Riding the spectral range

NikonÆs new confocal technology acquires high resolution data, over a spectral range of 400û750 nm in a single scan, which provides the researcher with superfast, high-quality and continuous spectral imaging. Traditionally, fluorescence solutions have difficulty in cleanly separating signals from fluorescent probes and from sample autofluorescence, due to overlap of their emission spectra. A confocal solution usually resolves this problem but is limited by collecting data at specific wavelengths only, which can be a disadvantage when precise localisation of the source of a signal is required. In addition, the time taken to capture such information can hinder some research into dynamic cell activity. The C1si system can simultaneously acquire image data over a 320-nm wide spectral range, in 10-nm wavelength resolutions, or over smaller ranges at 5-nm or 2.5-nm resolutions, in less than a second at 512 x 256 pixels. Furthermore, the Digital Eclipse C1si employs a special mechanism to prevent illuminating wavelengths from blinding the detector. The emission path can be switched easily between brightfield, differential interference contrast, standard three-channel fluorescence detection and the high-resolution spectral detector, allowing a single instrument to be used for the widest possible range of applications.