Tunable Filter Changers Sutter Lambda VF-5?„? / VF-1?„?

In order to pick a wavelength throughout a broad spectrum range to any particular nanometer value, Sutter Instrument has created a number of filter changers. The Lambda VF-5™ and Lambda VF-1™ offer exceptional bandpass features like high transmission (almost 100%), steep edges, and out of band blocking thanks to the use of VersaChrome® thin-film filter technology from Semrock®. These filters can pass an image, making them equally appropriate for excitation and emission channels.

How It Works

Each filter's broad spectral range can be narrowed down to a specific wavelength by varying the angle of incidence between 0 and 60 degrees. Regardless of the degree of polarization of the light flowing through the filter, this tweaking results in little to no change in the spectral performance of the filter. 7 filters of the current VersaChrome series range in wavelength from 338 to 900 nm. Users can choose any configuration of filters for the Lambda VF-5 (which contains up to 5 filters), or any particular filter in the series for the Lambda VF-1, by simply selecting the appropriate center-wavelength on the controller.

This new generation of tunable filter changers uses a customized Lambda 10-3 controller. The desired center wavelength can be chosen by the user in 1nm steps using the keypad, serial interface, or USB port. As a result, the popular Lambda 10-3 controller's popular Lambda VF instruments can be controlled with little modification to the software already in use. The controller may record a sequence of wavelengths, and the TTL input can then be utilized to step-by-step pick the wavelengths in the sequence. Each VersaChrome filter in the series has data in the firmware that is individual to that filter.

The Lambda VF-5 

The Lambda VF-5 offers a proprietary white-light output mode that enables the operator to utilize the entire spectral output of the excitation light source when necessary, in addition to the option to choose any wavelength in the range offered by any arrangement of 5 VersaChrome filters. The rejected light from the VersaChrome filter is collected at a 45-degree angle, and the two beams are then combined on the VF-5's output side to produce white light. If this setup is preferred, a second personalized light guide and SmartShutter® system are needed.

We advise installing the five filters with the longer center-wavelengths covering from 430 nm to 800 nm when utilizing the Lambda VF-5 for emission applications. We advise installing the 5 filters that have the shortest wavelengths, which range from 338 to 620 nm, for excitation applications. Any five filters could be fitted in the Lambda VF-5 for particular applications. Any single filter in the series is compatible with the compact Lambda VF-1. The Lambda VF-1's single VersaChrome filter is replaceable as necessary.

The Lambda VF-1

Each single filter from the series can be used with the Lambda VF-1 and can be switched out for another filter as necessary. This variant provides quicker changeover times along with a more portable and cost-effective solution. The controller may operate a separate filter wheel or SmartShutter when used with the Lambda VF-1.

FEATURES

• Lambda 10-3 support (with special programming)
• White light output technology with a patent
• Wide range of wavelengths from 338 to 900 nm
• In nanometer increments, reach any center-wavelength
• Filters let images through, making it appropriate for both excitation and emission
• Switching between fluorphore combinations is simple
• A liquid light guide option provides complete vibration isolation
• High transmission, steep spectral edges, and superior out-of-band blocking are all benefits of thin-film technology
• Independence from polarization (s and p nearly identical)

APPLICATIONS

• Hyperspectral imaging wavelength selection
• Fluorescence microscopy
• Ratiometric imaging
• Calcium imaging
• FURA
• Optogenetics