High Performance LED Light-Source is Ideal for Fluorescence Microscopy

A high-performance light-emitting diode (LED) light source provides up to 10 precise excitation wavelengths and is suitable for fluorescence microscopy.

The computer-controllable unit will switch wavelengths in microseconds (without production of heat or vibration), resulting in high-contrast images rich in fine detail. It is ideally suited to replace metal halide light sources in all fluorescence microscopy applications, particularly in live cell imaging and other work with sensitive living specimens. The reproducibility of the illumination conditions is particularly important in medical diagnostics where documentation is made in accordance with quality control (GxP) guidelines.

Called Colibri, the unit is a product of Carl Zeiss (Göttingen, Germany). The intensity of the narrow-band LEDs (light-emitting diodes) can be rapidly and accurately set for any wavelength, either from Zeiss' AxioVision software or directly from the manual controller. This allows users to balance the intensity of multiple excitation wavelengths and capture the result in a single image rather than taking multiple color images and then attempting to balance the comparative intensities in software. The fine control of intensity offers maximum protection for specimens, and the narrow emission band produces a high signal-to-noise ratio, which is particularly significant for the detection of weak signals and fine details.

Rather than switching between wavelengths using filters, the different LEDs in Colibri are opto-electronically switched at extremely high speed--an important asset in multi-wavelength and kinetic studies. Also, because no movement is involved, vibration is eliminated, leading to accurate and highly resolved image capture.

LEDs convert electricity very efficiently into light, and unlike traditional light sources, the Colibri does not generate radiant heat. Therefore, microscope incubators can be used immediately without waiting for thermal conditions to stabilize and the minimization of heat build-up results in more stable conditions during prolonged experiments. The full potential of Colibri is displayed in the Cell Observer HS high-speed live cell imaging system.

Ten narrow-band LED modules offering wavelengths from ultraviolet (UV) to dark red and matching the most commonly used fluorescent dyes are currently available. Up to four may be installed in the Colibri at any time, and changing the LED modules and beam combiners is a quick and simple job. Both new wavelengths and higher emissions can be implemented easily and without complications. The Colibri's long-life LED modules are equipped with ACR (automatic component recognition), ruling out the possibility of using incorrect wavelengths. The unit also incorporates a motorized coupler for an additional white light source for added flexibility.

The Colibri can operate as a stand-alone unit on upright and inverted, manual, and motorized microscopes but it is also fully integrated into all versions of the AxioVision software.


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