Life Science Optics
Illumination Solutions
Powering the Future of Life Sciences: 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 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)
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.
The Throughput Challenge:
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 multi-wavelength speckle free, uniform illumination, high irradiance, over a wide field of view (or line).
Our Solution: Custom Wide Field Illumination Modules:
Our custom Wide Field 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 diodes, based on the operating conditions and careful drive circuits and thermal management solutions. All illumination modules go through a lifetime test to ensure reliable production solution. The power output can range from 100’s of mW to ~20W.
Low-Medium Power Solution
Figure 1a
High Power Solution
Figure 1b- Our workhorse laserbands with some example combinations.
High-power options are offered in some discrete RGB bands as a result of the innovative work conducted by IDEX Health & Science in order to offer higher power solutions. This aids the trend in many markets to 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, 525nm, 532nm and 640nm. IDEX Health & Science has 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 4-6 week timeframe. An example of a high power RGB solution is shown in Figure 1.
2. Free Space or Fiber Delivery:
IDEX Health & Science offers direct free space interface to the platform or via a fiber that enables remote positioning of the laser engine. This is the preferred option for the majority of customer applications. The fiber is chosen depending on power needs, beamshaping requirements and instrument architecture (path between laser engine and beam shaper 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.
3. Flat-Top, Speckle-Free Wide Field 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.
Figure 2
4. 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.
5. XPLAN Compatibility:
We offer a series of wide field 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 wide field of sensors. See figure 3.
Figure 3- With some typical sensor pairing examples.
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.
Finite element model of an air cooled 16W fiber coupled laser showing airflow.
Precise temperature control of an air cooled 16 W fiber coupled laser.
Figure 4
7. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can you deliver high power at the sample? Yes, we can deliver power exceeding 20W at the sample, depending on the specific configuration.
- Can you provide reliable, low-cost diode sources with lifetime data? Absolutely. We source reliable diodes and LEDs and provide comprehensive lifetime data to ensure long-term performance.
- Can you produce flat-field illumination with high uniformity? Yes, we consistently achieve >85% uniformity for both 2D and line illumination.
- Can you match beam shaping to my specific requirements? Yes, we specialize in custom beam shaping to match your objective, flow cell, and sensor.
- Do your units have a compact footprint? Yes, our modules are designed for compact, drop-in integration.
- Do you offer both direct and fiber coupling? Yes, we offer both options for maximum flexibility.
- Do you handle thermal management and electronic control? Yes, we integrate advanced thermal management and electronic control into our modules.
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 sciences industry. Our commitment to quality, performance, and customer satisfaction makes us the ideal choice for your next-generation imaging needs.
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.
Explore Our Melles Griot Optical Systems
