Inverted Research Microscope
ECLIPSE Ti
The inverted microscope series at the center of bioscience's most advanced imaging techniques
Scientists have overcome many live cell imaging challenges using advanced techniques such as TIRF, confocal, FRET, photo activation and microinjection. At the center of all this is the ECLIPSE Ti, a powerful system that provides instant access to all these methods plus revolutionary Nikon CFI60 optics. Available in three models, the Ti series offers improved system speeds, increased flexibility and efficient multi-mode microscopy as part of a fully-integrated microscope system that is ideal for high-end research and live cell imaging.
The Ti-E comes with a unique Perfect Focus System (PFS) that automatically corrects focus drift in real time during a prolonged period of time-lapse imaging.
Focus drift resulting from a temperature drop when reagents are added is instantaneously corrected and the rapid change of cells can be captured.
The incorporation of the PFS in the nosepiece unit saves space and allows two optical component levels to be attached simultaneously utilizing stratum structure.
Focus drift can now be corrected in a broader range of Z-axis planes than ever before. Maintaining focus at greater distances from the objective lens and at greater depths within the specimen is also possible.
In addition, PFS's focus drift correction range has been widened, resulting in more reliable and stable data.
By now employing 870nm wavelength for the coverglass interface detection, near-infrared fluorescence dyes including Cy5.5 can be used.
Nikon offers two PFS models, one for UV-visible wavelength imaging and one for multiphoton imaging. The multiphoton model can correct for focus drift even when imaging with wavelengths ranging from 880-1300 nm.
In addition to glass bottom dishes, plastic dishes can be used with PFS. The system is especially suited to high-throughput screening applications that involve multi-well plates.
The operational speeds of motorized components such as the nosepiece, fluorescence filters and stage have been greatly enhanced, allowing high-speed screening image capture during multi-dimensional experiments. Faster device movement and image acquisition reduce overall light exposure and subsequent photo-toxicity, leading to more meaningful data. The digital Controller Hub significantly increases motorized accessory speed by reducing communication overhead time between components, boosting total operation speed.
The revolutionary external phase contrast unit incorporates a phase ring and allows the use of high NA objective lenses without a phase ring for phase contrast observation. Because there is no light loss due to a phase ring, bright "full intensity" fluorescence images as well as high-resolution phase contrast images can be captured using the same objective lens.
Nikon's comprehensive imaging software NIS-Elements provides an integrated control of the microscope, cameras, components and peripherals. The intuitive GUI and efficient workflow make the programming of automated imaging sequences up to 6D (X, Y, Z, time, wavelength, multipoint) easy to perform.
The new Ti-LAPP system provides a wide range of illumination modules that can be flexibly combined to create an imaging system tailored for your research. The modularity of the Ti-LAPP system also provides flexibility when the system configuration needs to be changed, an important feature in core imaging facilities and labs that have changing imaging needs.
The DMD module enables photoactivation and photoconversion of a user-specified pattern and position(s), whereas the conventional FRAP unit only enables photoactivation of a single, manually-positioned spot.
A mouse embryonic fibroblast co-expressing mCherry-tagged lamin A (red) and photo-activatable GFP-tagged lamin A was photo-converted (green) in the lower right region using the DMD module and 405 nm LED light. Time-lapse images were captured using the epi-fluorescence illuminator. By photoactivating a sub-population of the lamin proteins, one can observe their dynamics and subunit-exchange behavior.
Image courtesy of Drs. Takeshi Shimi and Bob Goldman, Northwestern University Medical School
The H-TIRF module automatically adjusts the focus and incident angle of the laser for TIRF observation by monitoring the reflection beam. An even field of TIRF illumination is achieved with a gradation neutral density (ND) filter.
Three-color TIRF image
Using the gradation ND filter, a very even TIRF illumination is achieved. An in vitro preparation of fluorescently-labeled microtubules (tetramethylrhodamine and Alexa 647) and tubulin binding proteins (Alexa 488) was imaged using the H-TIRF illuminator and the gradation ND filter. Incident angles can be automatically adjusted for multiple wavelengths.
Image courtesy of Melissa Hendershott and Dr. Ron Vale, University of California, San Francisco
The Ti-LAPP system’s modularity and flexible configuration capability provide custom imaging solutions for individual research needs. Modules can also be easily exchanged or added to adapt to changing experimental needs, an important feature for labs with evolving research directions and multi-user, core facilities. For example, by adding a second TIRF module to a single-TIRF configuration, users can easily carry out anisotropy experiments and fast, multi-angle TIRF experiments. Adding a photoactivation/conversion module such as the DMD or FRAP module enables tracking of a sub-fraction of a protein population, providing insights into protein behaviors that would otherwise be illusive when imaging the entire population.
Taking advantage of the Nikon Ti’s stratum structure, modules can be incorporated as two separate layers with multiple modules per layer. Using a dual layer configuration enables optimal filter configuration for each illumination module. This enables optimal filter selection and improves experimental accuracy whilst maintaining the highest acquisition speeds.
Use of an optional back port enables multiple wavelength FRET imaging with multiple cameras. Moreover, by adding an eyepiece tube base unit with a side port, a maximum of five imaging ports* including left, right and bottom ports are available. (*With Ti-E/B model with bottom port)
The flagship model that is fully motorized for automated multimode image techniques and acquisition
(A model with a bottom port is also available.)
The universal model with the potential for diverse laser illuminators and motorized components
(A model with a bottom port is also available.)
The basic model that can be dedicated to specific tasks
Ti-E, Ti-E/B | Ti-U, Ti-U/B | Ti-S, Ti-S/L100 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Main body | Port | Ti-E: 3 ports Eyepiece 100%, left 100%, right 100%*, eyepiece 20%/left 80%* Ti-E/B: 4 ports Eyepiece 100%, left 100%, right 100%**, bottom 100% Motorized optical path switching | Ti-U: 3 ports Eyepiece 100%, left 100%, right 100%, AUX** Ti-U/B: 4 ports Eyepiece 100%, left 100%, right 100%**, bottom 100% Manual optical path switching | Ti-S: 2 ports Eyepiece 100%, eyepiece 20%/left 80%*** Ti-S/L100: 2 ports Eyepiece 100%, left 100%*** Manual optical path switching |
Two ports (tube base unit with side port, back port) can be added optionally | ||||
Focusing | Via motorized nosepiece up/down movement Stroke (motorized): up 7.5 mm, down 2 mm Motorized (pulse motor) Minimum step: 0.025 μm Maximum speed: 2.5 mm/sec Motorized escape and refocus mechanism (coarse) Coarse/fine/exfine switchable | Via nosepiece up/down movement Stroke (manual): up 8mm, down 3mm Coarse stroke: 5.0mm/rotation Fine stroke: 0.1mm/rotation Minimum fine reading: 1µm | ||
Coarse refocusing mechanism | — | |||
Intermediate magnification | 1.5x | — | ||
Other | Light intensity control, Light on/off switch, VFD display on front of body, Operation with controller | — | ||
Eyepiece tube | Eyepiece tube body | TI-TD Binocular Tube D, TI-TS Binocular Tube S, TI-TERG Ergonomic Tube | ||
Eyepiece tube base | TI-T-B Eyepiece Tube Base Unit, TI-T-BPH Eyepiece Tube Base Unit for PH, TI-T-BS Eyepiece Tube Base Unit with Side Port | |||
Eyepiece lens | CFI 10x, 12.5x, 15x | |||
Illumination pillar | TI-DS Diascopic Illumination Pillar 30W, TI-DH Diascopic Illumination Pillar 100W | |||
Condenser | ELWD condenser, LWD condenser, NAMC condenser, ELWD-S condenser, High NA condenser, Darkfield condenser, CLWD condenser | |||
Nosepiece | TI-ND6-PFS-S Perfect Focus Unit with Motorized Nosepiece, TI-ND6-PFS-MP Perfect Focus Unit with Motorized Nosepiece for MP | — | ||
TI-ND6-E Motorized Sextuple DIC Nosepiece, TI-N6 Sextuple Nosepiece, TI-ND6 Sextuple DIC Nosepiece | ||||
Objectives | CFI60 objectives | |||
Stage | TI-S-ER Motorized Stage with Encoders, TI-S-E Motorized Stage—Cross travel: X110 × Y75 mm, Size: W400 × D300 mm (except extrusions) TI-SR Rectangular Mechanical Stage, TI-SR/F Rectangular Stage with front positioned knob, TI-SSR Short-handle Rectangular Stage-Cross travel: X70 x Y50mm, Size: W310 x D300mm TI-SP Plain Stage—Size: W260 x D300 mm TI-SAM Attachable Mechanical Stage—Cross travel: X126 × Y84 mm when used with TI-SP Plain Stage | |||
Motorized functions | Focusing, Port switching | ― | ||
Epi-fluorescence attachment | Sextuple fluorescence filter cube rotating turret, Filter cubes with noise terminator mechanism, Field diaphragm centerable, 33mm ND4/ND8 filters, 25mm heat absorbing filter Option: Motorized sextuple fluorescence filter cube rotating turret, Motorized excitation filter wheel, Motorized barrier filter wheel | |||
Nomarski DIC system | Contrast control: Senarmont method (by rotating polarizer) Objective side prism: for individual objectives (installed in nosepiece) Condenser side prism: LWD N1/N2/NR (Dry), HNA N2/NR (Dry/Oil) types | |||
Weight (approx.) | Phase contrast set: 41.5kg Epi-fl set: 45.4kg | Phase contrast set: 38.5kg Epi-fl set: 42.3kg | Phase contrast set: 29.6kg Epi-fl set: 33.4kg | |
Power consumption (max.) | Full set (with HUB-A and peripherals): approx. 95W | Full set (with HUB-A-U and peripherals): approx. 40W |