ZEISS SteREO Discovery.V8

Overview

ZEISS SteREO Discovery.V8 delivers crisp and brilliant images throughout the whole 8:1 manual zoom range and provides three-dimensional image perception. Selectable click-stops for discrete magnification steps allow calibration of pixel sizes in the imaging software ZEN. Highlights include a manual 8:1 zoom and seamless integration into the modular system of SteREO microscopes. Focus and X-Y stages are available in manual or motorized versions, and illumination and contrast methods are based on cold light or LED. The product is offered with a 60 day purchase promise. Illumination and imaging accessories noted for this model include the CL 1500 ECO fiber-optic cold light source, a wide range of light guides and accessories, and the ability to switch from shadow-free annular illumination to lateral oblique light at the click of a button. The system can connect numerous phototubes for digital photo and video cameras via the 60N interface and can be upgraded for fluorescence with PentaFluar S, supporting up to five different fluorescence filters. Objectives and reflected-light options referenced for the system include PlanApo S 1.5x and PlanApo S 1.0x, a Coaxial Reflected-Light Illuminator S optimized for the PlanApo S 1.0x objective, a quarter wave plate recommendation for vertical observation or documentation with the S/doc objective slide, a lever for switching the fiber light guide position for different objectives, homogeneous illumination of large object fields, and a light manager for coaxial lighting that stabilizes brightness during zooming. The ergo phototube allows defining the viewing angle between five to forty-five degrees, and the system offers a large working distance with variable illumination options for digital measurement and recording. The SteREO Discovery.V8 is presented for developmental biology applications, with explicit mention of gentle, uniform illumination for zebrafish and Drosophila embryos and support for annular and lateral oblique illumination to make sample structures stand out. The system supports documentation and imaging workflows by connecting phototubes for digital photo and video cameras via the 60N interface. For quality assurance, the product is described as a tool to acquire crisp images without distortion to determine surface characteristics and to provide an excellent 3D impression for inspection tasks. Specific application examples and specimen types cited include observation of polished metal parts and microelectronic devices using Coaxial Reflected-Light Illuminator S, inspection of SMD-Board with white solder resist, and imaging of biological specimens such as mouth parts of the common housefly in lateral darkfield and brightfield. Related application areas listed are Natural History Museums (first examinations, cleaning and restoration), microscopic investigation of soil in forensics, embryo quality and oocyte preparation in laboratory routines, and sample preparation for further examinations such as genetic studies.