Hi guys was wondering if you can give me direction on how should I go about reusing this ix73 microscope. I got tasked in my lab to reuse/ rebuild this microscope. We plan to use it for epi fluorescence application: PL and Raman measurements. If you guys can give me tips that would be great.
I hate that no one replied to this. The IX73 is a good frame. If you’re still working on this, my advice for using it for Raman is as follows: Try and get it working with micromanager, and buy an automated stage that can be controlled with micromanager or a similar software. You’ll likely want to use either the rear or side port for your Raman beam line. It’s a little tedious to align, but you should be able to do it with a couple mirrors outside the frame assuming all the internal optics are still in good condition.
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Lovely double deck system. I hope you are still seeing updates.
For starters, you need a stage. Any IX model stage can be mounted but the ix3 types ensure adequate clearance for objectives. I have a used ix3-mvr for sale, I can do a discount if it is sold outside of eBay. I also have the inserts available as well. You might want motorised though, Prior/Märzhäuser/Ludl should have you covered.
It appears that you are lacking an illumination arm as well, there appears to be a cage frame mounted (thorlabs?), you can build your own epifluorescence illuminator.
You probably still need or want brightfield, so a lamphouse on the top (lh100-3-L) would work well.
I can see a custom breadboard deck installed in the top position, above the fluorescence turret. I have no idea what it is used for but it could accommodate your Ramen setup.
Depending on your needs, you can just source used objectives. The IX73 is pretty easy to service yourself (sorry Evident). You can access the internal optics from the rear plate for a basic overhaul, like cleaning out dust and mould.