Free online tool from Semrock optimizes fluorescence microscopy hardware
Rochester, NY--To allow fluorescence microscope users and optical instrument designers to predetermine the optimal fluorophore, light source, detector, and optical filter combinations for their microscope or system, Semrock released SearchLight, its newest LightSuite online tool at http://SearchLight.Semrock.com. Semrock says that by removing the guesswork and hours of searching multiple sources for spectral data, SearchLight users will be able to eliminate trial-and-error headaches and work more efficiently. Users can select from an extensive collection of preloaded spectra or upload their own spectral data in this free and openly accessible online tool.
Semrock says that SearchLight contains the most comprehensive selection of spectra for over 550 fluorophores, optical filters and filter sets, light sources, and detectors available in one place, allowing the user to experiment with the functionality of a system by visually analyzing the overlap of spectra, and by performing instantaneous quantitative calculations of the desired fluorescence signals, noise levels, and signal-to-noise ratios for unlimited combinations of system components. Results may be saved in a secure personal storage area for future access. Or findings can be shared easily with others by exporting to a spreadsheet or printing to a PDF file for e-mailing or generating a hardcopy.
The tool is also free, and was developed to be a shared resource among researchers and system designers in order to streamline the process of modifying an experimental setup and designing a new fluorescence optical system.
Semrock, a Unit of IDEX Corporation, manufactures optical filters for the biotech and analytical instrumentation industries, as well as for more general laser and optical systems applications. Semrock's patented and patent-pending products include its BrightLine fluorescence filters, filters for Raman spectroscopy, and other filters for lasers and optical systems.
SOURCE: Semrock; www.semrock.com/PressReleases.aspx?id=88
Gail Overton | Senior Editor (2004-2020)
Gail has more than 30 years of engineering, marketing, product management, and editorial experience in the photonics and optical communications industry. Before joining the staff at Laser Focus World in 2004, she held many product management and product marketing roles in the fiber-optics industry, most notably at Hughes (El Segundo, CA), GTE Labs (Waltham, MA), Corning (Corning, NY), Photon Kinetics (Beaverton, OR), and Newport Corporation (Irvine, CA). During her marketing career, Gail published articles in WDM Solutions and Sensors magazine and traveled internationally to conduct product and sales training. Gail received her BS degree in physics, with an emphasis in optics, from San Diego State University in San Diego, CA in May 1986.