Illumination Solutions

Illumination Solutions for Next-Generation High-Throughput High Resolution Imaging

For decades, Melles Griot^® Optical Systems from IDEX Health & Science have been at the forefront of illumination technology, partnering with researchers and instrument manufacturers to advance the study of biological samples. From early contributions in flow cytometry and confocal microscopy to our current focus on high-throughput, high-resolution applications, we've consistently delivered innovative laser diode light engine solutions that drive scientific discovery.

The demand for rapid, high-resolution imaging is greater than ever in applications like:

• Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
• Spatial Biology
• Next-Generation Proteomics
• Multi-omics
• High-Throughput Screening (HTS)
• Digital Pathology
• Animal Imaging
• Super Resolution Microscopy
• Multiplex qPCR
• Optical Metrology
• Advanced Machine Vision

These fields hold immense potential for significant advancement of our understanding of biological systems by providing a comprehensive view of various molecular components within a cell, enabling personalized medicine approaches, early disease detection, and the development of targeted therapies. However, throughput limitations often hinder widespread adoption.

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The Throughput Challenge:

High-throughput imaging instruments in these markets achieve higher throughput by imaging larger rectangular field of view for step and shoot configuration or rapid line scan imaging configuration using TDI sensors. Fluorescence microscopy is the key technique employed in many of the instruments and therefore requires higher irradiance, multi-wavelength speckle free, uniform illumination, over a wide field of view (or line).

Our Solution: Custom Widefield Illumination Modules:

Our custom Widefield Illumination Modules offer instrument designers a comprehensive solution for high-performance 2D or Line-scan imaging of flow cells, microarrays, FFPE tissue slides, and multi-well plates.

We address the core challenges of uniform multi-wavelength illumination, high power delivery, and system integration with a suite of advanced technologies:

1. High-Power, Reliable Laser Diodes and LEDs:

IDEX Health & Science sources laser diodes and, where required, LEDs from key suppliers that cover the UV, visible spectrum, and near IR bands. We have developed lifetime data on the laser diodes, based on the operating conditions and careful drive circuits and thermal management solutions. All laser diode light engines go through a lifetime test to ensure reliable production solution. The power output can range from 100’s of mW to ~20 W.

Low-Medium Power Solution

High Power Solution

Our workhorse laserbands with some example combinations.

Single Wavelength Options

Dual Wavelength Options

Triple Wavelength Options

High-power options are offered in some discrete RGB bands thanks to the innovative work conducted by IDEX Health & Science experts. This aligns with the trend in many markets toward higher throughput enabled by wider fields of view or faster TDI scanning. Both solutions require higher power/irradiance at the sample plane.

Currently the high-power solutions are offered at 450 nm, 465 nm, 488 nm, 525nm, 532nm and 640nm. Our experts have engineered a quick-turn product around these bands where the customer can select the required wavebands (single or multi-band), and our team can deliver a high-power solution in a short timeframe.

2. Flat-Top, Speckle-Free Widefield Illumination:

Our proprietary beam shaping technologies produce flat-top, speckle-free illumination with uniformity exceeding 85% for both 2D and line illumination. This ensures consistent signal across the entire field of view, maximizing data quality and throughput. Our primary method of delivery offers steep edges and a highly uniformed image. In certain applications, a more traditional critical illumination delivery may be adequate where the fiber face is re-imaged to the sample plane. At IDEX Health & Science, we have flexible delivery solutions that enable a quick turn module to be delivered with the core laser engine that matches the needs of the customers field of view.

3. Beam Shaping to Match Sample and Sensor:

We design custom beam shaping optics to precisely match the field of view of the flow cell, objective, and sensor (CCD, CMOS, TDI). This maximizes photon efficiency and ensures uniform imaging across the entire field.

High-Power Laser Module: With built-in electronic control, thermal management, speckle reducer, and beam shaping optics.

4. Free Space or Fiber Delivery:

IDEX Health & Science offers a direct free space interface to the platform, or via fiber, enabling remote positioning of the laser engine, which is the preferred option for the majority of our customers’ applications. The fiber is selected depending on power needs, beam shaping requirements and instrument architecture (the path between laser engine and beam shaping module)

Two Wavelength Fiber Coupled Illumination Module: With integrated drive electronics and communication, thermal control with heatsink. Collimated fiber output with optional on board autofocus source and drive electronics.

5. Compact, Drop-In Footprint:

Our modules are designed with a compact, drop-in footprint, facilitating easy integration into new and existing instrument designs. We offer both direct and fiber coupling options for maximum flexibility.

6. Advanced Laser Modulation and Thermal Management:

We incorporate advanced laser modulation and thermal management capabilities, crucial for maintaining stability and performance, especially with high-power diode lasers. This ensures reliable operation and extends the lifespan of the illumination system.

7. XPLAN Compatibility:

We offer a series of widefield of view objective lenses at specific NA’s. Illumination Beamshaper modules are available that are designed to work with the XPLAN series and their complementary widefield of sensors. See figure below.

8. Laser Autofocus System

Our Melles Griot^® Laser Autofocus System is a modular, semi-custom autofocus solution that is tunable for different objectives, sample-plane reflectivity, and wavelength requirements. Available options for both integrated laser diode source or remote source options, where the autofocus source is co-located on an IDEX Health & Science-supplied laser illumination module. Also compatible with our XPLAN^™ CCG Lens Series.

Melles Griot Laser Autofocus System: The basic configuration of our Laser Autofocus Module is compatible with most objectives. In this setup, the laser light source is mounted remotely (within the Autofocus Controller or combined with other IDEX Health & Science-supplied light sources), and fiber is coupled to the autofocus module. This configuration also shows cabling routed to the Autofocus Controller, including the autofocus sensor, power monitor, and thermistor signals.

Our basic laser autofocus platform is offered for low-speed applications (required update rates < 60 Hz) and is best suited for imaging scenarios with minimal (or well-compensated) sample tilt, a stable optical path, where high sensitivity to changes in tilt is not a limiting factor.

High-Precision, Flat Sample Imaging

• Semiconductor wafers
• Polished substrates
• Glass slides
• Pattern-flat metrology

Fixed-Optics Microscopes with Rigid Mechanical Alignment

• Upright or inverted microscopes with a stable turret
• Systems where objectives are rarely swapped
• Long-term fixed-focus imaging setup

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What life science applications do your illumination systems support? Our illumination solutions are designed for a wide range of high-throughput, high-resolution applications, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), next-generation proteomics, spatial biology, multi-omics, high-content screening, and digital pathology. Light engines can be configured for both 2D sensor and TDI Line sensor applications.
• What makes your illumination uniformity stand out? Our systems are engineered to deliver flat‑top, low-speckle illumination with > 80% uniformity, ensuring highly consistent excitation across the field of view. This is critical for quantitative fluorescence imaging and large field of view high-throughput applications.
• What types of light sources can you provide? We source reliable laser diodes and LEDs that are precisely matched to your system's fluorophores. Available power levels range from 100's of milliwatts to ~20 W, enabling flexibility for medium-throughput to high-throughput applications.
• Do you design custom beam shaping optics? Yes. We design beam shaping optics that match the flow cell field of view (FOV), and optimize for the downstream sensor type (CCD, CMOS, or TDI). This alignment maximizes photon efficiency and enables diffraction-limited imaging.
• Can your illumination modules be integrated into existing instruments? Absolutely. Our solutions feature a compact, drop-in footprint with either fiber-coupled or free-space laser delivery. Fiber-coupled units make them ideal for Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) and retrofit applications.
• What makes your illumination systems different from other providers? We specialize in a unique combination of:
• Fiber-coupled or free-space, medium to high-power light engines
• Beam shaping optics delivering high uniformity ( >80%) flat‑top low-speckle illumination
• Precision beam shaping matched to sample field of view and sensor for maximized photon budget
• Compact cost-effective modular designs
• Deep experience across life science applications

These attributes make us a leading provider of advanced illumination for high-throughput fluorescence‑based imaging instruments.

• Can you combine laser diodes and LEDs in one module? Yes. Depending on your system requirements, we can integrate multiple diodes, LEDs, or hybrid combinations to give you the spectral flexibility your workflow demands.
• Do you provide laser drivers and thermal control systems? Yes. We have extensive experience designing drivers for complex laser cycles, as well as thermal management and TEC control, particularly for high‑power diode lasers, where stability and lifetime are critical. The drivers and electronics can be built into the light engine or can be supplied as an external control.

Why Choose IDEX Health & Science?

With decades of experience in illumination technology, IDEX Health & Science is a trusted partner for leading instrument manufacturers. We combine deep expertise in optics, photonics, and engineering to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the life science industry. Our commitment to quality, performance, and customer satisfaction makes us the ideal choice for your next-generation imaging needs.

Melles Griot^® Optical Systems from IDEX Health & Science lead as the premier innovator, designer, and manufacturer of high-precision optical systems for fluorescence microscope-based applications. Empowering life science OEM companies, we enable the development of cutting-edge, high-throughput, high-resolution imaging instruments, pushing the boundaries of discovery and clinical applications. With a fully integrated approach, we cover the entire optical design and manufacturing process, offering custom and semi-custom solutions that cater to every phase of instrument development, from proof-of-concept breadboards to volume production. Our extensive portfolio encompasses the full spectrum of fluorescence microscope systems, including illumination and autofocus systems, objective and tube lenses, as well as optical filters.

• Our team brings over 100 years of experience
• 300+ total employees, including 160+ engineers who drive innovation
• Our teams have been awarded ~200 patents
• 115,000 sq.ft.manufacturing center, including 30% clean room space
• $100M+ total infrastructure investment
• High-performance, purpose-built imaging components and modules (objective tube lens, imaging subsystems) shipped in quantities of 100s to 1000s per year

Benefits for OEMs:

Partnering with IDEX Health & Science for your illumination needs offers significant benefits:

• Increased Throughput: Our uniform, high-intensity illumination enables faster imaging and higher throughput, reducing costs and accelerating research.
• Improved Data Quality: Our flat-top, speckle-free illumination ensures consistent signal across the field of view, leading to more accurate and reliable data.
• Reduced System Complexity: Our compact, drop-in modules simplify instrument design and integration, reducing development time and costs.
• Optimized Performance and Cost: We offer both direct and fiber coupling options, allowing you to optimize performance and cost based on your specific application requirements.
• Customizable Solutions: We work closely with you to understand your specific needs and develop custom illumination solutions that meet your exact requirements.