Nikon MicroscopyU interactive Flash and Java tutorials are designed to simplify and explain complex topics in microscopy, optics, digital imaging, and photomicrography. Each tutorial explores an individual topic and takes advantage of the powerful Flash technology to create interactive features that allow the visitor to change parameters and observe how this affects the phenomenon being studied. Use the links below to navigate to interactive Flash tutorials of interest.

Apodized Phase Contrast - In apodized phase contrast microscopy, halo attenuation and an increase in specimen contrast can be obtained by the utilization of selective amplitude filters located adjacent to the phase film in the phase plates built into the objective at the rear focal plane. These amplitude filters consist of neutral density filter thin films applied to the phase plate surrounding the phase film as illustrated in the tutorial window.

Oblique Coherent Contrast Illumination - Featuring new objectives with substantially higher numerical apertures and an industry-leading zoom ratio of 15x, the Nikon SMZ1500 establishes a new standard in stereomicroscopy. This interactive Flash tutorial explores the light path and images produced with Nikon's proprietary Oblique Coherent Contrast illumination system designed to optimize contrast in transmitted stereoscopic microscopy.

SMZ-1500 Stereoscopic Microscope - Many stereoscopic microscopes feature the ability to perform a continuous magnification change by means of a zoom lens system placed between the objective and the eyepieces. Explore zoom magnification, focus, and illumination intensity in the Nikon SMZ-1500 stereoscopic microscope with this interactive Flash tutorial.

SMZ-1500 Light Pathways - Stereoscopic microscopes have separate optical pathways for each eyepiece, a system which is designed to produce a beautiful three-dimensional view of complex specimens at relatively low magnifications. In addition, these microscopes provide a large field and a larger working distance than compound microscopes. Examine the lightpath in Nikon's new SMZ-1500 stereoscopic microscope with this interactive Flash tutorial.

TE300 Inverted Microscope Light Paths - The TE300 is a multi-port research level inverted optical microscope designed to accommodate a closed-circuit vidicon or digital camera and a conventional 35 mm SLR camera. This interactive Flash tutorial explores optical pathways in the Nikon TE300 inverted microscope, the latest innovation in tissue culture and physiological microscopes.

Toroidal Mirrors - The C-BD Diascopic Brightfield/Darkfield stand introduced with the Nikon SMZ-1500 utilizes a seven-sided toroidal mirror to substantially reduce stray light. Use this interactive Flash tutorial to explore how mirror shape affects the amount of light entering the objective in darkfield stereoscopic microscopy.

CCD Resolution for Optical Microscopy - The ultimate resolution of a CCD is a function of the number of photodiodes and their size relative to the image projected onto the chip's surface by the microscope optics. When attempting to match microscope optical resolution to a specific digital camera, use this calculator to determine the necessary pixel density to adequately capture all of the data from the microscope.

Integrated Circuit Inspection - Examine individual layers on the surface of integrated circuits with this interactive Flash tutorial. Photomicrographs for the tutorial were derived from a Nikon Optiphot C200 reflected light confocal microscope.

Interactive Java Tutorial Index - Programmed with Visual J++, our Java applets take advantage of the mathematical power of Java combined with images and graphics to produce interactive tutorials that can be controlled and modified by the user. All tutorials are controlled by a combination of slider bars, radio buttons, and pull-down menus as will be described in detail in the lower portions of this page.