiple epi-illumination modules are available, as well as breadboard tops, which have regularly spaced tapped holes for custom designs.
Trans-illumination illuminates from the opposite side of the sample as the viewing apparatus. Example imaging modalities include brightfield, differential interference contrast (DIC), Dodt gradient contrast, oblique, and darkfield microscopy. Trans-illumination modules, which condition light (on certain models) and direct it along the optical path, are attached to the support rail of the microscope body via a linear dovetail (see Microscope Dovetails tab or here). Please note that certain imaging modalities will require additional optics to alter the properties of the beam; these optics may be easily incorporated in the optical path via lens tubes and cage systems. In addition, Thorlabs offers condensers, which reshape input collimated light to help create optimal Köhler illumination. These attach to a mounting arm, which holds the condenser at the throat depth, or the distance from the optical path to the support rail. The arm attaches to a focusing module, used for aligning the condenser with respect to the sample and trans-illumination module.
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| Epi-Illumination Modules | Breadboards & Body Attachments |
Brightfield | DIC | Dodt | Condensers | Condenser Mounting | Light Sources |
Click to EnlargeLight from the sample plane is collected through an objective (blue) and viewed using trinocs or other optical ports (pink).
Sample Viewing/Recording
Once illuminated, examining a sample with a microscope requires both focusing on the sample plane (see blue components to the right) and visualizing the resulting image (see pink components).
A microscope objective collects and magnifies light from the sample plane for imaging. On the Cerna microscope, the objective is threaded onto a nosepiece, which holds the objective at the throat depth, or the distance from the optical path to the support rail of the microscope body. This nosepiece is secured to a motorized focusing module, used for focusing the objective as well as for moving it out of the way for sample handling. To ensure a light-tight path from the objective, the microscope body comes with a bellows (not pictured).
Various modules are available for sample viewing and data collection. Trinoculars have three points of vision to view the sample directly as well as with a camera. Double camera ports redirect or split the optical path among two viewing channels. Camera tubes increase or decrease the image magnification. For data collection, Thorlabs offers both cameras and photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), the latter being necessary to detect fluorescence signals for confocal microscopy. Breadboard tops provide functionality for custom-designed data collection setups. Modules are attached to the microscope body via a circular dovetail (see the Microscope Dovetails tab or here for details).
Click to EnlargeThe rigid stand (purple) pictured is one of various sample mounting options available.
Sample/Experiment Mounting
Various sample and equipment mounting options are available to take advantage of the large working space of this microscope system. Large samples and ancillary equipment can be mounted via mounting platforms, which fit around the microscope body and utilize a breadboard design with regularly spaced tapped through holes. Small samples can be mounted on rigid stands (for example, see the purple component to the right), which have holders for different methods of sample preparation and data collection, such as slides, well plates, and petri dishes. For more traditional sample mounting, slides can also be mounted directly onto the microscope body via a manual XY stage. The rigid stands can translate by way of motorized stages (sold separately), while the mounting platforms contain built-in mechanics for motorized or manual translation. Rigid stands can also be mounted on top of the mounting platforms for independent and synchronized movement of multiple instruments, if you are interested in performing experiments simultaneously during microscopy.
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| Translating Platforms | Rigid Stands | Translation Stages for Rigid Stands | Motorized XY Stages | Manual XY Stage |
For sample viewing, Thorlabs offers trinoculars, double camera ports, and camera tubes. Light from the sample plane can be collected via cameras, photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), or custom setups using breadboard tops. Click here for additional information about viewing samples with a Cerna microscope.
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| Sample Viewing | Breadboards & Body Attachments |
Cameras | PMTs |
Microscope objectives are held in the optical path of the microscope via a nosepiece. Click here for additional information about viewing a sample with a Cerna microscope.
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| Objectives | Objective Thread Adapters | Parfocal Length Extender | Piezo Objective Scanner | Objective Mounting |
Large and small experiment mounting options are available to take advantage of the large working space of this microscope. Click here for additional information about mounting a sample for microscopy.
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| Translating Platforms | Rigid Stands | Translation Stages for Rigid Stands | Motorized XY Stages | Manual XY Stage |
Thorlabs offers various light sources for epi- and trans-illumination. Please see the full web presentation of each to determine its functionality within the Cerna microscopy platform.
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| Trans-Illumination Kits | Solis™ High-Power LEDs | Mounted LEDs | X-Cite® Lamps | Other Light Sources |
Epi-illumination illuminates the sample on the same side as the viewing apparatus. Example imaging modalities include fluorescence, confocal, and reflected light microscopy. Click here for additional information on epi-illumination with Cerna.
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| Epi-Illumination | Body Attachments | Light Sources |
Trans-illumination illuminates from the opposite side of the sample as the viewing apparatus. Example imaging modalities include brightfield, differential interference contrast (DIC), Dodt gradient contrast, oblique, and darkfield microscopy. Click here for additional information on trans-illumination with Cerna.
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The microscope body provides the foundation of any Cerna microscope. The 7.74" throat depth provides a large working space for experiments. Click here for additional information about the Cerna microscope body.
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| Microscope Bodies | Microscope Translator |
 Cerna Series Overview |
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