research
Microscopes

Setting a new standard in optical performance and system compatibility, Olympus research microscopes satisfy the most demanding and diverse applications. From the MVX MacroView zoom system microscope to the IX2 inverted microscopes, the Olympus name is synonymous with high-quality, high-resolution images.

BX51

Microscope

The BX51 offers increased rigidity coupled with easy-to-operate front controls on a compact space-efficient frame. The new research microscope is a union of the expanded range of Olympus infinity corrected optical systems (UIS - universal infinity system) and advanced fluorescence or differential interference contrast DIC (Nomarski) technology. Based around an enhanced Y-shaped frame, an extended range of accessories and objectives can be used. The rigid design accepts a variety of heavy attachments required for today's discerning microscopists and their various techniques and accessories.

Features and Benefits

• Bright 12V/100W halogen illumination source is ideal for transmitted light viewing
• The frame has two built-in neutral density filters (ND6, ND25), one daylight balancing filter, and one empty slot for an optional filter-fluorescence illuminator optional
• A light intensity, preset switch ensures reproducible lighting for photomicrography
• Ergonomic Y-shaped frame for maximum stability and comfort, with low position focus control knobs located on both the left and right sides of the frame
• Modular design and infinity optics system allows easy attachment of accessories without any compromise in image
• Large 22mm field of view reduces scanning time (a superwide trinocular head and eyepiece combination with a 26.5mm field of view is available as an option)
• UIS optics deliver bright, sharp, high-contrast images
• The 8-position universal condenser, with either a dry or oil top lens, enables you to perform brightfield, darkfield, Phase Contrast, DIC, polarization, and fluorescence with all objectives from 1.25x to 100x

Flexible System Format

• Modular design allows easy attachment of accessories without any compromise in image
• Accepts a variety of video attachments and film cameras, plus the BX-URA2 or BX-RFA fluorescence attachment
• 100W Halogen for transmitted or reflected light, 100W HBO (Mercury) and 75W XBO (Xenon) for reflected light and fluorescence.
• Ceramic-coated stage with left-hand or right-hand low drive control, rotating mechanism and torque adjustment mechanism, optional rubber grips (non-stick grooved coaxial, plain, rotatable stages and others are also available)

Modularity & Versatility Meet Growing Research Needs

The modular design of the BX51 allows researchers to fully expand the design as their needs grow. This ensures a flexible and modular configuration even for special high-end research applications. New enhancements are a 6-position cube turret, 7-position nosepiece and 8-position universal condenser-not to mention REXBA capability, all-new mercury and xenon lamp houses, and a total of three series of DIC prisms.

All components - from the stage, to the eyepieces, to the lightsource - can be customized and mounted onto the BX51, making it one of Olympus' most versatile microscopes. The standard UIS optics system means there's no compromise when adding intermediate attachments within the viewing path. For added versatility and flexibility, brightfield, darkfield, fluorescence, and Nomarski DIC observation all can be performed using a single set of objectives (U Plan Apochromat or U Plan Fluorite).

Ergonomic Comfort

The six-cube turret rotates in either direction for user convenience and filter set identification markers are clearly located directly in front of the user. The fluorescence shutter, illumination controls, and filter slots are all conveniently located within easy reach.

Advanced Fluorescence Technology Doubles Brightness

Fluorescence applications can be done by attaching a fluorescence illuminator that results in greater mechanical and thermal stability. The accompanying fluorescence illuminator, BX-URA2, incorporates a six-cube filter turret including front shutter control. The newly-developed aspherical lens within the lamp houses allows fluorescence illumination of up to double the brightness of existing models. To restrict the illumination to the need of any camera type, the BX2-RFA illuminator allows the substitution of the conventional circular field stop by a rectangular field diaphragm. As an Olympus accessory, two excitation balancers can be attached to the BX2-RFA illuminator. Thereby, improved differentiation of multi-labeled fluorescence specimens and better visibility of details is achieved.

Optimized DIC Capability Increases Resolution or Contrast

New DIC (Nomarski) units provide combinations for all specimens and magnifications with increased contrast or resolution. There are three series of DIC prisms to generate three levels of contrast/resolution. In addition to the current set of standard prisms, a series of high contrast prisms and high resolution prisms have been developed to produce high-quality images for your most demanding requirements. Within the new universal condenser, up to 8 optical components can be easily selected.