free image browser is available for viewing,sorting, printing and exporting images.Reader Service No. 102

LaserPixBio-Rad Microsciencewww.microscopy.bio-rad.com

Confocal image-analysis software

LaserPix software for Bio-Rad confocal imageanalysis combines full multicolour co-local-ization analysis with three-dimensional plot-ting. This facilitates measurement of co-local-ization coefficients and the display of co-local-ized pixels and their frequency. An automaticcounting and measurement function countsgrains or cells and allows 54 different measure-ment parameters to be displayed, includingarea, perimeter and density. Data and graphscan be produced from time series images. Totalfluorescence intensity from selected areas in aseries of images can be compared, providing auseful analysis tool for ploidy or monitoringprotein concentration changes within sam-ples. Reader Service No. 103

cryo-PDiatome www.emsdiasum.com

Platform change

The new feature on the latest diamond knifefrom Diatome is a section pick-up platform,located at the back of the knife, towards the

user. This means that both semithin and ultra-thin sectioning can be done with the sameknife. The sections show up clearly on the pick-up platform, made of dark epoxy material, foreasy retrieval. Reader Service No. 104

STEM data sheet Hitachi Scientific Instrumentswww.hsi-europe.com

High-sensitivity elemental analysis

This is the first in a series of technical datasheets from Hitachi for scanning transmis-sion electron microscopes. It covers theapplication of the HD-2000 STEM to a mate-rials characterization of a platinum-on-car-bon catalyst. The data sheet illustrates the useof all three detectors supplied with the HD-2000. Secondary electron and dark- andbright-field transmitted images are used toshow dispersion of platinum particles on thecarbon substrate. Energy-dispersive X-rayspectra can be acquired from particles assmall as 0.5 nm in as little as 10 seconds, thusavoiding the problem of lability in small par-ticles exposed to the electron beam for 30 sec-onds or more.Reader Service No. 105

ErgoscanPrior Scientific www.prior.com

Add joystick control to your microscope

The Ergoscan motorized stage- and focus-control system can be installed on both newand older microscopes. It offers finger-tip con-trol of stage movement using a proportionaljoystick giving a full range of travel over an area76 2 56 mm. The speed of movement is con-tinuously variable from 1 µm to 9 mm per sec-ond, and a flat roller control provides smoothand precise focusing. Stage and focus controlsare available separately.Reader Service No. 106

new on the market

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C-161 and C-162Vision Engineering www.visioneng.com

Switchable viewers for Cobra and Lynxinstruments

These new viewers promise improved imagebrilliance for high magnifications without lossof clarity. The 347 angled-view oblique modecan be simply switched to direct mode, and isparticularly suitable for applications that ben-efit from a combination of direct and angledviewing. The oblique mode allows a full 3607view rotation around the centre point, so thatcritical components or surface features can beinspected in three dimensions without mov-ing the workpiece. The C-161 viewer is finger-tip operated, while the C-162 is motorized.Both can be fitted to existing Lynx or Cobraheads. Used with Vision’s Dynascope VS8scanner, zoom range is 26 to 240 in direct,and 24 to 228 in oblique view mode.Reader Service No. 100

NP-1600

Codonics www.codonics.com

Glad to be grey

The NP-1600 can be used with existing colourdye diffusion paper and transparencies, butalso offers a greyscale option producing high-quality greyscale prints especially to meet theneeds of electron microscopists. The printer’sinbuilt software eliminates the need to installprinter drivers, and also acts as a web server,allowing access via Netscape Navigator andInternet Explorer. Individual users can controlthe printer without affecting other users.Reader Service No. 101

LSM 510 NLO

Carl Zeiss www.zeiss.com/micro

Short-pulse lasers for multi-photonexcitation

The LSM 510 NLO version of the LSM 510confocal laser scanning microscope, used withthe Axioskop 2 FS motorized fixed-stagemicroscope stand, permits simultaneous con-focal imaging and electrophysiological mea-surements. Integrated short-pulse lasers allowmulti-photon excitation, protecting livingspecimens and implementing optimumthree-dimensional selectivity and resolution.Image stacks can be recorded over time andfunctions for display, analysis, three-dimen-sional reconstruction and archiving are alsoavailable. Scanning may be carried out alongany curved or freehand line, allowing exami-nation of biological structures such as neu-ronal and cellular processes. The LSM 510NLO is suitable for use with all types of GFP. A

Diamonds are for cryo-sectioningMicroscopy and image analysis provide the grist for this week’s mill.

By Prior arrangement.

The Vision thing: Cobra, on Dynascope V8.

© 2000 Macmillan Magazines Ltd

Continumm IR microscopeNicolet Instruments www.nicolet.co.uk

Versatile microspectroscopy

The Continumm IR microscope is available ina variety of configurations, from a basic micro-scope to a fully automated system withOMNIC chemical mapping software. TheContinumm IR uses infinity-corrected opticsfor sharp imaging, and differential interfer-ence contrast optics to enhance contrast in dif-ficult samples such as biological cells and sur-face defects. Sample masking allows isolationof specific features. Viewing and data collec-tion can be performed simultaneously, withno need to switch between operational modes.OMNIC software enables automated selectionof microsampling parameters and librarysearching of reference spectra.Reader Service No. 107

FluoView 300 and 500Olympus www.olympusamerica.com

Confocal microscope workstations

These fully integrated, multifunctional work-stations now offer a greater selection of micro-scope bases, laser lines and detectors, imagingmodes and automated features. Fluorescencesignals are detected directly by multiple high-sensitivity 12-bit PMTs. The FluoView 300features two channels, and FluoView 500 up tofour. In each system an additional dedicatedPMT provides simultaneous detection oftransmitted laser light DIC images. Softwareincludes 3D reconstruction and quantitativeimage analysis. Suitable for research applica-tions from basic imaging to advanced tech-niques, the Fluo-View systems can be adaptedfor use with both upright and inverted Olym-pus iX70, BX50 and AX70 series.Reader Service No. 108

LEO 1525 LEO Electron Microscopy www.leo-em.co.uk

Scanning electron microscope

Designed specifically for nano-analysis, theLEO 1525 ultra-high-resolution field emis-sion microscope delivers resolutions of 1.5 nmat 20 kV and 3.5 nm at 1 kV. The design of thespecimen chamber allows the common work-ing distance of 8.5 mm to be used for both

ultra-high-resolution imaging and analysis.Navigation is via a high-precision five-axismotorized specimen stage, speed-compensat-ed for magnification and controlled by dualjoysticks. The system uses Windows 98 or NT.Reader Service No. 111

MZ12.5Leica www.leica-microsystems.com

High performance in stereo

The Leica Microsystems MZ12.5 stereomicro-scope offers maximum magnification of2100, and produces bright, clear images onboth light and dark fields. It allows use of a highworking distance objective while maintainingwide fields of view. Part of a modular system,the MZ12.5 can easily be customized andupgraded, and is suitable for use with a widerange of Leica accessories. Reader Service No. 109

MOD-2 SHalcyonics www.halcyonics.de

Compact vibration isolation

Suitable for AFMs and optical microscopesweighing up to 300 kg, the MOD-2 S offers iso-lation against all six translational and vibra-tion modes and can be integrated into existinglaboratory set-ups. The compact modulardesign, with two isolation elements measuringonly 36 2 10 2 11cm (l 2 w 2 h) has no low-frequency resonance and excellent stiffnessagainst forces transferred directly to the appli-cation by the hands of an operator or by tubes.Systems suitable for different load and sizerequirements are available. Reader Service No. 110

Eclipse E200 Nikon www.nikon.com

Pain-free microscopy

Nikon has applied ergonomic principles tothe design of its Eclipse E200 upright micro-

scope. The focus control and stage handle arepositioned equidistant from the operator toallow one-handed operation without twistingthe shoulders. The low-profile stage reducesthe effort needed to change slides, while thelow-inclination-angle eyepiece tube providesa comfortable viewing position. A new re-focusing stage can be lowered by hand toexchange specimens or oil the slide, returningto its original position as soon as the hand isremoved. Upper focus limits can be set on thestage movement to prevent damage to theobjective and specimen. Suggested applica-tions include epi-fluorescence, phase con-trast, simple polarizing methods, photo-micrography and face-to-face or side-by-sideteaching.Reader Service No. 111

These notes are compiled in the Nature officefrom information provided by the manufacturers.For more details, fill in the reader service card bound elsewhere in the journal.

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READER ENQUIRY NO. 33READER ENQUIRY NO. 4

Centurion: go up to 2100 on the Leica MZ12.5.

OMNIC present: Nicolet’s Continumm setup.

© 2000 Macmillan Magazines Ltd