Olympus Launches IX3® Microscope Series

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus has premiered its IX3® line of inverted research microscopes, three systems that offer researchers unprecedented flexibility to customize their microscopes and adapt to tomorrow's demands. The systems offer precision, stability and optical performance to meet the most challenging quantitative measurement applications, along with user friendliness, speed, accuracy and the rugged reliability for which industry-leading Olympus research microscopes have long been known.

Newly introduced are the IX83, a fully automated high-end research microscope platform; the IX73 modular microscope system that can be configured in manual, semi-motorized or motorized versions to benefit an extraordinary range of research applications; and the IX53 system microscope, designed for quick and efficient routine examination of multiple tissue samples.

Together the three microscopes in the series allow users total customization to meet current research demands, while providing flexibility to grow as their needs change. The stands provide a choice of manual control, encoded manual, semi-motorized operation, or fully automated high-speed motorization. The IX83 and IX73 are designed with a multi-story optical deck area that can be configured with one or two decks for the insertion of various optical components.  The decks make the microscopes truly modular, allowing the rapid plug-and-play insertion of magnification changers, filter turrets, a right side port, or other options. Changing equipment and options is as easy as sliding out one deck insert and sliding in another, and both decks open out like file cabinet drawers for easy accessibility. The open architecture of the deck area allows the insertion of optical components, and the large available space is perfect for user-designed modules.

Beyond flexibility, the IX3 is a great platform for live cell imaging.  The new systems offer an even higher level of mechanical and thermal stability than Olympus IX2 microscopes, which are renowned for their stability, ruggedness and imaging performance. The stands are built on a new frame designed for exceptional rigidity and thermal stability. A low-profile ultrasonic motorized stage provides quiet, smooth, precise movement. All three systems employ the company's proprietary UIS2 optics, which deliver ultra-sharp, bright images and are manufactured from lead-free glass. The Real-Time Controller delivers precision in high-speed imaging, with microsecond timing accuracy for high-speed devices such as light sources, triggered cameras, and other TTL-controlled devices. A new fly-eye fluorescence illuminator provides even, bright illumination across the specimen, allowing a much wider field of view and filling the chips of even large-format cameras. In addition, the IX83 is available with third-generation Olympus Zero Drift focus compensation (ZDC) technology, which allows accurate, consistent focusing during long-term time-lapse experiments. The Zero Drift system can even operate without a computer in stand-alone mode.  IX3 systems help streamline complex imaging and measurement tasks; for example, using the IX83's handy touch-panel interface, users manage virtually every operation of the microscope or even complex macros with just a touch of a button, using Olympus proprietary cellSens® imaging software.

"Scientists will love the deck structure and the flexibility it gives them to customize their system and grow as their research changes.  And the fly-eye illumination, stability, fast operation and easy controls all help deliver Olympus legendary optical performance for advanced imaging and quantitative measurement applications," said Michael Lewis, Ph.D., director of product marketing, Scientific Equipment Group, Olympus America Inc.

For more information on the Olympus IX3 line of research inverted microscopes, visit www.olympusamerica.com/ix3; or contact James Sanzo (484/896-3312) at Olympus America Inc., 3500 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley, PA 18034 USA; email [email protected].

About Olympus America's Scientific Equipment Group 
Olympus America Scientific Equipment Group provides innovative microscope imaging solutions for researchers, doctors, clinicians and educators. Olympus microscope systems offer unsurpassed optics, superior construction and system versatility to meet the ever-changing needs of microscopists, paving the way for future advances in life science.

About Olympus 
Olympus is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering innovative solutions in its core business areas: Medical and Surgical Products, Life Science Imaging Systems, Industrial Measurement and Imaging Instruments and Cameras and Audio Products.

Olympus works collaboratively with its customers and affiliates worldwide to leverage R&D investment in precision technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines. These include:

• Gastrointestinal endoscopes, accessories, and minimally invasive surgical products;
• Advanced research, clinical and educational microscopes and research and educational digital imaging systems;
• Industrial research, engineering, test, inspection and measuring instruments; and
• Digital cameras and voice recorders.

Olympus serves the healthcare field with integrated product solutions and financial, educational and consulting services that help customers to efficiently, reliably and more easily achieve exceptional results. Olympus develops breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality for the consumer and professional photography markets, and also is the leader in gastrointestinal endoscopy and clinical and educational microscopes.  For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com.

Olympus, IX and cellSens are trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus Corporation, Olympus America Inc., and/or their affiliates.

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SOURCE Olympus