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Guide to Specifying Phase Contrast on a Euromex Microscope

When it comes to enhancing your microscopy capabilities, phase contrast microscopy is a powerful technique that allows for the observation of transparent specimens without the need for staining. It allows for visualization of transparent specimens, like living bacteria, without the need for fixation and staining. This is especially useful for observing bacterial motility and morphology.
If you're looking to equip a Euromex Microscope with phase contrast, there are several options available to suit your needs and budget. This guide will walk you through the different ways to specify and build a phase contrast microscope using the Euromex Achios-X, iScope and bScope series.
1. Purchase Pre-Configured Phase Contrast Microscope Models
One of the simplest ways to get started with phase contrast microscopy is to purchase a pre-configured phase contrast microscope. These models are designed to offer both phase contrast and brightfield capabilities right out of the box.
- Achios-X Observer Phase Contrast Models: equipped with the necessary components for phase contrast microscopy, including phase contrast objectives and a phase contrast condenser.
- iScope Phase Contrast Models: equipped with the necessary components for phase contrast microscopy, including phase contrast objectives and a phase contrast condenser.
- bScope Phase Contrast Models: lower in price than iScope, the bScope phase contrast models are also pre-configured to provide both phase contrast and brightfield microscopy.
2. Upgrade Standard Brightfield Microscopes with Phase Contrast Kits
If you already own a standard brightfield iScope or bScope microscope, you can upgrade it to phase contrast microscopy by adding one of the optional phase contrast kits. This approach allows you to enhance your existing equipment without the need to purchase a new microscope
Condenser for Zernike Phase Contrast
For a comprehensive phase contrast solution, consider the Zernike phase contrast disc condenser kits. This condenser is height adjustable and comes with plan phase 10x, 20x, S40x, and S100x oil immersion objectives. It also includes an alignment telescope and a green filter. Additionally, it features a darkfield stop position for darkfield contrast up to 400x magnification. These sets are available for both iScope 160mm and IOS infinity versions; for bScope only IOS Infinity version is available. View the kits here.
- Advantages: Provides the same capabilities as the pre-configured phase contrast models.
- Considerations: If purchased with a standard iScope, you will receive two sets of objectives, which will result in a higher overall cost compared to buying a pre-configured phase contrast model. However, this option allows for future upgrades to full phase contrast.
Condensers with Phase Contrast Slider
For a more economical option, you can choose from two sets with phase contrast sliders and plan phase contrast objectives for use with the standard condenser. These sets are available for both iScope 160mm and IOS infinity versions; for bScope only IOS Infinity version is available. View the kits here.
- First Version: Comes with plan phase 10x and S40x objectives with a matching slider. Also suitable for optional plan phase 20x (iScope only).
- Second Version: Includes plan phase 20x and S100x oil immersion objectives with matching slider.
- Included Accessories: Both sets are supplied with a green opaque filter. bScope sets are also supplied with alignment telescope.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for a pre-configured phase contrast microscope or decide to upgrade your existing brightfield microscope with a phase contrast kit, Euromex Achios-X, iScope and bScope series offer versatile and high-quality solutions to meet your microscopy needs. By following this guide, you can specify and build a phase contrast microscope that enhances your ability to observe transparent specimens with clarity and precision.
For more information contact us by phone +44 1625 541336 or email [email protected]. You can also book a free consultation online here.
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