Agilent
Technologies Inc., (NYSE: A) today introduced its monolithic laser combiner
system for confocal and fluorescence microscopy applications. The MLC400
monolithic laser combiner brings Agilent's patented complex monolithic optic
(CMO) design technology and proprietary fiber coupling capability into a
complete laser illumination solution.
The integrated lasers and optics are permanently aligned offering customers
optical system stability and ease-of-use. As a result, researchers are able to
spend more time doing scientific experimentation and less time maintaining their
illumination optics.
"Designed to meet cell biologists' growing interest in confocal and
fluorescence microscopy and their desire to work without fine-tuning their
instruments on a frequent basis, the Agilent MLC400 monolithic laser combiner is
a fully integrated, permanently aligned, turn-key instrument," said Bill Volk,
Agilent general manager, Nano Positioning Metrology Division. "The monolithic
design builds on our expertise in developing extremely reliable optical systems
for aerospace, defense and semiconductor applications. The result is an
easy-to-use laser illumination system for microscopy that installs in just a few
minutes and never requires adjustment to maintain optimal power and
alignment."
With optics bonded in a CMO, the MLC400 monolithic laser combiner delivers
stable optical power with superior performance and productivity. Other solutions
require the user to make frequent adjustments to many individual optic mounts
and lasers to maintain alignment. In the Agilent CMO design, the factory-aligned
optical structure will not drift out of alignment due to environmental factors
such as temperature changes, vibration or over time. This is a key factor in
maintaining stable laser throughput.
Agilent's MLC400 monolithic laser combiner is ideal for confocal and
fluorescence microscopy applications including, total-internal-reflection
fluorescence (TIRF), fluorescence resonant-energy transfer (FRET), fluorescence
lifetime imaging (FLIM), fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP),
fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and photo-activated localization
microscopy (PALM). The MLC400 is compatible with all major confocal and
fluorescence microscope systems. Shipments will begin in the first quarter of
calendar 2010.
The standard MLC400 monolithic laser combiner is configured with DPSS and
diode lasers at 405nm, 488nm, 561nm, 640nm and an acousto-optic tunable filter
(AOTF). A pass-through option allows users to couple alternate laser sources
such as argon ion with the system. As research needs change, the instrument can
be upgraded to add or change wavelength channels.
Agilent will showcase the MLC400 monolithic laser combiner in Booth #506
during ASCB Dec. 6-8, 2009, at the San Diego, Convention Center. Agilent will
also discuss the Next Generation in Laser-based Illumination Sources for
confocal and florescence microscopy at the Exhibitor Showcase on Tuesday, Dec.
8th at 7 AM in Room 11 of the San Diego Convention Center.