Microscopy Simplified
Etaluma, Inc. is a privately held Life Sciences company focused on bringing high resolution, lower priced fluorescence microscopes to more markets and a wider range of users. Etaluma’s LS Microscopes (Lumascopes) constitute a dramatic new concept in digital fluorescence microscopy that combines high resolution; power, control and image capture via USB connection directly to a computer; and greater versatility, including the capability for time-lapse and live videos.
Phase Contrast Accessories
The Phase Contrast Accessory expands the capabilities of your LS Microscope by enhancing visualization of transparent specimens including unstained samples. By using phase contrast, living cells can be imaged in their natural state with high contrast and sharp clarity. These accessories can also be used to obtain high quality brightfield images. All Etaluma Phase Contrast Accessories make use of the Olympus phase condenser and attach easily to the LS Microscope. LS620, LS600, LS520, and LS420 use the same Phase Contrast Accessory and it attaches via an adapter on the back of the deck. The LS720 Phase Contrast Accessory has a different arm that attaches to the LS720 on the upper right surface. Etaluma offers 2 different Sliders containing phase rings that are matched with their objectives. The Slider with precentered rings (used with IPC objectives) comes with both Phase Contrast Accessories. A second Slider with non-precentered rings (used with PH objectives) must be ordered separately. The 20x, 40x, and 60x PH objectives offer the advantage of a correction collar and thus can be used with labware having a thickness of 0-2 mm. The IPC objectives are optimal when imaging through 1 mm of plastic or glass. Both Phase Contrast Accessories are controlled directly by the LS Microscope via a communication cable.

4-Channel LS620 Microscope with Phase Contrast Accessory

LS720 with Phase Contrast Accessory
Human buccal cells imaged with LS 620 and Phase Contrast Accessory; 40x objective
Etaluma offers 4x, 10x, 20x, and 40x Phase Contrast Objectives for the precentered Slider and 10x, 20x, 40x, and 60x Phase Contrast Objectives for the non-precentered Slider (see Objectives). Both types of Objectives provide high quality phase contrast images and also excellent fluorescence images, making them very versatile. Additionally, very good brightfield is achievable using a Phase Contrast Accessory because the transmitted light coming from the overhead condenser is collimated (parallel rays).
Providing true next-gen microscopy, the compact, inverted design allows imaging in a wide range of labware and settings, including live cell imaging in incubators, hoods, and other challenging locations.
We strive to make the best inverted fluorescence microscopes to meet your needs. Tell us what you need – we want your input and feedback!