Microscope Illuminators
Microscope Illuminators
Light sources and modules designed to illuminate samples during microscopic examination.
How Are Illuminators Used?
Most compound microscopes have integral light sources or illuminators. However, some earlier or inexpensive models have only a mirror to direct light through the stage to the objective lens. For these models, an additional light source may be needed to resolve object details, especially under higher magnification.
What Are the Types of Illuminators?
LED and fiber optic are the most common types of illuminators. LED (light emitting diode) technology in illuminators offers advantages to microscopy:
- Durable and long lived
- Consistent natural color
- Produce little heat, low power consumption
- Compact and quiet
- Can be powered with DC (battery operated)
Fiber-optic illuminators may use LED or halogen (quartz-halogen) as a light source. Halogen illuminators are more expensive, but produce a brilliant incandescent white light. Quartz-halogen lamps have a fairly short life, produce more heat, use more power, and can only be powered by AC.
Fluorescent light is often used for biological research and similar applications, and fluorescent ring lights can be used as additional light sources for stereo microscopes. However, microscope illuminators have mostly replaced fluorescence with LEDs.
For stereo microscopy, choose an illuminator based on the type of specimen and the application.
- LED ring light illuminators for bright, uniform illumination
- LED spotlight illuminators with moveable goosenecks for high-contrast illumination and flexibility
- Dual LED lamps (coaxial illumination) with fiber optic light guides for viewing glossy or reflective surfaces
- LED ring lights (with rechargeable batteries) make your microscope fully portable and usable in locations where electricity is not available
Laxco™ iLED Series LED Light Source
Laxco™ iLED Series boost bright LED illumination in small, compact, small foot print system.
Cole-Parmer 20 W LED Fiber Optic Dual Gooseneck Lights Microscope Illuminator
Illuminators are designed for use with stereo microscopes.
Laxco™ LED for MZS32, MZS33, and iLED-30 Series
Laxco™ Wavelength specific LED modules
Cole-Parmer Fiber Optic Illuminator, 115 VAC
Illuminator only* Easy to use - simply turn it on and adjust the brightness. This low-noise illuminator features a stepless control knob to dial in the desired intensity.
Andwin Scientific Powerful LED Dual Gooseneck Microscope Illuminator Light
This is an LED illuminator with two 22-3/8" long 3-Watt gooseneck lamps that can be bent into various positions. The controller features independent intensity-control for each lamp, allowing for customized lighting-balance. This high-intensity cool lighting LED system is excellent for all applications including biological and electronics applications.
Victoria Supply Inc P-5761 30W 6V PHILIPS BULB
This item has a minimum qty of 7 per supplier requirements.
Cole-Parmer Cole-Parmer Self-Supportng Dual Arm Gooseneck Fiber Optic Light Pipe, 23" (58.42 cm)
Requires no stand or additional support. Connects directly to the illuminator.
Electron Microscopy Sciences miniLIGHT Set 3 2W
Constructed from the highest quality material and small as its name, this miniLight offers the most universal light source, handling many tasks that require a bright light but with a small foot print that fits into most locations.
The miniLight's main component is the miniLamp. This is a small but powerful light source. It shines very bright on a small area. It has a low dissipation loss with no hot part. Long life because the lifetime of a LED is 50,000 hours. Little power needed (1watt). Adjustable intensity and CE compatible.
Dolan-Jenner Industries FIBER-LITE MI-LED W/DUAL FIBER
Dolan-Jenner Fiber-Lite LED illuminator with dual gooseneck fibers and lenses, 115v cord, 40,000 hour life, higher output than 150w halogen sources, CE, ETL, RoHS, Made in USA
Cole-Parmer Cole-Parmer Microscopy Fiber Optic Illuminator w/Dual Gooseneck; 230 VAC
These high-performance illuminators deliver 400,000 footcandles of high-intensity cold light. Minimal light leakage makes these illuminators ideal for your photosensitive applications. Audible noise and vibration is minimal, convenient side door makes changing lamps fast and easy, light pipes fit securely without need for adapters. Built-in handle stays out of the way.
Electron Microscopy Sciences miniLIGHT Light Source, 15 degree Light Cone 2W
Light source for use with the MiniLight.
Spectra Services Inc X-CITE 120 SERIES REPL LAMP
The powerful 120W lamp used in the X-Cite 120Q Series provides excitation intensity comparable to, or better than, conventional mercury arc lamps, with an added benefit of a broader spectrum being able to excite more fluorophores. The lamps have a guaranteed life of 2000 hours.