OK

Business customer

Inverted Microscopes

KERN inverted microscopes offer versatile solutions for cell culture, fluorescence applications, and materials analysis. Whether used with transmitted light, integrated fluorescence, or in metallurgical reflected light configurations – these models impress with ergonomic design, high precision, and extensive upgrade options including camera systems and accessories.

Minimize window
Inverted Microscopes for Cell Culture, Diagnostics and Materials Testing – KERN Precision in Three Variants
 
Professional Microscopy from Below the Sample
KERN inverted microscopes are the ideal solution for analyzing samples in culture vessels, Petri dishes or on solid materials. Unlike conventional microscopes, inverted models place the objective system beneath the specimen stage – making them perfect for cell observation, fluorescence analysis and material inspection.
KERN offers three specialized product families with trinocular heads and either LED or halogen illumination to meet the needs of different applications.
 
KERN Product Series at a Glance
 
1. Inverted Microscopes – OCM Series
For classic applications in biology and cell culture
Typical use cases: Cell culture, microbiology, laboratory diagnostics
Models: OCM 161, OCM 167
Illumination: Transmitted light (LED or halogen)
Objectives: 10x / 20x / 40x
Optional: Upgradeable with phase contrast module
 
2. Inverted Fluorescence Microscopes – OCM Series
For advanced fluorescence analysis in research and medicine
Typical use cases: Cell biology, diagnostics, labeled specimens
Models: OCM 165, OCM 166, OCM 168
Illumination: Transmitted light + fluorescence (LED or halogen)
Objectives: 10x / 20x / 40x
Special features: Compatible with phase contrast and fluorescence filter modules
 
3. Metallurgical Inverted Microscopes – OLM Series
For materials testing, surface inspection and industrial quality assurance
Typical use cases: Metallography, coating inspection, manufacturing control
Models: OLM 170 (LED), OLM 171 (halogen)
Illumination: Reflected light (LED or halogen depending on model)
Objectives: 5x / 10x / 20x / 50x
Features: Durable design for reflective surfaces and hard materials
 
Typical Areas of Application
✓ Cell culture analysis in biological and pharmaceutical labs
✓ Fluorescence observation in research and education
✓ Metallography and surface analysis of materials
✓ Quality assurance in production and materials development
 
 Target Groups
✓ Clinical diagnostic laboratories
✓ Universities, research labs and educational institutions
✓ Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry
✓ Materials testers, QA departments and manufacturing companies
 
About KERN & SOHN GmbH
Since 1844, KERN has stood for precision and reliability in measurement technology. As a family-owned company with a long tradition, we combine fine mechanical expertise with modern digital solutions. Our inverted microscopes meet the highest standards for use in science, industry and education – worldwide.
 
? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 
1. How does an inverted microscope work?
An inverted microscope positions the objective lenses below the sample stage and the illumination above. This setup enables precise observation of specimens in culture dishes, Petri dishes, or on solid substrates from underneath – ideal for live cell imaging and large or flat samples.
 
2. What is the difference between an inverted and an upright microscope?
A conventional upright microscope has the light source beneath the sample and the objectives on top. An inverted microscope reverses this arrangement: the objectives are located underneath the sample, making it perfect for observing cell cultures in liquid without moving or staining the specimen.
 
3. What are typical applications for an inverted microscope?
Inverted microscopes are commonly used for:
Live cell observation in biology and medical research,
Fluorescence microscopy in diagnostics and pharmaceutical analysis,
Material testing and surface inspection of metals and coatings in industrial quality control.
 
4. Can inverted microscopes be used for solid materials?
Yes – the KERN OLM series is optimized for metallurgical analysis and reflective surfaces. These microscopes use reflected light and feature robust, high-magnification objectives for examining solid samples such as metals, alloys, and coatings.
 
5. What are the differences between the three KERN inverted microscope types?
The OCM series covers cell culture and routine diagnostics.
Fluorescence models are ideal for marker-based applications in life science and medicine.
The OLM series is designed for industrial material analysis and metallography.
 
6. Are LED and halogen versions available?
Yes – depending on the model, both LED and halogen illumination are available. LED systems offer energy efficiency and long life, while halogen provides high color fidelity, especially for demanding imaging tasks.
 
7. Can I connect a microscope camera?
Absolutely – all KERN models feature a trinocular tube, making them compatible with digital microscope cameras. Ideal for live image display, photodocumentation, and integration into digital laboratory workflows.
 
8. Do any models offer reflected light?
Yes – reflected light illumination is available exclusively in the OLM series. These microscopes are specifically engineered for solid and reflective materials, such as metallic surfaces.
 
Buy the Right Inverted Microscope Today!
Want to find the inverted microscope that best suits your application?
Contact our experts:
Phone: +49 (0) 7433 / 9933-777
Email: optics@kern-sohn.com