P270/011/440 - Image Splitter
Emission image splitter for dual emission detection using a single CCD
The Optosplit is a simple image splitting device designed to output two images side by side generated from a single input image.Using a standard 25mm interference filter in each image pathway it enables a single camera to record images simultaneously at two given emission wavelengths. This is ideal for fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and total internal reflectance (TIRF) studies as well as variations on traditional spectrophotometry such as ratiometric ion imaging (eg. Using the Calcium ion probe Indo-1) and dual probe imaging.
The idea for an image splitting device such as this is not new, and indeed the concept was first described just over a decade ago by Kinosita et al. in the Journal of Cell Biology [vol. 115, pp67-73 (1991)]. We are therefore not claiming any originality for it ourselves, but we do nevertheless think that our implementation of it is a rather nice one! In particular, the simple adjustment of both image alignment and offset makes the Optosplit particularly straightforward to use.
The Optosplit is designed to couple to a standard microscope C-mount output using either our fully adjustable rectangular diaphragm, or the basic iris diaphragm. The diaphragm defines the region of interest, and the image is then relayed through an optical pathway incorporating a dichroic mirror and 25mm filter holders. This filter set forms the lid of the Optosplit, and can be interchanged to allow different experiments to be performed. The horizontal and vertical displacement of the two resulting images can be adjusted to allow image alignment, thus minimising the unused portion of the CCD chip which must be aquired. The output is an adjustable C-mount, allowing easy connection to standard microscope components.
The fully adjustable diaphragm allows any region in the microscope field of view to be defined, with the restriction that the region of interest fills a maximum of 50% of the camera chip. The basic iris diaphragm allows a circular region centred on the optical axis to be defined, so the sample needs to be located in the centre of the field of view.
Technical Information :
80mm x 50mm x 100mm 800g 2 x 25mm diameter 25mm x 40mm (included) Fully adjustable rectangular or circular iris C-mount or CS-mount C-mount Part numbers :
Optosplit emission image splitter (Includes dichroic mirror, requires diaphragm and filters) Interchangeable filter carrier for Optosplit (Includes dichroic mirror, requires filters) Fully adjustable rectangular diaphragm with holder (fully closable aperture for defining field of view to detection devices) Iris diaphragm assembly (circular aperture for defining field of view to detection devices)
