Invitrogen EVOS M5000 - Microscope Controls and Optics

Microscope controls and optics
•
Light cube: A light cube is a proprietary optical module that can be easily installed by the user
in an EVOS
™
fluorescence microscope or fluorescence-capable Countess
™
cell counter. Each
light cube contains a high-power LED as well as the electronics and optical elements needed
to illuminate and capture a single fluorescence channel. Upon powering on the instrument, light
cubes are automatically detected and assigned in the control software, requiring no additional
configuration from the user. This design allows for easy integration and use, providing a simple and
ecient way to enhance fluorescence imaging capabilities.
•
Optical substrate: The optical substrate refers to the optical material (typically made of glass or
plastic) located between the objective and the sample in a microscope. The optical properties and
thickness of this material play a crucial role in determining image quality. Microscope objectives
are specifically designed to be used with a particular thickness of optical substrate. Using an
incorrect thickness or material can lead to issues such as diculties in focusing, excessive
background autofluorescence, or even the inability to focus on the cells. It is important to note
that oil-immersion objectives require specialized oil as part of the optical substrate, which must
have the correct refractive index for optimal imaging results.
•
Stage X axis: Movement of the stage in the horizontal direction using the X-axis stage control
knob.
•
Stage Y axis: Movement of the stage in the vertical direction (that is, away or toward the user)
using the Y-axis stage control knob.
•
Turret: A mechanical rotary control in the microscope that allows the user to move optical elements
into or out of the light path. An objective turret allows the selection of dierent magnifying
objectives, whereas a condenser turret allows use of various phase-contrast rings or an open
aperture for transmitted light illumination.
•
Vessel: A holder for a biological specimen made of glass or plastic, with optical properties suitable
for use with a microscope.
•
Vessel Holder: An accessory that mounts on the stage to hold a particular type of sample vessel
(for example, an opening for a microtiter plate, glass slide, or 35 mm Petri dish)
•
Z plane: The focal plane of the microscope. The Z plane position is controlled by the focus knobs,
the focus sliders in the user interface, or by running the Autofocus function.
AppendixEGlossary
Microscope controls and optics
E
EVOS
™
M5000 Imaging System User Guide
145