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Cerna® Microscope for Epi-Fluorescence and DIC in the Visible and NIR![]()
Cerna® Microscope Kit 7 (Optical Table Not Included) Combined DIC and Epi-Fluorescence of Related Items ![]() Please Wait Features
This Cerna® microscope configuration provides an optical path ideal for obtaining high contrast from cell cultures and thin samples. It features a DIC imaging and brightfield module with visible and near-infrared (NIR) LEDs for illumination. This LED combination allows the user to place micropipettes very accurately with the aid of NIR DIC, then use visible fluorescence to monitor physiological changes without having to relocate the region of interest (ROI). In addition, this microscope kit includes a six-position epi-illuminator module, which is ideal for multi-channel epi-fluorescence studies. Together, these modules provide easily co-registered fluorescence and DIC images of the field of view. A dual-objective nosepiece, compatible with M25 x 0.75-threaded objectives, lets you locate an ROI using a low-magnification objective and then image using a high-magnification objective. Motorized objective and condenser focusing modules, each with 1" of travel, provide fine-tuned positioning along the optical axis. We have also equipped the microscope with a variable-magnification double camera port that lets two cameras be individually dedicated to reflected light imaging, epi-fluorescence, DIC, or other imaging modalities. 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 DIC imaging, as well as with basic widefield and brightfield illumination. To free room underneath the objective for large sample holding apparatuses, the trans-illumination modules can be removed, providing a path for in vivo studies. To address a wide range of experimental parameters, Thorlabs offers eight 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® Microscope Kit 7This 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, scientific-grade cameras, fluorescence filters, and illumination sources 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-IlluminationAdd-Ons: Epi-IlluminationFeatures
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 otpics, a field stop diaphragm, and a shutter. ![]() Click to Enlarge 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. ![]() Click to Enlarge The rotating turret accommodates up to six filter sets (not included). ![]() Click to Enlarge The back of the epi-illuminator module has a female D3T dovetail that can be adapted to accept liquid light guides and LEDs. ![]() Click for Details DIC imaging in the visible and NIR is enabled by the six-position epi-illuminator module, a DIC-compatible objective holder, and two LEDs. Trans-Illumination (DIC Imaging)Features
This microscope kit includes the specific Cerna components that are needed to perform DIC imaging, which include the six-position epi-illuminator, a compatible objective holder, and all DIC optics except DIC objective prisms/sliders, which are objective-specific. Please see the full web presentation for additional information. The motorized condenser provides fine focusing control over a 1" travel range. Thorlabs offers additional condensers and condenser mounting options to tailor the microscope to individual needs. Bright illumination in the visible and NIR regions of the spectrum is generated by the included illumination kit (Item # WFA1051), which uses Thorlabs' mounted LEDs. Additional mounted LEDs may be found here; please contact us for compatibility with a Cerna microscope. ![]() Click to Enlarge The vertical support rail holds modules in the optical path such as the nosepiece, condenser, and trans-illumination module for DIC imaging. Microscope BodyFeatures
The 95 mm vertical support rail is the backbone of the Cerna microscope; modeled from Thorlabs' Precision 95 mm 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. Add-On: Widefield Viewing![]() Click to Enlarge This microscope kit includes a double camera port that allows cameras to be individually dedicated to different imaging modalities. Widefield ViewingFeatures
This part of the microscope visualizes and records sample images in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) regions of the spectrum. Visible light, which is generated by fluorophores and fiducial markers, is directed to the front camera port, while NIR light, which is used in DIC imaging, is directed to the rear camera port. For additional camera port and camera tube options, please see the full web presentation. Objective Holders and ObjectivesAdd-On: ObjectivesFeatures
The dual-objective nosepiece offers direct compatibility with M25 x 0.75-threaded objectives, and by adding an RMSA1 thread adapter (sold separately), compatibility with RMS-threaded objectives is enabled. For other objective mounting options, please see the full web presentation. Microscope objectives are available for purchase separately from Thorlabs, and we can also order other objectives outside our catalog upon request. Keep in mind that the total system magnification will depend upon the objective chosen; see the Objective, Scan, and Tube Lens Tutorial for details. ![]() Click to Enlarge This Cerna microscope kit features a dual objective changer. Adjusters on either side of the nosepiece provide fine parfocal adjustment. ![]() Click to Enlarge 10X and 40X objectives (not included) mounted in the CM2001 microscope's dual objective nosepiece. The 10X objective is currently positioned in the optical path. ![]() Click to Enlarge The dual-objective nosepiece of the CM2001 microscope shown with a 40X high-power objective (not included) in the optical path. This kit configuration is constructed from our modular Cerna® components. See the comprehensive list below for each included item.
Application-Optimized Cerna MicroscopesDeveloped 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 microscopes, please email ImagingSales@thorlabs.com. Selected AccessoriesIn order to image with this microscope, it is necessary to add scientific cameras, an epi-illumination source, and filter sets, objectives, and sample holders. Moreover, 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
![]() Click to Enlarge The camera port provides a fixed magnification for visible light from the sample. Scientific Cameras for Widefield Viewing
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 kit 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. The most popular cameras used with Cerna systems are given in the table below. Higher resolution options can be found in our complete range of scientific cameras.
![]() Click to Enlarge Secure a Liquid Light Guide to the Six-Position Epi-Illuminator Module with a D3T Dovetail-to-LLG Adapter Illumination Sources for Epi-Illumination
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. Any illumination source that can be collimated and coupled to a D3T dovetail is compatible with Cerna microscopes. For example, Thorlabs' LLG3A6 adapter connects and collimates any Ø3 mm LLG to a female D3T dovetail.
![]() Click to Enlarge Thorlabs' MDF-GFP2 Filter Set Filter Sets for Epi-Fluorescence
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
The nosepiece in this microscope kit contains M25 x 0.75 threads in two places, allowing it to hold two objectives simultaneously. M25 x 0.75 threads are most commonly used by Nikon objectives. For convenience, we stock several widefield Nikon objectives that are commonly used with Cerna microscopes, shown in the table below on the left. Our in-stock selection is not exhaustive. If you would like to order a different objective, please contact us. DIC Imaging Accessories
![]() Click to Enlarge MLS203-1 Stage with MLS203P2 Slide Holder on CSA1000 Fixed Arm 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, well plates, 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 into 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.
Click on the different parts of the microscope to explore their functions.Elements of a MicroscopeThis 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.
TerminologyArm: 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.
![]() Cerna Microscope Body ![]() Click to Enlarge Body Details Microscope BodyThe 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.
![]() Illumination with a Cerna microscope can come from above (yellow) or below (orange). Illumination sources (green) attach to either. IlluminationUsing 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.
![]() Light from the sample plane is collected through an objective (blue) and viewed using trinocs or other optical ports (pink). Sample Viewing/RecordingOnce 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).
![]() The rigid stand (purple) pictured is one of various sample mounting options available. Sample/Experiment MountingVarious 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. ![]() 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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