X-Cite® StoreFluorescence Microscopy Illumination
Fluorescence microscopy is a rapidly advancing field with continued enhancements in imaging capabilities that allow biologists to examine living cells and organic tissues in exceptional detail. Over the last decade, fluorescence excitation light source advancements have largely contributed to the improved acquisition of imaging data for specimens with features that are too small to be seen with the naked eye, or have transparent characteristics using traditional brightfield microscopy.
In fluorescence microscopy applications, illumination systems are used to deliver excitation energy to a specimen via the microscope which then separates the emitted fluorescence light from the intense excitation light to generate a high contrast image. The performance and control of an excitation light source is therefore critical to high quality image acquisition and consistent results.
Fluorescence Excitation Light Source
The fluorescence excitation of most common fluorophores requires illumination primarily in the blue/green portion of the visible light spectrum. The discrete wavelength peaks of mercury arc lamps in this spectral region have traditionally made them an ideal choice for an excitation light source in fluorescence microscopy, along with more recently introduced light emitting diodes (LEDs) for their enhanced wavelength specificity and rapid on/off times, which provide benefits for a broad range of applications.
The main drawbacks to a traditional mercury excitation source have predominantly been bulb-life and the maintenance requirements for proper optical alignment and illumination uniformity. These challenges have been vastly overcome in more advanced designs by isolating the excitation light source from the fluorescence microscope to provide an easily aligned, optically efficient and extended bulb-life solution. Advanced fluorescence excitation systems from X-Cite® will provide at least 10x the bulb-life with pre-aligned optics to produce uniform sample illumination, along with the added benefit of eliminating undesirable heat and vibration from transferring to the microscope, enhancing image stability and overall optical performance.
X-Cite® offers a broad array of innovative fluorescence excitation and measurement solutions that provide researchers and clinicians with unsurpassed reliability and control essential in fluorescence microscopy. Recognized as the industry standard with significant ultraviolet (UV) and visible light fluorescence expertise, X-Cite® combines maximum optical performance and stability with ease-of-use. Together with established global alliances, X-Cite® provides customers with increased accessibility and convenience while enhancing their ability to accelerate research.
Resetting the standard for LED illumination for fluorescence imaging - Now delivering maximum power and speed for live cell imaging with the ability to customize to specific application needs.
Have you wondered how much money you would save by switching over to an X-Cite® system from your existing mercury lamp? The new X-Cite® Cost Savings Calculator compares the cost of owning an X-Cite® vs. a standard mercury HBO lamp according to your usage.
For consistent and repeatable illumination throughout your experiments, measure optical power where it matters most – at the objective plane.
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Lumen Dynamics is pleased to offer the convenience of online purchasing to our X-Cite® customers.
Just used your last spare lamp? Need a new light guide in a hurry? Want to measure light where it really matters? You've come to the right place; we always have
X-Cite® replacement components in stock! And, we are now offering the Optical Power Measurement System online!"
