OptoScan Monochromator

Combined with our signal processing modules and optical hardware, the OptoScan Monochromator forms the heart of a powerful standalone microphotometry system. Considerable effort has also been applied to making it the ideal illumination source for fluorescence imaging.

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OptoScan control is currently implemented in a wide range of commercial packages including MDS MetaFluor/Morph, RSI Neuroplex, Slidebook, Micromanager and Winfluor. We are able to provide turnkey solutions based on most of the applications below and have sufficient knowledge of all of them to offer comprehensive support. To summarise, if your application requires fast, flexible and automated illumination control then the Cairn OptoScan may well
be the instrument of choice.

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.

Application Usage

  • Fluorescence photometry
  • Fluorescence imaging
  • Optical scanning

Features and Benefits

  • Sub-millisecond control of centre wavelength with microsecond precision
  • Sub-millisecond bandwidth control allows spectral and intensity optimisation at each wavelength
  • Can be used with 75w lamps
  • Modular design means that the light source can be removed and used independently as a white light source if required
  • Light guide / fibre couplings to all popular microscopes
  • External iris diaphragm for manual intensity control
  • Built in fast electronic shuttering on all versions
  • USB, Microprocessor, PCI, digital, and analog control option

Research Examples

Coming Soon!

FAQ

Cairns’s design ethos is based on compatibility across a wide range of manufacturers. In the rare case where we do not have a compatible part, we have a custom design team available to provide a solution. 

We provide a comprehensive 12-month warranty on all our products.

We aim for a delivery time of 2-4 weeks. However, the specific delivery time will be confirmed at the point of order.

We offer full training and support across our entire product range. 

Yes, we have full custom design capabilities and a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers available to provide a solution that meets your needs. 

Our CellCams are supported in Micro-Manager and we have a full SDK available. 

Customer Reviews

"The build quality of their equipment is excellent, and has proven both reliable and versatile in our lab’s day-to-day research; our Cairn equipment has provided years of dependable service."
Andrew James
“Over the past 20 years we have purchased a wide range of equipment from Cairn Research, ranging from several Optopatch amplifiers, OptoLED, Optosourse arc lamp and custom-made optical pathways for nanoscale measurements.”
Walter Marcotti
“What I love about this company is the quality and the reliability of every piece of equipment that I purchased. The instruments are made of high-grade materials (mostly aluminum for the optics components) and are intended for heavy everyday use in the laboratory. “
Andreas Werdich

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