Multi-Immersion Objectives
Dipping Objectives for Cleared Tissue Imaging
Special Optics and Applied Scientific Instrumentation (ASI), a provider of complex life science and light microscopy solutions, have developed two dipping objectives lenses specifically designed for light sheet microscopy of cleared tissue samples, including ASI’s dual-view Selective Plane Illumination Microscopy (diSPIM) which enables isotropic resolution without manipulating the sample. These lenses are appealing to researchers building customized microscope setups (e.g. OpenSPIM type) as they are available for separate purchase, unlike other objectives suitable for cleared tissue.
0.4 N.A. Multi-immersion Objective, with WD of 12 mm, designed for dipping media RI ranging from 1.33 to 1.56, >1 mm field of view, and ~17x magnification. When used in multi-view systems like the diSPIM, the Special Optics objective lens offers sub-micron resolution in X, Y, and Z. The large working distance enables imaging samples that were previously inaccessible. The objective permits imaging more than 5 mm deep into a flat sample when rotated at a 45° angle above the sample, as used in the diSPIM.
0.7 N.A. Multi-immersion Objective, with WD of 10 mm, is also designed for dipping media RI ranging from 1.33 to 1.56. See specification table for additional information.
Specification | 54-10-12 | 54-12-8 | Additional Info |
---|---|---|---|
Numerical Aperture |
0.4 @ RI 1.45 | 0.7 @ RI 1.45 | NA proportional to RI |
Immersion Media RI |
1.33 - 1.56 | 1.33 - 1.56 | Includes all major clearing solutions |
Effective Focal Length |
12 mm @ RI 1.45 | 10 mm @ RI 1.45 | Magnification proportional to RI |
Working Distance |
12 mm (for all RI) | 10 mm (for all RI) | |
Flat Sample Depth |
5.1 mm | 2.0 mm | Imaging depth into flat sample at 45 degree tilt |
Field of View | 1.2 mm Ø | 1.0 mm Ø | |
Spherical Correction |
480 - 1000 nm | 480 - 1300 nm | Diffraction limited for most media and λ |
Chromatic Correction |
480 - 720 nm | 480 - 720 nm | Performance varies by media. Optimized for CLARITY and TDE |
Correction Collar |
None | None | Designed for immersion w/o coverslip |
Parfocal Length |
61.6 mm | 83 mm | Both have M25 threads |
For additional information please contact Craig Fitzgerald at craig.fitzgerald@navitar.com.
Media Compatibility
Designed for dipping media RI ranging from 1.33 to 1.56, an enhanced chemically resistance sealant and non-metallic cover make the lens compatible with a wide range of media including:
- Water with salt, sugars, and other non-aggressive solutes including routine-use biological buffers
- FocusClear (CLARITY)
- Glycerol
- CUBIC-1, CUBIC-2, CUBIC-R1, CUBIC-R2
- Mineral oil
- Silicone oil
- TDE (2,2-thiodiethanol)
- Ethyl cinnamate
- Benzyl benzoate and BB-PEG (PEGASOS)
- BABB
- DBE (dibenzyl ether)
- 100% ethanol
- other proprietary organic media
This objective lens appeals to researchers building customized microscope setups (e.g. OpenSPIM type) as it is available for separate purchase, unlike other objectives suitable for cleared tissue.

