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Sutter Lambda OBC Optical Beam Combiner
The Lambda OBC (optical beam combiner) is a new, patented, concept for combining separate light sources with different spectra into a single common output beam. Each separate light source is collimated before entering the optical path through a bandpass filter. The filters for each light source also function as mirrors that reflect the collimated beams from the previous light sources. In the diagram below the optical paths are outlined for each position including the reflections that occur:
Optical path for each light source position from 0 through 3. The position number of the light source is based on the number of total reflections.
Traditionally, combining more than two light sources required the use of a dichroic ladder. Dichroic mirrors, which switch from transmission to reflection at one point in the spectrum, allow the combining of separate light sources, provided that those sources do not have overlapping wavelengths. The downside of this approach is that light sources cannot be easily changed.
Dichroic ladders also demand careful attention to the order in which the light sources are introduced into the optical path to avoid having the light blocked by the next dichroic in line. Typically, additional bandpass filters must be added in front of each light source before the dichroic, to select the desired range of wavelengths for each source. Each filter and dichroic used in the ladder decreases the total light output of the system.
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FEATURES
- Up to 4 channel ultra high speed LED light source ( < 25µsec )
- LLG or direct mount connection options for all common microscopes
- Capable of combining any combination of LEDs or any liquid light guide delivered light sources
- Easy to reconfigure
- LEDs driven by our proven FLED controllers
The pentagon shape of the Lambda OBC was designed to keep the size of the beam combiner small and the optical path short and efficient. Thin-film bandpass filters, such as Semrock’s STR, reflect greater than 90% of out-of-band light. If the band pass of each light source does not overlap, it is possible to use the filters for both attenuation and reflection of the light from the other sources. By arranging the filters and sources into a pentagon, we could combine four light sources in a compact design with lower losses than previously achievable. As an added benefit, the last position in the optical train does not require any filter, since no other input reflects from that position. This input can be used with any sort of light source if you are aware of the possible losses if there are filters in use that overlap this light source. The fifth side of the pentagon becomes the output for the combined sources. The filters are easily exchangeable and are installed on small sliders inside the core of the pentagon. Filters and associated light sources can be arranged in any order around the pentagon.
In the diagram below the position number of the light sources are labeled based on the number of total reflections.
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Notes:
- The light from position #0 goes directly to the device output without being reflected. This position might be preferred for the source with the greatest desired output.
- The filter for the fourth light source is not used as a reflective surface and could be omitted if a broad-band source were desired.
- In configurations with fewer than 4 light sources, sources should be filled from lowest to highest number of reflections to ensure the greatest light output.
- The optical path for each input is tilted by 18 degrees relative to the filter for that port. This will cause a small shift in the band pass toward shorter wavelengths. While it would be ideal to have a coating optimized for this application, we have found that stock -STR filters can be used if you correct for the shift in the band pass when selecting the filters. This lends itself to combining narrow-band sources such as LEDs and lasers with a broad-band sources such as arc lamps or white light LEDs. In the case of LEDs, wavelengths can be shuttered at the speed of the individual source. Sutter Instrument HPX and FLED products can switch in 10-25 microseconds respectively. The Lambda OBC is designed for ultimate flexibility and expandability. Should your illumination needs change over time, a simple configuration change and possibly additional filters can produce an entirely different output.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Output Range
330-960nm depending on the LEDs selected for use
Shuttering ON/OFF time
< 25µs
Noise/Short Term Stability
0.01%
LED Life
> 50,000 hours
FLED Dimensions
4in x 3.25in x 4.1in | 10.2cm x 8.3cm x 10.2cm
FLED Weight
2.2lbs | 1kg
Lambda OBC Dimensions with 4 LED
9.65in x 9.25in x 3in | 24.5cm x 23.5cm x 7.5cm
Lambda OBC Weight with 4 LED
4.7lbs | 2.13kg
Electrical
120/240 Volts
50/60 Hz power line - LED MODULES FOR LAMBDA OBC
The LED modules consist of the LED and the appropriate Semrock®-STR excitation filter for the output of the LED. Four LED modules can be installed in the Optical Beam Combiner at one time, however, the purchase of additional LED modules adds versatility to the system as you can reconfigure the Lambda OBC by substituting wavelengths as needed for your application.
Catalog Number Description Price OBC-340 LED, 340nm for Optical Beam Combiner $ 1,195 OBC-365 LED, 365nm for Optical Beam Combiner $ 1,195 OBC-385 LED, 385nm for Optical Beam Combiner $ 1,195 OBC-410 LED, 410nm for Optical Beam Combiner $ 1,195 OBC-440 LED, 440nm for Optical Beam Combiner $ 1,195 OBC-460 LED, 460nm for Optical Beam Combiner $ 1,195 OBC-480 LED, 480nm for Optical Beam Combiner $ 1,195 OBC-506 LED, 506nm for Optical Beam Combiner $ 1,195 OBC-530 LED, 530nm for Optical Beam Combiner $ 1,195 OBC-561 LED, 561nm for Optical Beam Combiner $ 1,195 OBC-590 LED, 590nm for Optical Beam Combiner $ 1,195 OBC-630 LED, 630nm for Optical Beam Combiner $ 1,195 OBC-660 LED, 660nm for Optical Beam Combiner $ 1,195 OBC-740 LED, 740nm for Optical Beam Combiner $ 1,195 OBC-850 LED, 850nm for Optical Beam Combiner $ 1,195 OBC-940 LED, 940nm for Optical Beam Combiner $ 1,195 OBC-W5 LED, White Light for Optical Beam Combiner $ 1,195
All returns must be authorized by Spectra Services in order to insure proper credit and must be requested within 30 days of purchase. All returns are subject to a minimum 15% restocking charge. For returns not due to error on behalf of Spectra Services, the customer is responsible for all transportation fees related to the returned product. To ensure proper credit, each product return must include the following information:
- Customer name and address
- Purchase order number
- Spectra Services shipping order number
- Date of invoice
- Item number of returned item(s)
- Spectra Services return authorization number (RMA)
- Reason for return
Non-Returnable Goods
Unfortunately, Spectra Services is unable to accept the following returns at this time:
- Products not in completely resalable condition (including products with damaged, missing, or defaced labeling or packaging
- Chemicals, reagents, diagnostics, sterile, or any controlled products (unless products do not meet specification
- Laboratory apparatus or instruments that have been used or are without the original packaging, labeling and operating manuals
- Refrigerated products or other perishables
- Products which are not inventoried by Spectra Services and are not able to be returned to the manufacturer
- Products purchased on a special order
- Products not purchased from Spectra Services
- Products with an expired shelf life or an expiration date too short for resale
- Discontinued products
Spectra Services reserves the right to review this policy on a case-by-case basis.
Pre-Owned Products
Upon receipt of the pre-owned product(s), the customer has one week to evaluate the product to ensure it meets their expectations. If for some reason the customer decides to return the product, they may do so at any point during those seven (7) days for a full refund. No restocking fee will be assessed, however, the customer is responsible for the return shipping costs. Full credit will be issued upon receipt and inspection of the item(s) to ensure equipment was returned in the same condition it was initially shipped out in.
Important Information
All exchanges and returns require the completion of a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) form. Once completed, please return the merchandise immediately as the RMA number is only active for ten (10) days from the date of issuance.
Charges associated with returning items are the responsibility of the customer unless the item(s) arrived defective, damaged, or incorrect.
Spectra Services highly recommends that return packages be insured for full value and packaged securely to prevent shipping damage.
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