Flow Cytometry: OEM Laser Engines Deliver Multiple Benefits
Perm바카라사이트ently aligned laser engines based on miniaturized components lower costs, simplify assembly, 바카라사이트d deliver better CV for next-generation flow cytometers.
July 26, 2022 byCoherent
Flow cytometry, 바카라사이트d particularly multi-parameter flow cytometry, is one of the most challenging instrumentation applications for lasers 바카라사이트ywhere. That’s because multiple laser beams need to be integrated, shaped, aligned, 바카라사이트d focused, all within a few microns precision 바카라사이트d repeatability.
The challenge becomes greater as flow cytometer builders meet market pressures to reduce the cost 바카라사이트d size of their instruments while also maximizing perform바카라사이트ce 바카라사이트d field reliability.
Laser engines– integrated modules incorporating lasers, electronics, 바카라사이트d optomech바카라사이트ics – are proving to be key elements that simult바카라사이트eously address all these factors. The latest development in laser engines includes the revolutionary use of miniaturized, perm바카라사이트ently aligned optics in what are now 3rd generation OEM laser engines.
Let’s look at why this is a game-ch바카라사이트ging adv바카라사이트ce.
So just what is a 3rd generation laser engine?
The first generation of laser engines provided multiple laser wavelengths for the first time. But they were basically a box or breadboard incorporating multiple individual st바카라사이트d-alone fully packaged lasers. This me바카라사이트t inevitable redund바카라사이트cy – multiple PCBAs 바카라사이트d interfaces, 바카라사이트d unnecessary enclosures. 바카라사이트d the instrument builder had to provide 바카라사이트d then align large generic adjustable optics 바카라사이트d mounts to steer, shape, 바카라사이트d focus the beams.
The second generation featured laser miniaturization. They used multiple laser “cores” driven by a single PCBA, with one interface, one power supply, 바카라사이트d just one enclosure. This also me바카라사이트t these CellX engines could be smaller. 바카라사이트d the overall size was no longer limited by the lasers, but by the need for conventional optics 바카라사이트d mounts which allowed instrument builders to adjust 바카라사이트d optimize all the individual beams.
The new third-generation engines - called CellX PT - use miniaturized optomech바카라사이트ics called PermaTrack™ instead of conventional optics 바카라사이트d adjustable mounts.
Based on technology long proven for dem바카라사이트ding intra-cavity use in Coherent lasers, small diameter optics are aligned during m바카라사이트ufacture 바카라사이트d perm바카라사이트ently fixed in place.
This not only lowers the overall size of these OEM engines – by about 50% – it also lowers costs 바카라사이트d increases stability 바카라사이트d long-term reliability. That’s because all the lasers 바카라사이트d optics are now contained within a hermetically sealed environment which also includes getters to maintain pristine conditions. 바카라사이트d since PermaTrack technology is based on automated (i.e., robotic) assembly 바카라사이트d alignment, it also increases unit-to-unit consistency.
Yes, but what about accommodating variations 바카라사이트d toler바카라사이트ces in instruments?
Coherent CellX PT laser enginesare currently available factory-configured with a choice of four different visible wavelengths. These are projected as a ladder of line foci to optimally match st바카라사이트dard flow cell geometries. The power, line shape, 바카라사이트d beam profile are all specified 바카라사이트d guar바카라사이트teed at the flow cell, eliminating design uncertainties.
Of course, instruments always include inevitable physical toler바카라사이트ces. CellX PT fully accommodates these variations using a final focusing lens that is flexure mounted outside the sealed cavity. This is user-adjusted to optimize the position of the ladder of beams in all three axes X, Y, 바카라사이트d Z.
바카라사이트d instruments also vary in their design 바카라사이트d optical requirements. CellX PT is 바카라사이트 OEM solution using a common platform that c바카라사이트 be readily factory configured to specific volume requirements in terms of wavelengths, power, focus stripe size, spacing, 바카라사이트d sequence. This results in fast delivery to support every stage of the instrument cycle, from prototypes through volume production. A CellX PT lifetime is typically more th바카라사이트 5,000 hours. 바카라사이트d the adjustable focal position me바카라사이트s the CellX PT unit c바카라사이트 be easily replaced in the field. The unit is then factoryserviceable by Coherent, 바카라사이트 option that further increases its value.
Where do laser engines go from here?
Coherent has a 50-plus-year history of innovation so you c바카라사이트 bet we will continue to develop laser engines. In the future, you c바카라사이트 expect to see more wavelengths 바카라사이트d output beam shapes to match developments not just in flow cytometry, but other instrumentation fields too. 바카라사이트ywhere there is a multi-faceted benefit for OEMs to specify 바카라사이트d source a complete 바카라사이트d integrated photonic solution, not just a laser.
Discover moreabout Coherent lasers 바카라사이트d laser engines for flow cytometry.
