NIGHTSEA® Fluorescence Viewing Systems
More NIGHTSEA Accessories
Eclipse MicroTent
The patented (US Pat. No. 10,175,467) Eclipse MicroTent™ is a unique product for fluorescence microscopy that provides local darkness around conventional laboratory stereo microscopes. Fluorescence microscopes are kept in dark rooms for good reason - fluorescence can be weak and in many cases it can be difficult to see well if there is any ambient light. Microscopes may be on lab benches in shared spaces, near windows, or in other difficult-to-darken locations such as in the field. Turning off overhead lights can help but inconveniences others.
The Eclipse Microtent™ creates local darkness around a microscope while still providing easy access to the sample stage and the focus and zoom controls. It is designed for stereo microscopes but could potentially be used with many varieties of compound microscopes.
Features
- Opening for the microscope oculars with elastic sleeve to minimize light entry
- Large front flap provides easy access to the sample stage and can fasten open
- Arm slots on sides to provide access to focus and zoom controls
- User-customizable feedthrough patches to provide additional penetrations for camera port, power cords, CO2 lines, or other features as you need
- Tru-Block™ Eye Shields included with every Eclipse MicroTent
- Folds flat for storage
- Dimensions: 46 x 30 x 50 cm (18 x 12 x 20 in.)
Ordering Information
| SFA-TENT | Eclipse MicroTent | each | 325.00 | Add to Cart |
Eye Shields
Light entering your eyes from the side can interfere with what you want to see in microscopy in general, and fluorescence microscopy in particular. Eye cups are available, but the standard ones don't extend far from the microscope and don't do a good job as ambient light increases. Our soft, molded rubber high-sided microscope eye shields are the answer. The tall wings extend up far enough to truly shield your eyes from any level of ambient light and eliminate distractions so that you can see your subject better. Two pairs (one Standard, one Compact) are included with every Eclipse MicroTent™, and you can also purchase them separately.
The Tru-Block Eye Shields are available in two sizes
- Standard - fits 36 - 45mm (1.45 - 1.75")
- Compact - fits 28 - 37mm (1.10 - 1.46")
Ordering Information
| SFA-EYE-S | Tru-Block Eye Shields - Standard | set | 18.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-EYE-C | Tru-Block Eye Shields - Compact | set | 18.00 | Add to Cart |
Modular White Light Head
This is an extremely convenient option for general illumination and as a focusing aid for fluorescence imaging. Now if you are using the NIGHTSEA system for fluorescence you do not need a separate white light source. Just exchange the fluorescence excitation light head module for the white-light module in a matter of seconds.
Ordering Information
| SFA-LH-WH | Modular White Light Head | each | 230.00 | Add to Cart |
850nm IR Light Head
850nm IR Light Head on SFA lamp base
Modular Infrared Light Head
Researchers sometimes need an infrared light source for non-intrusive observation of behavior. And sometimes the subjects are small and you need to make the observations with a stereo microscope.
The SFA-LH-IR850 is an 850nm light source that is compatible with the NIGHTSEA Model SFA Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter. The light head plugs directly into the lamp base supplied with the SFA system. You can acquire the light head as a supplement to the SFA system that you already own for fluorescence observation, or you can acquire it in combination with a lamp base as a stand-alone device.
The light head incorporates a high power 850nm LED and a medium beamwidth diffusing lens to create a smooth illumination area. The output is centered at 850nm with a FWHM (full width at half maximum) of approximately 50nm. There is virtually no emission at wavelengths shorter than 750nm.
Click to enlarge
The photo on the left above was taken with a conventional camera under normal room light, and with the IR light head illuminated at full power, directed at the target center from a distance of approximately 10cm (4 in.). The illumination spot is not visible either to this camera or to the naked eye. The photo on the right was made under the same lighting conditions, but with a camera that had been modified to image only infrared light.
Please note that infrared light is not visible to the human eye and to many cameras. You will need an appropriate camera to record the observations.
Ordering Information
| SFA-LH-IR850 | Modular Infrared Light Head | each | 250.00 | Add to Cart |
| SYS-IR850 | Modular Infrared Light Head w/DIM Base | each | 915.00 | Add to Cart |
Battery and Charger
Compact battery pack that can run the Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter (SFA) all day long. The battery enables truly portable operation so that you can set up demos anywhere or explore fluorescence in the field, without having to worry about plugging into the power grid.
Just plug the battery into the SFA base instead of the usual power connector. The battery has been tested at over 8 hours of continuous operation, and it will last even longer if you turn the system off when you don't need it. Plug it into the included charger overnight to recharge.
Specifications
| Battery Type | Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) |
| Capacity | 12V, 3.8 Ah |
| Dimensions | 11.4 x 8.9 x 5.6 cm (4.5 x 3.5x 2.19 in) |
| Weight | 0.7 kg (1 lb 9 oz) |
| Operation Duration | 8 hours continuous |
| Charge time | Overnight |
| Charger | 50/60 Hz, 110/220V (US type plug) |
| SFA-BATT | Battery and Charger | each | 280.00 | Add to Cart |
Combine the battery with the Eclipse MicroTent and you not only don't need a place to plug in, you don't even need to be in the dark! We have used this combination to do fluorescence microscopy at a beach in the middle of the day, in the desert at high noon, and more. Fluorescence can be found everywhere, and now you have the tools to go there.
SFA A LA CARTE
Need an extra, not a set? Order from here
SFA Light Heads
| SFA-LH-UV | Light Head, Ultraviolet | each | 400.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-LH-VI | Light Head, Violet | each | 250.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-LH-RB | Light Head, Royal Blue | each | 250.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-LH-CY | Light Head, Cyan | each | 250.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-LH-GR | Light Head, Green | each | 250.00 | Add to Cart |
SFA Barrier Filters
| SFA-BF-UV | Barrier Filter, Ultraviolet | each | 208.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-BF-VI | Barrier Filter, Violet | each | 208.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-BF-RB | Barrier Filter, Royal Blue | each | 208.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-BF-RB-GO | Barrier Filter, Green Only | each | 208.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-BF-CY | Barrier Filter, Cyan | each | 208.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-BF-GR | Barrier Filter, Green | each | 208.00 | Add to Cart |
SFA Filter Shields
| SFA-SH-UV | Filter Shield, Ultraviolet | each | 105.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-SH-VI | Filter Shield, Violet | each | 105.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-SH-RB | Filter Shield, Royal Blue | each | 105.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-SH-RB-GO | Filter Shield, Green Only | each | 105.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-SH-CY | Filter Shield, Cyan | each | 105.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-SH-GR | Filter Shield, Green | each | 105.00 | Add to Cart |
SFA Adapters
| SFA-AD | Adapter | each | 168.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFAZ-AD | Leica EZ4 Adapter | each | 168.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-XL-AD | Oversize Adapter | each | 168.00 | Add to Cart |
SFA Bases
| SFA-BASE | Standard Base | each | 415.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-BASE-DIM | DIM Base | each | 665.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-BASE-PULSE | PULSE Base | each | 665.00 | Add to Cart |
Single SFA light head attached to the gooseneck by a Light Head Cable
Two SFA light heads attached to the gooseneck by a Dual Light Head Cable
Two SFA Light Heads mounted to adapter ring with Light Head Hangers
Light head hanger configured for LWD (left) and SWD microscopes
Single light head hanger mounted on microscope
Light Head Hanger System for the Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter
The Light Head Hanger system is an accessory for the NIGHTSEA Model SFA Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter. It is a combination of power extension cables and a custom made holder that enables you to take the fluorescence excitation light heads off the gooseneck and mount them directly on the SFA adapter ring. In addition, it provides the capability to drive two light heads from one lamp base.
The extension cables plug into the gooseneck lamp base and can bring power to either one or two light heads.
The Light Head Hanger mounts to the end of any of the thumbscrews on the SFA adapter ring. It can be configured for use with either long or short working distance microscopes.
- Long working distance (LWD) – 6.5 cm (2.56") and greater
- Short working distance (SWD) – 6.5-4.6 cm (2.5-1.8")
There are two main potential benefits with this accessory.
1) Increase excitation intensity without buying a second lamp base. Without this system, if you wanted to increase the fluorescence excitation intensity of the SFA, you would need to buy a second light head and lamp base. This would take up additional real estate on your laboratory bench. With the Light Head Hanger system you can power two light heads from one base and mount them both directly to the NIGHTSEA adapter ring.
"We had some issue detecting red fluorescent proteins with some of our weaker transgenic zebrafish lines, but by shining two LED lights onto the same embryo, most of our weakest GFP and mCherry transgenic lines can now be detected. One light head was fine for reasonably bright specimens, and with two lights, the fluorescence is nearly the same as traditional stereomicroscopes priced $15-20K."
2) Reduce the chance of accidentally bumping the light. Taking the light head off the gooseneck and mounting it directly to our microscope adapter ring reduces the chance of the light head being bumped so that it is not illuminating the subject on the microscope stage to best effect. This might be especially valuable if you are using the system for outreach demonstrations and multiple people will be working around the microscope.
Ordering Information
| SFA-LHC | Single Light Head Cable | each | 35.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-DLHC | Dual Light Head Cable | each | 65.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-LHH | Light Head Hanger | each | 95.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-HK | Hanger Kit for Single Light Head: Includes Single Light Head Cable and one Light Head Hanger |
each | 125.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-DHK | Hanger Kit for Dual Light Heads: Includes Dual Light Head Cable and two Light Head Hangers |
each | 245.00 | Add to Cart |
The default configuration is for systems with the BNC connector on the lamp base and the light head. Cables are available for the pre-2015 V1 connector on request.
Mobile Extension Kit
The Mobile Extension Kit provides added versatility to your SFA microscope fluorescence adapter system by enabling you to use the light head as a handheld light source. Do you work with both macro and micro subjects? Do you want to screen larger specimens before dissection or other microscope work? Can't fit everything under the microscope? Then the SFA-MEK Mobile Extension Kit is a way to get more use out of your system.
The kit includes three components
- Rubber-coated hand grip with wrist lanyard and custom made enclosure that holds an SFA Light Head securely. The slots on the side of the enclosure provide for cooling and also let you see the color code of an installed light head.
- Lightweight extension cable.
- Barrier filter glasses.
To use the kit just take the light head off the SFA gooseneck base, connect it to one end of the extension cable, and attach the other end of the cable to the gooseneck. Insert the light head in the holder and screw down the thumbscrew to secure it in place. Put on the filter glasses that correspond to the light head color and you're ready to go! If you want to use the Mobile Extender with more than one excitation wavelength you can add additional barrier filter glasses at any time.
If you want to use the Mobile Extension Kit with the SFA system you already own, then the SFA-MEK is all you need.
If you want to add additional excitation/emission combinations to use only for handheld operation and not for your microscope, you would need a Light Head plus a pair of Barrier Filter Glasses for each color.
Ordering Information
| SFA-MEK-UV | Mobile Extension Kit, UV Glasses | each | 225.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-MEK-VI | Mobile Extension Kit, VI Glasses | each | 225.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-MEK-RB | Mobile Extension Kit, RB Glasses | each | 225.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-MEK-RB-GO | Mobile Extension Kit, RB-GO Glasses | each | 225.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-MEK-CY | Mobile Extension Kit, CY Glasses | each | 225.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-MEK-GR | Mobile Extension Kit, GR Glasses | each | 225.00 | Add to Cart |
Switch Box Kit
The Switch Box Kit enables you to mount two different wavelength excitation light heads on your microscope and switch between them easily. You will still need to manually change the barrier filter, but it eliminates the need to swap out light heads on the gooseneck.
The Switch Box Kit is available only for SFA systems that use the BNC light head connector, and not the older V1 connector.
Ordering Information
| SFA-SWK | Switch Box Kit, includes BNC switch box, 3 BNC cables, 2 LH Hangers | kit | 350.00 | Add to Cart |
Lamp Base Light Control Options
The SFA lamp base is available in three versions: Standard, DIM, and PULSE. Standard lamp bases have a simple OFF/ON operation. DIM lamp bases feature an OFF/ON/DIM switch to change the intensity of the light. PULSE lamp bases incorporate a BNC connector that accepts a voltage signal to control the excitation source ON/OFF.
Only one control option is available per base. This DIM and PULSE options can be purchased as part of a new system, as a retrofit to an existing base, or in a stand-alone lamp base purchased a la carte.
NIGHTSEA DIM Option
The DIM option adds a combined switch and dimmer control.
When you first turn the unit on it is at full power.
As you rotate the switch the intensity decreases, reaching about 30% power at the minimum setting.
You have finer control in the brighter portion of the adjustment range.
An intensity indicator (1-10) makes it easy to record and repeat preferred settings.
Ordering Information
| SFA-BASE-DIM-R | Dim Option - Retrofit | each | 275.00 | Add to Cart |
NIGHTSEA PULSE Option
The PULSE option adds a BNC connector on the rear of the base that accepts a user-supplied voltage input to turn the light on and off. Some possible applications
- External control (computer, function generator, etc.) for precise illumination timing for photoactivation, behavioral experiments
- PWM input for light dimming
- Footswitch for hands-free operation - contact EMS for details
Specifications
- Voltage input - 2.8 - 6.0 VDC for ON, <0.6VDC OFF
- Maximum operation frequency - 10kHz
- BNC cable not included
Ordering Information
| SFA-BASE-PULSE-R | PULSE Option - Retrofit | each | 275.00 | Add to Cart |
NIGHTSEA DFP™ Dual Fluorescent Protein Excitation Flashlights
Rapid screening of your fluorescent transgenic experiments
The Model DFP Dual Fluorescent Protein Flashlights include two different, switch-selectable high intensity LEDs for excitation of fluorescent proteins. For years the most popular fluorescent colors have been green (GFP, eGFP, fluorescein, etc.) and red (DsRed, TdTomato, etc.), and we offered only one version of the DFP, with a combination of blue and green LEDs for exciting these fluorophores. This is still our 'standard' DFP product, but we are now offering build-to-order combinations using any two of the excitation colors that are available with our popular Model SFA Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter.
With every DFP light you will receive two pairs of barrier filter glasses and a convenient storage case. The glasses are well matched to the excitation so that they block the reflected excitation light while transmitting the fluorescence with high efficiency, providing excellent viewing contrast.
Specifications
| Filter Set | Excitation | Emission | Fluorophores | |
| UV - Ultraviolet | 360-380nm | 415nm LP | DAPI, ... | |
| VI - Violet | 400-415nm | 450nm LP | BFP, CFP, ... | |
| RB - Royal Blue | 440-460nm | 500nm LP | GFP, fluorescein, lucifer yellow, ... | |
| CY - Cyan | 490-515nm | 550nm LP | YFP, Venus, ... | |
| GR - Green | 510-540nm | 600nm LP | DsRed, TdTomato, RFP, ... |
| Dimensions | 5 x 3 x 2 |
| Battery Type | 4 C-cell |
| Bulb Type | Two high intensity 3W LED |
| Burn Time | 4 hours at full power |
| Lamp Life | 10,000 hours |
Ordering Information
| DFP-1 | DFP Flashlight with RB and GR LEDs, matching filter glasses, carrying case | each | 755.00 | Add to Cart |
| DFP-CG | DFP Flashlight with CY and GR LEDs, matching filter glasses, carrying case | each | 815.00 | Add to Cart |
| DFP-RC | DFP Flashlight with RB and CY LEDs, matching filter glasses, carrying case | each | 815.00 | Add to Cart |
| DFP-VC | DFP Flashlight with VI and CY LEDs, matching filter glasses, carrying case | each | 815.00 | Add to Cart |
| DFP-VG | DFP Flashlight with VI and GR LEDs, matching filter glasses, carrying case | each | 815.00 | Add to Cart |
| DFP-VR | DFP Flashlight with VI and RB LEDs, matching filter glasses, carrying case | each | 815.00 | Add to Cart |
| DFP-UC | DFP Flashlight with UV and CY LEDs, matching filter glasses, carrying case | each | 945.00 | Add to Cart |
| DFP-UG | DFP Flashlight with UV and GR LEDs, matching filter glasses, carrying case | each | 945.00 | Add to Cart |
| DFP-UR | DFP Flashlight with UV and RB LEDs, matching filter glasses, carrying case | each | 945.00 | Add to Cart |
| DFP-UV | DFP Flashlight with UV and VI LEDs, matching filter glasses, carrying case | each | 945.00 | Add to Cart |
Xite flashlights - 5 excitation wavelengths
Xite-RB and glasses with a fluorescent mineral
Xite Fluorescence Flashlight System
View fluorescence in the lab or the field! The Xite™ Fluorescence Flashlight System includes single-wavelength fluorescence excitation flashlights available with any of the five wavelengths in the NIGHTSEA line, paired with matching barrier filter glasses for maximum viewing contrast. Genotyping your transgenic organisms, screening cell cultures, inspecting parts with fluorescent penetrants, finding fluorescing critters in the field, ... the Xite line provides what you need.
Features
- Tightly focused for a high intensity illumination spot
- Two power levels, plus unique flashing mode and battery status indication
- Add-on diffuser for a broader, smoother beam
- Each light paired with matching barrier filter glasses
- Compact and lightweight
- Rechargeable high capacity lithium ion battery
Included with
each system
- Fluorescence excitation flashlight (your choice of one wavelength) with lanyard
- Matching barrier filter glasses with microfiber case for storage and cleaning
- Diffuser cap
- High capacity lithium ion battery
- Battery charger and USB charging cord
- Instruction sheet
- Padded foam shipping/carry/storage case
Diffuser
Add-on 15° diffuser cap provides a wider, softer beam.
Flashing mode for enhanced detection in ambient light
As bright as fluorescence may appear when you use an intense light source to view it in conditions of darkness, in most cases it actually tends to be a relatively weak effect that is easily masked by other light. If you try to find fluorescence when there is moderate ambient light (room light, sunlight, etc.), any fluorescing subject will respond to the excitation, but the response may be too weak to notice easily.
But there's a trick - by making the excitation light source blink repetitively (a strobe effect), any fluorescence will blink at the same rate, while the illuminated background will not. This flickering increases the apparent contrast and thus increases detectability.
Available wavelengths
Wavelength sets are named and color coded for the color of the excitation light, not the color of the emitted fluorescence.
| Designation | Excitation | Barrier Filter Glasses |
| UV - Ultraviolet | 360 - 380nm | 415nm longpass |
| VI - Violet | 400 - 415nm | 450nm longpass |
| RB - Royal Blue | 440 - 460nm | 500nm longpass |
| RB-GO - Royal Blue, Green Only | 440 - 460nm | 500 - 560nm bandpass |
| CY - Cyan | 490 - 515nm | 550nm longpass |
| GR - Green | 510 - 540nm | 600nm longpass |
With the Royal Blue (RB) excitation we offer two options for filter glasses - longpass and bandpass.
Flashlight specifications
- Dimensions: 13.5 cm long x 3.2 cm diameter (5.3 in x 1.26 in)
- Weight: 255g (9.0 oz) with battery
Note - the Xite flashlights are not suitable for underwater use
Ordering Information
| Xite-UV | Ultraviolet (360 - 380nm) excitation | each | 475.00 | Add to Cart |
| Xite-VI | Violet (400 - 415nm) excitation | each | 325.00 | Add to Cart |
| Xite-RB | Royal Blue (440 - 460nm) excitation with longpass filter glasses | each | 325.00 | Add to Cart |
| Xite-RB-GO | Royal Blue with green-only bandpass filter glasses | each | 325.00 | Add to Cart |
| Xite-CY | Cyan (490 - 515nm) excitation | each | 325.00 | Add to Cart |
| Xite-GR | Green (510 - 540nm) excitation | each | 325.00 | Add to Cart |
| FG-UV | Extra Filter glasses, Ultraviolet | each | 55.00 | Add to Cart |
| FG-VI | Extra Filter glasses, Violet | each | 55.00 | Add to Cart |
| FG-RB-1 | Extra Filter glasses, Royal Blue, style 1 | each | 55.00 | Add to Cart |
| FG-RB-2 | Extra Filter glasses, Royal Blue, style 2 | each | 55.00 | Add to Cart |
| FG-RB-3 | Extra Filter glasses, Royal Blue, style 3 | each | 55.00 | Add to Cart |
| FG-RB-GO | Extra Filter glasses, Green Only | each | 55.00 | Add to Cart |
| FG-CY | Extra Filter glasses, Cyan | each | 55.00 | Add to Cart |
| FG-GR | Extra Filter glasses, Green | each | 55.00 | Add to Cart |
NIGHTSEA Barrier Filter Glasses
The Royal Blue filter glasses are available in a choice of three styles. Styles 1 and 2 fit over eyeglasses, Style 3 does not. All other glasses colors are
available in Style 2 only. Glasses meet ANSI Z87.1 impact standards for safety glasses. NOTE: Glasses Description refers to the excitation light source with
which they are to be used.
Ordering Information
| FG-UV | Filter glasses, Ultraviolet | each | 55.00 | Add to Cart |
| FG-VI | Filter glasses, Violet | each | 55.00 | Add to Cart |
| FG-RB-1 | Filter glasses, Royal Blue, style 1 | each | 55.00 | Add to Cart |
| FG-RB-2 | Filter glasses, Royal Blue, style 2 | each | 55.00 | Add to Cart |
| FG-RB-3 | Filter glasses, Royal Blue, style 3 | each | 55.00 | Add to Cart |
| FG-RB-GO | Filter glasses, Green Only | each | 55.00 | Add to Cart |
| FG-CY | Filter glasses, Cyan | each | 55.00 | Add to Cart |
| FG-GR | Filter glasses, Green | each | 55.00 | Add to Cart |
