Cerna® Microscope with Epi-Illumination and Trans-Illumination Modules


  • Equipped with Single-Cube Epi-Illuminator and
    Trans-Illumination Modules
  • Ready to Accept Objectives, Cameras, Filters,
    and Illumination Sources

Cerna® Microscope Kit 3

(Optical Table Not Included)

Image of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial (BPAE) cells acquired using a Cerna Microscope with the Chrolis™ LED Source and CS505MU Camera. Click here for the TIF composite. (Courtesy of the Lab of Dr. Peter Stys, University of Calgary.)

Nuclei:
DAPI
(365 nm)

Actin:
AF 488
(475 nm)

Mitochrondia:
MitoTracker™
Red (565 nm)

Related Items


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Brightfield Microscope
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Side View of Cerna Microscope Kit 3
(Optical Table Not Included)

Features

  • Single-Cube Epi-Illuminator and Transmitted Illumination Modules
  • Accepts C-Mount Cameras from Thorlabs and Most Major Manufacturers
  • Motorized Focus Control of Objective
  • Trinoculars with 10X Eye Pieces
  • Modular Design Allows User to Modify the Microscope's Optical Path

This Cerna® microscope configuration provides an optical path that is ideal for experiments requiring either epi-fluorescence, reflected light, or brightfield imaging. The epi-illumination module accepts a variety of LEDs and lamps equipped with a Ø3 mm liquid light guide, while the brightfield illumination module includes Thorlabs' Visible Illumination Kit. A motorized objective holder on the microscope body provides 1" of vertical focusing adjustment for the objective.

Trinoculars with a camera port support real-time viewing of the sample directly through the eyepieces. The C-mount-threaded camera port is compatible with most industry-standard cameras, which can be used to view the image on a computer screen in real time or to capture images to analyze later. Motorized objective and condenser focusing modules, each with 1" of travel, provide fine-tuned positioning along the optical axis.

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. In vitro samples can be studied by positioning sample stages below the objective using fixed arms that can be attached directly to the microscope or rigid stands. To free room underneath the objective for large sample holding apparatuses, the brightfield module can be removed, providing a path for in vivo studies.

To address a wide range of experimental parameters, Thorlabs offers seven 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 Microscopes Kit 1 Kit 2 Kit 3 Kit 4 Kit 5 Kit 6 Kit 7
Objective Holder Single Single Single Dual Dual Dual Dual
Epi-Illumination 1 Cube Up to 6 Filter Sets 1 Cube Up to 6 Filter Sets Up to 6 Filter Sets Up to 6 Filter Sets Up to 6 Filter Sets
Trans-Illumination - - Brightfield
(Visible)
Dodt Contrast
and Brightfield
(Visible)
Dodt Contrast
and Brightfield
(Visible and NIR)
DIC Imaging
and Brightfield
(Visible and NIR)
DIC Imaging
and Brightfield
(Visible and NIR)
XY Motion - - - - Microscope
Translator
N/A Translating Platform

Cerna® Microscope Kit 3

This 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, cameras, and illumination modules 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-Illumination

Features

The epi-illumination module couples light emitted by the illumination source into the imaging path, through the objective, and onto the sample; it also allows epi-fluorescence generated by the sample to pass through the module to the eyepieces and camera. This epi-illuminator accepts one filter cube, making it suitable for several imaging modalities that require a single filter set. By installing a dichroic mirror and two emission filters, fluorescence imaging of a single fluorophore is possible. This filter set can be replaced with a 50:50 beamsplitter and two polarizers to create a reflected light imaging microscope. Alternatively, a multiband filter set combined with illumination from a multi-wavelength LED source allows the microscope to image samples with multiple fiducial markers. For more details about epi-illumination options offered by Thorlabs, please see the full web presentation.

Epi-Illuminator
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This Cerna® microscope kit features a single-cube epi-illuminator module.
Single-Cube Epi-Illuminator
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The front cover of the epi-illuminator module is removed by unscrewing two M2 screws to install a filter cube (not included). Magnets on the cover and the housing ensure that the filter cube is positioned correctly when the door is replaced.
Cerna Epi-Illuminator
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The back of the epi-illuminator module includes a removable, SM1-threaded adapter that accepts liquid light guides.
Brightfield Microscope
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Transmitted Illumination Module with White Light LED

Trans-Illumination (Brightfield Imaging)

Features

  • Supports Brightfield Illumination in the Visible and NIR
  • Accepts Thorlabs' Illumination Kits (Visible Illumination Kit Included)
  • Motorized Condenser Focusing Module with 1" Travel

This Cerna microscope configuration includes both a trans-illumination module and condenser, designed to direct and condition visible and/or IR illumination generated by one of our Illumination Kits into the optical path. Please see the full web presentation for additional information.

Bright visible light is generated by the included illumination kit (Item # WFA1010), which uses one of Thorlabs' Mounted LEDs (Item # MWWHL3). The module features additional ports and a filter cube holder to allow for later expansion with IR or other wavelength LEDs. Please contact Technical Support with inquiries.

Camera Port
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The microscope body is based on a
95 mm optical rail.

Microscope Body

Features

  • Large Working Volume: Optical Path is 7.74" (196.6 mm) Away from Edge of Rail
  • Linear Dovetail Surface Allows Modules to be Added and Removed
  • 350 mm Body Height to Accommodate Sample Stages Mounted on Rigid Stands or Fixed Arms
  • Motorized Objective Focusing Module with 1" Travel
  • Mechanically Compatible with Thorlabs' 95 mm Rail Platforms

The backbone of this Cerna microscope kit is the 350 mm tall microscope body based on Thorlabs' 95 mm Precision Optical Rails, providing 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.

Trinoculars with Camera Port
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This microscope includes trinoculars with a camera port for widefield viewing.

Widefield Viewing

Add-On: Widefield Viewing

Features

  • Trinoculars for Viewing Visible Light from the Sample
  • Fixed Magnification Camera Port with C-Mount Accepts Most Industry-Standard Cameras
  • Trinoculars with 10X Eyepiece Magnification and Adjustable Interpupil Distance

Widefield viewing is provided by trinoculars and a camera tube. The eyepieces feature an adjustable interpupil distance and rotate individually to allow the focus to be coarsely adjusted for each eye.

The included camera tube contains all of the optics needed to image the light from the objective onto a camera sensor. External C-mount (1.000-32") threads on the top of the camera tube accept Thorlabs' scientific cameras, as well as cameras from most major manufacturers. For additional viewing port and camera tube options, please see the full web presentation.

Cerna Objective Holder
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This microscope kit has a single objective holder (objective not included).

Objective Holders and Objectives

Add-On: Objectives

Features

  • Threaded for M32 x 0.75 Objectives
  • Included Adapters:
    • M25 x 0.75 Internal Threads
    • RMS Internal Threads

The Single-Objective Nosepiece connects to the motorized mounting arm on the microscope body via six M4 counterbores to provide 1" of motorized vertical translation of the objective. The nosepiece features an M32 x 0.75 threaded port for mounting objectives and four 4-40 through taps for 60 mm cage system compatibility. Two objective thread adapters are also included to provide compatibility with other common objective threads: M25 x 0.75 and RMS. Microscope objectives are available for purchase separately from Thorlabs, and we can also order other objectives upon request. To mount multiple objectives, please see the full web presentation for other mounting options. Keep in mind that the total system magnification will depend upon the objective chosen; see the Objective, Scan, and Tube Lens Tutorial for details.

This kit configuration is constructed from our modular Cerna® components. See the comprehensive list below for each included item.

Item # Qty. Description Photo
(Click to Enlarge)
Microscope Body
CEA1350 1 Cerna Microscope Body with Epi-Illumination Arm, 350 mm Tall Cerna Microscope Body
Widefield Viewing
LAURE1 1 Trinoculars with Eyepieces Trinoculars
TC1X 1 1X Camera Tube with C-Mount Camera Tube
Epi-Illumination
WFA2001 1 Single-Cube Epi-Illuminator Module (Filter Cube Not Included) Single-Cube Epi-Illuminator Module
Condenser
CSC1001 1 Nikon FN-C LWD Condenser, 0.78 NA Nikon FN-C LWD Condenser, 0.78 NA
Objective & Condenser Mounts
CSN100 1 Single-Objective Nosepiece Objective Holder
CSA2000 1 Condenser Mounting Arm with ±2 mm Travel in X and Y Condenser Mounting Arm with ±2 mm Travel in X and Y
PLSZ 2 Motorized Module with 1" Travel, 95 mm Dovetail Motorized Module with 1" Travel, 95 mm Dovetail
PLSZ1 2 Angle Bracket for Edge-Mounted Arms Angle Bracket for Edge-Mounted Arms
MCMK3 1 3-Knob USB HID Joystick 3-Knob USB HID Joystick
MCM301 1 Three-Channel Controller for Motorized Rigid Stands and PLS Series Stage Three-Channel Controller for Motorized Rigid Stands and PLS Series Stage
Trans-Illumination
WFA1000 1 Brightfield Illumination / DIC Imaging Module Brightfield Illumination and DIC Imaging Module
WFA0150 1 Transmitted Light Module Dovetail Clamp Transmitted Light Module Dovetail Clamp
Illumination Kit
WFA1010 1 Visible Illumination Kit Visible Illumination Kit
LEDD1B 1 T-Cube™ LED Driver, 1200 mA Max Drive Current (Power Supply Not Included) LED Driver
KPS201 1 15 V Power Supply Unit for a Single K-Cube™ or T-Cube™ 15 V Power Supply
Objective Threading Adapters
M32M25S 1 External M32 x 0.75 Threads and Internal M25 x 0.75 Threads
M32RMSS 1 External M32 x 0.75 Threads and Internal RMS Threads

Application-Optimized Cerna Microscopes

Developed 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 microscope, please email ImagingSales@thorlabs.com.

Selected Accessories

In order to image with this microscope, it is necessary to add scientific cameras, an epi-illumination source, filter cubes and filter sets, objectives, and sample holders. 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


Camera Port
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The camera port provides a fixed magnification for light from the sample.

Scientific Cameras for Widefield Viewing

  • Visualize the Field of View at a Computer
  • Any C-Mount Camera is Compatible with a Cerna Microscope

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 configuration 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. We recommend the CS2100M-USB Quantalux® Scientific sCMOS Camera; see the table below for more details. For other options, please see our complete range of scientific cameras.

CS2100M-USB Specifications
Product Photo
(Click to Enlarge)
CS2100M-USB
Sensor Type Monochrome sCMOS
Effective Number of Pixels
(Horizontal x Vertical)
1920 x 1080
Imaging Area
(Horizontal x Vertical)
9.6768 mm x 5.4432 mm
Pixel Size 5.04 µm x 5.04 µm
Optical Format 2/3" (11 mm Diagonal)
Max Frame Rate 50 fps (Full Sensor)
Sensor Shutter Type Rolling
Peak Quantum Efficiency 61% at 600 nm
PC Interface USB 3.0
Housing Dimensions 2.77" x 2.38" x 1.88"
(70.4 mm x 60.3 mm x 47.6 mm)

Illumination Sources for Epi-Illumination

Cerna Epi-Illuminator with LED
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A Thorlabs Mounted LED can be threaded into the epi-illuminator module and secured using the included locking ring.

Mounted LEDs

  • Long Lifetimes (>10,000 Hours for LEDs Shown Here)
  • Output can be Modulated with Suitable Driver
  • Integrated EEPROM for Automated Driver Configuration
  • Link to Full Web Presentation

The epi-illuminator module included with this microscope kit is compatible with Thorlabs' LEDs. Selected LEDs that emit at important visible and NIR wavelengths are outlined in the table below. We offer a much wider range of LEDs than the four presented here, at wavelengths from 265 nm to 1650 nm, all of which are compatible with the CM1003 Cerna microscope. For our full selection, please see their full web presentation. Please note that the drivers needed to power the LEDs are sold separately.

Cerna LEDs
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See the graph above to compare the spectra of selected Thorlabs LEDs; spectra are scaled for reference.
Selected LEDs
Item #a Colorb,c Output Power (Typical)b Compatible Drivers
M565L3 Lime Green (565 nm) 979 mW LEDD1B
DC2200
DC4100
DC4104
M940L3 IR (940 nm) 1000 mW
MWWHL4 Warm White (3000 Kd) 640 mW
MCWHL7 Cold White (6500 Kd) 1370 mW
Full Web Presentation for Mounted LEDs
  • We offer a much wider range of LEDs than the four presented here, at wavelengths from 265 nm to 1650 nm. For our full selection, please see their full web presentation.
  • Output power and nominal wavelength specs are only intended to be used as a guideline. The output power is specified before the light from the LED enters the optical path of the microscope.
  • For LEDs in the visible spectrum, the nominal wavelength indicates the wavelength at which the LED appears brightest to the human eye. For IR LEDs, the nominal value corresponds to the peak wavelength.
  • Correlated Color Temperature
Epi-Illuminator
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Chrolis 6-Wavelength High-Power LED Source with Included LLG03-4H Liquid Light Guide
Epi-Illuminator
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The liquid light guide can be secured by tightening the thumbscrew on the included adapter.

Chrolis™ 6-Wavelength High-Power LED Sources

  • Combine 6 User-Changeable, High-Power LEDs into One Liquid Light Guide
  • Eleven Wavelength Options Cover All Known Fluorophores Between 365 nm and 780 nm (See Table Below)
  • Control LEDs Using Included Software with GUI
  • Typical Lifetime of LED Modules is ≥10,000 Hours
  • Link to Full Web Presentation

Thorlabs' Chrolis LED sources are user-configurable light engines that efficiently combine the output of six LEDs into a single liquid light guide (LLG). They are ideal for fluorescence imaging that requires up to six wavelengths of light. These sources are available in two pre-set configurations, as well as custom configurations; please see the table below for the LED options and the full web presentation for more details. As shown in the image to the right, the Chrolis sources are compatible with the epi-illuminator module, which includes an adapter that accepts Ø3 mm core liquid light guides.

Chrolis LED Options
Nominal
Wavelength
365 nm 385 nm 405 nma 420 nma 475 nm 490 nm 525 nmb 565 nmb 590 nm 625 nm 780 nm
Color
(Click for Spectrum)
UV UV UV Violet Blue Blue Green Lime Amber Red IR
Typical Output
Powerc
1130 mW 1250 mW 900 mW 710 mW 630 mW 120 mW 180 mW 350 mW 140 mW 490 mW 40 mW
  • Due to closely overlapping spectra, the 405 nm and 420 nm LEDs cannot be combined in the same source.
  • Due to closely overlapping spectra, the 525 nm and 565 nm LEDs cannot be combined in the same source.
  • Typical output power from LLG03-4H liquid light guide. Values can vary depending on the configuration.


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Filter Cube in Single-Cube Epi-Illuminator

Filter Cubes and Filter Sets

  • Tune Epi-Illumination Source for the Excitation and Detection of Specific Fluorophores
  • Easily Mount Filter Sets in the MDFM-MF2
  • Each Thorlabs Set Consists of an Excitation Filter, an Emission Filter, and a Dichroic Mirror
  • Utilize Fluorescence Filters from Other Major Manufacturers
  • Other Filter Sets Available

The epi-illumination module included with this Cerna microscope kit accepts the MDFM-MF2 Filter Cube. This filter cube is designed to hold one Ø25 mm emission filter (up to 5 mm thick), one Ø25 mm excitation filter (up to 3.5 mm thick), and one 25 mm x 36 mm dichroic mirror (up to 1.1 mm thick), as shown in the video below, allowing Cerna microscopes to be compatible with filters from all major manufacturers.

Several popular filter sets are listed with their target fluorophores in the table below. Each set includes an excitation filter, an emission filter, and a dichroic mirror. Please see the full web presentation for the entire line of Thorlabs' filter sets.

Installation of a Filter Set and Filter Cube into
the Single-Cube Epi-Illuminator Module

Item # Accepted Filter Sizes
MDFM-MF2 Excitation: Ø25 mm, Up to 5 mm Thick
Emission: Ø25 mm, Up to 3.5 mm Thick
Dichroic Mirror: Up to 25.2 mm x 36.0 mm x 1.0 mm
Selected Compatible Fluorescence Filter Setsa
Item # Target Fluorophore Transmission Graph
(Click for Plot)
MDF-BFP BFP (Blue Fluorescent Protein)
MDF-GFP2 Alexa Fluor® 488, GFP
MDF-MCHAb mCherry
MDF-MCHCb mCherry
MDF-TOM tdTomato
  • Please see the full web presentation for a complete listing of fluorescence filter sets offered.
  • While both filter sets target mCherry, the -MCHC excitation filter features a broader transmission band than the excitation filter in the -MCHC filter set.

Objectives

  • Cerna Microscope Kit 3 Directly Accepts Objectives with M32 x 0.75 Threads
  • Includes Thread Adapters for Compatibility with Objectives from Major Manufacturers
    • M25 x 0.75-Threaded Objectives (Nikon)
    • RMS-Threaded Objectives (Olympus)

The nosepiece of this microscope has one M32 x 0.75-threaded bore for mounting objectives. The M32 x 0.75 thread standard is used by newer widefield microscope objectives and offers larger back apertures than previous standards. M25 x 0.75- and RMS-threaded adapters are included for compatibility with most objectives from Olympus and Nikon. Shown below are selected widefield Nikon objectives that are commonly used with this microscope kit. They can be mounted in the microscope’s CSN100 Single-Objective Holder using the M32M25S Brass Microscope Adapter (both included in this configuration). We offer other objectives and can order objectives outside our catalog upon request.

Item # N4X-PF N10X-PF N20X-PF N40X-PF N60X-PF
Photo
(Click to Enlarge)
Magnification 4X 10X 20X 40X 60X
Numerical Aperture (NA) 0.13 0.3 0.50 0.75 0.85
Working Distance (WD) 17.2 mm 16 mm 2.1 mm 0.66 mm 0.31 - 0.4 mm
Threading M25 x 0.75

Slide Holder in a Custom System
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Slide Holder in a Cerna® Microscope
XY Stage on Fixed Arm
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MLS203-1 Stage with MLS203P2 Slide Holder on CSA1000 Fixed Arm
Rigid Stand with Petri Dish Holder
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MP15M Rigid Stand with
MLS203P2 Slide/Petri Dish Holder

Sample Stages and 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, 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 enable the sample stage to be attached directly to the microscope body via a dovetail that extends the full height of the microscope body, allowing the arms to be positioned anywhere along the body height. 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 rigid arms are compatible with Thorlabs' wide selection of optomechanical components, allowing custom sample holder configurations and additional optics to be easily integrated into this microscope.

Several common options are outlined below, while our full selection of sample holders can be explored in the Cerna Components presentation.

Rigid Stands

Rigid Stand
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MP10M(/M) Rigid Stand with Rectangular Insert Holder

Rigid Stand
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MPRC(/M) Recording Chamber Holder, MPP15 Post, and
LPH150 Post Holder

  • Insert Designed for Recording Chambers
  • Height Range: 203.6 - 314.9 mm
  • Other Heights Available
Rigid Stand
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MP10(/M) Rigid Stand with Platform

  • 24 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) Tapped Holes for Holding Micromanipulators or Other Equipment
  • Height Range: 151.4 - 216.4 mm
  • Other Heights Available

Fixed Arms

Fixed Arm
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CSA1000 Fixed Arm

Fixed Arm
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CSA1001 Fixed Arm

Fixed Arm
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CSA1002 Fixed Arm

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.)


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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
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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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Customizable Cerna Microscope Configuration: Kit 3

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.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
CEA1350 Support Documentation
CEA1350Cerna Microscope Body with Epi-Illumination Arm, 350 mm Rail
$983.61
Today
LAURE1 Support Documentation
LAURE1Cerna Trinoculars with 10X Eyepieces, Upright Image, IR Filter
$4,284.00
7-10 Days
TC1X Support Documentation
TC1X1X Camera Tube for LAURE1 & LAURE2 Trinoculars, C-Mount, Male D2N Dovetail
$440.76
Today
WFA2001 Support Documentation
WFA2001Epi-Illuminator Module for 1 Cube, Conditioning Optics, Male & Female D1N Dovetails
$2,018.27
Today
CSC1001 Support Documentation
CSC1001Nikon FN-C LWD Condenser, 0.78 NA, Male D3N Dovetail
$2,697.73
Today
CSN100 Support Documentation
CSN100Nosepiece for 1 Objective, M32 x 0.75 Threads, 60 mm Cage Compatible
$119.95
Today
CSA2000 Support Documentation
CSA2000Condenser Arm, ±2 mm Travel in X & Y, Female D3N Dovetail, 60 mm Cage Compatible
$822.05
Today
PLSZ Support Documentation
PLSZNEW!Motorized Module with 1" Travel, 95 mm Dovetail
$1,935.00
Today
PLSZ1 Support Documentation
PLSZ1NEW!Angle Bracket for Edge-Mounted Arms
$185.00
Today
MCMK3 Support Documentation
MCMK3Customer Inspired! 3-Knob USB HID Joystick
$1,181.77
Today
MCM301 Support Documentation
MCM301Three-Channel Controller for Motorized Rigid Stands and PLS Series Stages
$1,581.00
Today
WFA1000 Support Documentation
WFA1000Transmitted Light Illumination / DIC Imaging Module, 30 mm Cage Compatible
$4,929.87
Today
WFA0150 Support Documentation
WFA015095 mm Dovetail Clamp for WFA1000 and WFA1100 Modules
$385.56
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WFA1010 Support Documentation
WFA1010Warm White Illumination Kit
$932.83
Today
LEDD1B Support Documentation
LEDD1BT-Cube LED Driver, 1200 mA Max Drive Current (Power Supply Not Included)
$355.18
Today
KPS201 Support Documentation
KPS20115 V, 2.66 A Power Supply Unit with 3.5 mm Jack Connector for One K- or T-Cube
$40.33
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M32M25S Support Documentation
M32M25SCustomer Inspired! Brass Microscope Adapter with External M32 x 0.75 Threads and Internal M25 x 0.75 Threads
$23.30
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M32RMSS Support Documentation
M32RMSSCustomer Inspired! Brass Microscope Adapter with External M32 x 0.75 Threads and Internal RMS Threads
$27.81
Today