Inverted Microscopes
Inverted microscopes are valuable pieces of equipment for laboratory cell analysis. Using advanced imaging techniques, inverted microscopes enable you to observe cells for life science research through the use of fluorescence and brightfield observation.
Evident offers a broad selection of routine inverted microscopes, inverted phase contrast microscopes, inverted fluorescence microscopes, and confocal and super resolution inverted microscopes. Designed with ergonomics and precise imaging solutions, our inverted microscopes offer a range of powerful tools to advance your research.
IXplore Inverted Microscope System
IXplore IX85
The IXplore™ IX85 platform delivers an unmatched level of customizability, allowing you to design or build an intelligent, high-performance imaging system that meets your specific goals. And with an industry-leading field number (FN) of 26.5mm plus an array of advanced end-to-end imaging and workflow features, the IXplore™ IX85 means you can capture more than ever before while dramatically reducing your acquisition times.
IXplore IX85 Pro
The foundation of our IXplore™ IX85 Pro system, the IXplore™ IX85 delivers an industry leading FOV and an array of advanced end-to-end imaging features, allowing you to see and capture more than ever before while dramatically reducing acquisition times. Experience exceptional speed, clarity, and reliability with the IXplore™ IX85 microscope system.
IXplore IX85 Live
Designed to reduce photobleaching and phototoxicity, the IXplore™ IX85 Live system is optimized for physiological experiments involving live cell and tissue observation. Offering precise environmental control and enhanced rigidity, it supports long-term cell viability and stability for time-lapse imaging applications, such as in cancer, stem cell, and brain research.
Maintain focus accurately and reliably in time-lapse experiments with TruFocus™ Z-drift compensation system
Discover the real morphology of your cells with Olympus silicone immersion optics
IXplore IX85 SpinXL
See more and discover faster with an unparalleled 26.5 mm field of view (FOV).
- Capture more fast cellular dynamics in a single frame at imaging speeds up to 498 fps
- Precise, gentle live-cell imaging maintains sample viability
- Supports a wide range of applications and users with speed, precision, and flexibility
- Streamlines tasks throughout the lab with intelligent automation and easy workflows
- Evolves with your research via a wide wavelength range, tailored disk options, and expandable imaging modalities
- Powered by CrestOptics spinning disk technology and enhanced with the IXplore™ IX85 platform
IXplore IX85 Spin
The IXplore™ IX85 Spin system features a spinning disk confocal unit that enables fast 3D image acquisition, a large field of view, and prolonged cell viability in time-lapse experiments. Researchers can use it to perform rapid 3D confocal imaging with high resolution and contrast at greater depths for imaging into thicker samples. The spinning disk also helps to cut down on photobleaching and phototoxicity of samples upon excitation.
TruFocus™ Z-drift compensation system maintains focus for each frame
Precise 3D imaging with improved light collection using X Line™ objectives
IXplore IX85 SpinSR
Capture ultra-small cellular dynamics in stunning super-resolution detail.
- Discover more with high-speed imaging in resolution down to 120 nm
- Designed for prolonged cell viability in long-term time-lapse experiments
- Powered by Yokogawa spinning disk technology
- Enhanced with the IXplore™ IX85 platform and Evident’s TruSight™ SR super-resolution algorithm
Additional Inverted Microscopes
Crest CICERO
Transform your microscope into a user-friendly, reliable, and cost-effective spinning disk confocal system.
- High-speed imaging across a 22 mm FOV
- Access widefield and confocal modalities in a single device
- Available in both LED and laser configurations, with wavelengths from 405–730 nm*
*Availability and configurations are region dependent. Contact your local Evident representative for more information.
APX100
Benchtop Fluorescence Microscope
- Easy-to-use, all-in-one microscope system
- Publication-quality images in a few clicks
- Fast, efficient data management
IXplore IX73 Standard
Compound Microscope System
Optimized for basic multicolor fluorescence imaging and routine experiments, the IXplore Standard system is easy to operate and ergonomically designed. Even with standard cell culture vessels, it captures high-quality, publication-worthy images while providing accurate and repeatable results at high magnifications. The IXplore Standard system’s simplified workflow and ease of use facilitate a wide range of standard imaging applications.
- High repeatability and accuracy for standard imaging tasks
- Benefit from the same optical capabilities found in high-end IXplore systems
- Easily upgrade to encoded functionality to boost the reproducibility of experiments
IXplore IX83 TIRF
TIRF Imaging Microscope System
For membrane dynamics, single-molecule detection, and colocalization experiments, the IXplore TIRF system enables sensitive simultaneous multicolor TIRF (total internal reflection fluorescence) imaging for up to four colors. Olympus’ cellTIRF system provides stable motorized individual laser-angle control, providing equal evanescent wave penetration for high-contrast, low noise images. Our TIRF objectives feature high SNR, high NA, and correction collars to adjust for cover glass thicknesses and temperature.
- Exact colocalization of up to four markers thanks to individual penetration depth control
- Take advantage of Olympus’ TIRF objective with the world's highest NA of 1.7*
- Intuitive setup of complex experiments with the Graphical Experiment Manager (GEM), cellFRAP, and U-RTCE
* As of July 25, 2017. According to Olympus research.
CKX53
Compact Cell Culture Microscope
The CKX53 microscope eases the cell and tissue culture workflow, simplifying steps such as live cell observation, cell sampling and handling, image capture, and fluorescence observation. Its integrated phase contrast system, compact, ergonomic design, and stable performance enable simple, efficient cell observation. The universal sample holder and expandable stage accommodate a wide variety of cell culture container types and sizes.
- Precentered phase contrast
- Inversion contrast (IVC) technique provides clear three-dimensional views
- Fluorescence with a 3-position slider
- View multilayer tissue flasks up to 190 mm (7.5 in.) in height up thanks to the detachable condenser
Related Applications
Selective Isolation of Living Cells for Omics Analysis
The isolation of single cells is an essential prerequisite for many research projects in pathology, oncology, and forensics. The MMI CellCut is designed to facilitate laser microdissection from tissue sections, such as fresh frozen or FFPE material.
In this study, we demonstrate how to easily use the MMI CellCut system, in combination with special cell-culture membrane slides, to isolate living cells directly into MMI isolation caps for subsequent omics analysis.
Application of the Z-Drift Compensation System IX-ZDC to multidimensional cell-based assay at the single cell level
A cell-based assay system that facilitates efficient multi-sample data collection enables researchers to observe dose-dependent physiological activity at the single-cell level to study physiological reactions and cell response. In this type of assay, cells are typically cultured in a multiwell plate. Inverted microscopes are then used to observe physiological reactions of how cells respond when different doses of drugs are added to an individual well.
TIRF Imaging of Changes in Membrane Morphology and Molecular Dynamics
One important issue in current cell biology research is to understand the mechanism of physiological phenomena associated with the intercellular communication between adjacent cells. A promising step toward this goal is live cell microscopy that enables researchers to monitor changes in cell membrane morphology and the dynamics of localized molecules at the intercellular adhesion site. Figure 1 illustrates how high-precision TIRF imaging is enabling new types of advanced cellular research. The images, captured using an Olympus motorized inverted microscope IX series, show changes in the membrane morphology and molecular dynamics under the cell membrane. The Olympus Z-drift compensator maintained a sharp focus on the cells over a long period of time enabling these images to be captured in such high quality. This process demonstrates the importance of TIRF and the Olympus Z-drift compensator to advanced live cell imaging.
Related Categories
Life Science Inverted Microscope FAQs
An inverted microscope is similar to a compound microscope, but the components are positioned in an inverted configuration—thus the name “inverted” microscope. With a compound microscope, the transmitted light source and condenser lens are beneath the stage and specimen. In an inverted microscope, the condenser lens and transmitted light source are placed above the specimen while the objective, fluorescence light source, and mirror turret are positioned below.
The component positioning in an inverted microscope means that transmitted light is directed from above and the resulting image is then viewed from below. This makes inverted microscopes suitable for viewing cell culture vessels, including glass flasks or petri dishes where the specimens adhere to the bottom of the vessel.
As previously stated, an inverted microscope is a microscope with its transmitted light source and condenser above the stage pointing down, while the objectives and turret are below the stage pointing up. Open-frame inverted microscopes, like our IXplore™ Standard and IXplore Pro systems, are great solutions for labs looking to adapt and customize a system to their needs. The systems work with multimodal solutions, such as TIRF illuminators or spinning disk confocal modules, to offer flexible imaging options. When using open-frame inverted microscopes for fluorescence imaging, a dedicated darkroom is usually required to avoid interfering signals from room lights.
If there is not enough space for a dedicated darkroom, an enclosed, all-in-one inverted fluorescence microscope, such as the APEXVIEW™ APX100 digital imaging system, is the best option. An all-in-one inverted fluorescence microscope is an automated research microscope with a box frame that enables users to image under normal lighting conditions. Its automated workflow removes complex steps typically involved in setting up an advanced fluorescence or confocal system, and these compact and versatile inverted microscopes can be placed almost anywhere in a lab or core facility.
Inverted Microscope Resource Videos
IXplore Solutions-Based Microscopy
Each system in the IXplore inverted microscope series is tailored to fit a specific research application to help scientists efficiently accomplish their goals.
Loading a Sample on an Inverted Microscope
This video will show you how to load a sample onto your IX83 inverted microscope using a standard 1 by 3-inch slide.
Silicone Oil Immersion Objectives for Live Cell Imaging
When looking at live cells, the right objectives will enable you to see clearly. This video looks at the ways in which silicone oil immersion objectives achieve precise and higher resolution images during cell and tissue observation.