NIGHTSEA™ Fluorescence Viewing Systems
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NIGHTSEA™ Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter
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Adapt your existing lab stereo microscopes for fluorescence
The NIGHTSEA™ Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter adapts just about any stereo microscope (dissecting microscope) for fluorescence with no modification to the microscope itself. The modular design lets you easily switch between several different excitation/emission combinations to work with a variety of fluorescent proteins and other fluorophores. There are now six different excitation/emission combinations available, plus white light.
Applications
This simple system is excellent for
- Quick screening of your fluorescent genotypes -Drosophila, zebrafish, C. elegans,...
- Genotype sorting
- Fluorescence-aided dissection, injection, or micromanipulation
- Pre-screening sample preps for confocal or other high-resolution imaging
- Freeing up your research-grade fluorescence microscopes for more demanding work
- New faculty start-up budgets
- Bringing fluorescence into the teaching laboratory
Mouse with actin labeled with GFP. Photo © NIGHTSEA™/Charles Mazel
Mouse with actin labeled with DsRed. Photo © NIGHTSEA™/Charles Mazel
GFP-tagged Drosophila larva. Photo © NIGHTSEA™/Charles Mazel
Original Mount Adapter
Fluorescence isn't just for research microscopes anymore...
- Now sort on your laboratory-level stereos
- Use to facilitate micromanipulation and dissection
- Expand from your research lab to your classroom
Modular...
- Installs in seconds - just clicks into place
- Interchangeable excitation/emission combinations
- Move from microscope to microscope
- No modification to your microscope needed
Economical - More Glow for the Dough...
- Stretch your lab budget
- Inexpensive enough for classroom use
Grows as your lab grows...
- Buy just what you need now (up to 6 different wavelength sets)
- Add more as your needs expand
The Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter system consists of
- Flexible gooseneck lamp base with power supply
- Light head
- Ring adapter for microscope (also available for Leica EZ4 series)
- Barrier filter
- Filter shield
The light head, barrier filter, and filter shield are interchangeable so that you can easily switch between excitation/emission light+filter combinations.
The microscope mounting adapter fits up to 67mm to work with the majority of stereo microscopes. An oversize adapter and an adapter for the Leica EZ4 series are also available.
Once you are set up for one excitation/ emission wavelength combination, additional combinations can be added by purchasing a kit that consists of a light head, barrier filter, and viewing shield. These three elements can be removed and replaced in seconds, and color coding ensures that you are using the right combination. The barrier filter clicks on to the ring adapter magnetically, so it is easy to remove it to switch back to white light viewing.
Wavelength Sets
For more in-depth information on excitations, see this Technical Data Sheet
| Designation | Excitation | Emission | Fluorophores |
| UV – Ultra Violet | 360-380nm | 450nm LP | DAPI, ... |
| VI – Violet | 400-415nm | 460nm LP | CFP, ... |
| RB – Royal Blue | 440-460nm | 500nm LP | GFP, eGFP, fluorescein... |
| RB-GO – Green Only | 440-460nm | 500-560nm BP | GFP, eGFP, fluorescein... |
| CY – Cyan | 490-515nm | 500nm LP | YFP, Venus, Lucifer Yellow... |
| GR – Green | 510-540nm | 600nm LP | DsRed, dTomato... |
Green-Only Barrier Filter
The Green-Only (GO) Barrier Filter isolates the green part of the spectrum and is for use with the Royal Blue excitation source. While our other barrier filters are long-pass filters this filter is a bandpass, transmitting from approximately 500 to 560nm. The long-pass filter has served well for most users who need to visualize green-fluorescent protein (GFP), and if you are exploring fluorescence in nature it is preferable. The primary motivation for adding the green-only filter to the line-up was for the benefit of researchers using GFP in plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana, a common research model. Plants contain chlorophyll, which has a distinctive red fluorescence that can sometimes mask the GFP emission, making it harder to see and photograph.
Microscope Mounting Adapter - standard size fits up to 67mm. Also available for oversize (up to 84mm) and Leica EZ4 Series.
Leica EZ4 Mount Adapter
Lamp Base Light Control Options
The SFA lamp base is available in three versions: Standard, DIM, and PULSE. Standard lamp bases provide a steady light when turned on. 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. The DIM and PULSE options can be purchased as a 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.
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 are
- 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
NIGHTSEA Product Line - Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instruction Manual (PDF)
Mazel, C., 2013. Adding Fluorescence to Stereo Microscopes. Microscopy Today, 21(5): 12-17. (PDF)
- Application: Crack and Failure Analysis with Fluorescence
- Insect Fluorescence in the Wild
- A STEM Outreach – BrainFest
- A Spectral Mystery – Solved!
- NIGHTSEA Violet Light Head Photoconverts CaMPARI
- Does it Fluoresce – Dryer Lint
- NIGHTSEA SFA with Unitron and Zeiss Microscopes
- Pervasive Microplastics
- Forensic Sciences and fluorescence with the NIGHTSEA SFA
- GFP Mouse Embryos
- Fluorescence-Aided Dissection of FP-Labeled Structures
- Fluorescence for Circuit Board Repair
- Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter for Education
- Sorting Genotypes: Drosophila Larvae and Arabdopsis Seeds
- Application Notes – Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter
- Natural Fluorescence Under The Microscope
- Focus Stacking for Improved Depth of Field
- Coral Recruitment Through The Microscope
- Fluorescence for Coral Recruitment Research
- Fluorescing Zebrafish
- Fluorescing Xenopus
- Fluorescing C. elegans
- Fluorescent Axolotl
- Green-Only Barrier Filter for the SFA
- Life in Sand Enhanced by Fluorescence Microscopy
- Green Fluorescence – Longpass vs. Bandpass Barrier Filter
- Checking Fluorescence of Bacterial or Cell Cultures
- Fluorescence Search for Microplastics
- Will The Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter Fit My Microscope?
- NIGHTSEA and U Montana spectrUM Discovery Area – Science... Try It!
- True Ultraviolet Excitation/Emission for the SFA
- SFA vs. High-End Systems for Stereo Fluorescence Microscopy
- Microscope Eye Shields
- Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter Testimonials
- Dual Fluorescent Protein Flashlight – User Comments
- Research and Educational Institutions Using NIGHTSEA
- Publications Citing Use of NIGHTSEA Equipment
- Application: Genetics Laboratory Experiment Using NIGHTSEA
- Application: Screening FISH-Labeled Planaria (Schmidtea mediterranea)
- Sodalite Fluorescence – a Viral Sensation
- Concrete Thin Section Fluorescence
Citations
Aitken, J., V. Ramnath, V. Feygels, A. Mathur, M. Kim, J. Y. Park, and G. Tuell, 2010. Prelude to CZMIL: seafloor imaging and classification results achieved with CHARTS and the rapid environmental assessment (REA) processor. Proc. SPIE 7695, Algorithms and Technologies for Multispectral, Hyperspectral, and Ultraspectral Imagery XVI.
Anastasio, N. C., et al., 2013. Functional status of the serotonin 5-HT2C receptor (5-HT2CR) drives interlocked phenotypes that precipitate relapse-like behaviors in cocaine dependence. Neuropsychopharmacology (13 August 2013). doi:10.1038/npp.2013.199.
Baillie, L. D., V. Hagen, K,. M. Gardner, and S. J. Mulligan, 2011. Functional imaging within individual pain fibres ex vivo with optical microscopy. Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 198(2): 274-279....more citations
Ordering Information
Full System with Original Stereo Microscope Adapter system
Full system with one illumination color consisting of
- Lamp Base with Power Supply and International Plug Set
- Light Head – Ultraviolet, Violet, Royal Blue, Cyan, or Green
- Microscope Mounting adapter
- Barrier Filter
- Viewing Shield
- Padded Travel Case
Ordering Information
Standard Lamp Base
| SFA-UV | Full System with Ultraviolet, Standard lamp base | each | 1,245.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-VI | Full System with Violet, Standard lamp base | each | 1,095.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-RB | Full System with Royal Blue, Standard lamp base | each | 1,095.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-RB-GO | Full System with Royal Blue, Green-Only Barrier Filter, Standard lamp base | each | 1,095.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-CY | Full System with Cyan, Standard lamp base | each | 1,095.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-GR | Full System with Green, Standard lamp base | each | 1,095.00 | Add to Cart |
DIM Lamp Base
| SFA-UV-DIM | Full System with Ultraviolet, DIM lamp base | each | 1,495.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-VI-DIM | Full System with Violet, DIM lamp base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-RB-DIM | Full System with Royal Blue, DIM lamp base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-RB-GO-DIM | Full System with Royal Blue, Green-Only Barrier Filter, DIM lamp base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-CY-DIM | Full System with Cyan, DIM lamp base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-GR-DIM | Full System with Green, DIM lamp base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
PULSE Lamp Base
| SFA-UV-PULSE | Full System with Ultraviolet, PULSE lamp base | each | 1,495.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-VI-PULSE | Full System with Violet, PULSE lamp base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-RB-PULSE | Full System with Royal Blue, PULSE lamp base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-RB-GO-PULSE | Full System with Royal Blue, Green-Only Barrier Filter, PULSE lamp base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-CY-PULSE | Full System with Cyan, PULSE lamp base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-GR-PULSE | Full System with Green, PULSE lamp base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
Full system with Leica EZ4 Adapter
Full system with one illumination color consisting of:
- Lamp Base with Power Supply and International Plug Set
- Light Head –Ultraviolet, Violet, Royal Blue, Cyan, or Green
- Leica EZ4 Mounting adapter
- Barrier Filter
- Viewing Shield
- Padded Travel Case
The Leica EZ4 Mounting Adapter enables you to use the NIGHTSEA Stereo Microscope Fluorescence System with the Leica EZ4 series of stereo microscopes, with or without integrated camera. Easily attach the barrier filter magnetically and hold the filter shield in place with a thumbscrew. The adapter is available for purchase separately to quickly move between Leica and other stereo microscopes (see below).
Ordering Information
Standard Lamp Base
| SFAZ-UV | Full System with Ultraviolet, Standard Lamp Base | each | 1,245.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFAZ-VI | Full System with Violet, Standard Lamp Base | each | 1,095.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFAZ-RB | Full System with Royal Blue, Standard Lamp Base | each | 1,095.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFAZ-RB-GO | Full System with Royal Blue, Green-Only Barrier Filter, Standard Lamp Base | each | 1,095.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFAZ-CY | Full System with Cyan, Standard Lamp Base | each | 1,095.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFAZ-GR | Full System with Green, Standard Lamp Base | each | 1,095.00 | Add to Cart |
DIM Lamp Base
| SFAZ-UV-DIM | Full System with Ultraviolet, DIM Lamp Base | each | 1,495.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFAZ-VI-DIM | Full System with Violet, DIM Lamp Base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFAZ-RB-DIM | Full System with Royal Blue, DIM Lamp Base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFAZ-RB-GO-DIM | Full System with Royal Blue, Green-Only Barrier Filter, DIM Lamp Base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFAZ-CY-DIM | Full System with Cyan, DIM Lamp Base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFAZ-GR-DIM | Full System with Green, DIM Lamp Base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
PULSE Lamp Base
| SFAZ-UV-PULSE | Full System with Ultraviolet, PULSE Lamp Base | each | 1,495.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFAZ-VI-PULSE | Full System with Violet, PULSE Lamp Base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFAZ-RB-PULSE | Full System with Royal Blue, PULSE Lamp Base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFAZ-RB-GO-PULSE | Full System with Royal Blue, Green-Only Barrier Filter, PULSE Lamp Base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFAZ-CY-PULSE | Full System with Cyan, PULSE Lamp Base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFAZ-GR-PULSE | Full System with Green, PULSE Lamp Base | each | 1,345.00 | Add to Cart |
Leica Adapter Only
| SFAZ-AD | Leica EZ4 Adapter only | each | 168.00 | Add to Cart |
Accessories
Add-On Light and Filter Sets
Each add-on excitation/emission set consists of
- Light Head
- Barrier Filter
- Viewing Shield
- Padded Storage Box
Ordering Information
| SFA-LFS-UV | Add-On Light and Filter Set, Ultraviolet | each | 705.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-LFS-VI | Add-On Light and Filter Set, Violet | each | 555.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-LFS-RB | Add-On Light and Filter Set, Royal Blue | each | 555.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-LFS-RB-GO | Add-On Light and Filter Set, Green-Only | each | 555.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-LFS-CY | Add-On Light and Filter Set, Cyan | each | 555.00 | Add to Cart |
| SFA-LFS-GR | Add-On Light and Filter Set, Green | each | 555.00 | Add to Cart |
