07 Sep 2016 Siskiyou Corporation now offers a comprehensive set of interchangeable modules and accessories that enable users to customize the functionality of optical microscopes from all major manufacturers (e.g., Zeiss, Nikon, Olympus), or even to build their own microscope. The heart of the system is a cube beamsplitter assembly (CBH-1.0) designed to sit in the infinity space of a conventional microscope. The CBH-1.0 provides open access in two orthogonal axes perpendicular to the microscope tube axis, and forms the foundation to which a range of other optomechanical modules can be attached. These unique modules combine the flexibility of an open cage, or breadboard type, microscope system with the superior rigidity and stability of a traditional, monolithic, tube-based microscope.
The range of modular accessories includes a self-registering slide assembly that allows a 45º beamsplitter or mirror to be smoothly inserted or removed from the microscope tube, without disruption or misalignment of the optical path. This permits various filters to be used interchangeably in the excitation light and/or imaging path. Or, the CBH-1.0 can be used to incorporate a second camera into the microscope – just below the trinocular assembly. Together with a new fiber optic chuck accessory, the beamsplitter module also enables any fiber delivered laser, or other focused light source, to be directed or scanned anywhere in the field of view. Yet another available module is an interchangeable objective assembly, based on a unique pivot arrangement, which delivers superior opto-mechanical registration and alignment, compared to traditional objective turrets.
These microscope modules are ideal for applications throughout life sciences, enabling a conventional fluorescence microscope to be configured for sophisticated imaging applications without the high cost of a specialty optical instrument. In particular, they provide a simple means of combining wide field imaging with local fluorescence excitation and probing, in applications from optogenetics to photosynthesis studies.
Siskiyou Corporation (Grants Pass, OR) provides a diverse range of micromanipulators, microscope sample positioners, motion control systems and modular opto-mechanical mounts and positioners to life science and photonics researchers and OEMs. The goal of the company is simple – to offer the highest quality product at an economical price, and to support customers with superior service. Founded in 1972, Siskiyou is a vertically integrated company, performing all design, manufacturing, anodizing, and assembly in-house. |
