Wheel gives swift filter switching

Motorised observation filter wheel for fluorescence microscopy techniques meets the need for speed during multi-emission fluorescence experiments

In recognition of the need for speed during multi-emission fluorescence experiments, Olympus has introduced a fast observation filter wheel - the UFFWO.

This motorised wheel is ideal for certain cellular observation techniques on the molecular level, such as Fret, quantum dot applications and dual-emission ion imaging.

Designed specifically for use with the Olympus cellR and cellM high end research imaging stations for live cell microscopy, the new fast observation filter wheel has a minimal switching time of just 58 milliseconds.

This speed is essential for time course investigations of rapid intracellular events that require the acquisition of several images per second with observations made at different wavelengths.

The UFFWO is fully integrated with the cellR and cellM Experiment Manager - a graphical user interface for easy experimental set-up.

A single command icon within the experiment plan enables the automatic selection of the correct filter in optimal synchronisation with the camera and illumination equipment.

The new observation filter wheel can also be operated using the hand switch of the motorised IX81 and BX61 microscopes, while it does not require a separate control box.

With eight positions for standard 25mm filters, the filter wheel also has a simple tool-free method for filter exchange which is patent-pending and adds to the user-friendliness of the system.

The UFFWO can be mounted on all Olympus IX2 and BX2 microscopes and has been developed to minimise on vibrations when switching.

This means that there is no delay required prior to image acquisition, which is again vital for rapid intracellular observations.

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