When examining small samples under high magnification, an Inverted Microscope is an invaluable laboratory tool. However, not all microscopes are the same - there are key differences in their optical designs that influence their capabilities and suitable applications. One important distinction is between an inverted microscope versus a conventional upright microscope. This article explores the key differences between these two microscope configurations and how their designs impact usage.
Upright Microscope Design
The traditional design utilized by many basic and compound microscopes is known as an upright or conventional microscope. As the name suggests, it has an upright orientation with the light source and optics located above the stage where the specimen is placed.
Some key characteristics of an upright microscope include:
Light source and optics such as the objectives, condenser, and eyepieces are situated above the stage on a boom or frame.
Objectives point downwards at the specimen from below to focus and collect transmitted light. This limits working distance.
Stage is usually flat and thin specimens can be placed directly on the stage for viewing from above or below.
Provides a wide field of view but limited depth of focus since lenses are close to the specimen.
Best suited for viewing flat, thinly sectioned biological samples like cells or slices.
More affordable option and widely used in education and basic research applications.
While upright microscopes are adequate for many routine uses, their design is not always ideal depending on the type and size of the sample being examined.
Inverted Microscope Design
An Inverted Microscope addresses some of the limitations of an upright microscope through its unique optical configuration. The key defining features of an inverted microscope design include:
Objectives are situated above the stage pointing downwards, while the light source and optics are located below.
Stage is inverted and objectives focus up from beneath thick specimens.
Allows examination of undersides and edges of objects by inverting them atop the stage.
Provides greater working distance between objectives and samples for non-destructive observation.
Can accommodate taller three-dimensional samples on an adjustable height stage.
Inverted view provides easier access than upright models for cell culturing or micro-manipulation tasks.
Often equipped with long working distance objectives for deep focusing capability.
Due to these advantages, an inverted microscope is typically better suited than an upright design for applications involving thicker specimens like:
Living cells - Provides an upright view of cells in culture more appropriate than an inverted image from upright scopes.
Integrated circuits - Accommodates larger silicon wafers and chips without obstructing light paths.
Metals – Enables non-destructive viewing of bulk metal samples from below at high magnifications.
Microelectromechanical systems - Allows examination of small 3D structures without contact.
Industrial parts - Assesses undersides, edges and critical dimensions of components.
In summary, while upright microscopes suffice for basic use, an inverted design offers distinct advantages for applications requiring examination of thicker three-dimensional samples from versatile viewing angles.
Inverted Microscope Models
Several industry-leading manufacturers offer high-quality inverted microscopes suitable for various research and industrial applications. Here's an overview of two popular inverted microscope models:
Nikon Eclipse Ti-E Inverted Microscope
A workhorse system optimized for Phase Contrast, Fluorescence and High-Content Analysis (HCA). Features include:
Ti-E LED illumination for bright, uniform light output in transmitted and epi-fluorescence modes.
Motorized zoom with 4x, 10x, 20x, and 40x plan apochromat phase objectives.
Motorized stage, focus and filter turret for fully automated multichannel acquisition.
Integrated Andor Neo sCMOS camera for superior live cell imaging and high resolution.
NIS-Elements software integrated with Ti-E hardware for seamless control.
Open platform accommodates modalities like TIRF, FRAP, FRET, etc. via modular upgrade ports.
Ideal for live cell imaging applications requiring integration with automated workflows, image analysis and downstream data processing. Robust system suitable for demanding research use.
Meiji Techno IM-F Inverted Metallurgical Microscope
A specialized Inverted Microscope Supplier tailored for metallurgical sample inspection and material sciences applications up to 1500x. Features:
Infinity-corrected optics deliver superb color fidelity and resolution.
Rotating universal stage accommodates specimens up to Ø150mm.
Filters for brightfield, darkfield and polarization contrast techniques.
Manual 5-position nosepiece with 4x to 100x long working distance objectives.
Integrated 6V 30W transmitted illumination and illuminators.
Rigid cast aluminum body, ergonomic controls and sample versatility make the IM-F well-suited for materials analysis, metallography and quality assurance.
Inverted Microscope Accessories
To maximize capabilities, consider complementary accessories including:
Digital cameras - For quantitative imaging, documentation and offline analysis.
Temperature controllers - Maintains specimens at physiological or experimental conditions.
Manipulators - For microinjection, aspiration, electrode placement and mechanical tests.
Incubators - Regulate CO2, humidity and temperature for long-term cell culture imaging.
Polarizing modules - Provides polarization and phase contrast modalities for birefringent materials.
Fluorescence kits - Filter sets and light sources for fluorescent protein assays.
The right mix of accessories transforms an inverted scope into a sophisticated workstation for advanced applications. Reputable Inverted Microscope Supplier ensures full support too.