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Light Sources
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Light Sources for Applications in Life Sciences and Bioanalysis
In the life sciences and bioanalytics, light sources are an integral part of many work processes. Depending on the method and system used, different models are required. AHF Analysetechnik offers various light sources for use in the laboratory and at the microscope. They ensure reliable light output for a wide range of applications. The primary applications include: FISH diagnostics (fluorescence in situ hybridization) and fluorescence microscopy.
We provide entry-level to high-end light sources, ranging from single-channel to multi-channel models with up to eight built-in LEDs. In addition, we offer compatible accessories to help you seamlessly integrate lighting systems into your existing setups, such as light guides and collimators for microscopes from Zeiss, Leica, Nikon, and Olympus/Evident.
Modern Light Sources for Use in Microscope Facilities
The AHF product range includes modern light sources for various applications in microscopy, imaging, and laboratory analysis. These high-performance light sources are available in various designs and with different light types, such as LED, laser, or metalhalide. We offer light sources from all current market leaders, such as CoolLED, Excelitas, and Lumencor, as well as AHF’s own-brand light sources, which are characterized by an excellent price-performance ratio.
LED Light Sources
for Stable Illumination in Fluorescence Microscopy
LED-Lichtquellen bieten eine langlebige, energieeffiziente und quecksilberfreie Beleuchtung ohne Aufwärmphase. Sie überzeugen durch hohe Lichtleistung, eine Lebensdauer von bis zu 25.000 Stunden und eine besonders stabile Ausleuchtung im Dauerbetrieb. Die Umschaltung erfolgt in Mikrosekunden, wodurch sich LED-Leuchtmittel ideal für zeitkritische Laborexperimente triggern lassen. Als Lichtquelle für Mikroskope eignen sich besonders gut Weißlicht-LED-Lichtquellen, die aus einzelnen LEDs oder aus bis zu acht verschiedenen LEDs aufgebaut sein können.
LED light sources offer long-lasting, energy-efficient, and mercury-free lighting with no warm-up time. They deliver high light output, a service life of up to 25,000 hours, and exceptionally stable illumination during continuous operation. Switching occurs in microseconds, making LED light sources ideal for triggering time-critical laboratory experiments. White light LED light sources, which can be provided from single LED or up to eight different LEDs models, are particularly well-suited as light sources for microscopes.
We also offer optical filter sets that are perfectly matched to your LED light source and application, such as your microscope setup.
Advantages of LED Light Sources:
- High light output
- Long service life
- Stability
- No warm-up time
- SVery fast switching times
- Mercury-free
- Energy-efficient
You can choose between various types of LED light sources
White Light Single LED
Cost-effective entry-level solutions for basic applications in fluorescence microscopy. They are compatible with standard dyes in the excitation range of approximately 400 nm to approximately 650 nm and are based on a single, broadband LED that emits white light. They are mounted directly on the microscope to save space and ensure lossless light transmission.
White Light Multi LED
Using a combination of multiple high-intensity LEDs, these light sources produce extremely bright, spectrally homogeneous white light across a wider spectral range. They are connected to the microscope via a liquid light guide and are often standalone devices, as they require intensive cooling and sophisticated power management.
Color Light LED
With these light sources, the power and timing of individual LEDs can be controlled independently. Switching times in the microsecond range enable extremely fast multiband fluorescence applications (e.g., in Pinkel or Sedat configurations), since all excitation filters are mounted directly within the light source (unlike excitation filter wheels).
Laser Light Sources
for High-Precision Photonics and Imaging Applications in Research and Industry
Laser light sources provide exceptionally precise and stable illumination for demanding applications in fluorescence microscopy, MerFISH, optogenetics, and modern imaging systems. Thanks to their very high beam intensity and precise wavelengths, they are ideal for time-critical experiments and high-resolution analyses. Lasers are also frequently used in spectroscopy when a monochromatic light source with maximum control is required.
Metal Halide Light Sources
for Intense Illumination in Analytical Processes
Metal halide light sources provide very high light output. They are suitable for applications that require intense and wide illumination with visible light. Our products are still used in traditional fluorescent systems as well as in analytical processes. However, these systems are increasingly being replaced by LED light sources.
Suitable Spare Lamps for Metal Halide Light Sources
For reliable operation of existing lighting systems, AHF offers a selection of suitable spare lamps for metal halide light sources. In fluorescence microscopy in particular, replacing lamps in a timely manner ensures that the intensity and stability of the light output are maintained.
Light Sources Accessories
for Optimal Integration and Operation of Light Sources in a Microscope
AHF offers compatible accessories and replacement components to seamlessly integrate light sources into existing microscope and imaging systems. These include breakout solutions for TTL control, fiber optics, collimators, controllers, and foot switches. This allows you to create custom lighting setups tailored to your specific application.
AHF-TriggerBox: Interface zwischen Lichtquelle und Imaging-Software
Die TriggerBox wird als Interface zwischen Computer und Quelle geschaltet (kompatibel zu NI 6501). So können Sie flexibel via USB- und BNC-Verbindung mit Ihrer Imaging-Software alle TTL-steuerbaren Lichtquellen kontrollieren. Dafür stehen am Gerät 8/10 Ausgänge zur Verfügung. Die Signalumschaltung erfolgt dabei innerhalb weniger Mikrosekunden und eignet sich ideal für viele zeitkritische Experimente.
AHF-TriggerBox
Interface Between Light Source and Imaging Software
The TriggerBox is connected as an interface between the computer and the light source (compatible with the NI 6501). This allows you to flexibly control all TTL-controlled light sources using your imaging software via USB and BNC connections. The device provides 8 or 10 outputs for this purpose. Signal switching occurs within a few microseconds, making it ideal for many time-critical experiments.
Benefits of High-Quality Lighting in Daily Use
In many laboratory applications, the quality of the results depends directly on the lighting used. High-quality light sources ensure stable conditions and consistent performance. This leads to reliable results, especially in sensitive applications such as microscopy or spectroscopy.
Modern lighting systems can also be adapted to different requirements and offer high performance for demanding experiments and analyses. Depending on the model, additional benefits such as quick controllability, long service life, or low-maintenance operation may apply. As a result, high-quality lighting solutions play a crucial role in making laboratory workflows more efficient and safer.
AHF’s light sources are designed to meet these requirements. They ensure reliable illumination in all applications.
Individual Advice on Selecting the Right Light Source
Our product experts are happy to assist you in selecting the right light source for your application and microscope. Together, we’ll find a solution that perfectly meets your needs—whether it’s LED, laser, or metal halide.
In doing so, we take into account important factors such as the desired wavelength, light output, controllability, and integration into existing systems and software. We can also coordinate suitable accessories, filter sets, or replacement lamps directly with you upon request.