89 North Launches New Phosphor-Based Light Engine

89 North, a subsidiary of Chroma Technology, has unveiled a new phosphor-based light engine that is suitable for a diverse range of fluorescence imaging applications. The Heliophor light engine has six high-intensity, user-exchangeable wavelength units selected from the nine available modules.

The light engine allows multidimensional imaging because of its sophisticated control and triggering potentials that include the capability to upload macros. It integrates submillisecond digital shuttering, swift switching times, and high output power, to enable live-cell, high-speed imaging. It features versatile control architecture and a liquid lightguide, to swiftly combine into experimental arrangements.

Heliophor’s calibration system and stability assure constant output intensity for each measurement taken. The unit can replace the existing light sources for fluorescence imaging, including LEDs, metal halides, and arc lamps.

The digital control of the light engine allows high-speed shuttering, while mechanical shutters are needed for conventional lamps. 89 North stated that the light engine provides a maximum of 20 times better output power when compared to the LED-based light sources. The digital shuttering allows operation of fluorescent experiments without using filter wheels and mechanical shutters.

The physical components, which include dichroics, optical filters, and LED modules, of Heliophor are user-interchangeable. These characteristics reduce cost and shorten start-up times, allowing laboratories to easily and swiftly setup new experimental protocols.