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Optical life sciences filters are 'revolutionary'

Edited by the Laboratorytalk editorial team Nov 16, 2004

Claiming exceptional signal-to-noise performance, these filters enable rapid fluorescence measurements and higher instrument throughput, and therefore greater productivity

Bookham has launched what it calls a revolutionary new line of optical filters for the life sciences industry.

The Clarity line of fluorescence filters from the Bookham New Focus division, in collaboration with the company's thin film products group, marks the first transfer of the company's thin-film optical-filter technology from the telecommunications market into the life sciences market.

The filters' superior contrast and exceptional reliability are unmatched by the older technologies currently used by life sciences vendors.

says Bookham.

"Optical filters are widely used in life science analytical and diagnostic instruments for fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, DNA sequencing, microarrays and other fluorescence applications," said Steve Turley, chief commercial officer.

The ability to deliver a range of highly differentiated and technically advanced enabling products, like the Clarity fluorescence filters, for this market will greatly benefit life sciences OEMs".

With their exceptional signal-to-noise performance, or contrast, Clarity filters enable rapid fluorescence measurements and higher instrument throughput, and therefore greater productivity for OEMs and their customers says Bookham.

Bookham New Focus also supplies the life-science industry with low-noise detectors, ultra-stable optomechanics, high-performance optics, precision lasers and OEM photonics subassemblies.

These filters are the latest additions to the Bookham New Focus photonics tool chest.

Photonics products manipulate light - the flow of photons - just like electronic products manipulate electricity - the flow of electrons.

Photonics represents a key enabling technology in a variety of industries, including semiconductor IC processing, biotechnology, oil well recovery, industrial sensing and telecommunications.