Category: Advanced Inverted Microscopes for Transmitted light
Target specimen: Cell cultures from microbiology, in flasks or petri dishes, on agar or in fluids; water samples from biology
Target customer: Lab technicians, advanced students
This comparison is an approach for classifying different Inverted microscopes in a defined performance range. Here we are talking about Motic’s AE series, meant for routine work in the microbiology lab of universities and related labs of industrial companies.
The following chart is based on the specifications of the basic outfit of both AE models and its available options. Within this series of publications, our rating always rests upon an individual understanding and validation of the actual numerical values.
AE SERIES - Comparison Chart
All technical features are judged on the impact in practical microscopical work. A system with Field of View 22 (AE31E) presents 21% more visible area than a FOV 20 (AE2000). A quicker overview, less work to move the sample especially without attachable X/Y stage, faster results: we rated this feature with a score of “****”.
Upgradeability is also ranked following the practical impact in laboratory work. Fluorescence is an established contrast method in microbiology; this option deserves a **** ranking.
The final chart displays an evident fact: The models AE2000 and AE31E cannot deny a common origin. A larger Field of View in AE31E definitely is of great relevance as most users do not use the optional attachable X/Y stage. Koehler illumination always is appreciated, but in comparison to upright microscopes its importance is restricted: Phase contrast in microbiology is clearly the method of choice. The upgrade option to Fluorescence in AE31E is the key issue in differentiating both powerful Inverted microscopes.
Some remarks:
Interpupillary distance
Young people and female users by nature have a small eye distance. For a long-term work, the tube should be adjustable in a wide range. A range of 48-75mm distance in both models offers an optimum in ergonomics.
Field of View
Field of View
We all know: The larger, the better. The calculation is as follows: Visible Area (mm2) = ¶ x r2. An advantage of 21% can be granted to AE31E in comparison to AE2000. 21% more visible area at one view is a time saving feature, especially interesting in case of a high sample throughput or a fast review of large samples without the optional X/Y stage in Inverted microscopes.
A 100:0/0:100 split with a 100% light option to the camera port is always recommended in case of light consuming contrast methods. The AE31E offers this option which should always be chosen in case Fluorescence is in mind. The LWD Phase objectives of an Inverted microscope with their low N.A. values by principle cannot perform perfectly bright Fluorescence images. This is why we should care for a maximum efficiency in transferring light to the camera.
Objectives
Objectives
The necessary quality of objectives is deeply depending on the application. No description can beat a test with own samples. Inverted microscopes are dedicated to a Long Working Distance running through a thick cell culture. For construction reasons the issue “resolution” (read from the N.A. value) cannot be the major point. Both Inverted microscopes carry the identical objectives which work fine in their intended application field.
The minimum increment of the fine focus is essential for the evaluation of the sample in Z direction. The smaller the value, the better. With a small increment, it is much easier to get a 3D impression. Cell cultures do have a defined z dimension; both Inverted models do have a 2 micron step size for the fine focus.
Halogen/LED interchangeability
Halogen/LED interchangeability
LED illumination is the modern approach in terms of life-time and color temperature. For image documentation, modern digital cameras have got several tools to compensate the disadvantage of Halogen illumination in terms of color temperature: White balance.
Koehler illumination
Koehler illumination
A difficult case. Even on university level, some teachers do not know the importance of a proper Koehler setup for the evaluation of tiny, thin and hardly stained structures. This hardware addition (e.g. Field diaphragm) is going to become neglected. As Phase contrast is the preferred contrast method in Inverted microscopes, the implementation of the Koehler principle in AE31E becomes less important.
Fluorescence is an established method in microbiology. HBO Fluorescence is still more flexible than most LED solutions. New dyes, multiple staining: this can be done best with a Mercury light source. As the basic outfit of a AE31E is already prepared for an upgrade, the AE31E model should always be chosen in case Fluorescence is a possible future method in your lab.
Summary:
The selection of a specific model always depends on impartial demands and individual preferences. Depending on each individual need and the application range, the choice between AE31E and AE2000 is easy. Fluorescence: Yes or No?
_____________________________________________________
Comparison | AE Series
AE2000
| Model | AE2000 | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Optical system | CCIS® | *** |
| Observation tube | Swiveling Siedentopf; 45° inclination | *** |
| Interpupillary distance (mm) | 48-75 | **** |
| Eyepieces (Field of View) | N-WF 10X/20 | *** |
| Diopter adjustment | +/- 5 dpt | *** |
| Trino light split | 100:0/20:80 | *** |
| Nosepiece | Left side facing quadruple nosepiece | ** |
| Objectives classification | Plan Achromats | *** |
| Objective magnification range | 4X up to 100X | *** |
| Optional objectives | No | ** |
| Positive Phase Contrast Objectives | Plan Achromat Phase 4X-40X | *** |
| Objective mounting thread RMS (W 4/5'' X 1/36'') | Yes | ** |
| Fixed stage plate with metal/glass stage inserts | Yes | ** |
| Stage size (mm) | 200 x 239 | *** |
| Attachable X/Y -stage | Yes | *** |
| Holder for Petri dishes, slides, etc. | Yes | *** |
| Standard condenser | ELWD; N.A.0.30; WD 72mm | ** |
| Condenser with diaphragm and slot for Phase slider | Yes | ** |
| Free working distance without condenser (mm) | 184 | ** |
| Optional Condenser | N.A. 0.5 (WD 28mm); N.A.0.4 (WD 53mm) | *** |
| Focus mechanism | Coaxial; tension adjustment | *** |
| Minium fine focus precision (µm) | 2 | *** |
| Z-axis movement of nosepiece (mm) | 8 | ** |
| Filter holder | Yes | *** |
| Illumination | 6V/30W Halogen | *** |
| Halogen / LED interchangeability | Yes; with 3W LED | *** |
| Illumination position | Built-in | *** |
| Koehler illumination | No | ** |
| Transformer | Built-in | *** |
| Power supply | 110-240V (CE) | *** |
| Auto OFF | Yes | *** |
| Light memory | Yes | *** |
| Filters included | Blue, green, ND | ** |
| Accessories included | Ring PH1, Centering telescope & keys, dust cover | *** |
| Dimensiones (mm) | 556 x 218 x 496 | ** |
| Weight (Kg) | 12,2kg | ** |
| Contrast techniques | ||
| Brightfield | Yes | ** |
| Phase Contrast | Slider | *** |
| Fluorescence HBO | No | ** |
AE31E
| Model | AE2000 | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Optical system | CCIS® | *** |
| Observation tube | Swiveling Siedentopf; 45° inclination | ** |
| Interpupillary distance (mm) | 48-75 | **** |
| Eyepieces (Field of View) | N-WF 10X/22 | **** |
| Diopter adjustment | +/- 5 dpt | *** |
| Trino light split | 100:0/20:80; optional stand with 100:0/0:100 | **** |
| Nosepiece | Left side facing quintuple nosepiece | *** |
| Objectives classification | Plan Achromats | *** |
| Objective magnification range | 4X up to 40X | *** |
| Optional objectives | No | ** |
| Positive Phase Contrast Objectives | Plan Achromat Phase 4X-40X | *** |
| Objective mounting thread RMS (W 4/5'' X 1/36'') | Yes | ** |
| Fixed stage plate with metal/glass stage inserts | Yes | ** |
| Stage size (mm) | 200 x 239 | *** |
| Attachable X/Y -stage | Yes | *** |
| Holder for Petri dishes, slides, etc. | Yes | *** |
| Standard condenser | ELWD; N.A.0.30; WD 72mm | ** |
| Condenser with diaphragm and slot for Phase slider | Yes | ** |
| Free working distance without condenser (mm) | 231 | *** |
| Optional Condenser | N.A. 0.5 (WD 28mm) | *** |
| Focus mechanism | Coaxial; tension adjustment | *** |
| Minium fine focus precision (µm) | 2 | *** |
| Z-axis movement of nosepiece (mm) | 10 | *** |
| Filter holder | Yes | *** |
| Illumination | 6V/30W Halogen; 12V/100W Halogen | *** |
| Halogen / LED interchangeability | Only in 6V/30W Halogen stand | *** |
| Illumination position | Built-in 6V/30W stand; external in 100W stand | *** |
| Koehler illumination | Yes | *** |
| Transformer | External in 100W stand | *** |
| Power supply | 110-240V (CE) | *** |
| Auto OFF | Yes | *** |
| Light memory | Yes | *** |
| Filters included | Blue, green (interference) and ground glass | *** |
| Accessories included | Ring PH1, Centering telescope & keys, spare fuse, dust cover | *** |
| Dimensiones (mm) | 629 x 200 x 595 | ** |
| Weight (Kg) | 13,2kg | ** |
| Contrast techniques | ||
| Brightfield | Yes | ** |
| Phase Contrast | Slider | *** |
| Fluorescence HBO | Yes | **** |
No comments:
Post a Comment