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Dual emission imaging on a single camera chip
Product Overview
The Cairn Optosplit image splitter is a simple device enabling a single camera to record images simultaneously at two different optical wavelengths. Traditionally an electronic filter changer or a second camera would be used, neither of which is ideal for all applications. The switching speed of an electronic filter changer limits the system and means that the two images are not truly synchronous. Adding a second camera to an imaging system is expensive and often unnecessarily complicated, because in many instances the region of interest does not require the full resolution of the camera. The Optosplit has been designed as a convenient, inexpensive solution to simultaneous dual wavelength imaging. It has the unique feature of a rotating mirror cradle, which gives adjustable spatial separation, to facilitate image registration. We can also offer a choice of variable field apertures to define the region of interest and prevent cross-talk between the two wavelengths.

Device drivers are included in several commercial imaging packages to assist registration and to allow realtime and off-line ratioing or fluorescence overlays. Alternatively the Optosplit can be used with simple image capture software and the processing carried out manually off-line. The simple and accessible design makes the Optosplit an excellent platform for alternative applications, such as dual polarisation imaging. Whilst optimised for coupling to a scientific microscope, the Optosplit can also be used with camera lenses or any other system of lenses which produce an image plane of suitable size.

Applications
Features
  • Compact design with integral C-mount input and output ports
  • Simple & precise controls for image registration
  • Interchangeable filter/dichroic holders for dual and single wavelength imaging
  • Aperture diaphragms to balance signal levels if appropriate
  • Choice of magnification
More Information...
Optical hardware options
A fully functional Optosplit comprises of a field aperture to define the Region Of Interest (ROI), the main body which contains the splitting mirrors and adjustment mechanism, and a dichroic mirror and filter holder with appropriate filter sets. This would typically break down as follows:
Field aperture.

We provide a choice of iris or rectangular field apertures; alternatively the Optosplit can be used with any existing ROI framing device in an image plane (typically a C-mount camera port of a fluorescence microscope). A fully adjustable pre-centred rectangular aperture is the default option as this allows the geometry of any camera chip to be fully utilised, but an iris diaphragm is a cheaper alternative where appropriate.

Product Code Product Description
P222/IRI/000 Iris diaphragm assembly (for defining field of view to detection devices)
P220/DIA/001 Rectangular diaphragm with coupling to Optosplit image splitter Image splitter body
Image splitter body
This component includes the lenses and mirror cradle to allow images to be relayed with variable separation. The standard configuration has x1 magnification with C-mount input and output ports to fit seamlessly in-line with a CCD camera. Please let us know if you require alternative magnification or couplings.
Product Code Product Description
P270/011/440 Emission image splitter ( requires diaphragm, dichroic and filters)
Dichroic mirror and filter holders
These interchangeable sub-units hold the dichroic beamsplitter and interference filters to control the wavelengths of the two pathways. The dichroic holder is fully adjustable for precise alignment and the filter holders include individual iris aperture diaphragms to differentially attenuate the two wavelengths for balancing intensities. Changing filters and the dichroic mirror is a straightforward process, but a spare holder is useful if multiple filter sets ar being used routinely. An additional simpler filter holder unit is also available so that the Optosplit can produce an unsplit full field image when dual wavelengths are not need.
Product Code Product Description
P271/000/000 Mirror holder for single wavelength emission output from image splitter
P272/000/000 Precision adjustable dichroic and filter holder for image splitter
Filter sets
The Optosplit uses 25mm emission filters and 25 x 40mm dichroic beamsplitters. We usually use filters from the Chroma range, any of which can be supplied pre-installed. Alternatively if you already have filters then they are very easy to fit. Typical filter sets are shown below.
Calcium Imaging
Product Code Product Description
D-D405/30m Indo1 short emitter (25mm)
D-D485/25m Indo1 long emitter (25mm)
D-440DCLP Indo 1 emission dichroic (25x40mm)
FRET
Product Code Product Description
D-480?m CFP emitter (25mm)
D530?m YFP emitter (25mm)
D-495DCLP CFP/YFP emission dichroic