• The point scan/pinhole detection method virtually eliminates light contribution from the neighborhood of the scanning spot in the specimen and blocks "out of focus" light, resulting in high-contrast, optical section images.
• Five pinhole sizes are available. The FluoView^TM software suggests the most appropriate choice, based on the magnification and N.A. of the objective in use.
• XY scanning is performed with a pair of galvanometric mirrors, yielding a wide scanning range to cover a field number 20 area; optical zooming by narrowing the scanning range maintains the pixel resolution; maximum pixel resolution is 2048 x 2084 pixels.
• With 0.1um, the mechanical resolution of the Z-axis stepper motor is greater than the optical Z-axis resolution; for the most accurate positioning, a backlash correction feature can be activated.
• 3D rendering and time-lapse observation are possible.
• The transmitted light detector can record brightfield DIC images. The transmitted light images, while non-confocal, are very useful when superimposed to the confocal image. Video enhanced contrast for these images is also available through the software gain and offset controls.
• Compact design saves space in the laboratory.
• TTL I/O signals can be generated to coordinate experiments timed with external instrumentation.
• The intuitive graphic user interface allows easy acquisition and processing of the image data.

Scanning Modes

• XY scanning: Acquires a single confocal optical image.
• XZ scanning: Acquires a single cross section image that can not be obtained with a conventional microscope. The cross section image may also be rotated about XY (vector-Z) or drawn as a free line (free line-Z).
• XT scanning: Acquires a single line image over time for time lapse analysis with high temporal resolution. The cross section image may also be rotated about XY (vector-T) or drawn as a free line (free line-T).
• XYZ scanning: Acquires a series of confocal optical XY images through the thickness of the sample.
• XYT scanning: Acquires a single XY confocal optical image over time, at an interval that can be arbitrarily chosen. Permits observation and analysis of live cell kinetics, such as changes in intracellular calcium, pH, etc.
• XYZT scanning: Acquires an XYZ series over time, permitting observation and analysis of 3-dimensional changes over time in live cells.
• Point scanning: Acquires a series of point intensity changes.
• XY/XT scan can be rotated.

Laser Choices

• Blue Argon (488nm) laser.
• Green Helium Neon (543nm) laser.
• Red Helium Neon (633nm) laser.
• Multi-line Argon (457nm, 488nm, 514nm) laser, available with AOTF option.
• Yellow Krypton (568nm) laser.
• Violet Helium Cadmium (442nm) laser, recommended for optimal CFP imaging.

Two high-sensitivity photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) are located directly within the FV300 confocal fluorescence emission light path for high sensitivity detection of the fluorescence signal. A separate, dedicated PMT may be used for the simultaneous detection of high resolution Brightfield or DIC images with which the confocal fluorescence images may be overlaid.

Up to three channels of detection may be imaged simultaneously. Images may be scanned in any pixel array size up to 2048 x 2048, with each image digitized in 4096 (12-bit) gray depth to permit observation of fine image detail. The images can be displayed side-by-side or in overlay modes.

A single confocal aperture located directly within the emission light path is comprised of 5 distinct user-selectable sizes. The FluoView^TM 300 software indicates appropriate aperture selection based on the magnification and numerical aperture of the objective in use.

Various lasers, including the Argon (488nm), Green Helium Neon (543nm), Yellow Krypton (568nm), Red Helium Neon (633nm), and Helium Cadmium (442nm) lasers are available to suit most fluorescence applications. Each laser line may be independently regulated through software-controlled neutral density filter wheels or through an acousto-optical tunable filter for simultaneous or automated-sequential collection of multi-channel images. A multi-line Argon laser (458/488/515nm) is available with the acousto-optical tunable filter.

Flexibility in the selection of the microscope base, laser lines and optical filters permits researchers to configure the FV300 system for their specific research needs.

*FluoView™ is a trademark of Olympus.

Download Brochure

FluoView 300 Brochure Click to open