New Horizons in Microscopy: Nikon ECLIPSE Ci‑E and Ci‑L plus

In clinical laboratories and research facilities, uncompromising precision is demanded just as much as ergonomic usability. Nikon addresses these needs with the ECLIPSE Ci series — offering two variants, Eclipse Ci‑E and Ci‑L plus, that combine advanced functionality, user comfort, and high optical quality.

Overview: The ECLIPSE Ci Series

The Ci line comprises upright microscopes equipped with LED illumination, designed specifically for routine laboratory use. They are engineered to enable comfortable operation — from specimen handling and visual observation to image capture. Exceptional attention has been paid to ergonomics and user-friendliness so that extended periods of use remain as strain-free as possible.

Shared Features of Eclipse Ci‑E and Ci‑L plus

Both models share a range of capabilities that make them highly suitable for modern laboratories:

• Eco‑Illumination (LED system): A high-luminosity LED with an expected lifetime of roughly 60,000 hours reduces maintenance and replacement costs. Using a fly-eye optical element and a collimator lens, the LED provides uniform illumination across the field and maintains consistent color temperature at all magnifications.
• Versatile imaging modes: Support for brightfield, phase contrast, darkfield, simple and sensitive polarization, and epi‑fluorescence. A wide selection of optional accessories and high-performance objectives extend the utility further.
• Ergonomic design elements: Adjustable eyepiece tubes, customizable stage‐handle height, and optimized stage configuration to enhance posture and ease of use.
• Intuitive controls and efficiency features: Display elements, automatic adjustment of brightness and scale bar, camera compatibility, and software support simplify workflows. 

Distinct Strengths of Each Model

Eclipse Ci‑L plus

This model is optimized for maximum comfort and reduction of strain on the eyes and body:

• LIM (Light Intensity Management): Records the optimal illumination level for each objective. When switching magnifications, the system automatically restores the appropriate brightness, eliminating sudden changes that can fatigue the eyes.
• Ergonomic enhancements: The eyepiece tube can be tilted (10–30°) and extended (up to 40 mm); stage handle height is adjustable; an optional spacer allows lowering of the stage height; the stage surface is ceramic‑coated for durability. These features help reduce strain during long sessions.
• On‑base status display: Key parameters such as magnification, illumination, LIM state, and mode are clearly shown on a front display, visible without breaking the observation posture.
• ECO / Sleep mode: Illumination (and LCD) is automatically powered down after inactivity, saving energy and preventing accidental over‐illumination. 

Eclipse Ci‑E

This variant is especially suited for users who frequently change magnification and need more automation and flexibility:

• Motorized magnification switching: Change magnification at the touch of a button on the microscope body. Buttons are programmable for specific objective pairs. Remote control is also possible.
• Saved light‐intensity per magnification: Similar in concept to LIM, but tied to the motorized nosepiece so that brightness settings are recalled automatically upon each magnification change.
• Remote control / external operation: Users can change magnification via a remote pad or other control interface, useful in repetitive workflows or setups requiring remote access. 

Applications & Benefits

The Nikon Eclipse Ci‑E and Ci‑L plus microscopes are well suited for:

• High-throughput clinical labs: Fast sample changes, consistent imaging performance, and low maintenance overhead
• Research environments with long observation periods: Comfortable ergonomics reduce fatigue for applications like histology or live cell work
• Multi-mode microscopy: For labs needing flexibility across illumination techniques (phase contrast, fluorescence, polarization), both models deliver high optical quality and adaptability