Cerna® Microscope with Epi-Illumination and Trans-Illumination Modules

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Side View of Cerna Microscope Kit 3
(Optical Table Not Included)

Features

• Single-Cube Epi-Illuminator and Transmitted Illumination Modules
  • Epi-Illuminator Module Compatible with Thorlabs' Mounted LEDs, Chrolis™ High-Power LED Sources, and Ø3 mm Liquid Light Guides
  • Transmitted Light Module Accepts LEDs for Visible and/or IR Light
• Accepts C-Mount Cameras from Thorlabs and Most Major Manufacturers
• Motorized Focus Control of Objective
• Trinoculars with 10X Eye Pieces
• Modular Design Allows User to Modify the Microscope's Optical Path

This Cerna^® microscope configuration provides an optical path that is ideal for experiments requiring either epi-fluorescence, reflected light, or brightfield imaging. The epi-illumination module accepts a variety of LEDs and lamps equipped with a Ø3 mm liquid light guide, while the brightfield illumination module includes Thorlabs' Visible Illumination Kit. A motorized objective holder on the microscope body provides 1" of vertical focusing adjustment for the objective.

Trinoculars with a camera port support real-time viewing of the sample directly through the eyepieces. The C-mount-threaded camera port is compatible with most industry-standard cameras, which can be used to view the image on a computer screen in real time or to capture images to analyze later. Motorized objective and condenser focusing modules, each with 1" of travel, provide fine-tuned positioning along the optical axis.

Unlike competing microscopes with similar capabilities, the Cerna platform's modularity lets the user quickly install and remove the microscope modules as needed for each experiment, providing a high degree of access and control. In vitro samples can be studied by positioning sample stages below the objective using fixed arms that can be attached directly to the microscope or rigid stands. To free room underneath the objective for large sample holding apparatuses, the brightfield module can be removed, providing a path for in vivo studies.

To address a wide range of experimental parameters, Thorlabs offers seven Cerna microscope configurations, which are summarized in the table below. In addition, we can work with you to configure a microscope that meets your unique needs. To contact our team, please e-mail ImagingSales@thorlabs.com. We also offer Cerna components individually for custom modifications.

Cerna^® Microscope Kit 3

This Cerna microscope kit was designed from our line of modular components to provide several convenient features for imaging, highlighted below. We also offer a selection of microscope objectives, cameras, and illumination modules that can be used to complement this microscope configuration and customize it to your experiment. Details can be found on the Microscope Add-Ons tab. The Kit Components tab details the components used in this microscope configuration, as well as a link to each component's webpage, where additional information (such as mechanical drawings) is available.

Epi-Illumination

Features

• Single-Cube Epi-Illuminator Module (Filter Cubes and Sets Sold Separately)
• Accepts Thorlabs' Mounted LEDs, Chrolis™ High-Power LED Sources, or Other Sources that Use Ø3 mm Liquid Light Guides

The epi-illumination module couples light emitted by the illumination source into the imaging path, through the objective, and onto the sample; it also allows epi-fluorescence generated by the sample to pass through the module to the eyepieces and camera. This epi-illuminator accepts one filter cube, making it suitable for several imaging modalities that require a single filter set. By installing a dichroic mirror and two emission filters, fluorescence imaging of a single fluorophore is possible. This filter set can be replaced with a 50:50 beamsplitter and two polarizers to create a reflected light imaging microscope. Alternatively, a multiband filter set combined with illumination from a multi-wavelength LED source allows the microscope to image samples with multiple fiducial markers. For more details about epi-illumination options offered by Thorlabs, please see the full web presentation.

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This Cerna^® microscope kit features a single-cube epi-illuminator module.

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The front cover of the epi-illuminator module is removed by unscrewing two M2 screws to install a filter cube (not included). Magnets on the cover and the housing ensure that the filter cube is positioned correctly when the door is replaced.

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The back of the epi-illuminator module includes a removable, SM1-threaded adapter that accepts liquid light guides.

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Transmitted Illumination Module with White Light LED

Trans-Illumination (Brightfield Imaging)

Features

• Supports Brightfield Illumination in the Visible and NIR
• Accepts Thorlabs' Illumination Kits (Visible Illumination Kit Included)
• Motorized Condenser Focusing Module with 1" Travel

This Cerna microscope configuration includes both a trans-illumination module and condenser, designed to direct and condition visible and/or IR illumination generated by one of our Illumination Kits into the optical path. Please see the full web presentation for additional information.

Bright visible light is generated by the included illumination kit (Item # WFA1010), which uses one of Thorlabs' Mounted LEDs (Item # MWWHL3). The module features additional ports and a filter cube holder to allow for later expansion with IR or other wavelength LEDs. Please contact Technical Support with inquiries.

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The microscope body is based on a
95 mm optical rail.

Microscope Body

Features

• Large Working Volume: Optical Path is 7.74" (196.6 mm) Away from Edge of Rail
• Linear Dovetail Surface Allows Modules to be Added and Removed
• 350 mm Body Height to Accommodate Sample Stages Mounted on Rigid Stands or Fixed Arms
• Motorized Objective Focusing Module with 1" Travel
• Mechanically Compatible with Thorlabs' 95 mm Rail Platforms

The backbone of this Cerna microscope kit is the 350 mm tall microscope body based on Thorlabs' 95 mm Precision Optical Rails, providing stable long-term support and excellent vibrational damping. Its linear dovetail mounting surface allows modules to be removed when they are not needed, freeing additional workspace and opening the door to user customization. For alternate rail heights please see the full web presentation.

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This microscope includes trinoculars with a camera port for widefield viewing.

Widefield Viewing

Features

• Trinoculars for Viewing Visible Light from the Sample
• Fixed Magnification Camera Port with C-Mount Accepts Most Industry-Standard Cameras
• Trinoculars with 10X Eyepiece Magnification and Adjustable Interpupil Distance

Widefield viewing is provided by trinoculars and a camera tube. The eyepieces feature an adjustable interpupil distance and rotate individually to allow the focus to be coarsely adjusted for each eye.

The included camera tube contains all of the optics needed to image the light from the objective onto a camera sensor. External C-mount (1.000-32") threads on the top of the camera tube accept Thorlabs' scientific cameras, as well as cameras from most major manufacturers. For additional viewing port and camera tube options, please see the full web presentation.

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This microscope kit has a single objective holder (objective not included).

Objective Holders and Objectives

Features

• Threaded for M32 x 0.75 Objectives
• Included Adapters:
  • M25 x 0.75 Internal Threads
  • RMS Internal Threads

The Single-Objective Nosepiece connects to the motorized mounting arm on the microscope body via six M4 counterbores to provide 1" of motorized vertical translation of the objective. The nosepiece features an M32 x 0.75 threaded port for mounting objectives and four 4-40 through taps for 60 mm cage system compatibility. Two objective thread adapters are also included to provide compatibility with other common objective threads: M25 x 0.75 and RMS. Microscope objectives are available for purchase separately from Thorlabs, and we can also order other objectives upon request. To mount multiple objectives, please see the full web presentation for other mounting options. Keep in mind that the total system magnification will depend upon the objective chosen; see the Objective, Scan, and Tube Lens Tutorial for details.

This kit configuration is constructed from our modular Cerna^® components. See the comprehensive list below for each included item.

Item #	Qty.	Description	Photo (Click to Enlarge)
Microscope Body
CEA1350	1	Cerna Microscope Body with Epi-Illumination Arm, 350 mm Tall
Widefield Viewing
LAURE1	1	Trinoculars with Eyepieces
TC1X	1	1X Camera Tube with C-Mount
Epi-Illumination
WFA2001	1	Single-Cube Epi-Illuminator Module (Filter Cube Not Included)
Condenser
CSC1001	1	Nikon FN-C LWD Condenser, 0.78 NA
Objective & Condenser Mounts
CSN100	1	Single-Objective Nosepiece
CSA2000	1	Condenser Mounting Arm with ±2 mm Travel in X and Y
PLSZ	2	Motorized Module with 1" Travel, 95 mm Dovetail
PLSZ1	2	Angle Bracket for Edge-Mounted Arms
MCMK3	1	3-Knob USB HID Joystick
MCM301	1	Three-Channel Controller for Motorized Rigid Stands and PLS Series Stage
Trans-Illumination
WFA1000	1	Brightfield Illumination / DIC Imaging Module
WFA0150	1	Transmitted Light Module Dovetail Clamp
Illumination Kit
WFA1010	1	Visible Illumination Kit
LEDD1B	1	T-Cube™ LED Driver, 1200 mA Max Drive Current (Power Supply Not Included)
KPS201	1	15 V Power Supply Unit for a Single K-Cube™ or T-Cube™
Objective Threading Adapters
M32M25S	1	External M32 x 0.75 Threads and Internal M25 x 0.75 Threads
M32RMSS	1	External M32 x 0.75 Threads and Internal RMS Threads

Application-Optimized Cerna Microscopes

Developed in collaboration with our colleagues in the field, the Cerna microscopy platform is uniquely modular and flexible, making it adaptable to a wide range of demanding experimental requirements. If you would like to work with our application specialists, engineers, and sales team to design your own microscope, please email ImagingSales@thorlabs.com.

Selected Accessories

In order to image with this microscope, it is necessary to add scientific cameras, an epi-illumination source, filter cubes and filter sets, objectives, and sample holders. It is often possible to improve the quality of your experimental data by carefully selecting accessories that complement your specific experiment. To that end, we have ensured that Cerna^® microscopes are compatible with a wide range of accessories. The information below compares the Cerna-compatible components that are manufactured or sold by Thorlabs. We have also indicated when it is possible to use equipment designed by other manufacturers.

Content

• Scientific Cameras for Widefield Viewing
• Illumination Sources for Epi-Illumination
• Filter Cubes and Filter Sets for Epi-Fluorescence
• Objectives
• Sample Holders

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The camera port provides a fixed magnification for light from the sample.

Scientific Cameras for Widefield Viewing

• Visualize the Field of View at a Computer
• Any C-Mount Camera is Compatible with a Cerna Microscope

Thorlabs offers scientific cameras optimized for a range of imaging needs. Cameras allow the field of view to be displayed on a computer screen and saved for later reference. Viewing your sample from a computer also enables remote sample positioning using our motion control accessories (see below), allowing samples to be moved in sensitive setups without introducing additional vibrations from your hands.

This Cerna microscope configuration includes a camera tube, which provides a fixed magnification at the image plane.

Any camera with C-Mount (1.000"-32) threading is compatible with this microscope. We recommend the CS2100M-USB Quantalux^® Scientific sCMOS Camera; see the table below for more details. For other options, please see our complete range of scientific cameras.

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Click for Raw Data

CS2100M-USB Specifications
Product Photo (Click to Enlarge)
Sensor Type	Monochrome sCMOS
Effective Number of Pixels (Horizontal x Vertical)	1920 x 1080
Imaging Area (Horizontal x Vertical)	9.6768 mm x 5.4432 mm
Pixel Size	5.04 µm x 5.04 µm
Optical Format	2/3" (11 mm Diagonal)
Max Frame Rate	50 fps (Full Sensor)
Sensor Shutter Type	Rolling
Peak Quantum Efficiency	61% at 600 nm
PC Interface	USB 3.0
Housing Dimensions	2.77" x 2.38" x 1.88" (70.4 mm x 60.3 mm x 47.6 mm)

Illumination Sources for Epi-Illumination

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A Thorlabs Mounted LED can be threaded into the epi-illuminator module and secured using the included locking ring.

Mounted LEDs

• Long Lifetimes (>10,000 Hours for LEDs Shown Here)
• Output can be Modulated with Suitable Driver
• Integrated EEPROM for Automated Driver Configuration
• Link to Full Web Presentation

The epi-illuminator module included with this microscope kit is compatible with Thorlabs' LEDs. Selected LEDs that emit at important visible and NIR wavelengths are outlined in the table below. We offer a much wider range of LEDs than the four presented here, at wavelengths from 265 nm to 1650 nm, all of which are compatible with the CM1003 Cerna microscope. For our full selection, please see their full web presentation. Please note that the drivers needed to power the LEDs are sold separately.

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See the graph above to compare the spectra of selected Thorlabs LEDs; spectra are scaled for reference.

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Chrolis 6-Wavelength High-Power LED Source with Included LLG03-4H Liquid Light Guide

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The liquid light guide can be secured by tightening the thumbscrew on the included adapter.

Chrolis™ 6-Wavelength High-Power LED Sources

• Combine 6 User-Changeable, High-Power LEDs into One Liquid Light Guide
• Eleven Wavelength Options Cover All Known Fluorophores Between 365 nm and 780 nm (See Table Below)
• Control LEDs Using Included Software with GUI
• Typical Lifetime of LED Modules is ≥10,000 Hours
• Link to Full Web Presentation

Thorlabs' Chrolis LED sources are user-configurable light engines that efficiently combine the output of six LEDs into a single liquid light guide (LLG). They are ideal for fluorescence imaging that requires up to six wavelengths of light. These sources are available in two pre-set configurations, as well as custom configurations; please see the table below for the LED options and the full web presentation for more details. As shown in the image to the right, the Chrolis sources are compatible with the epi-illuminator module, which includes an adapter that accepts Ø3 mm core liquid light guides.

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Filter Cube in Single-Cube Epi-Illuminator

Filter Cubes and Filter Sets

• Tune Epi-Illumination Source for the Excitation and Detection of Specific Fluorophores
• Easily Mount Filter Sets in the MDFM-MF2
• Each Thorlabs Set Consists of an Excitation Filter, an Emission Filter, and a Dichroic Mirror
• Utilize Fluorescence Filters from Other Major Manufacturers
• Other Filter Sets Available

The epi-illumination module included with this Cerna microscope kit accepts the MDFM-MF2 Filter Cube. This filter cube is designed to hold one Ø25 mm emission filter (up to 5 mm thick), one Ø25 mm excitation filter (up to 3.5 mm thick), and one 25 mm x 36 mm dichroic mirror (up to 1.1 mm thick), as shown in the video below, allowing Cerna microscopes to be compatible with filters from all major manufacturers.

Several popular filter sets are listed with their target fluorophores in the table below. Each set includes an excitation filter, an emission filter, and a dichroic mirror. Please see the full web presentation for the entire line of Thorlabs' filter sets.

Installation of a Filter Set and Filter Cube into the Single-Cube Epi-Illuminator Module Item # Accepted Filter Sizes MDFM-MF2 Excitation: Ø25 mm, Up to 5 mm Thick Emission: Ø25 mm, Up to 3.5 mm Thick Dichroic Mirror: Up to 25.2 mm x 36.0 mm x 1.0 mm

Selected Compatible Fluorescence Filter Setsa Item # Target Fluorophore Transmission Graph (Click for Plot) MDF-BFP BFP (Blue Fluorescent Protein) MDF-GFP2 Alexa Fluor® 488, GFP MDF-MCHAb mCherry MDF-MCHCb mCherry MDF-TOM tdTomato Please see the full web presentation for a complete listing of fluorescence filter sets offered. While both filter sets target mCherry, the -MCHC excitation filter features a broader transmission band than the excitation filter in the -MCHC filter set.

Objectives

• Cerna Microscope Kit 3 Directly Accepts Objectives with M32 x 0.75 Threads
• Includes Thread Adapters for Compatibility with Objectives from Major Manufacturers
  • M25 x 0.75-Threaded Objectives (Nikon)
  • RMS-Threaded Objectives (Olympus)

The nosepiece of this microscope has one M32 x 0.75-threaded bore for mounting objectives. The M32 x 0.75 thread standard is used by newer widefield microscope objectives and offers larger back apertures than previous standards. M25 x 0.75- and RMS-threaded adapters are included for compatibility with most objectives from Olympus and Nikon. Shown below are selected widefield Nikon objectives that are commonly used with this microscope kit. They can be mounted in the microscope’s CSN100 Single-Objective Holder using the M32M25S Brass Microscope Adapter (both included in this configuration). We offer other objectives and can order objectives outside our catalog upon request.

Item #	N4X-PF	N10X-PF	N20X-PF	N40X-PF	N60X-PF
Photo (Click to Enlarge)
Magnification	4X	10X	20X	40X	60X
Numerical Aperture (NA)	0.13	0.3	0.50	0.75	0.85
Working Distance (WD)	17.2 mm	16 mm	2.1 mm	0.66 mm	0.31 - 0.4 mm
Threading	M25 x 0.75

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Slide Holder in a Cerna^® Microscope

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MLS203-1 Stage with MLS203P2 Slide Holder on CSA1000 Fixed Arm

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MP15M Rigid Stand with
MLS203P2 Slide/Petri Dish Holder

Sample Stages and Holders

• Rigid Stands to Hold Samples Underneath and Around the Objectives
  • Designed for Slides, Petri Dishes, Well Plates, Recording Chambers, Micromanipulators, and Custom Inserts
  • Translation Stages with 1" of X and Y Travel Available
• Fixed Arms Allow Fast XY Stage, Lens Tubes, and/or Cage Systems to be Placed Directly Into the Optical Path
  • CSA1000: For Our MLS203-1 Fast XY Scanning Stage
  • CSA1001: For Ø1" Lens Tubes and 30 mm Cage Systems
  • CSA1002: For Ø2" Lens Tubes and 60 mm Cage Systems

Thorlabs offers highly configurable solutions for mounting your sample beneath the objective of the Cerna Microscope. Rigid stands are available with multiple platform styles that can accept slides, petri dishes, recording chambers, micromanipulators, and custom inserts. The included collar makes them lockable at a height and angle chosen by the user. We also manufacture translation stages for these rigid stands that provide motorized horizontal translation of the sample.

Our fixed arms enable the sample stage to be attached directly to the microscope body via a dovetail that extends the full height of the microscope body, allowing the arms to be positioned anywhere along the body height. For a pre-configured sample holder solution, use the CSA1000 fixed arm with the MLS203-1 Fast XY Scanning Stage. This stage is compatible with our MZS500-E Piezo-Driven Insert, which adds high-resolution Z-axis adjustments. Alternatively, the CSA1001 and CSA1002 rigid arms are compatible with Thorlabs' wide selection of optomechanical components, allowing custom sample holder configurations and additional optics to be easily integrated into this microscope.

Several common options are outlined below, while our full selection of sample holders can be explored in the Cerna Components presentation.

Rigid Stands

Click to Enlarge MP10M(/M) Rigid Stand with Rectangular Insert Holder Designed for Multiple Slides, Petri Dishes, Well Plates, Breadboards, Our MZS500-E Z-Axis Piezo Stage, and User-Designed Inserts Height Range: 151.4 - 216.4 mm Other Heights Available

Click to Enlarge MPRC(/M) Recording Chamber Holder, MPP15 Post, and LPH150 Post Holder Insert Designed for Recording Chambers Height Range: 203.6 - 314.9 mm Other Heights Available

Click to Enlarge MP10(/M) Rigid Stand with Platform 24 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) Tapped Holes for Holding Micromanipulators or Other Equipment Height Range: 151.4 - 216.4 mm Other Heights Available