Olympus Introduces FV1000 Multi-Laser Combiner System

Olympus has introduced a new multi-laser combiner for its world leading FluoView FV1000 confocal laser scanning microscope (cLSM). This unique laser combiner enables the easy integration and more flexible use of an unmatched number of lasers, providing a wider range of available wavelengths for high-resolution, confocal live cell imaging.

The Olympus multi-laser combiner has been designed to provide market leading flexibility and functionality within a compact footprint. The system supports up to six diode and gas lasers, enabling the selection of a large number of wavelengths from near UV to far red. Presently, laser diodes are available in 405, 440, 473, 559 and 635 nm wavelengths, with the Multi-Argon as well as the green and orange Helium Neon gas lasers providing 457, 488, 514.5, 543 and 594 nm respectively. This comprehensive line-up of lasers offers unique flexibility for a diverse range of demanding biological research applications, and further contributes to efficient fluorescence detection for use in high-resolution confocal imaging.

The integration of the combiner is further enhanced by the broadband capabilities of the advanced new Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter (AOTF) technology and new broad-band fibre laser delivery system. These enable the system to filter and convey the widest range of wavelengths - 400-650 nm -to the FV1000 confocal scan unit. The computer controlled AOTF allows independent micro-second high-speed selection and switching of the available laser lines, as well as the flexible control of laser intensity.

Furthermore, an advanced version of the new multi-laser combiner is designed to provide all the available laser lines to both the main confocal scanner and optional secondary SIM Scanner, simultaneously. This significantly increases the flexibility and functionality of the FV1000 with SIM scanner for a variety of applications, such as resonance energy transfer (FRET), Fluorescence Loss In Photobleaching (FLIP) and Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) studies.

The modular design of the FluoView FV1000 allows Olympus to offer existing FV1000 system users upgrade possibilities to the new multi-laser combiner.