Optoscan Monochromator
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For Rapid, Intense Fluorescence Illumination
The Optoscan monochromator from Cairn Research is the only instrument of its type to offer control of both centre-wavelength and bandwidth with millisecond time resolution. Combined with Cairn signal processing modules and optical hardware it forms the heart of a powerful and flexible microfluorescence system. Alternatively it can be readily integrated into commercial imaging systems, or custom controlled for bespoke applications.
This instrument has been designed specifically with real-time biological fluorescence measurements in mind, but has evolved into a truly versatile laboratory tool. If your application requires fast, flexible and automated illumination control then the Cairn Optoscan may well be the instrument of choice.

Other commercial monochromators include the facility to change bandwidth between experiments using a manual control. This is sufficient for many purposes, but is not ideal for complex protocols especially those involving multiple fluorescence markers. Only by controlling bandwidth in real-time during experiments can each excitation wavelength be optimised independently. This means that where Stoke's shifts are large or where fluorescence intensities are weak then a relatively large bandwidth can be selected to maximise signal-to-noise. Conversely if there is a small Stoke's shift or if the fluorescence intensity is high then the slit width can be minimised to reduce bleed through and optimise dynamic range.

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Applications
Features
  • Millisecond control of centre-wavelength and bandwidth (typical shifts take 0.5 – 2msec)
  • Standard version supports wavelengths from 300 – 700nm and bandwidths from 0 – 30nm
  • High throughput F/2 corrected optics
  • Compatible with full range of xenon, mercury and mixed gas arc light sources
  • Integral fast electronic shutter on all models
  • Modular design is compatible with a range of light sources and filter changers
  • USB, Microprocessor, PCI, digital, and analog control options
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Optical hardware options
The Optoscan monochromator can be configured with a range of different input and output couplings, but is typically combined with a Cairn Optosource light source, and a fibre-optic output for interfacing with an epifluorescence microscope.

The main options regarding the monochromator itself are the choice of diffraction grating, and of how the bandwidth control is implemented. The standard Optoscan is fitted with a grating optimised for 320nm – 550nm, and switching times in the region of 1 msec, but gratings optimised for different wavelengths, or for ultra-high speed switching are available on request.

It is our view that bandwidth control is best achieved by automating both input and exit slits of the monochromator. For less demanding applications, or where funds are tight, we can also offer models with manual control of the input slit or of both input and exit slits. The version with manual input and automated output slit allows some tuning of bandwidth and intensity in real-time and is a powerful lower budget alternative to the fully automatic version. The manual bandwidth model is less flexible for multi-wavelength protocols, but is still more powerful than most competing products. The following standard models are most commonly supplied:

Product Code Product Description
P130/ELE/450 Optoscan monochromator with full rapid galvo grating and slit width (450nm ruled grating)
P130/EHE/200 Optoscan monochromator with full rapid galvo grating and slit width (2000 lpmm holographic grating)
P130/MLE/450 Optoscan monochromator with rapid galvo grating and exit slit; manual input slit (450nm ruled grating)
P130/MHE/200 Optoscan monochromator with rapid galvo grating and exit slit; manual input slit (2000lpmm holographic grating)
P130/MLM/450 Optoscan monochromator with rapid galvo grating and manual slit width (450nm ruled grating)
P130/MHM/200 Optoscan monochromator with rapid galvo grating and manual slit width (2000lpmm holographic grating)
Control and power supply options
Flexibility has always paramount in the design of Cairn equipment and the monochromator is no exception. The Optoscan can be used as either a standalone unit, or in conjunction with Cairn or third-party photometry and imaging software. Drivers are available for a range of commercial software platforms and a dynamic link library (DLL) is provided for seamless integration into any currently unsupported environments. In addition to this a TTL digital interface is provided so that the Optoscan can be controlled by a customer's own software without the need to write drivers; or sychronised directly to digital cameras if fast precise timing is important. The following control options are available for the Optoscan:
Power supply with USB and TTL digital interface
Product Code Product Description
P315/USB/000 Power supply and USB interface for Optoscan monochromator
Power supply with Digital-to-Analog-Converter (DAC) computer card
Product Code Product Description
P315/DAC/000 Power supply and DAC interface for Optoscan monochromator
P320/DRI/000 DAC card, drivers and cable for third party Optoscan control
Microprocessor controller for integration into our photomultiplier photometry system
These racks are available in a range of sizes depending on how many amplifiers and other modules are required and can be supplied with an optional front panel key pad and display, or for computer control only.
Product Code Product Description
P300/Sxx/001 Double-height photometry rack with Optoscan control, keypad and display
P305/Sxx/001 Single-height photometry rack with Optoscan control, keypad and display
P310/Sxx/001 Standalone Optoscan monochromator controller (with keypad & display)
Power supply only for using the Optoscan with a customer's own DAC solution
Product Code Product Description
P315/000/000 Power supply for Optoscan monochromator