LEI-TECH LK-80FL Upright Research-Grade Fluorescence Microscope
| Brand | LEI-TECH |
|---|---|
| Origin | Tianjin, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Instrument Category | Upright Fluorescence Microscope |
| Model | LK-80FL |
| Excitation Source | High-Power LED (B/G/UV bands) |
| Transmission Illumination | Adjustable White LED (CCT 2850–5500 K, selectable warm/cool) |
| Eyepieces | Widefield Plan Eyepieces PL10X/23 mm |
| Objectives | 4X, 10X, 20X, 40X, 100X (Oil Immersion), Infinity-Corrected Achromatic Series |
| Fluorescence Filter Sets | DAPI, GFP, Cy3 |
| Condenser | NA 1.25 Abbe Condenser with Integrated Phase Contrast & Darkfield Accessory Ports |
| Observation Head | Trinocular, 30° Inclined, Interpupillary Distance 47–75 mm, Fixed Beam Splitter Ratio R:T = 8:2 |
| Stage | Dual-Layer Mechanical Stage, 210 × 171 mm Travel Range, Precision 0.1 mm |
| Focusing Mechanism | Coaxial Coarse/Fine Focus with Upper Limit Stop and Tension Adjustment |
| Total Magnification Range | 40X–1000X |
| Imaging System | 20 MP CMOS Camera (5440 × 3648), C-Mount Adaptor with Focusable Phototube |
| Compliance | Non-Medical Device (Not FDA 510(k) or CE IVD certified) |
| Control Mode | Manual Operation Only |
| DIC Compatibility | Not Supported |
Overview
The LEI-TECH LK-80FL is an upright research-grade fluorescence microscope engineered for rigorous life science applications requiring high-fidelity optical performance, reproducible fluorescence excitation, and multi-modal contrast imaging. Built around an infinity-corrected optical architecture (UISC — Universal Infinity Space Correction), the system eliminates chromatic and spherical aberrations across the full magnification range (40X–1000X), ensuring consistent resolution and flatness of field up to the periphery. Its modular design supports simultaneous implementation of brightfield (BF), darkfield (DF), phase contrast (PH), simple polarized light (POL), and epifluorescence observation—without mechanical realignment or optical compromise. The microscope employs a thermally stabilized, high-CRI LED illumination platform for both transmission (white light, CCT-tunable) and epi-illumination (B/G/UV LED excitation), delivering stable intensity, minimal phototoxicity, and >75,000-hour operational lifetime—critical for longitudinal live-cell or tissue studies.
Key Features
- UISC Infinity-Optimized Optical Path: Eliminates field curvature and axial color shift inherent in finite-conjugate systems; enables seamless integration of auxiliary modules (e.g., phase rings, darkfield stops) without refocusing.
- Multi-Contrast Flexibility: Single condenser (NA 1.25) accommodates BF, DF, PH, and POL via interchangeable inserts—no dedicated condensers required. Phase contrast alignment is pre-centered and factory-calibrated.
- LED-Based Epifluorescence Illumination: Three-band (B/G/UV) high-power LEDs provide narrow spectral excitation (FWHM < 25 nm) with precise bandpass filtering (DAPI, GFP, Cy3). No warm-up delay; zero mercury vapor hazard or ozone generation.
- Ergonomic Trinocular Head: 30° inclined, interpupillary adjustment (47–75 mm), high-eyepoint widefield eyepieces (PL10X/23 mm) with diopter compensation—designed for extended use and compatibility with corrective lenses.
- Robust Mechanical Architecture: Low-position coaxial focus controls with adjustable torque and upper limit stop; dual-layer mechanical stage (210 × 171 mm) with vernier scale and sub-millimeter precision (0.1 mm resolution).
- Digital Imaging Integration: Standard C-mount phototube with fine focus adjustment; compatible with 20 MP CMOS sensors (5440 × 3648) for quantitative image capture, HDR processing, and real-time Z-stack acquisition.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LK-80FL is optimized for fixed and live biological specimens including cultured cells, histological sections, plant tissues, microorganisms, and crystalline biofluids. Its high-NA condenser and oil-immersion 100X objective support sub-micron resolution in both transmitted-light and fluorescence modes. While not classified as a medical device (non-FDA 510(k), non-CE IVD), the instrument conforms to ISO 10934-1 (Microscopes — Nomenclature of components) and IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions). All optical coatings meet ISO 9211-3 anti-reflection standards. The LED illumination complies with IEC 62471 (Photobiological Safety), Class 1 Exempt for both white and UV excitation channels under normal operating conditions.
Software & Data Management
The LK-80FL operates as a hardware platform compatible with third-party imaging software (e.g., ImageJ/Fiji, NIS-Elements, CellSens Standard) via standard USB 3.0 or GigE interfaces. Native firmware supports real-time HDR (High Dynamic Range) image synthesis—dynamically balancing pixel saturation across high-contrast regions to preserve morphological detail in both dim cytoplasmic structures and bright nuclear foci. Optional features include automated Z-stack acquisition (depth profiling), multi-field mosaic stitching (for large-area tissue mapping), and timestamped metadata logging (exposure time, gain, filter position, objective ID). Audit trails and user-access logs are supported when integrated with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) adhering to GLP/GMP documentation requirements.
Applications
- Cell Biology: Subcellular localization assays (e.g., DAPI nuclear counterstaining + GFP-tagged proteins); mitotic staging; organelle dynamics in live or fixed preparations.
- Histopathology Support: Routine evaluation of H&E-stained sections (brightfield), immunofluorescent tissue arrays (GFP/Cy3 multiplex), and birefringent crystal detection (e.g., urate, cholesterol) using simple polarized light.
- Microbiology & Mycology: Morphological identification of unstained bacteria (phase contrast), fungal hyphae (darkfield), and spore viability (fluorescent viability dyes).
- Plant Science: Stomatal aperture analysis (brightfield), chlorophyll autofluorescence (red channel), and callose deposition imaging (aniline blue + UV excitation).
- Education & Core Facility Use: Designed for undergraduate teaching labs and shared instrumentation facilities where reliability, ease of training, and service accessibility are prioritized over automation.
FAQ
Is the LK-80FL compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for regulated environments?
No—the instrument is not validated for electronic records/signatures under 21 CFR Part 11. It may be deployed in GLP-compliant workflows when paired with validated third-party software meeting Part 11 requirements.
Can the microscope accommodate oil-immersion objectives beyond 100X?
The optical train and tube lens are calibrated for standard 100X oil objectives (160 mm mechanical tube length equivalent). Custom objectives require prior optical path verification by LEI-TECH engineering.
What is the warranty coverage and service response protocol?
LEI-TECH provides a 24-month limited warranty covering parts and labor. Field service engineers respond within 24 business hours for critical issues; remote diagnostics and on-site installation/training are included at time of purchase.
Are fluorescence filter cubes interchangeable with other manufacturers’ systems?
Filter sets (DAPI/GFP/Cy3) follow standard 25 mm diameter and 32 mm thread specifications (M25.5×0.75), enabling mechanical compatibility—but spectral transmission profiles must be verified against excitation/emission spectra of target fluorophores.
Does the system support motorized focus or automated stage control?
No—LK-80FL is manually operated only. Motorized upgrades (Z-drive, XY stage) are available as custom OEM integrations upon request, subject to mechanical redesign and recalibration.
