Advanced optical instruments provider Nikon Instruments Inc. and Agilent Technologies, a measurement company, announced an agreement for distribution in the Americas of Agilent’s MLC400 monolithic laser combiner systems, which will be integrated into laser systems designed for Nikon’s Ti-E PFS “Perfect Focus’ inverted research microscope. The integration of the systems will allow researchers to maximize productivity and minimize system down time. Incorporated into the Ti-E PFS system—capable of multi-day live-cell imaging experiments—and under the control of NIS-Elements Advanced Research, the integration can be run at camera frame rate or faster. “The combination of Nikon’s superior imaging optics with Agilent’s expertise in precision optics and laser systems makes this a natural synergy,” said Stephen Ross, general manager of product and marketing for Nikon. “We believe this agreement will provide our customers with both the imaging and laser capabilities they require for high-end research and experimentation.” The two companies will initially begin integration of the systems for total internal reflection fluorescence, photobleaching/photoactivation and field scanning confocal systems. For more information, visit: www.nikoninstruments.com