Cairn Optoscan Monochromator Systems
The Optoscan monochromator is a high speed, high resolution wavelength changer, incorporating nanometer precision of both centre wavelength and bandwidth settings. Wavelength and bandwidth changes are achieved in milliseconds, with fast galvanometers driving both the grating and slit positions to give full dynamic control of optical throughput. The Optoscan was designed with biological fluorescence measurements in mind, and when used together with our signal processing modules it forms the heart of a powerful and flexible fluorescence detection system. It can also easily be incorporated into commercial imaging systems or custom controlled for bespoke applications. The monochromator has evolved into a truly versatile lab tool, so if your application requires fast, flexible and automated illumination control then the Cairn Optoscan may well be your instrument of choice.
Main Features :
- Millisecond control of centre wavelength.
- Nanometer wavelength precision over broad spectrum
- Dynamic bandwidth control.
- Microsecond timing precision
- High throughput f/2 optics
- External iris diaphragm for intensity control
- Fast electronic shuttering facility.
- Compact design.
- Parallel, serial and DAC control options
- Wavelength selection ready signal for external interfacing.
Further Information :
System Configuration
A basic Optoscan monochromator system consists of four main components: The monochromator unit itself; choice of Optoscan controller unit; an arc lamp light source; and a power supply for the arc lamp. The monochromator is designed to be used with the Cairn Optosource, and delivers its output into a light guide for coupling to a microscope. The monochromator is both an instrument in its own right and an integral part of the Cairn product range, from which complete photometric and imaging systems can be assembled. Not only does it have a number of powerful features but we also provide full hardware and software support to enable you to use these features effectively. The prefered method of controlling the monochromator will depend to a large extent on the environment in which it is to be used, and thus there are a range of options for controlling it. These fall into three catagories, a rack mounted controller with support for our photometry modules; a standalone controller without photometry module support; and lastly a computer interface card for direct computer control. Each of these is detailed in the operation and control section.
In addition to the controller options, the monochromator unit can be supplied in a number of configurations. The recommended choice is always the fully automated version with fast galvanometer driven grating and slits to provide wavelength changes in milliseconds and nanometer control over bandwidth. However, for users on a restricted budget we can provide versions of the monochromator with manually controlled slits If required we can also provide a fixed input slit, but it is important to realise this type of arrangement does not provide a fixed bandwidth, as the light diffraction angle off the grating is wavlength dependent. As an example, an exit slit width giving a 10nm bandwidth at 300nm will give a bandwidth of around 12.5nm at 400nm. See the monochromator technical notes for more information on this.