EXFO™ Light Sources for Fluorescence Microscopy
X‐Cite® exacte Fluorescence Microscopy Illumination System
The X‐Cite exacte is designed for demanding imaging applications such as live cell, high speed and quantitative imaging, all of which require illumination stability and precise repeatability. Controlling illumination variability allows researchers to significantly improve productivity by reducing or even eliminating time-consuming image processing steps to normalize data.
The X‐Cite® exacte provides ultra-stable illumination by employing a DC‐powered lamp coupled with EXFO’s patented Closed‐Loop Feedback technology. In addition, light output can be calibrated in absolute power units using the X‐Cite® Radiometer. This allows repeatable experiments whether they are performed over several weeks or around the world in different laboratories.
With the X‐Cite® exacte’s high-speed internal shutter, intensity adjustment in increments as small as 1%, computer programmability and a graphical user interface that records real-time stability data, EXFO once again sets a new standard for fluorescence illuminators.
The X‐Cite® exacte uses a 120‐Watt lamp to deliver rich spectral excitation with a more uniform field of view than conventional fluorescence illumination systems. Proprietary Intelli‐Lamp® technology helps to provide over 2,000 hours of life with a prealigned lamp to make changing a simple one-step process.
The X‐Cite® exacte connects to the microscope through a light guide attachment ensuring a uniform field of view, with no heat from the lamp being transferred to the sample.
Features and Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Pre-aligned lamp | Easy lamp replacement; no alignment required |
| 2,000 hour lamp life, guaranteed | Fewer lamp replacements saves time and money |
| Powerful 120W lamp | Rich spectrum with high excitation intensity |
| Intelli-Lamp® technology | Maintains optimum lamp temperature, automatically accumulates lamp hours |
| RS‐232 communication | PC control of lamp, iris and shutter; integrate into automated system |
| Standard adjustable iris | Minimize photobleaching by adjusting light intensity |
| Software interface | Simple to use |
| Foot pedal | Hands-free operation |
Specifications
| Includes | Lamp module, liquid light guide, microscope adaptor, software CD, grounded and shielded power cord, 9‐pin serial cable, manual and quick start guide |
| Lamp | Proprietary 120W Mercury Vapor Short Arc |
| Lamp Life | 2,000 hours guaranteed; 2,500 hours typical |
| Power Supply | High‐efficiency, switch mode, line isolated, 90‒264 VAC, 47‒63 Hz, universal input |
| Warm-Up Period | 90 seconds (typical) |
| Panel Controls | Power On/Off, Mode Select, Adjust Up/Down, Start/Stop |
| Panel Displays | Iris setting (100%, 50%, 25%, 12%, 0%), accumulated lamp hours, exposure time (0.2-999.9 sec), lamp on, shutter open, lamp warm up, lamp/shutter status messages |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 13.5″×5.5″×6.5″ (34.5cm×14cm×16.5cm) |
| Weight | 7 lbs. (3.18 kg) |
| Worldwide Certifications | CE Marked, Certified to IEC, Canadian and US Standards |
| Warranty | 1 year (excluding lamp and light guide) |
Further information about the X‐Cite® exacte is available:
X‐Cite® Radiometer
The X‐Cite Radiometer enables calibration of the X‐Cite® exacte fluorescence illuminator, for the ultimate in repeatability, stability, control and consistency. It is a fact that mercury lamp output degrades over time, and working in relative units means intensity settings are not easily repeatable. Calibrate illumination in watts with the X‐Cite Radiometer for repeatable intensity levels and consistent results.
Features and Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Calibrates illumination intensity | Ensures repeatability of illumination levels for comparable experiment results |
| Designed specifically for the X‐Cite® exacte | Easy to use, one-touch calibration with no additional hardware or software required |
| Stand-alone device | One Radiometer can be used to service multiple illuminators, keeping equipment costs low |
| Calibrated using certified transfer standard, traceable to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) | Assurance of accuracy; each X‐Cite® Radiometer is accompanied by a certificate of calibration |
Specifications
| Wavelength Range | 350nm‒675nm (standard calibration) 250nm‒1µm (with custom calibration) |
| Measurement Range | 1mW‒12W |
| Resolution | 1mW |
| Accuracy | ±5% typical (Calibration of Radiometer is recommended every twelve months) |
| Battery | 3.6V Li |
| Functions | Power Measurement, Irradiance Measurement, Relative/Absolute Modes, X‐Cite® exacte Calibration, External Input, Auto Shut‐off, Auto Light Guide Detection, Calibration Due Message |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 7.5″×4.5″×2″ (19cm×11.5cm×5cm) |
| Weight | 1lb (450g) |
| Certifications | CE Marked, Certified to IEC, Canadian and US Standards |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Patents | X-Cite® Radiometer incorporates technology protected by the following patents: US# 6,437,861; US# 7,335,901 |
Further information about the X‐Cite® Radiometer is available:
X‐Cite® 120PC Q Automated Fluorescence Illumination System
The X‐Cite 120PC Q system is ideally suited for computerized fluorescence microscopy applications, and is easy to maintain. The RS‐232 interface and software enabling features allow control of the iris, lamp, built-in shutter and timer via computer.
The X‐Cite 120PC Q uses a 120‐Watt lamp to deliver rich spectral excitation with a more uniform field of view than conventional fluorescence illumination systems. Proprietary Intelli‐Lamp® technology helps to provide more than 2,000 hours of life hours of life. The lamp is pre-aligned so changing it is a simple, one-step process.
The X‐Cite 120PC Q connects to the microscope through a light guide attachment ensuring a uniform field of view, with no heat from the lamp being transferred to the sample.
The X‐Cite 120PC Q employs a cooling system that is 65% quieter than that of the original X‐Cite, reducing acoustic noise while maintaining cooling conditions optimal for both lamp performance and safety.
Further information about the X-Cite 120PC Q is available:
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- X-Cite 120 Adaptors - Microscopes Qualified as of April, 2008
- Graph: X-Cite 120 Q vs. HBO 100 lamp spectral comparison
- Graph: X-Cite 120 Q Lamp Life
- Mercury Safety Instructions for Short Arc Lamps
- Recycling Spent Mercury Lamps
- Liquid Lightguides - Handling Information
- X-Cite 120 Control Panel Demo Software
X‐Cite and Intelli‐Lamp are registered trademarks of EXFO Photonic Solutions, Inc., Mississauga, Ontario.