Optical Wizard Help
ZFL Lens
Utilizes interchangeable professional fluorescence cubes to create images compatible with most existing camera systems.
- Much lower cost and smaller (more compact) than a traditional microscope.
- Field of view up to 9.2 mm with a 2/3" CCD in macro mode.
- Micro mode utilizes professional infinity corrected objectives.
- Remote UV light source includes a long-life metal halide bulb.
- Zoom and fixed systems available. Fine focus included with both systems.
 Macro Mode 0.5X Lens Attachment Magnification* = 0.9X W.D. = 175 |
 Micro Mode 4X Objective Magnification* = 3.6X |
 Micro Mode 20X Objective Magnification* = 18X |
View the ZFL system diagram (45.7k)The wizard first looks at your type of camera mounting, then at the sensor size (based on line scan length or area sensor diagonal).
Next the wizard will look for a potential solution to satisfy your mag requirements, as defined by image length (area sensor vertical dimension or line scan length) divided by the pertinent object dimension.
Because the ZFL is coax based, the spot it can evenly illuminate is more or less a constant. As the sensor get larger, the magnification must get larger to spread this same size spot over the larger sensor. Frequently, requirements for large objects, with large sensors, cannot be accommodated. See the Coaxial Operating Restrictions for additional help.
A C-mount is limited to a 20mm sensor as that is the maximum that reasonably can get thru the mount. An f-mount is limited to a 30mm sensor because of optical constraints, and requires that a 2X adapter be used. This 2X magnification factor further limits the size of the object viewed.
| ZFL FIXED LENS SYSTEM | ZFL ZOOM LENS SYSTEM | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MACRO | MICRO | MACRO | MICRO | |
| MAG LIMITS | 0.9 – 7.2X | 4.5 – 90X | 0.35 – 18X | 1.74 – 228X |
| SENSOR MAX VARIATION* |
13 - 30mm | 13 - 30mm | 13 - 30mm | 13 - 30mm |
Macro Mode
In the Macro mode, a fixed lens system provides up to a 9.2 mm diameter field of view at a 165 mm working distance with a 2/3" format camera.
Alternatively, a 6.5X zoom accessory provides up to a 15 mm diameter field at a 108 mm working distance. Various lens attachments allow the working distance to change from 32 mm to 165 mm. An add-on focus accessory provides a means of adjusting focus without requiring a microscope type stand.
Micro Mode
In the Micro mode, the same single lens system provides a 0.9X coupling of any standard 200 mm tube length, infinity corrected, fluorescent microscope objective to the camera.
At the same time, it's possible to combine zoom and an objective to produce an expanded objective magnification.
Note: The combination of the fixed lens and objective simulates the normal results of a standard microscope. Going to a "zoom vision" mode will magnify the image, at a cost of contrast due to reduced image NA and optical effects of added glass. It is well to remember that magnification does not improve resolution, just sometimes the ability to see that which was resolved by the taking lens.
Basic Components of Any Video Fluorescence System
- A light source emitting the wavelengths required to cause the labeling dye to fluorescence. Two different remote light sources are available, a halogen light for the longer wavelengths, and a metal arc lamp for the UV. LED illumination is currently under development.
- An integrated cube that optimizes performance by stopping all but the desired (excitation) wavelength from reaching the object and then stopping all but the fluorescing wavelength (emitting) from reaching the camera. There is a multitude of off-the-shelf cubes available depending on which labeling dye is being used.
The Navitar system permits the usage of all standard Olympus BX2 Fluorescent Cubes, which are available from multiple sources. These are captured singularly in a quick change holder requiring only a minute to interchange. Information on filter sets and cubes can be found at www.chroma.com. - A camera whose sensitivity and bandwidth are adequate to handle the fluorescing light levels (which can sometimes be minimal).