Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter
This video (2:50) introduces the SFA system in the way that we do it when we are exhibiting at a conference.
A brief (2:39) intro showing you how easy it is to add fluorescence to virtually any existing stereo microscope in about 30 seconds. Note that this video includes our original, older-style connector for the light head. The videos above and below show the current connector.
And a 1 minute video showing the system being added to a microscope.
The Model SFA Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter is a complete solution for adding fluorescence to existing stereo microscopes. It includes everything you need for adapting (not converting) just about any stereo microscope. You can purchase any of the 6 modular wavelength combinations that you need now and add more at any time. And best of all – it’s just $1,225 to get started with the complete setup for one color ($1,375 for UV).
A complete system with one excitation/emission combination includes these 7 items:
- Flexible gooseneck lamp base with control circuit
- Power supply that operates from 120/240VAC, 50/60Hz and international plug set
- Simple adapter that mounts on virtually any existing stereo microscope
- LED light head
- Barrier filter that attaches to the adapter with a simple magnetic click
- Viewing shield made of matching filter material
- Soft-sided case with custom cut foam for protection in transport and storage
If you want a second wavelength combination, either at the time of the original order or some time in the future, you do not need to order another ‘complete system’. You just need the add-on modular excitation/emission set.
Add-on modular wavelength sets include:
- LED light head
- Barrier filter that attaches to the adapter with a simple magnetic click
- Viewing shield made of matching filter material
- Case with custom cut foam for protection in transport and storage
The part numbers for these add-on sets include the letters ‘LFS‘ (for Light and Filter Set).
The light head and filters can be removed and replaced in seconds, and color coding ensures that you are using the right combination. All components are also available a la carte.
I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that the Nightsea system I was awarded as the 2020 KEY award recipient has made a huge impact in my classroom, laboratory and STEM education outreach activities at Idaho State University. The versatility and ease of use of this system has enhanced both my research program and the classroom. My undergraduate researchers use the system to screen and image microinjected and fluorescently labelled Xenopus embryos in the course of their experiments from the comfort of our own lab space. In my Developmental Biology classroom, we use the system to follow lab experiments using fluorescent transgenic hydra, and to perform fate mapping experiments with Xenopus embryos. Additionally, I use the system during educational events at Idaho State University to teach middle and high school students about the wonders of embryonic development and STEM research.
More user testimonials
Interested in how this product came into existence? Read the origin story.
How to order
Master distributor – Electron Microscopy Sciences
Local microscope dealers – The Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter and its accessories are available from select local microscope dealers. If one of them referred you to the NIGHTSEA web site for more information, please go back to that reseller to place your order.
Wavelength sets
- Wavelength sets are named and color coded for the color of the excitation light, not the color of the emitted fluorescence.
- Uncertain what to use? Refer to our comprehensive table of fluorophores and recommended NIGHTSEA wavelength sets.
- Would you benefit from some basic information about fluorescence and why there are multiple excitation wavelength options? Read this article.
| Designation | Excitation | Emission Filter |
| UV – Ultraviolet | 360 – 380nm | 415nm longpass |
| VI – Violet | 400 – 415nm | 450nm longpass |
| RB – Royal Blue | 440 – 460nm | 500nm longpass |
| RB-GO – Royal Blue, Green Only | 440 – 460nm | 500 – 560nm bandpass |
| CY – Cyan | 490 – 515nm | 550nm longpass |
| GR – Green | 510 – 540nm | 600nm longpass |
- With the Royal Blue (RB) excitation we offer two barrier filters – longpass and bandpass. Read our article on selecting the right passband option for your application.
- We also offer a White light head (WH) for general white light illumination and as a focusing aid for fluorescence imaging.
Part numbers and pricing
- Note – – Wavelength sets are named and color coded for the color of the excitation light, not the color of the emitted fluorescence. Read more …
- One-color complete setup – $1,298.50 ($1,457.50 for SFA-UV)
- SFA-UV – Ultraviolet (360 – 380nm) excitation
- SFA-VI – Violet (400 – 415nm) excitation
- SFA-RB – Royal Blue (440 – 460nm) excitation with longpass filter
- SFA-RB-GO – Royal Blue with green-only bandpass filter
- SFA-CY – Cyan (490 – 515nm) excitation
- SFA-GR – Green (510 – 540nm) excitation
- Modular excitation/emission sets – $652.00 ($811.00 for SFA-LFS-UV)
- SFA-LFS-UV – Ultraviolet excitation
- SFA-LFS-VI – Violet excitation
- SFA-LFS-RB – Royal Blue excitation
- SFA-LFS-RB-GO – Royal Blue excitation with green-only bandpass filter
- SFA-LFS-CY – Cyan excitation
- SFA-LFS-GR – Green excitation
- Modular white light head – $270.50
- SFA-LH-WH
Ordering/pricing examples
Scenario 1 – You do not own a NIGHTSEA system yet and want to observe GFP
You just need the Royal Blue excitation/emission set. The most common choice is part number SFA-RB, with the longpass filter. If you want the bandpass option the part number is SFA-RB-GO. Either would be priced at $1,298.50. If you wanted the dimming control (DIM option), the part numbers would be SFA-RB-DIM and SFA-RB-GO-DIM, respectively, price $1,584.50.
Scenario 2 – You do not own a NIGHTSEA system yet and want to observe both GFP and RFP
You need the Royal Blue and Green excitation/emission sets, but you only need one ‘complete system’. You would order SFA-RB ($1,298.50) and SFA-LFS-GR ($652.00).
Scenario 3 – You already own a NIGHTSEA system, for example SFA-RB, and want to add another wavelength set to observe RFP
You just need the add-on modular Green excitation/emission set, SFA-LFS-GR, price $652.00.
High points
- Requires NO disassembly or modification to your microscope
- Installs in under a minute
- Power supply compatible with 110/220V, 50/60Hz, and comes with modular international plug set – US, EU, UK, AU
- Does not interfere with ordinary use – the barrier filters attach magnetically so they can be easily removed at any time
- No warm-up or cool-down required – true instant on/off
- Modular excitation/emission – purchase what you need, expand at any time
- Works with virtually every existing stereo microscope, regardless of age
- Components are color coded to avoid confusion
- Easily moved between microscopes
- Includes unique filter shield – dual function as eye protection and as a viewing filter
- Accessories to increase versatility (see below)
- Made in USA
Accessories
- DIM and PULSE options – add dimming control or control ON/OFF with an external signal
- Light head hanger system – take the light head off the gooseneck, or drive two light heads from one base
- Switch Box Kit – attach two wavelengths and easily switch back and forth
- Eclipse MicroTent™ – world’s first patent pending ‘tent of darkness’ so that you don’t need to be tied to a dark room
- SFA Battery Pack – a compact DC battery that will run the system for > 8 hours continuous
- Tru-Block Eye Shields – prevent interfering ambient light from reaching your peripheral vision
- Infrared (IR) light source – a modular 850nm light source that is compatible with the SFA base