Expandable to Meet Growing Research Needs

The semi-motorized IX73 is designed to satisfy a variety of research needs. With two deck options and additional modules for expanded functionality, the IX73 is perfectly suited for a changing research environment.

IX73: Two-deck System

The modular IX73 two-deck system can be combined with coded or motorized units for maximum expandability.

IX73: One-deck System

A microscope designed with an emphasis on efficiency. Ideal for documentation, routine testing and other tasks.

Reliable, Clear and Bright High-Resolution Images

Olympus UIS2 infinity-corrected optics ensure high optical transmittance with a broad range of objectives. UIS2 optics feature wide chromatic correction and enable high resolution, high S/N primary images regardless of the observation method. The wide field of view and Fly-Eye lens system provide uniform fluorescence images and enable the use of sCMOS cameras with large sensors.

Excellent Image Quality

Apochromatic Objectives Enable High-Resolution Phase Contrast and Fluorescence Observation

Phase contrast apochromatic objectives (UPLSAPO100XOPH, PLAPON60XOPH) enable high-precision imaging free from image shift, even during simultaneous phase contrast and fluorescence observation. This eliminates the need to change objectives when switching observation methods.

Silicone Objectives* Enable High-Resolution Observation Deep into Live Cells

Olympus offers three high-NA silicone immersion objectives:UPLSAPO30XS, UPLSAPO40XS, and UPLSAPO60XS. The refractive index of silicone oil (Refractive index: ne≈1.40) is close to that of living tissue (Refractive index: ne≈1.38), enabling high-resolution observation deep inside living tissue with minimal spherical aberration caused by refractive index mismatch. Silicone oil does not dry out or harden, so there is never a need to readminister the oil, making it ideal for extended time-lapse observations.

*Use dedicated silicone oil.

Special Objective Available for iPS/ES and Floating Cell Observation

This high-NA phase contrast objective (UCPLFLN20XPH) is especially suited for observation using plastic dishes. It enables high-resolution observation of the cell proliferation process and delivers improved contrast across a wide area.

Bright, Uniform Fluorescence Illumination

The fluorescence illuminator (IX3-RFALFE) incorporates a Fly-Eye lens system to provide even light distribution. This provides bright and even illumination to the entire field, including the periphery of the visual field.

High S/N Fluorescence Mirror Units for Efficient Signal Detection

All fluorescence mirror units feature filters treated with a specially-developed coating that minimizes noise by absorbing more than 99 % of stray light. The outstanding performance and high transmittance of the mirror units ensure efficient fluorescence signal detection.

Intuitive and Ergonomic Microscope Control

Smart Control

Switch Observation Methods with a Single Touch

A hand switch is available for the IX73 with the ability to program observation procedures and a range of other functions as touch panel soft keys.

Stored Microscope Configurations (Olympus cellSens)

The system saves microscope configurations alongside image data by incorporating a readout of motorized and coded unit position. With this advanced system, a wide range of settings can be recalled to recreate the desired imaging conditions, thereby creating a highly reproducible and easy-to-use, high-end imaging system.

List of Compatible PC for IX Series

Capture multi dimensional Images (Olympus cellSens)

The Process Manager in cellSens makes it easy to capture multicolored and time lapse images. Automated image acquisition is possible through motorized device control; seamless device control is already integrated into the cellSens imaging package.

Automatic Object Detection for Measurement and Classification (Olympus cellSens)

The Count & Measure Solution adds efficient and precise threshold-based object detection for automated nuclei counting, as well as classification. The extensive set of manual measurements in cellSens can be further expanded with the  Count & Measure Solution. Easily perform automatic object measurement and classification in an interactive interface where recognized objects are always linked with their measurements. Results can be conveniently exported to Microsoft Excel for further analysis.

Operator-friendly Design

Smooth Tracking at High Magnification

The IX3-SVR manual stage features a smooth positioning system which enables the easy tracking of cells, even at high magnifications. The observation position limits can be set by the user to immobilize the stage, ensuring that the observation position is maintained during operations such as reagent application, even if the stage is inadvertently touched. It is also possible to remove 35mm dishes from the stage, place them in an incubator and return them to the exactly location previously identified.

Easily Achieve Koehler Illumination

The condenser can be moved and easily reset to Koehler Illumination using the conveniently-located condenser lock and control knobs.

Frame Construction Prevents Optical System Contamination

A catch tray under the nosepiece prevents damage to the microscope frequently caused by contamination through spilled liquids and simplifies maintenance.

Interchangeable Modules Provide Flexible Imaging Options

A wide range of units are available for the Olympus IX3 microscope system, bringing enhanced usability to everything from casual observation to high-end imaging. Simple cassette-like insertion into the deck makes it easy to mount fluorescence mirror turrets, right side ports, mag changers, epi-illuminators and other units.

The large open frame allows a motorized emission filter wheel to be fitted within the infinity space of the microscope. This eliminates image shift between channels and allows the eyepieces to see what the camera detects.

Deck Units/High Speed Units

Motorized Fluorescence Mirror Turret (IX3-RFACA)

A non-click turret that can be fitted with up to 8 mirror units and that delivers smooth, rapid cube rotation. The turret can accommodate both 25mm and 32mm diameter filter units, which can easily be inserted and removed without the need of tools.

Manual Right Side Port with C-mount (IX3-RSPC)

The C-mount-equipped right side ports can be fitted with up to two mirror units, enabling advanced applications such as split imaging.

Coded Intermediate Magnification Changer (IX3-CAS)

Magnification can be easily changed between 1x, 1.6x and 2x by adjusting the lever. Since the system is coded, information on intermediate magnifications is saved with image data.

Motorized Fast Filter Wheels and Shutters

With Olympus filter wheels, the user can easily switch between filters in milliseconds. Olympus shutters operate even faster. The IX73 is capable of controlling up to six filter wheels and four shutters, thus enabling complex, multi-modal imaging.

Fluorescence System

Application-Specific Fluorescence Illuminators

There is an illuminator best-suited for each application. The L-shaped fluorescence illuminator with the Fly-Eye lens system (IX3-RFALFE) provides bright, even  illumination without adjustment. The standard L-shaped fluorescence illuminator (IX3-RFAL) is cost-effective and is equipped with both field and aperture iris diaphragms. The straight fluorescence illuminator (IX3-RFA) is ideal for applications demanding intense excitation light. A wide range of light sources is also available, including counter top and frame-mounted units (mercury and xenon).

Long Life 130W Mercury Lamp (U-HGLGPS)

The U-HGLGPS fluorescence light source delivers bright, even illumination and features a long life, 2,000-hour mercury burner (average lifetime). The unit is maintenance-free and does not require centering adjustment. A liquid light guide prevents heat transfer to samples, thus allowing extended observations to be carried out without concern.

Measuring Excitation Light Intensity for High Reproducibility in Imaging Adapter for Excitation Irradiance Meter/IX3-EXMAD^*

Olympus now offers an adapter for a power meter that can directly measure the excitation light intensity per unit surface area of the sample, as well as offering irradiance display software. Displays the measurement results on a monitor and records the data, eliminating The　need for laborious calculations. This makes it possible to check the excitation light intensity before starting an experiment, enhancing the reliability of experiments. Data can also be easily shared.
*This equipment was based on the technical development at RIKEN BSI-Olympus Collaboration Center.

Motorized Units/Coded Units

A Cost-efficient Way to Upgrade to a Motorized Microscope

A wide range of motorized and encoded units are available, including an 8-position motorized fluorescent mirror turret, an encoded fluorescence mirror turret, a motorized 6-position nosepiece, an encoded 6-position nosepiece, a motorized long working distance universal condenser, filter wheels and shutters.