Inverted Microscopes

Life Science Inverted Microscope FAQs

How does an inverted microscope work?

An inverted microscope is similar to a compound microscope, but the components are positioned in an inverted configuration—thus the name “inverted” microscope. With a compound microscope, the transmitted light source and condenser lens are beneath the stage and specimen. In an inverted microscope, the condenser lens and transmitted light source are placed above the specimen while the objective, fluorescence light source, and mirror turret are positioned below.

The component positioning in an inverted microscope means that transmitted light is directed from above and the resulting image is then viewed from below. This makes inverted microscopes suitable for viewing cell culture vessels, including glass flasks or petri dishes where the specimens adhere to the bottom of the vessel.

How to use an inverted microscope?

Inverted microscopes use high-magnification optics for precise cell viewing and analysis using both transmitted and reflected light paths. Many inverted microscope configurations have a fixed stage and rely on a high-magnification objective lens that can be moved along a vertical axis to adjust the focus of a specimen (allow the specimen to be brought closer or moved farther away from the lens). Once focused, the user can observe the specimen through the oculars on an open-frame microscope, or from a computer screen if using an inverted microscope with a camera. Explore these videos to learn how to add oil to the objective of an inverted microscope and how to load a sample slide on the stage.

What is an inverted fluorescence microscope?

As previously stated, an inverted microscope is a microscope with its transmitted light source and condenser above the stage pointing down, while the objectives and turret are below the stage pointing up. Open-frame inverted microscopes, like our IXplore™ Standard and IXplore Pro systems, are great solutions for labs looking to adapt and customize a system to their needs. The systems work with multimodal solutions, such as TIRF illuminators or spinning disk confocal modules, to offer flexible imaging options. When using open-frame inverted microscopes for fluorescence imaging, a dedicated darkroom is usually required to avoid interfering signals from room lights.

If there is not enough space for a dedicated darkroom, an enclosed, all-in-one inverted fluorescence microscope, such as the APEXVIEW™ APX100 digital imaging system, is the best option. An all-in-one inverted fluorescence microscope is an automated research microscope with a box frame that enables users to image under normal lighting conditions. Its automated workflow removes complex steps typically involved in setting up an advanced fluorescence or confocal system, and these compact and versatile inverted microscopes can be placed almost anywhere in a lab or core facility.