Description

Building on the success of the popular pE-300 Series, the pE-400^max is the most advanced illumination system of the pE-400 Series. Four powerful LEDs can be individually controlled via software, TTL, Lightbridge GUI and manual control pod for demanding everyday fluorescence microscopy and optogenetics applications using the most popular fluorophores, ranging from DAPI through YFP to Cy5.

Capture high-speed events

The pE-400^maxoffers both global and individual channel TTL triggering.

For capturing fast events in multi-stained samples, users can capitalise on high-speed <10 µs TTL triggering by utilising optional filter holders. These can accommodate single-band excitation filters in the optical path of each channel, as shown below:

High-speed imaging is achieved with the pE-400^maxthanks to <10 µs TTL triggering and optional filter holders. In this setup, individual LED channel switching is controlled via TTL triggering, and single-band excitation filters are housed in the Light Source as part of a Pinkel configuration (where multi-band dichroic and emission filters are housed in a filter cube). This overcomes the cost and latency restrictions of a filter wheel, presenting a cost-effective approach to multi-channel imaging.

For live cell imaging applications, events can now be captured that might previously have been missed.

Affordable automation with Sequence Runner

The popular Sequence Runner program combines the versatility of software with high-speed TTL, with minimal requirement for expensive electronic hardware. Once an LED and irradiance sequence are specified, the sequence cycles through automatically – with triggering synchronised via the global TTL-in of the pE-400^max and a single TTL-out from a camera. When combined with inline filters, this transforms a manual microscope into a cost-effective four-channel automated imaging system.

Protecting your samples

Tight hardware synchronisation not only increases temporal resolution, but also means samples are exposed only during acquisition, protecting against photobleaching and phototoxicity and pushing the boundaries of time-lapse studies.

In the LightBridge graphical user interface (see below), live samples can be further protected by balancing the irradiance to the lowest level possible while still maintaining image quality, with control in 1% steps up to 100%. And the more life-like a cell behaves, the more valuable a data set becomes.

Fit to your microscope

The compact pE-400^max is compatible with the majority of microscope models, with two light delivery configurations available: direct fit and liquid light guide.

Direct fit variants achieve higher irradiance by directly connecting to the microscope via dedicated microscope adaptors, with a simple once-only adjustment optimising the optical path of the microscope. Not only do these variants avoid extra loss of irradiance as the liquid light guide degrades over time, but they are also more cost-effective. This is because they avoid the need to replace the liquid light guide when it comes to the end of its life.

If there is a requirement to keep the source of illumination remote from the microscope, liquid light guide variants are available. These require a fixed 3 mm diameter liquid light guide, and an optional pE-Universal Collimator can be specified in conjunction with a microscope adaptor if required.

Features

4 channels can be individually controlled, with any simultaneously running at 100%
Broad spectrum from 365-635 nm, ranging from DAPI through YFP to Cy5.
Seamless integration into compatible third-party imaging software and cost-effective high-speed imaging with pE-6501 USB controlled TTL trigger box
<10 µs global and channel TTL triggering for high-speed imaging
Optimised irradiance control in 1% steps (0-100%)
Sequence Runner for software control with speed of TTL
Optional inline excitation filter holders: no moving parts for high-speed imaging
Simple control pod for intuitive manual operation
pE-400^maxLightBridge graphical user interface (GUI) for intuitive digital operation
Direct fit available for higher irradiance with selected/all major microscope models
Light delivery also available via liquid light guide