Video/Still Stereomicroscope Imaging System
Microscope
The Olympus SZX12 is a top of the line research-grade stereomicroscope. This microscope has a 12.86:1 zoom ratio and 0.7x-9x zoom range. The choice of transmitted or reflected illumination allows imaging of all types of samples. A ring-light with polarizer enables acquistion of reflected light images with little to no shadow or glare. An incorporated aperture diaphragm allows increased depth of focus under high magnification conditions.
Accessories
Digital Camera. An Optronics camera allows the capture of 24-bit color images. Movies of live-cell processes can be created using the image acquisiton software to control camera parameters.
Imaging Software. Media Cybernetic’s Image Pro Plus 5.0 is used for image acquisition, processing, and analysis. Images can be captured as a single or sequence of files, allowing both static and time-lapse capture and analysis. Processing functions including spatial filtering, background subtraction, and pseudo-coloring, as well as analysis functions including counting, intensity, and area measurements are available. Stitching tools allow a montage of images to be combined into a large, single image file.
Applications
This stereomicroscope is part of an imaging station intended for undergraduate research experiences in both classroom settings and individual laboratory experiences. Examples of use include the video-documentation of planaria habituation in the upper-level course, Neurobiology. In addition, this microscope is also utilized for sample examination and preparation.
