Your microscope is compatible with a fluorescence illuminator designed to locate and illuminate portions of a fluorescent sample that are of interest.
The fluorescence illuminator is to be used to locate points of interest in a sample. It is not, in itself, used to collect or measure data.
The fluorescence illuminator can be installed by a Thermo Fisher representative. For more information, contact us.
![Screenshot 2023-06-06 150606.png](https://knowledge1.thermofisher.com/@api/deki/files/40694/Screenshot_2023-06-06_150606.png?revision=1&size=bestfit&width=500&height=355)
A |
Rotating mount: Used to switch to different illumination frequencies if needed. |
B |
Shutter: Switch on or off to block the light or allow it through. |
C |
Optics and apertures: May also be used to manipulate the flow of light. |
D |
Illuminator lamp: Positioned near the back of the instrument. |
To illuminate your sample with the fluorescence illuminator
- Center your sample using the OMNIC Paradigm software microscopy view.
Start with a 4x objective at medium Joystick speed for a wider area view. This allows you to find the sample's fluorescent locations more easily.
Figure: Centered sample (dyed fluorescent polystyrene beads) using 4x objective and blue excitation. One bead is seen fluorescing.
![Screenshot 2023-06-06 151542.png](https://knowledge1.thermofisher.com/@api/deki/files/40695/Screenshot_2023-06-06_151542.png?revision=1&size=bestfit&width=400&height=382)
- Once you have centered your target, select Change Objective to switch to the 15x objective. You will see a much brighter image of your sample and points of interest.
![Screenshot 2023-06-06 151747.png](https://knowledge1.thermofisher.com/@api/deki/files/40696/Screenshot_2023-06-06_151747.png?revision=1&size=bestfit&width=415&height=81)
- Focus on the sample as needed. For more information, see Move the stage and bring the sample into focus.
![Screenshot 2023-06-06 152408.png](https://knowledge1.thermofisher.com/@api/deki/files/40697/Screenshot_2023-06-06_152408.png?revision=1&size=bestfit&width=400&height=440)
The bead in the example is now much brighter. No change was made to the fluorescence illumination. A second nearby bead is also visible now.
- Close the shutter (shutting off fluorescence) when you are ready to measure data. You may use the microscope's regular illuminator as needed at this point.
![Screenshot 2023-06-06 152641.png](https://knowledge1.thermofisher.com/@api/deki/files/40698/Screenshot_2023-06-06_152641.png?revision=1&size=bestfit&width=400&height=449)