Cerna® Microscope for Epi-Fluorescence and Dodt Contrast Imaging


  • Equipped with Six-Position Epi-Illuminator and Dodt Gradient Contrast Imaging Modules
  • Ready to Accept Objectives, Cameras, Filters, and
    Illumination Sources

Cerna® Microscope Kit 4

(Optical Table Not Included)

Dodt Gradient Contrast Image of a Mouse Retina Using a Cerna Microscope

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Dodt Contrast Microscope
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Side View of Cerna Microscope Kit 4
(Optical Table Not Included)

Features

  • Six-Position Epi-Illuminator and Dodt Contrast Modules Support Visible and IR Imaging
  • Large and Open Working Space Underneath the Objective
    • Ideal for Sample Apparatuses, Recording Chambers, and Micromanipulators
  • Compatible with Thorlabs and Major Manufacturers' Objectives, Scientific Cameras, Fluorescence Filters, and Illumination Sources
  • Modular Design Allows User to Modify the Microscope's Optical Path

This Cerna® microscope configuration provides an optical path for epi-fluorescence and Dodt gradient contrast imaging. Dodt gradient contrast is particularly useful because it provides comparable image contrast to DIC, as shown in the image above, over a larger range of sample thicknesses. This can be combined with epi-fluorescence to track various physiological changes over the same region of interest.

A dual-objective nosepiece lets you locate an ROI using a low-magnification objective and then image using a high-magnification objective. It is directly compatible with M32 x 0.75-threaded objectives, and we include adapters for M25 x 0.75- and RMS-threaded objectives. Motorized objective and condenser focusing modules, each with 1" of travel, provide fine-tuned positioning along the optical axis. The six-position epi-illuminator module can be used to image multiple spectrally separated fluorophores.

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. For example, when the trans-illumination modules are installed, in vitro samples can be studied using epi-fluorescence and Dodt contrast, as well as with basic widefield and brightfield illumination. To free room underneath the objective for large sample holding apparatuses, the Dodt contrast 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 Microscopes Kit 1 Kit 2 Kit 3 Kit 4 Kit 5 Kit 6 Kit 7
Objective Holder Single Single Single Dual Dual Dual Dual
Epi-Illumination 1 Cube Up to 6 Filter Sets 1 Cube Up to 6 Filter Sets Up to 6 Filter Sets Up to 6 Filter Sets Up to 6 Filter Sets
Trans-Illumination - - Brightfield
(Visible)
Dodt Contrast
and Brightfield
(Visible)
Dodt Contrast
and Brightfield
(Visible and NIR)
DIC Imaging
and Brightfield
(Visible and NIR)
DIC Imaging
and Brightfield
(Visible and NIR)
XY Motion - - - - Microscope
Translator
- Translating
Platform

Cerna® Microscope Kit 4

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

This microscope is able to target multiple fluorophores through the use of a six-position epi-illuminator module that couples light emitted by the illumination source into the imaging path, through the objective, and onto the sample. The epi-fluorescence generated by the sample passes through the module to the eyepieces and camera. A D3T female dovetail on the rear of the microscope accepts a wide range of white-light lamps. The illumination path includes AR-coated conditioning optics, a field stop diaphragm, and a shutter.


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This Cerna® microscope kit features an epi-illuminator module with a 6-position filter turret. The filter position is labeled on the knurled wheel that rotates the turret.
Cerna Epi-Illuminator
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The rotating turret accommodates up to six filter sets (not included).
Cerna Epi-Illuminator
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The back of the epi-illuminator module has a female D3T dovetail that can be adapted to accept liquid light guides and LEDs.

Trans-Illumination (Dodt Gradient Contrast Imaging)

Dodt Apertures
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For Dodt contrast, the microscope ships with five quarter annuli that are matched to specific objective NAs (0.3, 0.5, 0.65, 0.8, or 1.0).
Dodt Apertures
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The bottom of the microscope houses one mounted LED for visible illumination, a diffuser and quarter annulus for the Dodt gradient, and a condenser.

Features

  • Supports Dodt Contrast Imaging
  • Diffuser and Five Sizes of Quarter Annulus Included
  • Accepts Thorlabs' Illumination Kits (Visible Illumination Kit Included)
  • Motorized Condenser Focusing Module with 1" Travel
  • 0.78 NA Long-Working-Distance Condenser

This microscope incorporates our trans-illumination module for Dodt gradient contrast, which uses a tightly toleranced quarter annulus and a diffuser to generate an illumination gradient that Dodt contrast requires for effective image contrast and sample illumination. We pre-install a quarter annulus for an objective NA of 1.0 and include additional quarter annuli for objectives with NAs of 0.3, 0.5, 0.65, and 0.8. A motorized condenser provides fine focusing control over a 1" travel range. Please see the full web presentation for additional information.

Bright illumination in the visible region of the spectrum is generated by the included illumination kit (Item # WFA1010), which uses one of Thorlabs' Mounted LEDs (Item # MWWHL4). The module features additional ports and a filter cube holder to allow for later expansion with IR or other wavelength LEDs. Please contact Tech Support with inquiries.

Brightfield Microscope
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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
  • 400 mm Body Height to Accommodate Trans-Illumination Module
  • Motorized Objective Focusing Module with 1" Travel
  • Mechanically Compatible with Thorlabs' 95 mm Rail Platforms

The backbone of this microscope is the 400 mm tall microscope body; based on Thorlabs' 95 mm Precision Optical Rails, it provides 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.

Cerna Objective Holder
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This microscope kit includes trinoculars with a camera port for widefield viewing.

Widefield Viewing

Add-On: Widefield Viewing

Features

  • 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.

Objective Holders and Objectives

Widefield Viewing
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M32 x 0.75-Threaded, 40X Objective in Optical Path
(Objectives Sold Separately)
Widefield Viewing
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M25 x 0.75-Threaded, 10X Objective in Optical Path
(Objectives Sold Separately)

Add-On: Objectives

Features

  • Use Low Magnification to Find the Region of Interest, then High Magnification to Image
  • Directly Compatible with M32 x 0.75-Threaded Objectives (Nikon)
  • Compatible with M25 x 0.75-Threaded Objectives (Nikon) by using the Thread Adapters
  • Compatible with RMS-Threaded Objectives (Olympus) by using the Thread Adapters

The dual-objective nosepiece offers direct compatibility with M32 x 0.75-threaded objectives. For convenience, we also have available two M32 x 0.75 to M25 x 0.75 thread adapters, which enable compatibility with objectives that use M25 x 0.75 threads, and two M32 x 0.75 to RMS thread adapters for compatibility with RMS-threaded objectives. Microscope objectives are available for purchase separately from Thorlabs, and we can also order other objectives outside our catalog upon request. For other objective mounting options, please see the full web presentation. 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 entirely constructed from our selection of modular Cerna® components. See the comprehensive list below for each included item.

Item # Qty. Description Photo
(Click to Enlarge)
Microscope Body
CEA1400 1 Cerna Microscope Body with Epi-Illumination Arm, 400 mm Tall Cerna Microscope Body
Widefield Viewing
LAURE1 1 Trinoculars with Eyepieces Trinoculars
TC1X 1 1X Camera Tube with C-Mount Camera Tube
Epi-Illumination
CSE2100 1 Epi-Illuminator Module for Six Filter Sets (Filter Sets Not Included)
Condenser
CSC2001 1 LWD Condenser, 0.78 NA
Objective & Condenser Mount
CSN200 1 Dual-Objective Nosepiece Dual-Objective Nosepiece
CSA1400 1 Mounting Arm for CSN200 Nosepiece Mounting Arm for CSN1301 Nosepiece
BSA2000 1 Condenser Mounting Arm with ±2.5 mm Travel per Adjuster Condenser Mounting Arm
PLSZ 2 Motorized Module with 1" Travel, 95 mm Dovetail Motorized Module with 1" Travel, 95 mm Dovetail
PLSZ1 1 Angle Bracket for Edge-Mounted Arms Angle Bracket for Edge-Mounted Arms
PLSZ2 1 Angle Bracket for Middle-Mounted Arms Angle Bracket for Middle-Mounted Arms
MCMK3 1 3-Knob USB HID Joystick 3-Knob USB HID Joystick
MCM301 1 Three-Channel Controller for Motorized Rigid Stands and PLS Series Stage Three-Channel Controller for Motorized Rigid Stands and PLS Series Stage
Trans-Illumination: Dodt Contrast Imaging
WFA1100 1 Dodt Contrast Module Dodt Contrast Module
WFA0150 1 Transmitted Light Module Dovetail Clamp Transmitted Light Module Dovetail Clamp
Illumination Kit
WFA1010 1 Visible Illumination Kit Visible Illumination Kit
LEDD1B 1 T-Cube™ LED Driver, 1200 mA Max Drive Current (Power Supply Not Included) LED Driver
KPS201 1 15 V Power Supply Unit for a Single K-Cube™ or T-Cube™ Power Supply
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 a scientific camera, an epi-illumination source, 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


Camera Port
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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.

CS2100M-USB Specifications
Product Photo
(Click to Enlarge)
CS2100M-USB
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)

Epi-Illumination
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Secure a Liquid Light Guide to the Six-Position Epi-Illuminator Module with a D3T Dovetail-to-LLG Adapter

Illumination Sources for Epi-Illumination

  • White Light Sources Illuminate the Field of View Through the Objective
  • Available Options Include Solis® LEDs, Chrolis™ LED Sources, or Other Sources Coupled through Ø3 mm Liquid Light Guide
  • Light is Tuned by Filter Sets for Specific Fluorophores (See Below)

The six-position epi-illuminator module that is included with this Cerna microscope kit requires a broadband white light source that emits across the visible region of the spectrum. Broadband emission makes it possible for the same microscope to stimulate fluorophores that have absorption wavelengths that are spectrally separated. Several filter sets aimed at common fluorophores are available below.

The Solis LED light sources have multiple wavelength emitting options, including broad sprectrum emission throughout the visible range. These LEDs are designed to be controlled by the DC20 or DC2200 drivers. The Solis LED is outfitted with collimating optics and can be mounted directly to the back of the epi-illuminator module using the SM2A56 dovetail adapter.

The 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 full web presentation for more details. The Chrolis sources are compatible with the epi-illuminator module via our LLG3A6 adapter, which connects and collimates any Ø3 mm LLG to a female D3T dovetail; see image to the upper right.

SOLIS-A1
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SOLIS® LED Features

  • Broadband LEDs Generate Intense Illumination Across the Visible Spectrum
  • Maximum LED Output Powers from 3.1 to 7.1 W
  • Intensity Control by Simple DC20 or Advanced DC2200 LED Driver
  • Lifetime: >10,000 Hours
  • Integrated Collimating Optics
  • Requires SM2A56 Dovetail Adapter (Sold Separately)
  • Link to Full Web Presentation

Epi-Illuminator
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Chrolis™ LED Source Features

  • 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 (Click info for Details)
  • Control LEDs Using Included Software with GUI
  • Typical Lifetime of LED Modules is ≥10,000 Hours
  • Requires LLG3A6 Dovetail Adapter (Sold Separately)
  • Link to Full Web Presentation

Filter Transmission Spectraa
Item # Target Fluorophore Transmission Graph
(Click for Plot)
MDF-BFP BFP (Blue Fluorescent Protein)
MDF-GFP2 Alexa Fluor® 488
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.

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Thorlabs' MDF-GFP2 Filter Set

Filter Sets for Epi-Fluorescence

  • Tune Epi-Illumination Source for the Excitation and Detection of Specific Fluorophores
  • Up to Six Filter Sets can be Installed Simultaneously
  • Thorlabs' Fluorescent Filter Sets Available
  • Utilize Fluorescence Filters from Other Major Manufacturers

The epi-illumination module included with this microscope contains a turret that can hold up to six filter sets. The turret can be rotated by hand to switch between the filter sets. To learn more about the features of the CSE2100 Epi-Illuminator Module included with this microscope, please see its full web presentation.

The filter sets we offer, which consist of an excitation filter, an emission filter, and a dichroic mirror, come in the industry-standard sizes. For excitation and emission filters, the standard dimensions are Ø25 mm, and for dichroic mirrors, the standard dimensions are 25 mm x 36 mm. This allows Cerna microscopes to be compatible with filters from all major manufacturers.

Several popular filter sets are listed with their target fluorophores in the table to the right. Please see the full web presentation for the entire line of Thorlabs' filter sets.


Objectives

  • Cerna Microscope Kit 5 Directly Accepts M32 x 0.75-Threaded Objectives
  • Compatible with M25 x 0.75-Threaded Objectives (Nikon) using Included Adapters
  • Compatible with RMS-Threaded Objectives (Olympus) using Included Adapters

The nosepiece of this microscope contains M32 x 0.75 threads in two places, allowing it to hold two objectives simultaneously. The M32 x 0.75 thread standard is used by newer widefield microscope objectives and offers larger back apertures than older standards.

For convenience, we include two M32 x 0.75 to M25 x 0.75 thread adapters and two M32 x 0.75 to RMS thread adapters. The M25 x 0.75 thread standard is most commonly used by Nikon objectives, while RMS threads are typically used by Olympus objectives. We stock several widefield Nikon objectives that use this standard, which are shown in the table below. Our in-stock selection is not exhaustive. If you would like to order a different objective from either Nikon or Olympus, please contact us.

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

Slide Holder in a Custom System
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Slide Holder in a Cerna® Microscope
XY Stage on Fixed Arm
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MLS203-1 Stage with MLS203P2 Slide Holder on CSA1000 Fixed Arm
Rigid Stand with Petri Dish Holder
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MP15M Rigid Stand with
MLS203P2 Slide/Petri Dish Holder

Sample Holders

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 attach directly to the dovetail that spans the height of the microscope body, allowing them to be positioned anywhere along the body height, putting the sample directly into the microscope's optical path, and taking advantage of the existing footprint of the scope. 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 Fixed Arms are compatible with Thorlabs' extensive selection of optomechanical components, allowing custom sample holder configurations to be integrated with this microscope.

Several compatible options are outlined in the tables below. For our full range of rigid stand inserts and heights, please see their full web presentation.

Rigid Stands

Rigid Stand
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MP15M(/M) Rigid Stand with Rectangular Insert Holder

Rigid Stand
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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
Rigid Stand
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MP15(/M) Rigid Stand with Platform

  • 24 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) Tapped Holes for Holding Micromanipulators or Other Equipment
  • Height Range: 203.6 - 314.9 mm
  • Other Heights Available

Fixed Arms

Fixed Arm
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CSA1000 Fixed Arm

Fixed Arm
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CSA1001 Fixed Arm

Fixed Arm
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CSA1002 Fixed Arm


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Click on the different parts of the microscope to explore their functions.

Explore the Cerna MicroscopeSample Viewing/RecordingSample MountingIllumination SourcesIllumination SourcesObjectives and MountingEpi-IlluminationEpi-IlluminationTrans-IlluminationMicroscope BodyMicroscope BodyMicroscope BodyMicroscope Body

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.

 

microscope bodyClick to Enlarge
Cerna Microscope Body
Body Height Comparison
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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.

 

microscope bodyClick to Enlarge
Illumination 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.

 

microscope bodyClick to Enlarge
Light 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).

 

microscope bodyClick to Enlarge
The 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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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.

Product Families & Web Presentations
Sample Viewing Breadboards
& Body Attachments
Cameras PMTs

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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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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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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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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.

Product Families & Web Presentations
Epi-Illumination Web Presentation Body Attachments Light Sources
Epi-Illumination Body Attachments Light Sources

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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.

Product Families & Web Presentations
Brightfield Web Presentation DIC Web Presentation Dodt Web Presentation Condensers Web Presentation Condenser Mounting Web Presentation Illumination Kits Web Presentation Other Light Sources
Brightfield DIC Dodt Condensers Condenser Mounting Illumination Kits Other Light Sources

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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.

Product Families & Web Presentations
Microscope Body Web Presentation Microscope Body Translator
Microscope Bodies Microscope Translator
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Customizable Cerna Microscope Configuration: Kit 4

This microscope configuration can be tailored to your particular imaging needs through the use of our kit functionality. Its components can be added all at once to the shopping cart using the "Add Kit" button at the bottom of the ordering area, or individually using the shopping cart icon next to each item. Items may be removed from the default item list by changing the value in the "Qty" box to 0 before clicking the "Add Kit" button. Once added, peruse our catalog of modular microscope components to further customize the microscope kit in your cart. A discount is offered when a sufficient number of components are purchased. Please see the Kit Components tab for additional information about each component in this microscope kit.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
CEA1400 Support Documentation
CEA1400Cerna Microscope Body with Epi-Illumination Arm, 400 mm Rail
$994.29
Today
LAURE1 Support Documentation
LAURE1Cerna Trinoculars with 10X Eyepieces, Upright Image, IR Filter
$4,284.00
7-10 Days
TC1X Support Documentation
TC1X1X Camera Tube for LAURE1 & LAURE2 Trinoculars, C-Mount, Male D2N Dovetail
$440.76
Today
CSE2100 Support Documentation
CSE2100Epi-Illuminator Module with Turret for Six Filter Sets, Conditioning Optics, Additional Optical Port, WD = 50 mm
$6,318.90
Today
CSC2001 Support Documentation
CSC2001LWD Condenser, 0.78 NA, Male D3N Dovetail, 400 - 850 nm, One C32 Tray Included
$1,496.55
Today
CSN200 Support Documentation
CSN200Nosepiece for 2 Objectives, M32 x 0.75 Threads
$2,169.70
Today
CSA1400 Support Documentation
CSA1400Mounting Arm for CSN200 Series Nosepieces and CSN110 Nosepiece Adapter
$343.57
Today
BSA2000 Support Documentation
BSA2000Condenser Arm, ±2.5 mm Travel per Adjuster, Female D3N Dovetail
$822.05
Today
PLSZ Support Documentation
PLSZNEW!Motorized Module with 1" Travel, 95 mm Dovetail
$1,935.00
Today
PLSZ1 Support Documentation
PLSZ1NEW!Angle Bracket for Edge-Mounted Arms
$185.00
Today
PLSZ2 Support Documentation
PLSZ2NEW!Angle Bracket for Middle-Mounted Arms
$235.00
Today
MCMK3 Support Documentation
MCMK3Customer Inspired! 3-Knob USB HID Joystick
$1,181.77
Today
MCM301 Support Documentation
MCM301Three-Channel Controller for Motorized Rigid Stands and PLS Series Stages
$1,581.00
Today
WFA1100 Support Documentation
WFA1100Dodt Gradient Contrast Module, 30 mm Cage Compatible
$5,791.12
Today
WFA0150 Support Documentation
WFA015095 mm Dovetail Clamp for WFA1000 and WFA1100 Modules
$385.56
Today
WFA1010 Support Documentation
WFA1010Warm White Illumination Kit
$932.83
Today
LEDD1B Support Documentation
LEDD1BT-Cube LED Driver, 1200 mA Max Drive Current (Power Supply Not Included)
$355.18
Today
KPS201 Support Documentation
KPS20115 V, 2.66 A Power Supply Unit with 3.5 mm Jack Connector for One K- or T-Cube
$40.33
Today
M32M25S Support Documentation
M32M25SCustomer Inspired! Brass Microscope Adapter with External M32 x 0.75 Threads and Internal M25 x 0.75 Threads
$23.30
Today
M32RMSS Support Documentation
M32RMSSCustomer Inspired! Brass Microscope Adapter with External M32 x 0.75 Threads and Internal RMS Threads
$27.81
Today