Multi-laser fluorescence filter sets from Semrock
A line of high-performance fluorescence filter sets from Semrock (Rochester, NY) is optimized for microscopes and imaging systems that use multiple laser excitation. A dual-band filter set for simultaneous 488 and 561 nm laser excitation targets the popular GFP and mCherry fluorescent protein combination. It promises superb brightness with excellent laser blocking for high contrast, and takes full advantage of newer high-end laser microscopes, or can be used to cost-effectively upgrade older systems. Another set, comprising quad-band filters, is designed for simultaneous 405/488/561/635 excitation wavelengths, and is optimal for DAPI/GFP/mCherry/Cy5 and similar fluorophore combinations. It targets confocal and spinning-disk confocal microscopes, and total-internal-reflection-fluorescence (TIRF) systems.
For more information see Semrock's website.
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original press release from Semrock
Semrock Launches Multi-Laser Fluorescence Filter Sets
ROCHESTER, N.Y. , March 13, 2009 - Semrock, the leader in optical filters for the biotech & analytical instrumentation markets, has introduced a unique line of high-performance fluorescence filter sets optimized for microscopes and imaging systems that use multiple laser excitation. A state-of-the-art dual-band filter set for simultaneous 488 and 561 nm laser excitation is ideal for the popular GFP and mCherry fluorescent protein combination. And a remarkable new quad-band filter set for 405, 488, 561, and 635 nm laser excitation ships in April.
Researchers with laser-based microscopes doing live-cell, fluorescent-protein based imaging - in which high sensitivity and high speeds are critical - will find the 488/561 dual-band set provides superb brightness with excellent laser blocking for high contrast. This set is ideal for applications involving GFP and mRFP (especially mCherry) and similar fluorophore combinations, and takes full advantage of newer high-end laser microscopes, or can be used to cost-effectively upgrade the performance of older systems. The 488/561 set is the only hard-coated dual-laser filter set on the market today that offers steep transitions from laser blocking to fluorescence transmission, exceptionally high transmission (> 93%), and deep blocking (OD > 6) at the laser wavelengths to minimize the noise background resulting from residual excitation light. To round out the set, the matched beamsplitter has superior reflection, rapid transitions and high-transmission, low-ripple fluorescence passbands, along with the flatness, low autofluorescence, and surface cosmetic properties desired for superior imaging performance.
The new quad-band laser fluorescence set is designed for simultaneous 405/488/561/635 excitation wavelengths, and is optimal for DAPI/GFP/mCherry/Cy5 and similar fluorophore combinations.
These multi-laser sets are ideal for confocal microscopes such as the Olympus FluoView FV300, FV1000 and the Nikon Eclipse CA Plus/si, AI; for total-internal-reflection-fluorescence (TIRF) systems such as the Nikon TIRF and Olympus FV1000-EVA and TIRF Illuminator; and for spinning-disk confocal microscopes, such as the Olympus DSU system.
ABOUT SEMROCK:
Semrock, a Unit of IDEX Corporation, manufactures a wide range of quality optical filters that set the standard in performance and reliability for the biotech and analytical instrumentation industries. All Semrock optical filters are made with hard ion-beam-sputtered optical coatings. OEM filters are manufactured in volume. End-users benefit from a wide selection of standard catalog products that ship from stock. Semrock's patented and patent-pending products include the highly acclaimed BrightLine series of fluorescence filters for research and clinical microscopy, high-throughput screening, real-time PCR, and other fluorescence-based instrumentation; state-of-the-art filters for Raman spectroscopy; and other unique laser analytical instrumentation filters. Semrock's innovative products, made possible by combining modern ion-beam sputtering with Semrock's proprietary volume manufacturing technology, are covered under a five-year warranty.
Founded in September 2000, Semrock is based in Rochester, New York, a well-known center of optics, and has sales offices throughout the United States. In October 2008 Semrock became a Unit of IDEX Corporation. For additional information about Semrock, its products, and its team of international distributors, visit the company website at www.semrock.com.
Posted by Barbara G. Goode, [email protected], for BioOptics World.