Key Features
Groundbreaking FOV
As research trends evolve towards large-scale, systems-level approaches, there is an increasing demand for faster data acquisition and higher throughput capabilities. Development of large-format camera sensors and improvements in the data processing capabilities of PCs have facilitated such research trends. The Ti2, with its unprecedented 25mm field of view, provides the next level of scalability, enabling researchers to truly maximize the utility of large-format detectors and future-proof their core imaging platform as camera technologies continue to develop at a rapid pace.
Bright illumination over a wide area
High-power LEDs deliver bright illumination across the Ti2's large field of view, ensuring clear, consistent results from demanding applications such as high-magnification DIC. Incorporation of a fly-eye lens design provides uniform illumination from edge to edge for quantitative high-speed imaging and seamless tiling of images in stitching applications.
A compact epi-fluorescence illuminator designed for large FOV imaging is equipped with a quartz fly-eye lens and provides high transmittance across a broad spectrum, including UV. Large diameter fluorescence filters with hard coatings deliver large FOV images with a high signal-to-noise ratio.
Large diameter observation optics
The diameter of the observation light path has been enlarged in order to achieve a field number of 25 at the imaging port. The resulting large FOV is capable of capturing approximately double the area of conventional optics, enabling users to gain maximum performance from large-format sensors such as CMOS detectors.
Objectives for large FOV imaging
Objectives with superior image flatness ensure high quality images from edge to edge. Utilizing the maximum potential of the OFN25 objective significantly accelerates data collection.
Nikon's high-precision CFI60 infinity optics, designed for use with a variety of sophisticated observation methods, are highly regarded by researchers for their superb optical performance and solid reliability.
Nikon's unique apodized phase contrast objectives with selective amplitude filters dramatically increase contrast and reduce halo artifacts to provide detailed high-definition images.
External phase contrast
The motorized external phase-contrast system enables users to combine phase contrast with epi-fluorescence imaging without compromising fluorescent light transmission by bypassing the need to use phase-contrast objectives. For example, very high NA, liquid immersion objectives can be used for phase-contrast imaging. Using this external phase contrast system, users can easily combine phase contrast with other imaging modalities, including weak-fluorescence imaging such as TIRF and laser tweezer applications.
DIC (Differential Interference Contrast)
Nikon's highly-regarded DIC optics provide uniformly clear and detailed images with high resolution and contrast throughout the magnification range. DIC prisms are individually tailored for each objective lens to provide the highest-quality DIC images for every sample.
NAMC (Nikon Advanced Modulation Contrast)
This is a plastic-compatible, high-contrast imaging technique for unstained, transparent samples such as oocytes. NAMC provides pseudo-three-dimensional images with a shadow-cast appearance. The direction of contrast can be easily adjusted for each sample.
Auto Correction Collar (Ti2-E)
Changes in sample thickness, cover glass thickness, refractive index distribution in the sample, and temperature can lead to spherical aberration and image deterioration. The highest quality objectives are often equipped with correction collars to compensate for these changes, and precise positioning of the collar is critical in achieving high resolution, high contrast images. This new auto correction collar utilizes a harmonic drive and automatic correction algorithm that enable users to easily achieve precise collar adjustment to achieve optimum objective performance every time.
Epi-fluorescence
The Lambda series objectives, utilizing Nikon's proprietary Nano Crystal Coat technology, are perfect for demanding, low-signal, multi-channel fluorescence imaging that requires high transmission and aberration correction over a wide wavelength range. Combined with new fluorescence filter cubes that offer improved fluorescence detection and stray light countermeasures such as the Noise Terminator, the Lambda series objectives demonstrate their power in weak signal observations such as single-molecule imaging and even luminescence-based applications.
Volume Contrast (Ti2-E)
Volume Contrast technique utilizes a series of label-free, brightfield images captured at various Z-depths to assemble a phase distribution image.
Volume Contrast renders cells easily identifiable as objects for automated counting and area analysis. As this method utilizes brightfield imaging, Volume Contrast enables in-line, non-destructive analysis of cells, suitable for a wide variety applications. Note. For Ti2-E only.
Accurate identification of cells from label-free cultures for automated cell counting and area measurements
| Cell identification based on phase contrast images | Cell identification using VC images |
| Cells encircled in red are incorrectly identified as a single object. | Cells encircled in red are correctly identified as three separate objects, resulting in accurate cell counts. |
Phase contrast images are negatively impacted at the edges of wells due to the meniscus effect. Volume Contrast bypasses this effect and enables cells at the edges of wells to be clearly identified, resulting in increased cell counts and improved statistics.
Focus perfected
Even the slightest change in temperature and vibrations in the imaging environment can greatly impact focus stability. The Ti2 eliminates focus drift using both static and dynamic measures to enable faithful visualization of the nanoscopicand microscopic world during long time-lapse experiments.
Mechanically redesigned for ultra-high stability (Ti2-E)
In order to improve the focusing stability, both Z-drive and PFS autofocusing mechanisms have been completely re-designed.
The new Z-focusing mechanism is smaller and positioned adjacent to the nosepiece to minimize vibrations. It remains adjacent to the nosepiece even in an expanded (staged-up) configuration, ensuring stability for all applications.
The detector portion of the Perfect Focus System (PFS) has been detached from the nosepiece in order to reduce mechanical load on the objective nosepiece. This new design also minimizes heat transfer, which contributes to a more stable imaging environment. Towards this end, the power consumption of the Z-drive motor has also been reduced. Combined, these mechanical redesigns result in an ultra-stable imaging platform, perfectly suited for single-molecule imaging and super-resolution applications.
Real time focus correction with the PFS: Simply perfect (Ti2-E)
The Perfect Focus System (PFS) automatically corrects focus drift caused by temperature changes and mechanical vibrations, which can be caused by a variety of factors including the addition of reagents to the sample and multi-position imaging.
The PFS maintains focus by detecting and tracking the position of the coverslip surface in real time. Unique optical offset technology allows users to easily maintain focus at a desired position offset from the cover slip surface. The PFS automatically and continuously maintains focus by means of a built-in linear encoder and high speed feedback mechanism, providing highly reliable images even during long-term, complex imaging tasks.
PFS is compatible with a wide range of applications, from routine experiments involving plastic culture dishes to single-molecule imaging and multi-photon imaging. It is also compatible with a wide range of wavelengths, from ultraviolet to infrared, meaning it can be used for multi-photon and optical tweezer applications.
Assist Guide
It is no longer necessary to memorize complex microscope alignment and operation procedures. The Ti2 integrates data from sensors to guide you through these steps, eliminating user error and enabling researchers to concentrate on their data.
Continuous display of microscope status (Ti2-A/E)
Microscope status can be viewed on a tablet and also determined based on status lights on the front of the microscope, enabling status determination in a dark room.
Guidance for operational procedures (Ti2-A/E)
The Ti2's Assist Guide function provides interactive step-by-step guidance for microscope operation. The Assist Guide can be viewed on a tablet or PC, and integrates real time data from built-in sensors and an internal camera. The Assist Guide is designed to help users through alignment procedures for both experiment setup and troubleshooting.
Automatically detect errors (Ti2-A/E)
The Check Mode allows users to easily confirm, on either a tablet or PC that all the correct microscope components are in place for their chosen observation method. This capability eliminates time and effort normally required for troubleshooting when the desired observation method is not achieved. This functionality is particularly advantageous when multiple users are involved, each with the potential to make unexpected changes to the microscope settings. Custom check procedures can also be pre-programmed.
Intuitive operation
The Ti2 has been completely redesigned, from the overall body design to the selection and placement of every button and switch, for the ultimate in user experience. The controls are easy to use even in the dark, where the majority of imaging experiments are conducted. The Ti2 provides an intuitive and effortless user interface so researchers can focus on the data and not on microscope control.
Thoughtfully designed layout for microscope control (Ti2-A/E)
The placement of all of the buttons and switches are based on the type of illumination they control. Buttons that control diascopicobservation are positioned on the left side of the microscope and those that control epi-fluorescence observation are on the right side. Buttons that control common operations are on the front panel. This use of zoning provides an easy-to-remember layout, a desirable feature when operating the microscope in a dark room.
Intuitive control with joystick and tablet
The Ti2 joystick not only controls stage movement, but the majority of motorized functions on the microscope, including PFS activity. It can display XYZ coordinates and the status of microscope components, providing an effective means for the user to remotely control the microscope. Motorized functions of the Ti2 can also be controlled from a tablet, connected by wireless LAN to the microscope, providing a versatile graphical interface for microscope control.
Ti2 Control: dedicated application for smartphones and tablets It enables setting and control of Ti2-E, and setting, status display and operational guidance of Ti2-A.
