Q+A CENTER

Stephen Ross, Nikon: Currently, it's not necessary to custom-build systems for these types of applications. There are turnkey solutions such as the Nikon C1 Confocal, with integrated 2D and 3D deconvolution software. These tools should facilitate observation and analysis of a wide variety of events in vivo , in an appropriate model system.

Robert Wick, Leica: Commonly, Fluorescence Speckle Microscopy ( FSM ) is the technique to analyze polymer flow in vivo. Currently, there is no dedicated system available to do this job; however, it could be based on the AS MDW live cell workstation with appropriate modifications in software and hardware.

HOW DIGITAL?

Advanced Imaging: It has been said ? more than once ? that peering down an eyepiece has become a thing of the past. In 2004, what is the extent of the role that digital imaging plays in the new generation of microscopes referred to that way ? and how might that expand further from here?

Stephen Ross, Nikon: Nikon is the first company to build completely digital integrated systems without eyepieces ? the COOLSCOPE ? which permits users to load a slide and view an image on a monitor or projector. COOLSCOPE has the essential elements required for an ideal microscopy package as it encapsulates the combination of high-precision optics, megapixel digital camera technology and imaging software integrated in a single unit, with intelligent control, that compares information from the specimen, microscope, and camera to optimize the image. This new generation of microscope is also a network appliance, facilitating collaboration from remote locations. Another way that Nikon is addressing digital imaging needs is by making special optics designed taking into account the special requirements for digital imaging. This new generation of optics, called Plan APO VC, not only has the broadest color correction that Nikon has ever made, but also corrects all aberrations in the periphery in the field of view as well as in the center of the field of view. This is absolutely essential when imaging using digital detectors.

Robert Wick, Leica: Digital imaging is now standard on almost all research microscope platforms and is penetrating into routine applications as well. Recently, Leica has fully integrated the control of the microscope, digital cameras and Imaging SW into one user interface to ease the the operation of the system both in research and clinical routine environments. Current workstations for laser microdissection and telepathology already have made the use of eyepieces obsolete. However, Leica continues to offer instruments with eyepieces.