The Cairn Aura phase contrast illuminator allows true Zernike phase contrast with a working distance up to 180 mm (clear working space!) for your most demanding experiments.
Based on a concept developed by Webb et al. at the University of Nottingham, the Aura uses concentric rings of super-bright LEDs in place of the conventional condenser and phase rings. The Aura provides the highest-quality phase contrast images with very simple alignment and works with a selection of inverted research microscopes for electrophysiology, live cell imaging, and multimodal time-lapse experiments. The Aura allows turn-key PhL, Ph1, and Ph2 and some darkfield imaging in white light or the near infrared (other colours on request).
Condenser-free contrast methods for transmitted-light microscopy – Webb, K. F., Condenser-free contrast methods for transmitted-light microscopy. Journal of Microscopy, 257: 8–22. doi:10.1111/jmi.12181 (2015)
Cairns’s design ethos is based on compatibility across a wide range of manufacturers. In the rare case where we do not have a compatible part, we have a custom design team available to provide a solution.
We provide a comprehensive 12-month warranty on all our products.
We aim for a delivery time of 2-4 weeks. However, the specific delivery time will be confirmed at the point of order.
We offer full training and support across our entire product range.
Yes, we have full custom design capabilities and a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers available to provide a solution that meets your needs.
Our CellCams are supported in Micro-Manager and we have a full SDK available.
