Widefield Viewing Modules for DIY Cerna® Systems


  • Trinoculars for Viewing Samples via Naked Eye
  • Camera Tubes and Double Camera Ports for Camera Attachment
  • Breadboards and Dovetail Adapters for Custom Assemblies

LAURE1

Trinoculars with
10X Eyepieces

WFA4101

0.75X Camera Tube

CSD1002

Fixed Magnification Double Camera Port

Application Idea

User-Built Epi-Illumination and Widefield Module Using a Breadboard Top, Dovetail Adapters, and Thorlabs' Optomechanics

CSA1003

D1N Dovetail Adapter with 60 mm Cage Mounting Holes

Related Items


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Trinoc and Camera Tube
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Trinoculars with 10X Eyepieces and Camera Mounted on a 1X Camera Tube for Imaging an Epi-Illuminated Sample
Mounted Condenser

Did You Know?

Multiple optical elements, including the microscope objective, tube lens, and eyepieces, together define the magnification of a system. See the Magnification & FOV tab to learn more.

Features

  • Trinoculars with 10X Eyepieces and a Camera Port
  • Camera Tubes Mechanically Align a Camera at the Image Plane with 1X, 0.75X, or 0.5X Magnification
  • Double Camera Ports Allow Two Cameras to be Attached Simultaneously
  • Breadboards and Dovetail Adapters for Creating Custom Widefield Assemblies Using Thorlabs Cage Systems and SM-Threaded Lens Tubes

These widefield viewing accessories allow images obtained from a sample to be viewed and recorded.

Trinoculars
Upright trinoculars are offered with 10X eyepieces to visualize images in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) regions of the spectrum. Each trinocular contains a top-located camera port that accepts a camera attached to a camera tube and a side-located lever that allows the user to switch between using the eyepieces and camera. They each have an internal 200 mm focal length tube lens that focuses the incoming light onto the eyepieces and above the camera port.

Thorlabs also separately offers the eyepiece and IR blocking filter included in the LAURE1 trinoculars. The eyepiece provides 10X magnification, while the filter transmits wavelengths from 375 nm to 650 nm and blocks wavelength from 700 nm to 1400 nm. An eyepiece adapter is also available for connecting custom image detection setups to either eyepiece of the trinoculars. This adapter features internal SM1 (1.035"-40) threading for Ø1" lens tubes, external SM2 (2.035"-40) threading for Ø2" lens tubes, and four 4-40 tapped holes for 30 mm cage systems.

Camera Tubes
Camera tubes are designed to place the camera at the focal plane of the system's tube lens, thus allowing the camera to image the FOV on the sensor. They can be mounted independently or in conjunction with trinoculars, double camera ports, or other assemblies. Options are available with and without a built-in tube lens and fine focus camera adjuster. In order to provide a balance between the size of the FOV displayed on the camera and the resolution of the microscope, we offer these camera tubes in several magnifications. For information on how to calculate the magnification and image area, please see the Magnification & FOV tab.

Double Camera Ports
Double camera ports allow for the simultaneous attachment of up to two cameras or a trinocular onto a microscope system, thus allowing for greater experimental flexibility. They are available with or without included optics to direct light to separate, independently configurable cameras.

Breadboard Tops
Breadboards have an array of 1/4"-20 mounting taps to provide the means to construct custom-designed widefield viewing apparatuses and epi-illumination pathways on top of a DIY Cerna® microscope body. They are available in two sizes: 14.00" x 11.00" and 18.00" x 4.60" (350.0 mm x 275.0 mm and 450.0 mm x 116.8 mm for metric versions). The larger version provides a larger work surface with more mounting taps while the smaller version does not restrict approach angles. The small version also has eight 4-40 taps around the Ø1.5" through hole for 30 mm and 60 mm cage systems.

Dovetail Adapters
Dovetail interfaces are used to facilitate the attachment of many DIY Cerna modules, including the widefield viewing components below. Various dovetail adapters are provided to adapt Thorlabs' Cerna assemblies to standard Thorlabs optomechanical systems, such as SM-threaded lens tubes, 30 mm cage systems, and 60 mm cage systems. Please see the Microscope Dovetails tab for more information on the type of dovetail mounts used and their specifications, and the DIY Cerna Interfaces tab for a comprehensive compatibility table for the Cerna product line.

Thorlabs Dovetail Referencea
Type Shape Outer Dimension Angle
95 mm Linear 95 mm 45°
D1N Circular Ø2.018" 60°
D2Nb Circular Ø1.50" 90°
D2NBb Circular Ø1.50" 90°
D3N Circular Ø45 mm 70°
D5N Circular Ø1.58" 90°
D6N Circular Ø1.90" 90°
D7N Circular Ø2.05" 90°
D1T Circular Ø1.50" 60°
D3T Circular Ø1.65" 90°
D1Y Circular Ø107 mm 60°
D2Y Circular Ø2.32" 50°
D3Y Circular Ø1.75" 90°
D4Y Circular Ø56 mm 60°
D5Y Circular Ø46 mm 60°
D6Y Circular Ø41.9 mm 45°
D1Z Circular Ø54 mm 60°
D2Z Circular Ø57 mm 60°
D3Z Circular Ø54 mm 45°
  • These dovetail designations are specific to Thorlabs products and are not used by other microscope manufacturers.
  • D2N and D2NB dovetails have the same outer diameter and angle, as defined by the drawings below. The D2N designation does not specify a height. The D2NB designation specifies a dovetail height of 0.40" (10.2 mm).
Mating Circular Dovetails
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This photo shows the male D1N dovetail on the trinoculars next to the female D1N dovetail on the epi-illumination arm.
Mating Linear Dovetails
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This photo shows the male 95 mm dovetail on the microscope body and the female 95 mm dovetail on the CSA1002 Fixed Arm.

Introduction to Microscope Dovetails

Dovetails are used for mechanical mating and optical port alignment of microscope components. Components are connected by inserting one dovetail into another, then tightening one or more locking setscrews on the female dovetail. Dovetails come in two shapes: linear and circular. Linear dovetails allow the mating components to slide before being locked down, providing flexible positioning options while limiting unneeded degrees of freedom. Circular dovetails align optical ports on different components, maintaining a single optical axis with minimal user intervention.

Thorlabs manufactures many components which use dovetails to mate with our own components or those of other manufacturers. To make it easier to identify dovetail compatibility, we have developed a set of dovetail designations. The naming convention of these designations is used only by Thorlabs and not other microscope manufacturers. The table to the right lists all the dovetails Thorlabs makes, along with their key dimensions.

In the case of Thorlabs’ Cerna® microscopes, different dovetail types are used on different sections of the microscope to ensure that only compatible components can be mated. For example, our WFA2002 Epi-Illuminator Module has a male D1N dovetail that mates with the female D1N dovetail on the microscope body's epi-illumination arm, while the CSS2001 XY Microscopy Stage has a female D1Y dovetail that mates with the male D1Y dovetail on the CSA1051 Mounting Arm.

To learn which dovetail type(s) are on a particular component, consult its mechanical drawing, available by clicking on the red Docs icon (Docs Icon) below. For adapters with a female dovetail, the drawing also indicates the size of the hex key needed for the locking setscrew(s). It is important to note that mechanical compatibility does not ensure optical compatibility. Information on optical compatibility is available from Thorlabs' web presentations.

For customers interested in machining their own dovetails, the table to the right gives the outer diameter and angle (as defined by the drawings below) of each Thorlabs dovetail designation. However, the dovetail's height must be determined by the user, and for circular dovetails, the user must also determine the inner diameter and bore diameter. These quantities can vary for dovetails of the same type. One can use the intended mating part to verify compatibility.

In order to reduce wear and simplify connections, dovetails are often machined with chamfers, recesses, and other mechanical features. Some examples of these variations are shown by the drawings below.

Male Microscope Dovetails
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Two examples of how circular male dovetails can be manufactured.
Female Microscope Dovetails
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Two examples of how circular female dovetails can be manufactured.
Widefield Viewing Optical Path
When viewing an image with a camera, the system magnification is the product of the objective and camera tube magnifications. When viewing an image with trinoculars, the system magnification is the product of the objective and eyepiece magnifications.
Magnification & FOV Calculator
Manufacturer Tube Lens
Focal Length
Leica f = 200 mm
Mitutoyo f = 200 mm
Nikon f = 200 mm
Olympus f = 180 mm
Thorlabs f = 200 mm
Zeiss f = 165 mm

The rows highlighted in green denote manufacturers that do not use f = 200 mm tube lenses.

Magnification and Sample Area Calculations

Magnification

The magnification of a system is the multiplicative product of the magnification of each optical element in the system. Optical elements that produce magnification include objectives, camera tubes, and trinocular eyepieces, as shown in the drawing to the right. It is important to note that the magnification quoted in these products' specifications is usually only valid when all optical elements are made by the same manufacturer. If this is not the case, then the magnification of the system can still be calculated, but an effective objective magnification should be calculated first, as described below.

To adapt the examples shown here to your own microscope, please use our Magnification and FOV Calculator, which is available for download by clicking on the red button above. Note the calculator is an Excel spreadsheet that uses macros. In order to use the calculator, macros must be enabled. To enable macros, click the "Enable Content" button in the yellow message bar upon opening the file.

Example 1: Camera Magnification
When imaging a sample with a camera, the image is magnified by the objective and the camera tube. If using a 20X Nikon objective and a 0.75X Nikon camera tube, then the image at the camera has 20X × 0.75X = 15X magnification.

Example 2: Trinocular Magnification
When imaging a sample through trinoculars, the image is magnified by the objective and the eyepieces in the trinoculars. If using a 20X Nikon objective and Nikon trinoculars with 10X eyepieces, then the image at the eyepieces has 20X × 10X = 200X magnification. Note that the image at the eyepieces does not pass through the camera tube, as shown by the drawing to the right.

Using an Objective with a Microscope from a Different Manufacturer

Magnification is not a fundamental value: it is a derived value, calculated by assuming a specific tube lens focal length. Each microscope manufacturer has adopted a different focal length for their tube lens, as shown by the table to the right. Hence, when combining optical elements from different manufacturers, it is necessary to calculate an effective magnification for the objective, which is then used to calculate the magnification of the system.

The effective magnification of an objective is given by Equation 1:

Equation 1 (Eq. 1)

Here, the Design Magnification is the magnification printed on the objective, fTube Lens in Microscope is the focal length of the tube lens in the microscope you are using, and fDesign Tube Lens of Objective is the tube lens focal length that the objective manufacturer used to calculate the Design Magnification. These focal lengths are given by the table to the right.

Note that Leica, Mitutoyo, Nikon, and Thorlabs use the same tube lens focal length; if combining elements from any of these manufacturers, no conversion is needed. Once the effective objective magnification is calculated, the magnification of the system can be calculated as before.

Example 3: Trinocular Magnification (Different Manufacturers)
When imaging a sample through trinoculars, the image is magnified by the objective and the eyepieces in the trinoculars. This example will use a 20X Olympus objective and Nikon trinoculars with 10X eyepieces.

Following Equation 1 and the table to the right, we calculate the effective magnification of an Olympus objective in a Nikon microscope:

Equation 2

The effective magnification of the Olympus objective is 22.2X and the trinoculars have 10X eyepieces, so the image at the eyepieces has 22.2X × 10X = 222X magnification.


Image Area on Camera

Sample Area When Imaged on a Camera

When imaging a sample with a camera, the dimensions of the sample area are determined by the dimensions of the camera sensor and the system magnification, as shown by Equation 2.

Equation 5 (Eq. 2)

The camera sensor dimensions can be obtained from the manufacturer, while the system magnification is the multiplicative product of the objective magnification and the camera tube magnification (see Example 1). If needed, the objective magnification can be adjusted as shown in Example 3.

As the magnification increases, the resolution improves, but the field of view also decreases. The dependence of the field of view on magnification is shown in the schematic to the right.

Example 4: Sample Area
The dimensions of the camera sensor in Thorlabs' previous-generation 1501M-USB Scientific Camera are 8.98 mm × 6.71 mm. If this camera is used with the Nikon objective and trinoculars from Example 1, which have a system magnification of 15X, then the image area is:

Equation 6

Sample Area Examples

The images of a mouse kidney below were all acquired using the same objective and the same camera. However, the camera tubes used were different. Read from left to right, they demonstrate that decreasing the camera tube magnification enlarges the field of view at the expense of the size of the details in the image.

Image with 1X Camera Tube
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Acquired with 1X Camera Tube (Item # WFA4100)
Image with 1X Camera Tube
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Acquired with 0.75X Camera Tube (Item # WFA4101)
Image with 1X Camera Tube
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Acquired with 0.5X Camera Tube (Item # WFA4102)
Hyperspectral Imaging with Cerna
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Schematic of Hyperspectral Imaging
Hyperspectral Imaging Cerna Microscope
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A hyperspectral imaging system built using Thorlabs' Cerna Microscopy Platform, KURIOS-VB1 Tunable Bandpass Filter, and Monochrome Scientific Camera. Several components shown here were modified from their stock configuration.

Application Idea: Hyperspectral Imaging

In hyperspectral imaging, a stack of spectrally separated, two-dimensional images is acquired. This technique is frequently used in microscopy, biomedical imaging, and machine vision, as it allows quick sample identification and analysis.

Hyperspectral imaging obtains images with significantly better spectral resolution than that provided by standalone color cameras. Color cameras represent the entire spectral range of an image by using three relatively wide spectral channels—red, green, and blue. In contrast, hyperspectral imaging systems incorporate optical elements such as liquid crystal tunable bandpass filters or diffraction gratings, which create spectral channels with significantly narrower bandwidths.

Thorlabs' Cerna™ microscopy platform, Kurios™ tunable filters, and scientific-grade cameras are easily adapted to hyperspectral imaging. The Cerna platform is a modular microscopy system that integrates with Thorlabs' SM lens tube construction systems and supports transmitted light illumination. Kurios tunable filters have SM-threaded interfaces for connections to the Cerna platform and our cameras. In addition, Kurios filters include software and a benchtop controller with external triggers, which enable fast, automated, synchronized wavelength switching and image capture.

Example Image Stack
The data in the images and video below demonstrate the hyperspectral imaging technique. Figure 1 depicts two images of a mature capsella bursa-pastoris embryo (also known as shepherd's-purse) taken with a Kurios filter set to center wavelengths of 500 nm and 650 nm. These two images show that an entire field of view is acquired at each spectral channel. Figure 2 is a video containing 31 images of the same sample, taken at center wavelengths from 420 nm to 730 nm in 10 nm steps. (10 nm is not the spectral resolution; the spectral resolution is set by the FWHM bandwidth at each wavelength.) In Figure 3, images from each spectral channel are used to determine the color of each pixel and assemble a color image. Figure 3 also demonstrates that a broadband spectrum is acquired at each pixel, permitting spectroscopic identification of different sample features within the field of view.

Kurios tunable filters offer a number of advantages for hyperspectral imaging. Unlike approaches that rely upon angle-tunable filters or manual filter swapping, Kurios filters use no moving parts, enabling vibrationless wavelength switching on millisecond timescales. Because the filter is not moved or exchanged during the measurement, the data is not subject to "pixel shift" image registration issues. Our filters also include software and a benchtop controller with external triggers, making them easy to integrate with data acquisition and analysis programs.

LCTF Spectrum
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Figure 3: A color image of the mature capsella bursa-pastoris embryo, assembled using the entire field of view acquired in each spectral channel, as shown in Figure 1. By acquiring across multiple channels, a spectrum for each pixel in the image is obtained.
LCTF Spectrum
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Figure 1: Two images of a mature capsella bursa-pastoris embryo taken at different center wavelengths. The entire field of view is acquired for each spectral channel.

Figure 2: This video shows the image obtained from the sample as a function of the center wavelength of the KURIOS-WB1 tunable filter. The center wavelength was incremented in 10 nm steps from 420 nm to 730 nm. (10 nm is not the spectral resolution; the spectral resolution is set by the FWHM bandwidth at each wavelength.)

Standard Mechanical Interfaces on DIY Cerna® Components

The table below gives the dovetail, optical component threads, and cage system interfaces that are present on each DIY Cerna component. If a DIY Cerna component does not have one of the standard interfaces in the table, it is not listed here. Please note that mechanical compatibility does not ensure optical compatibility. Information on optical compatibility is available from Thorlabs' web presentations.

Item # Microscope Dovetails Optical Component Threadsa Cage Systemsb
95 mm D1N D2N D2NB D3N D5N D1T D3T D1Y D5Y Internal External
2CM1 - - - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) and SM2d (2.035"-40) SM1c (1.035"-40) 60 mmd
2CM2 - - - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) and SM2d (2.035"-40) SM1c (1.035"-40) 30 mmc
BSA2000e - - - - Female - - - - - - - -
CEA1350 Male Female - - - - - - - - - - 60 mmd
CEA1400 Male Female - - - - - - - - - - 60 mmd
CEA1500 Male Female - - - - - - - - - - 60 mmd
CEA1600 Male Female - - - - - - - - - - 60 mmd
CFB1500 Male - - - - - - - - - - - -
CSA1000 Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
CSA1001 Female - - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) - 30 mmc
CSA1002 Female - - - - - - - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) - 60 mmd
CSA1003 - Female - - - - - - - - - - 60 mmd
CSA1051 Female - - - - - - - Male - - - -
CSA1200e,f - - - - - - - - - - - - 60 mmd
CSA1400e - - - - - - Female - - - - - 60 mmd
CSA1500e,g - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CSA2000e - - - - Female - - - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) - 60 mmd
CSA2001 - - - - Female - - - - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) -
CSA2100e - - - - - - - - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) - 60 mmd
CSA3000(/M) - Male - - - - - - - - - - -
CSA3010(/M) - Male - - - - - - - - - - 30 mmc and 60 mmd
Item # 95 mm D1N D2N D2NB D3N D5N D1T D3T D1Y D5Y Internal External Cage Systems
CSC1001 - - - - Male - - - - - - - -
CSC1002 - - - - Male - - - - - - - -
CSC2001 - - - - Male - - - - - - - -
CSD1001 - Male & Female - Female - - - - - - - - -
CSD1002 - Male & Female - - - - - - - - - C-Mounth -
CSE2000 - Male & Female - - - - - - - - - - 60 mmd
CSE2100 - Male & Female - - - - - Female - - SM1c (1.035"-40) - 30 mmc and 60 mmd
CSE2200 - Male & Female - - - - - Female - - SM1c (1.035"-40) - 30 mmc and 60 mmd
CSN100e - - - - - - - - - - M32 x 0.75 - 60 mmd
CSN110 - - - - - - Male - - - M32 x 0.75 - 30 mmc and 60 mmd
CSNK10 - - - - - - - - - - M32 x 0.75 - 60 mmd
CSNK100e - - - - - - - - - - M32 x 0.75 - 60 mmd
CSN200 - - - - - - Male - - - M32 x 0.75 - -
CSN210 - - - - - - Male - - - M32 x 0.75 - -
CSN1201f - - - - - - - - - - M32 x 0.75 - -
CSN1202f - - - - - - - - - - M25 x 0.75 - -
CSS2001 - - - - - - - - Female - - - -
LAURE1 - Male Female - - - - - - - - - -
LAURE2 - Male Female - - - - - - - - - -
LCPN1 - - - - Male - - - - - SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5) - 30 mmc and 60 mmd
LCPN2 - Male - - - - - - - - SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5) - 30 mmc and 60 mmd
Item # 95 mm D1N D2N D2NB D3N D5N D1T D3T D1Y D5Y Internal External Cage Systems
LCPN3 - Male - - - - - - - Female SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5) - 60 mmd
LCPN4 - Male - - - - - - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) - 60 mmd
LCPN5 - - - - Male - - - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) - 60 mmd
LCPN6 - - Female - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) - 30 mmc and 60 mmd
LCPY2 - - - - - - - - - Male SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5) - 30 mmc and 60 mmd
LCPY3 - - - - - - - - - Female - - 30 mmc and 60 mmd
OPX2400(/M) - Male & Female - - - - - - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) - 60 mmd
SM1A70 - - - - - - - - - - SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5) SM1c (1.035"-40) -
SM1A58 - - Male Male - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) SM2d (2.035"-40) 30 mmc
SM2A56 - - - - - - - Male - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) -
SM2A59 - Male - - - - - - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) - -
TC1X - - Male - - - - - - - - - -
WFA0150 Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
WFA1000 - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 mmc
WFA1010 - - - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) - 30 mmc
WFA1020 - - - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) - 30 mmc
WFA1051 - - - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) - 30 mmc
WFA1100 - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 mmc
WFA2001 - Male & Female - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) SM1c (1.035"-40) -
WFA2002 - Male & Female - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) - 30 mmc
Item # 95 mm D1N D2N D2NB D3N D5N D1T D3T D1Y D5Y Internal External Cage Systems
WFA4100 - Male - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) C-Mounth -
WFA4101 - Male - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) C-Mounth -
WFA4102 - Male - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) C-Mounth -
WFA4111 - Male - - - - - - - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) -
WFA4112 - - - Male - - - - - - - C-Mounth -
XT95RC1(/M) Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
XT95RC2(/M) Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
XT95RC3(/M) Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
XT95RC4(/M) Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
XT95P12(/M) Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
ZFM1020 Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
ZFM1030 Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
ZFM2020 Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
ZFM2030 Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
  • Thorlabs' optical component thread adapters can be used to convert between C-Mount threads, SM1 threads, SM2 threads, and virtually every other optical thread standard.
  • Our cage system size adapters and drop-in adapter can be used to convert between 16 mm, 30 mm, and 60 mm cage systems.
  • Our 30 mm cage plates can convert between SM1 lens tubes and 30 mm cage systems.
  • Our 60 mm cage plates can convert between SM2 lens tubes and 60 mm cage systems.
  • Attach to a ZFM focusing module to add a female 95 mm dovetail.
  • The CSA1200 mounting arm is compatible with the CSN1201 and CSN1202 nosepieces.
  • This blank arm is designed for custom DIY machining for non-standard components, threads, and bores.
  • C-Mount and CS-Mount standards feature the same 1.00"-32 threads, but C-Mounts have a 5 mm longer flange-to-sensor distance.

Building a Cerna® Microscope

The Cerna microscopy platform's large working volume and system of dovetails make it straightforward to connect and position the components of the microscope. This flexibility enables simple and stable set up of a preconfigured microscope, and provides easy paths for later upgrades and modification. See below for a couple examples of the assembly of some DIY Cerna microscopes.

DIY Cerna Design and Assembly


Walkthrough of a DIY Microscope Configuration
This DIY microscope uses a CSA3000(/M) Breadboard Top, a CSA2001 Dovetail Adapter, our CSA1001 and CSA1002 Fixed Arms, and other body attachments and extensions. These components provide interfaces to our lens tube and cage construction systems, allowing the rig to incorporate two independent trans-illumination modules, a home-built epi-illumination path, and a custom sample viewing optical path.
DIY Microscope Configuration Assembly
The simplicity of Thorlabs optomechanical interfaces allows a custom DIY microscope to be quickly assembled and reconfigured for custom imaging applications.

Posted Comments:
Alex B  (posted 2023-08-14 20:20:17.163)
Hi, can you advise as to whether the tube lens for the WFA4100 works out to 1200nm? I can't appear to find the part number/transmittance data for the included optic. I am adapting a SFM/SFM2 based system to also be capable of NIR imaging and would like to know if this requires changing.
user  (posted 2023-06-08 03:32:08.457)
Are items #WFA4102 and #TTL100-A the same in optical features?
cdolbashian  (posted 2023-06-12 02:00:30.0)
Thank you for reaching out to us with this inquiry. The part featured in the WFA4102 is listed as an achromatic doublet with 100mm EFL. For the TTL100-A, we actually employ more optical elements in order to improve performance by further minimizing optical aberrations.
user  (posted 2020-03-23 13:21:31.08)
Is it possible to have CSD1002 using gold mirror that will allow the microscope to be used in IR range?
YLohia  (posted 2020-03-23 02:27:38.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Custom items can be requested by emailing techsupport@thorlabs.com. We will reach out to you directly to discuss this customization.
David Carr  (posted 2019-10-20 22:23:09.297)
You should consider correcting the note for the new eyepieces. You state that "The eyepiece features an adjustable focus that allows users to rotate the housing while not rotating the optics inside." Unless someone changed the design within the past 4 months, you are confusing this feature with one that is on the trinoc (LAUREx). The trinoc has a feature that allows the interpupilary distance to be adjusted without the right eyepiece rotating. This allows a user who has a reticle in the right eyepiece to adjust the interpupilary distance, and not have the reticle rotate relative to the sample they are viewing.
YLohia  (posted 2019-11-14 09:31:42.0)
The eyepiece has a rotatable barrel that changes the distance of optics, thus allowing you to focus so you can see the image more clearly. I believe you are referring to the adjustment on the trinoc to adjust the distance between two eyepiece to match the inter pupil distance of your eyes. We will reach out to you directly to discuss this further.

Click on the different parts of the microscope to explore their functions.

Explore the Cerna MicroscopeSample Viewing/RecordingSample MountingIllumination SourcesIllumination SourcesObjectives and MountingEpi-IlluminationEpi-IlluminationTrans-IlluminationMicroscope BodyMicroscope BodyMicroscope BodyMicroscope Body

Elements of a Microscope

This 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.

 

Terminology

Arm: 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.

 

microscope bodyClick to Enlarge
Cerna Microscope Body
Body Height Comparison
Click to Enlarge

Body Details

Microscope Body

The 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.

 

microscope bodyClick to Enlarge
Illumination with a Cerna microscope can come from above (yellow) or below (orange). Illumination sources (green) attach to either.

Illumination

Using 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.

 

microscope bodyClick to Enlarge
Light from the sample plane is collected through an objective (blue) and viewed using trinocs or other optical ports (pink).

Sample Viewing/Recording

Once 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).

 

microscope bodyClick to Enlarge
The rigid stand (purple) pictured is one of various sample mounting options available.

Sample/Experiment Mounting

Various 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.

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For sample viewing, Thorlabs offers trinoculars, double camera ports, and camera tubes. Light from the sample plane can be collected via cameras, photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), or custom setups using breadboard tops. Click here for additional information about viewing samples with a Cerna microscope.

Product Families & Web Presentations
Sample Viewing Breadboards
& Body Attachments
Cameras PMTs

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Microscope objectives are held in the optical path of the microscope via a nosepiece. Click here for additional information about viewing a sample with a Cerna microscope.

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Large and small experiment mounting options are available to take advantage of the large working space of this microscope. Click here for additional information about mounting a sample for microscopy.

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Thorlabs offers various light sources for epi- and trans-illumination. Please see the full web presentation of each to determine its functionality within the Cerna microscopy platform.

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Epi-illumination illuminates the sample on the same side as the viewing apparatus. Example imaging modalities include fluorescence, confocal, and reflected light microscopy. Click here for additional information on epi-illumination with Cerna.

Product Families & Web Presentations
Epi-Illumination Web Presentation Body Attachments Light Sources
Epi-Illumination Body Attachments Light Sources

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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. Click here for additional information on trans-illumination with Cerna.

Product Families & Web Presentations
Brightfield Web Presentation DIC Web Presentation Dodt Web Presentation Condensers Web Presentation Condenser Mounting Web Presentation Illumination Kits Web Presentation Other Light Sources
Brightfield DIC Dodt Condensers Condenser Mounting Illumination Kits Other Light Sources

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The microscope body provides the foundation of any Cerna microscope. The 7.74" throat depth provides a large working space for experiments. Click here for additional information about the Cerna microscope body.

Product Families & Web Presentations
Microscope Body Web Presentation Microscope Body Translator
Microscope Bodies Microscope Translator
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Trinoculars

Add a Camera Tube if You Purchase Trinoculars
Body Height Comparison
Click to Enlarge

LAURE1 Trinocular Being Attached to a Cerna Epi-Illumination Module
Trinoculars Drawing
Click for Details

Drawing of LAURE1 and LAURE2 Trinoculars
  • 10X Eyepieces to Observe FOV with Naked Eye
  • Upright-Image Trinoculars
  • Available With or Without IR Filters for Eye Protection
  • Top-Located Port for Camera Attachment Using Camera Tube
  • Adjustable Interpupil Distance
  • Male D1N Dovetail on Bottom

These trinoculars are ideal for viewing a sample with the naked eye using the included 10X eyepieces or with a camera connected to the top-located camera port via a camera tube (camera and camera tube sold separately). A lever located on the side of the housing directs the incoming light to either the eyepieces or the camera. 

Each camera port has either a D2N or D5N female dovetail connector that accepts a compatible camera tube, which mechanically positions the camera sensor at the image plane and ensures parfocality with the eyepieces. See the table below for compatible camera tubes. A 2 mm hex key (not included) is used to lock the camera tube in place.

A bottom-located D1N male dovetail connector is provided to attach the trinoculars to other modules such as Cerna microscope bodies, epi-illuminator modules, or double camera ports (available below). For customers interested in constructing a custom system, adapters (available below) that attach directly to the D1N or D2N dovetails on these trinoculars provide compatibility with Thorlabs' 30 mm Cage Systems and SM-Threaded Lens Tubes.

Upright-Image Trinoculars
These LAUREx trinoculars produce an upright image of a sample. The LAURE1 includes a filter before the eyepieces that blocks NIR light. This filter will not block NIR light that is sent to the camera port and it cannot be removed. The LAURE2 does not ship with a blocking filter, but accepts the TF1 NIR blocking filter, available below, with the use of an SM30RR retaining ring (not included).

The drawings for the LAURE1 and LAURE2 trinoculars are shown to the right. The LAUREx trinoculars have an internal TTL200 tube lens. This tube lens has a focal length of 200 mm; see the expandable drawing to the right for the location of the image plane.

These trinoculars incorporate several additional features. A red vibration damping knob on the side of the housing allows the detent mechanism on the carriage slider to be disengaged, which is useful for electrophysiology applications that require minimal vibration when switching between the eyepiece and camera port. They also include a carriage position indicator switch via a 2.5 mm phono jack, allowing users to connect a laser interlock; it is designed to break the circuit in a laser interlock when the carriage is in the eyepiece output position. For custom-built optical detection systems, these trinoculars have 4-40 taps on the top D2N dovetail connector for compatibility with 30 mm cage systems and 4-40 taps on the bottom D1N dovetail for compatibility with 60 mm cage systems.

System Magnification
The total system magnification will be the multiplicative product of the objective magnification and the eyepieces or camera tube magnification, depending on which is being used. To achieve an objective's stated magnification, the objective must have been designed for systems using a 200 mm tube lens. Please note that the eyepieces and camera will see a different FOV due to a difference in magnification in each path. Please see the Magnification & FOV tab for more information on objective's magnification dependance on the system's tube lens and how paths with differing magnifications will see a different FOV.

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LAURE1Cerna Trinoculars with 10X Eyepieces, Upright Image, IR Filter
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LAURE2Cerna Trinoculars with 10X Eyepieces, Upright Image, No IR Filter
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Camera Tubes

Camera Tube Adjuster
Click to Enlarge

Fine Focus Adjuster (Item # SM1ZM) on Camera Tube (Available on Item #'s TC1X, WFA4100, WFA4101, and WFA4102)

  • Positions Camera Sensor at Image Plane with 1X, 0.75X, or 0.5X Magnification            
  • Versions with Tube Lens Form an Image on a Camera Sensor
  • Versions without Tube Lens Provide Optical Distance When Using Trinoculars or Double Camera Ports
  • C-Mount (1.00"-32) Threads for Camera Attachment

These camera tubes provide the mechanical spacing necessary to align a camera sensor to the imaging plane in a microscopy system. The top of each camera tube has external C-Mount (1.00"-32) threading that accepts Thorlabs' scientific cameras, as well as cameras from most major manufacturers. In order to balance the size of the field of view (FOV) displayed on the camera against the resolution of the microscope, our camera tubes are offered in several magnifications from 1X to 0.5X. Greater magnification improves the resolution, but it also decreases the size of the FOV. Please see the Magnification & FOV tab for more information.

The WFA4100, WFA4101, and WFA4102 all include either a 200 mm, 150 mm, or 100 mm focal length tube lens, respectively, which allows them to be used in place of trinoculars for applications where the eyepieces are not needed. The tube lens and bottom-located male D1N dovetail make them compatible with the front port of the CSD1001 and CSD1002 double camera ports (available below), microscope bodies, or epi-illuminator modules. To compensate for mechanical tolerances or alignment issues, these camera tubes also include an SM1ZM Fine Focus Adjuster directly before the camera, shown in the photo to the right.

In contrast, the other camera tubes available here do not have built-in tube lenses. They act as a spacer with or without magnification that positions the camera's CCD chip at the imaging plane when used with the compatible trinocular or double camera port. The lack of a tube lens and the bottom-located male D2N, D2NB, or D5N male dovetail make them compatible with the rear port of the CSD1002 double camera port (available below) or trinoculars (sold above). Additionally, the D2N dovetail on the TC1X allows it to be used with the LCPN6 Camera Tube Adapter (available below) for the construction of custom assemblies. To compensate for small mechanical tolerances or alignment issues, three 5/64" (2 mm) hex setscrews on the side of the housing can be used to adjust the camera position.

Please see the table below for complete compatibility details and the Microscope Dovetails tab for more information on the dovetails used.

Specifications and Compatibility
Item # Magnificationa,b Dovetail Included Tube Lens Included Camera Focus Adjuster Compatibility with Trinoculars Compatibility with Double Camera Ports Camera Threading
WFA4100 1X Male D1N Yes; f = 200 mm
info
Yes
(SM1ZM)
Noc CSD1001 and CSD1002
Front Port
C-Mount (1.00"-32)
WFA4101 0.75X Yes; f = 150 mm
(AC508-150-A)
WFA4102 0.5X Yes; f = 100 mm
(AC300-100-A)
WFA4112 1X Male D2NB No No No CSD1002 Rear Port
TC1X 1X Male D2N No Yes (SM1ZM) LAURE1 and LAURE2 No
  • The magnification values are calculated assuming a design tube lens focal length of 200 mm. See the Magnification & FOV tab for these calculations and a list of design tube lens focal lengths for different manufacturers.
  • Greater magnification improves the resolution, but also decreases the size of the FOV. Please see the Magnification & FOV tab for more information about the attainable FOV.
  • Aside from the mechanical incompatibility between the dovetail mounting features, the trinoculars above and WFA4100, WFA4101, and WFA4102 Camera Tubes each have a built-in 200 mm, 150 mm, or 100 mm focal length tube lens.
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WFA41010.75X Camera Tube with C-Mount, Male D1N Dovetail
$782.85
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WFA41020.5X Camera Tube with C-Mount, Male D1N Dovetail
$563.04
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WFA41121X Camera Tube with C-Mount, Male D2NB Dovetail
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TC1X1X Camera Tube for LAURE1 & LAURE2 Trinoculars, C-Mount, Male D2N Dovetail
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Trinocular Eyepiece

Item # TE10X
Microscope Connection Ø1.18" Eyepiece Tube
Magnification 10X
Field Number 22
Length 2.05" (52.1 mm)
  • Replacement Eyepiece for Cerna Trinoculars (Sold Above)
  • 10X Magnification
  • Field Number: 22 mm

The TE10X eyepiece is identical to the ones included in the LAURE1 and LAURE2 Cerna trinoculars. It offers 10X magnification and has a field number of 22. The eyepiece features an adjustable focus that allows users to rotate the housing while not rotating the optics inside. It can be used with reticles and attached to trinoculars by sliding the narrower, Ø1.18" end of the eyepiece into the eyepiece slot on the trinoculars. Three notches on the housing secure the eyepiece in place once installed.

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TE10XCerna Microscope Eyepiece, 10X Magnification, Field Number 22
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IR Blocking Filter

  • IR Filter for Cerna Trinoculars (Sold Above)
  • ODavg > 6 in Rejection Region
  • Tavg > 90% in Transmission Region
  • 30 mm Outer Diameter

The TF1 IR blocking filter is identical to the one included in the LAURE1 Cerna trinoculars. It can be installed before the eyepieces in the LAURE2 trinoculars (sold above), which do not include a blocking filter, using an SM30RR retaining ring (not included); only one filter is needed for both eyepieces. The filter transmits light from 375 - 650 nm and blocks light from 700 - 1400 nm. It features a durable immersed dielectric coating on a Borofloat® substrate. 

Note: Borofloat® is a registered trademark by a company of the Schott group.

TF1 Transmission
Click to Enlarge

Click for Raw Data
The TF1 filter provides >90% average transmission from 375 to 650 nm, denoted by the blue shaded region. 
TF1 Transmission
Click to Enlarge

Click for Raw Data
The TF1 filter has an average optical density of >6 from 700 to 1400 nm, denoted by the blue shaded region.
Item # TF1
Transmission Region 375 - 650 nm
Tavg> 90%
Rejection Region 700 - 1400 nm
ODavg > 6
Construction Immersed Dielectric
Surface Quality 80-50 Scratch-Dig
Substrate Material Borofloat®
Diameter 30.0 mm (1.18")
Diameter Tolerance ±0.1 mm
Clear Aperture Ø27 mm
Thickness 3.3 mm (0.13")
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TF1Ø30 mm IR Blocking Filter, Transmission: 375 - 650 nm, Rejection: 700 - 1400 nm
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Trinocular Eyepiece Adapter

Item # SM2N2
Microscope Connection Ø1.18" Eyepiece Tube
(Alignment Slot, 5 Places)
SM Threading
Internal SM1 (1.035"-40)
External SM2 (2.035"-40)
Cage Compatibility 30 mm Cage System
(4-40 Tap, One Side,
4 Places)
Clear Aperture Ø0.90" (22.9 mm)
Adapter Profile
(Click for Drawing)

Click to Enlarge

Two SM2N2 adapters attached to the trinocular eyepieces.
  • Replace Trinocular Eyepiece for DIY Construction
  • Compatible with SM1, SM2, and 30 mm Cage Construction Systems

The SM2N2 Eyepiece Adapter allows custom-built optical detection systems to attach to either eyepiece on the trinoculars of a Cerna Microscope. This adapter replaces the lens element on the eyepiece that sets the image plane at the the back of the eyes (see image to the right). Five alignment slots ensure the adapter fits snugly inside the eyepiece without rotation; because of the drop-in nature of this adapter, take care the attached system does not overbalance the 40 g eyepiece adapter when it is inside the trinoculars.

This adapter features internal SM1 (1.035"-40) threading for Ø1" lens tubes; two SM1RR retaining rings are included to secure an optic inside the adapter. The adapter also has external SM2 (2.035"-40) threading for Ø2" lens tubes. The face with the item # engraving has 4-40 tapped holes for 30 mm cage systems.

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SM2N2Nikon Eclipse (Ti, Ti2, or Upright) and Cerna Microscope Eyepiece Adapter, Internal SM1 and External SM2 Threads, 30 mm Cage Compatibility
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Double Camera Ports with Built-In Optics


Click to Enlarge

Knob on the Front of the CSD1001 Controls Dichroic Mirror to Redirect Light

Click to Enlarge

Slider on the Side of the CSD1002 Directs Light to One Camera or the Other

Click to Enlarge

CSD1001 Operation Diagram

Click to Enlarge

CSD1002 Operation Diagram
  • Allows Two Cameras to be Simultaneously Attached to the Microscope
  • CSD1002 Double Camera Port:
    • Fixed Magnification
    • All Light can Be Sent to the Front or Rear Port
  • CSD1001 Double Camera Port:
    • Variable Magnification Using a Side-Located Knob
    • Light Can be Sent to Front Port or Split with Visible to Front and NIR to Rear

These Double Camera Ports let you simultaneously attach two cameras to a microscope system. The use of two separate cameras, which independently detect the signals from the sample, adds a significant amount of experimental flexibility.

The CSD1002 Double Camera Port provides fixed magnification for the front and rear cameras. As shown in the operation diagram to the right, this camera port contains an internal silver mirror that can be moved into the optical path to reflect all incoming light to the rear port.

In contrast, the CSD1001 Double Camera Port offers fixed magnification for the front camera and variable magnification of 0.35X, 2X, or 4X for the rear camera. The magnification is set by rotating a knob on the right side of the housing. As shown in the operation diagram to the right, it also contains an internal dichroic mirror that can be moved into the optic path to transmit visible light to the front port and reflect NIR light to the rear port. A graph showing the transmission and reflectance information can be found in the table below. The rear port also has a built-in NIR DIC analyzer that can be selectively added into the beam path using a side-located lever.


Click to Enlarge

LAURE1 Trinoculars Attached to the Front Port of the CSD1001 Double Camera Port

Camera Mounting
The front port of each double camera port contains a female D1N dovetail for mounting widefield assemblies used to view the FOV. As shown in the diagram above, there is no internal tube lens prior to the first port of either system. Therefore, any component mounted to this port requires a tube lens to resolve the image from the objective. To remain parfocal with the rear port, the focal length of the tube lens should be 200 mm. Solutions from Thorlabs' DIY Cerna components include any of the camera tubes with a built-in tube lens or our trinoculars (available above). For more information on how the tube lens focal length affects the system magnification, see the Magnification & FOV tab for details.

Add a Camera Tube if You Purchase a Dual-Camera Port

In contrast to the front port, an internal tube lens is provided before the rear port of each double camera port. The rear port of the CSD1002 has a D2NB dovetail to attach the WFA4112 1X camera tube (available above). This camera tube is designed to mechanically align a mounted camera with the image plane provided by the internal tube lens and contains no internal optics. The rear port for the CSD1001 contains an externally threaded C-Mount (1.00"-32) for direct attachment of a scientific camera that will be parfocal with a camera mounted to the front port (assuming a 200 mm tube lens was used).

Item # CSD1002 CSD1001
Top Connection Interface Front Port Female D1N Female D1N
Rear Port Female D2NBa Externally Threaded C-Mount (1.00"-32)b
Bottom Connection Interface Male D1N Male D1N
Location of Internal Tube Lens Before Rear Porta Before Rear Portb
Reflector for Rear Port Silver Mirrorc Dichroic Mirror
Mechanical Drawing
(Click for Details)
Fixed Magnification Double Camera Port Fixed Magnification Double Camera Port
  • The WFA4112 1X Camera Tube is required to align a mounted camera at the image plane set by the internal tube lens. 
  • Image plane is located at the flange focal distance of the included C-Mount (1.00"-32) thread on the rear port. No additional components are needed to align a camera to this image plane.
  • The CSD1002 has an internal silver mirror that can redirect all of the incoming light to the rear port.
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CSD1002Fixed Magnification Double Camera Port
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CSD1001Variable Magnification Double Camera Port
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Double Camera Port Without Optics

2CM2 Mechanical Drawing
Click for Details

Mechanical Diagram of the 2CM2 Double Camera Port
2CM1 Mechanical Drawing
Click for Details

Mechanical Diagram of the 2CM1 Double Camera Port
Compatible Filters
Type Dimensions Thickness
Excitation Ø25 mm 5 mm
Emission Ø25 mm 3.5 mm
Dichroic Min 25.0 mm x 35.6 mm 1.0 mm
Max 25.2 mm x 36.0 mm 2.0 mm
Image Overlay from Two Cameras
Click to Enlarge

Live two-channel composite image generated using 2CM1 Mount, previous-generation scientific CCD cameras, and ThorCam software. The image shows Fluorescence (Pink) and DIC (Grayscale) images of a mouse kidney.
  • Microscope Adapters Allow Two Scientific Cameras to Image a Single Optical Input Simultaneously
  • Optics Not Included:
    • Accepts 25 mm x 36 mm Dichroic Filters or Beamsplitters
    • Accepts Standard Ø25 mm or Ø1" Filters on Outputs
  • Fine Pitch Rotation and XY Adjustment for Image Co-Registration
  • Coarse Focus Adjustment for Parfocalization of Cameras
  • Mechanically Adapt to Most Cerna, Olympus, and Nikon Upright Microscopes Using Thorlabs' Standard SM1 Interface (Microscope Camera Port Adapters Sold Separately)

Thorlabs' two-camera mounts are designed to attach two Thorlabs scientific cameras to a standard microscope, allowing simultaneous imaging of a single optical output. A rotation mount allows for 360° of rotational adjustment (±8° fine adjustment) for the reflected camera while a translation mount gives 4 mm linear XY adjustment of the transmitted camera. Both camera mounts have coarse focus adjustment by manually translating the cameras, allowing for parfocalization of both images. The 2CM1 and 2CM2 mounts have up to 15 mm and 11 mm of adjustment, respectively, using the cage rods, although this adjustment range may be limited by the geometry of the camera's front face.

Each mount includes our fluorescence filter cube, which is designed to hold a fluorescence filter set (dichroic mirror, excitation filter, and emission filter) as well as plate beamsplitters or other similarly sized optics. See the table to the right for compatible optic sizes. The filter cube has an insert to hold filter set components with a kinematic design for easy swapping between mounted filter sets without requiring realignment. A DFM1T1 filter cube insert for mounting additional filter sets is sold separately below. Please note that these mounts do not include tube lenses.

These camera ports are ideal for use with Thorlabs' scientific cameras and ThorCam software. The 2CM1 mount is designed for cameras with 60 mm cage system taps on the front, such as our cooled sCMOS and CMOS cameras, while the 2CM2 mount is identical except for the inclusion of two LCP4S cage size adapters for compatibility with 30 mm cage system taps, such as those found on our compact scientific cameras with sCMOS and CMOS sensors. The ThorCam user interface, provided for free with our scientific cameras, includes a plug-in to allow for multiple live camera images to be overlaid into a real-time 2-channel composite, eliminating the need for frequent updates of a static overlay image. This live imaging method is ideal for applications such as calcium ratio imaging and electrophysiology.

To see example applications where these camera ports are used and how various filters and dichroics are used, please see the full presentation. For double camera ports with an internal tube lens please see the CSD1001 and CSD1002 above.

Microscope Compatibility

The input port of each camera port adapter has external SM1 (1.035"-40) threading and places Thorlabs scientific cameras' sensors at a distance of 4.05" to 4.17" (102.9 mm to 106.0 mm) from the base of the mount (see drawings to the upper right), which may be outside the parfocal distance of some microscopes. See the compatibility information below for details.

Thorlabs' Cerna Microscope Systems
These camera ports can be mounted directly onto our previous-generation inverted-image trinoculars using the SM1A58 adapter (available below). When used with the trinoculars, each mounted camera will be parfocal with the eyepieces. Alternatively, a custom camera tube assembly can also be made to support the two-camera mount. This can be done using the WFA4111 adapter and lens tube or cage system assemblies. When used with upright-image trinocs the camera sensors will not be parfocal with the eyepieces.

Other Commercial Microscopes
Thorlabs offers a line of microscope camera port adapters that will allow these two-camera mounts to be installed on many commercial microscopes. When used with inverted microscopes from Nikon and Olympus the camera sensor will be outside the parfocal distance of the microscope and therefore should only be used if parfocality with the eyepieces is not needed. These mounts will be parfocal with upright microscopes from Nikon and Olympus. For Olympus BX or IX microscopes, Thorlabs offers the SM1A51 camera port adapter with SM1 threading. For upright Nikon Eclipse microscopes, the two-camera mount can be attached to the trinocular's camera port using our SM1A58 camera port adapter.

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2CM1Two-Camera Mount for Microscopes, 60 mm Cage Mount Compatible
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2CM2Two-Camera Mount for Microscopes, 30 mm Cage Mount Compatible
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Breadboard Tops for Microscope Bodies


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CSA3000 Used to Mount a Custom Epi-Illuminator and Widefield Viewing Apparatus with a Previous-Generation CCD Camera

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CSA3010 Used to Mount a Custom Epi-Illuminator and Widefield Viewing Apparatus with a sCMOS Camera
  • Male D1N Dovetail on Bottom for Attachment to DIY Cerna Microscope Bodies
  • Available in Two Sizes in Imperial and Metric Versions:
    • Imperial: 14.00" x 11.00" or 18.00" x 4.60"
    • Metric: 350.0 mm x 275.0 mm or 450.0 mm x 116.8 mm
  • 1/4"-20 or M6 x 1.0 Mounting Holes
Male D1N Dovetail
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Each breadboard has a male D1N dovetail on the bottom.

These black-anodized aluminum breadboard tops support user-designed widefield viewing apparatuses, epi-illumination pathways, and laser scanning pathways on top of upright Cerna microscopes. Each contains a Ø1.5" (Ø38.1 mm) through hole that is centered on a male D1N dovetail. This dovetail allows the breadboard to be connected directly to the epi-illumination arm of the microscope body, and it can also be used to stack the breadboard on top of an epi-illumination module. Additional details on the dovetail are available in the Microscope Dovetails tab.

The breadboards are available in two sizes. The larger version [Item # CSA3000(/M)] provides additional work surface, but protrudes past the sides of the epi-illumination arm, which may restrict approach angles around the objective for micromanipulators. The smaller version [Item # CSA3010(/M)] does not restrict approach angles and also has eight 4-40 taps around the Ø1.5" through hole for 30 mm and 60 mm cage systems.

In configurations where the breadboard is mounted directly on top of the epi-illumination arm, four M4 counterbores can be used to provide additional mounting stability.

Item # CSA3000 CSA3000/M CSA3010 CSA3010/M
Dimensions (L x W) 14.00" x 11.00" 350.0 mm x 275.0 mm 18.00" x 4.60" 450.0 mm x 116.8 mm
Breadboard Thickness 1/2" 12.7 mm 1/2" 12.7 mm
Hole Size and Spacing 1/4"-20 Tapped Holes
on 1" Centers
M6 x 1.0 Tapped Holes
on 25 mm Centers
1/4"-20 Tapped Holes
on 1" Centers
M6 x 1.0 Tapped Holes
on 25 mm Centers
Number of Tapped Holes
154 154 87 89
Cage System Compatibility - Four 4-40 Taps for 30 mm Cage Systems
Four 4-40 Taps for 60 mm Cage Systems
Click for Mechanical Drawing
Dovetail Male D1N
Material Matte Black Anodized Aluminum
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
CSA3000 Support Documentation
CSA3000Breadboard Top, 14.00" x 11.00", 1/4"-20 Taps, Male D1N Dovetail
$809.42
Today
CSA3010 Support Documentation
CSA3010Breadboard Top, 18.00" x 4.60", 1/4"-20 Taps, Male D1N Dovetail
$984.11
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
CSA3000/M Support Documentation
CSA3000/MBreadboard Top, 350.0 mm x 275.0 mm, M6 x 1.0 Taps, Male D1N Dovetail
$809.42
Today
CSA3010/M Support Documentation
CSA3010/MBreadboard Top, 450.0 mm x 116.8 mm, M6 x 1.0 Taps, Male D1N Dovetail
$984.11
Today
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Dovetail Adapters

Cerna Camera Port Adapter
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In this setup, the CSA1003 D1N Adapter is connecting lens tube and cage system components to a WFA2002 Epi-Illuminator Module.

Click to Enlarge

The WFA4111 and SM2A59 adapters allow our infinity-corrected tube lenses to be easily integrated with Cerna microscopes and SM2-threaded components
  • Extend Versatility of Our Lens Tube and Cage Construction Systems to DIY Cerna Systems
  • Compatible with DIY Cerna Modules that Have D1N, D2N, or D2NB Dovetails

These dovetail adapters integrate Thorlabs' Cerna microscopy platform with our SM1 (1.035"-40) lens tube, SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5) lens tube, SM2 (2.035"-40) lens tube, 30 mm cage, and 60 mm cage construction systems. They are ideal for creating custom widefield viewing, epi-illumination, and trans-illumination apparatuses. Additionally, the WFA4111 and SM2A59 adapters feature internal M38 x 0.5 and SM2 threads, respectively, that can directly accept one of our infinity-corrected tube lenses. We also offer the LCPN3 trinocular port adapter, designed to allow Olympus trinoculars that have a male D5Y dovetail to be used with DIY Cerna systems.

See the table below for adapter features and the images to the right for application ideas. Please note the dovetail designations are specific to Thorlabs products; see the Microscope Dovetails tab for details.

Item # Dovetaila Threading Cage Compatibility Clear Aperture Adapter Profile
(Click for Drawing)
LCPN2 Male D1N Internal SM30b 30 mm Cage System
(4-40 Tapc, 4 Places)
60 mm Cage System
(Ø6 mm Bore, 4 Places)
Ø1.10" (27.9 mm)
LCPN3 Male D1N
Female D5Y
Internal SM30b 60 mm Cage System
(Ø6 mm Bore, 4 Places)
Ø1.10" (27.9 mm)
WFA4111 Male D1N Internal M38 x 0.5d
External SM2
Nonee Ø1.47" (37.0 mm)
SM2A59 Male D1N Internal SM2f Nonee Ø1.69" (43.0 mm)
LCPN4 Male D1N Internal SM2g 60 mm Cage System
(Ø6 mm Bore, 4 Places)
Ø1.74" (44.3 mm)
CSA1003 Female D1N None 60 mm Cage System
(Ø6 mm Bore, 4 Places)
Ø1.50" (38.1 mm)
SM1A58 Male D2N
Male D2NB
Internal SM1f
External SM2
30 mm Cage System
(4-40 Tap, 4 Places)
Ø1.008" (25.6 mm)
LCPN6 Female D2N Internal SM1f 30 mm Cage System
(4-40 Tapc, 4 Places)
60 mm Cage System
(Ø6 mm Bore, 4 Places)
Ø1.01" (25.6 mm)
LCPY3 Female D5Y None 30 mm Cage System
(4-40 Tapc, 4 Places)
60 mm Cage System
(Ø6 mm Bore, 4 Places)
Ø1.26" (32.0 mm)
  • Additional information on dovetails is available in the Microscope Dovetails tab.
  • This internal SM30 threading is compatible with our SM30RR retaining rings. Two SM30RR retaining rings are included.
  • These tapped holes are on the side opposite the dovetail only.
  • This internal M38 x 0.5 threading is compatible with our SM38RR retaining rings.
  • An SM2-threaded cage plate can be used to convert between SM2 lens tubes and 60 mm cage systems.
  • This internal threading is not deep enough for mounting optics.
  • This internal SM2 threading is compatible with our SM2RR retaining rings. One SM2RR retaining ring is included.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
LCPN2 Support Documentation
LCPN2Nikon Eclipse (Ti, Ti2, or Upright) and Cerna Microscope Trinocular Adapter, Male D1N Dovetail, Internal SM30 Threads, 30 and 60 mm Cage Compatibility
$122.28
Today
LCPN3 Support Documentation
LCPN3Customer Inspired! Nikon Eclipse (Ti, Ti2, or Upright) and Cerna Microscope Trinocular Port Adapter, Olympus Microscope Trinocular Adapter, Male D1N Dovetail, Female D5Y Dovetail, Internal SM30 Threads, 60 mm Cage Compatibility
$115.18
Today
WFA4111 Support Documentation
WFA4111Adapter with Male D1N Dovetail, External SM2 Threads, and Internal M38 x 0.5 Threads
$107.10
Today
SM2A59 Support Documentation
SM2A59NEW!Adapter with Male D1N Dovetail and Internal SM2 Threads
$70.00
Today
LCPN4 Support Documentation
LCPN4Nikon Eclipse (Ti, Ti2, or Upright) and Cerna Microscope Trinocular Adapter, Male D1N Dovetail, Internal SM2 Threads, 60 mm Cage Compatibility
$108.63
Today
CSA1003 Support Documentation
CSA1003Adapter with Female D1N Dovetail and Bores for 60 mm Cage System
$289.85
Today
SM1A58 Support Documentation
SM1A58Upright Nikon Eclipse and Thorlabs Cerna Microscope Camera Port Adapter, Internal SM1 Threads, External SM2 Threads, 30 mm Cage Compatible
$89.69
Today
LCPN6 Support Documentation
LCPN6Upright Nikon Eclipse and Thorlabs Cerna Microscope Camera Tube Adapter, Female D2N Dovetail, Internal SM1 Threads, 30 mm and 60 mm Cage Compatibility
$122.91
Today
LCPY3 Support Documentation
LCPY3Olympus BX or IX Microscope Trinocular Adapter, Female D5Y Dovetail, 30 mm and 60 mm Cage Compatiblity
$117.30
Today