The Future?s Bright for Stereo Microscopy Users

Olympus has launched the revolutionary new SZX2 series of stereo microscopes. Offering unprecedented resolution in combination with the largest zoom ratio on the market, the new Olympus SZX2 series of stereo microscopes enables users to see and capture far more than ever before. Uniquely tailored to meet all life science needs with different optical systems, the new series consists of the SZX16 for detailed research purposes and the SZX10 for advanced and standard routine requirements.

The Olympus SZX16 research stereo microscope is specifically designed for advanced research and hosts a range of top-end functions, such as full fluorescence capability and sophisticated documentation. With a maximum numerical aperture (NA) of 0.3, producing a superior resolution of 900 line pairs/mm, this enhances the flexibility of the range to enable advanced techniques, including fluorescence and micromanipulation. A superior resolution and sensitivity at all magnification levels, enables SZX16 users to gather more detailed information from their samples than with any other stereo microscope.

The Olympus SZX16 also provides the largest zoom ratio of any stereo microscope on the market 16.4:1. This, combined with the high NA optics, produces the best clarity at whatever magnification is chosen, meaning users really can see more, particularly for fluorescence applications. Seamless zooming from 3.5x to 230x in one easy motion, combined with the most comprehensive range of parfocal objectives (0.5x, 1.0x, 1.6x & 2.0x), means the SZX16 can easily go from whole organism to cellular level and back with no major adjustments.

For micromanipulation applications the SZX16 offers enhanced 3D vision via an increased stereo effect. Also useful for such applications, the Olympus SZX2 range features an ultra-slim 40 mm base, which is the most ergonomic stage height available. This is possible due to the unique Olympus LED base system which enables fine control of transmitted illumination for bright and even images. Moreover, a novel carousel enables the easy selection and control of brightfield, darkfield and oblique illumination. The long-life LEDs provide even illumination and constant colour temperature at all intensity settings. LED's are cold light sources, thus preventing heating of the stage and sample to greatly enhance flexibility for both research and advanced routine life science stereo microscopy.

Using optics dedicated to advanced routine applications, the SZX10 provides the flexibility to carry out every-day tasks, as well as research techniques with clearer and more comfortable accuracy. With a natural 3D view, the SZX10 is ideal for identification purposes. Precision optics deliver flat distortion-free images to the edge of the field of view, together with an exceptionally natural colour. Both of which are essential for applications such as those involving detailed morphological comparisons.

Also providing enhanced image clarity, Olympus has introduced a correction ring for the 2x objective to compensate for aberrations caused by the different refractive indices of air, petri dish cover and water. This is the first time such a facility has been applied to a stereo microscope objective.