optospin-32
TwinCam with 2 x OptoSpin32 & 2 x CellCam
TwinCam with 2 x OptoSpin32 & 2 x CellCam

OptoSpin32

• High speed 32mm filter wheel
• Standard control box can drive up to two wheels
• Optimised for microscopy and other demanding applications
• Control via USB or digital interface

Product Description

OptoSpin now fully integrated into 3i SlideBook software

The Cairn Optospin32 continues our long tradition in Microscope filter wheel design, dating back to the 1980s, but taking full advantage of the continuing developments in motor and control technology that have taken place since then. It builds on our tried and tested approach of mounting the motor directly within the hub of the filter wheel, in order to maintain a compact size and to minimise the inertial and other losses associated with geared connections. An earlier design of this type used a relatively small wheel with 12.5mm diameter filters in order to further reduce the inertia – and hence the response time – but by using a newer and much more powerful type of motor, we have been able to obtain similar performance with this 32mm (and 25mm) filter design.

Read More

In addition to fast stepwise operation the OptoSpin32 can spin continuously over a wide range of speeds. Continuous spinning allows wavelengths to be changed on a millisecond timescale, as required for high-speed imaging, and also avoids the inevitable vibration problems associated with stepwise operation. The OptoSpin32 provides all the timing signals necessary to synchronise a camera and solid-state lightsource with the filter changes. To minimize inertia we have standardised on a six-filter wheel, but it is offset within its housing so that two housings can be joined in an interlocking fashion, to allow ten positions within a mechanical path length of 35mm. Another useful mode, which is also supported, is to use the second wheel as a counterbalance, driving it so as to compensate for the reaction torque from the other wheel, and hence reduce vibration.

 

Blog post – Going full circle with filter wheels, or how to accept your destiny without getting into too much of a spin….

The controller box can drive up to two filter wheels simultaneously, and can interconnect with other equipment by either a digital or a USB interface. In spin mode, either or both wheels can be spun in both speed and phase synchronisation, either at an internally programmed speed, or locked to an external reference frequency. In step mode, wheels can be simultaneously but independently stepped between any combination of filter positions.

OptoSpin32 Data Sheet OptoSpin Manual Get a Quote Back to Filter-Wheels

Additional information

Applications

• Multi channel fluorescence imaging
• High speed ratiometric imaging
• FRET
• Spectrophotometry
• Low-vibration microscopy
Key Features

• Stepping times down to 40msec between adjacent filters, 70msec between opposite ones
• Continuous spinning up to 7,500 rpm, set by internal or external reference frequency
• Compact size, only 120 x 120 x 35mm
• Two filter wheels can be mounted within the same overall 35mm optical path length
• Simple filter loading system (leaves camera in place)
• Adapter rings are available to allow standard 25mm filters to be fitted if the full optical aperture isn't required.
• Six 32mm filter positions per wheel
• Paired wheels can simulate a single ten-position wheel, with substantial speed advantage
• Control via USB or digital interface
• USB control in a range of software packages
• Full range of microscope adapters for illumination and detection
• Fully supported in NIS – Elements, SlideBook, Micro-Manager and MetaMorph

Additional information

Related articles

How do you make a filterwheel step more quickly?

Recent publications

2019

  • Fission Yeast NDR/LATS Kinase Orb6 Regulates Exocytosis via Phosphorylation of the Exocyst Complex – Read here 

Related products

  • Read more

    CoolLED pE-4000


    • Broad LED spectrum 365-770nm
    • Four channel wavelength-grouping design
    • TTL and USB interfaces
    • Works with Cairn illumination adapters

  • Read more

    OptoSpin25


    • High speed 25mm filter wheel
    • Standard control box can drive up to two wheels
    • Optimised for microscopy and other demanding applications
    • Control via USB or digital interface