Eclipse MicroTent – On-Demand Darkness for Fluorescence Microscopy
What is this?
The Eclipse MicroTent™ is a patented accessory for fluorescence microscopy that provides local darkness around conventional laboratory stereo microscopes while still providing easy access to the sample stage and the focus and zoom controls.
** We may now be able to supply custom solutions for a greater variety of microscopes – read more …
The Eclipse MicroTent™ is protected by US Patent No. 10,175,467
What is the benefit?
You can eliminate the interference from ambient light without being tied to a dedicated darkened room, turning off overhead lights (and inconveniencing your labmates), or building makeshift structures around your microscope. You can even do fluorescence microscopy outdoors in full sun!
Why did we develop this?
We wanted to provide our customers with a way to take full advantage of our Model SFA fluorescence adapter system that enables you to add fluorescence to just about any stereo microscope. Sometimes those microscopes may be on lab benches in shared spaces, near windows, or in other difficult-to-darken locations. Fluorescence can be weak and in many cases it can be difficult to see well if there is any ambient light. And what if you wanted to conduct fluorescence research in the field? An easy-to-use source of portable darkness enables you to do fluorescence anywhere.
How does it work?
The Eclipse MicroTent™ is fabricated from true blackout material that creates local darkness around a microscope while still providing easy access to the eyepieces, the sample stage, and the focus and zoom controls.
Features
- Opening for the microscope oculars with elastic sleeve to minimize light entry
- Large front flap provides easy access to the sample stage and can be fastened open
- Arm slots on sides provide additional access to focus and zoom controls
- Folds flat for storage
Is the tent all I need for darkness?
Excellent question! Once you have solved the problem of too much light around the microscope the next limiting factor is light entering your eyes from the side. To deal with this with each we provide two pairs of Tru-Block™ Eye Shields, one each Standard and Compact size, with each tent.
What if I want to take pictures, run CO2 lines, or something like that?
We knew you would ask. We provide two sizes of feedthrough patches so that you can add penetrations for a camera port, power cords, CO2 lines, or other features as you require.
Show me pictures!
(click any image below to expand, use left and right arrows to scroll)
-
- Eclipse MicroTent installed around microscope
-
- Eclipse MicroTent installed around microscope, with front flap open
-
- Eclipse MicroTent installed around microscope
-
- Eclipse MicroTent folded flat for storage
-
- Stereo microscope set up on the beach, with the Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter powered by a battery
-
- Stereo microscope set up on the beach, with the Eclipse MicroTent installed
-
- Fluorescence microscopy on the beach in the middle of the afternoon with the Eclipse MicroTent, Tru-Block Eye Shields, and SFA Battery Pack
-
- White light photograph of the underside of a snail shell, showing the operculum
-
- Fluorescence stereo micrograph of underside of a snail shell, showing the operculum and algae growing on the shell
-
- High noon in the desert – fluorescence microscopy with the Eclipse MicroTent and SFA Battery Pack
-
- Fluorescence stereo micrograph of a desert flower taken outdoors using the SFA, Eclipse MicroTent, and SFA Battery Pack
-
- Fluorescence stereo micrograph of a desert flower taken outdoors using the Eclipse MicroTent
-
- Drosophila photographed outdoors without the Eclipse MicroTent, 1 sec exposure
-
- Drosophila photographed outdoors using the Eclipse MicroTent, 1 sec exposure
How can you work outdoors? Where do you plug in?
For fieldwork you can power the SFA system with a compact, long-lasting battery pack made specially for this application. Watch this video showing how you can set the system up anywhere. This is an old video, made before the Eclipse MicroTent™ was developed.
Part number and pricing
- SFA-TENT – $397.50 – includes tent, eye shields, and feedthrough patches
Specifications
- Material – Flame-resistant blackout fabric
- Dimensions, open – 50 x 50 x 30 cm (20 x 20 x 12 in.) (width, height, depth)
- Dimensions, flat – 50 x 50 x 1.3 cm (20 x 20 x 0.5 in.)
How do I order?
Master distributor – Electron Microscopy Sciences
Local microscope dealers – The Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter and its accessories are also 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.