Lens Selection And Setup - BIO RAD VERSADOC User Manual

Fig. 4.2. VersaDoc chemi sample tray.
4.3.4

Lens Selection and Setup

The VersaDoc system is supplied with two standard lenses, a flexible zoom lens and a high
numerical aperture 50 mm lens with improved collection efficiency.
For optimal image acquisition, it is recommended that the zoom lens with 660 nm cut-off
filter installed be used for all fluorescence and colorimetric applications. This lens can also
be used for high intensity chemiluminescence experiments, however it is not ideal for this
type of application.
For the best chemiluminescence results, it is recommended that the 50 mm fixed lens with
no cut-off filter be used. The 50 mm high NA (f 1.4) lens is designed for optimized light
collection efficiency and will produce superior images for all low intensity
chemiluminescence experiments. The lens can also be used for collecting typical
fluorescence and colorimetric images, however the imaging area is fixed. This lens is
designed to work in combination with the chemiluminescence sample tray, placing the
sample closer to the camera for improved light collection efficiency
Infrared Cutoff Filter
When performing any fluorescence experiments it is recommended that the 660 nm infrared
cut-off filter that is supplied with the VersaDoc be installed on the front of collecting lens
(see figure 4.3). This filter will block any infrared signal that may be generated by the UV
bulbs, substantially reducing image background and improving sensitivity. This filter is not
required for chemiluminescence experiments and should not be present when collecting
low intensity chemiluminescence signals, as it will reduce the amount of signal collected.
Figure 4.3
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User's Manual • 4-