Molecular Devices SpectraMax M2 User Manual page 7

1. Description
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SpectraMax M2 & SpectraMax M2e Multi-mode Plate Readers Operator's Manual — 0112-0115 Rev. D
2
OPTICS
Mirrored optics focus the light into the sample volume, and cutoff filters are used to
reduce stray light and minimize background interference. The light source is a high-
powered Xenon flashlamp; additional flexibility is provided by allowing a variable number
of lamp flashes per read.
DYNAMIC RANGE
The dynamic range of detection is from 10–6 to 10–12 molar fluorescein. Variations in
measured fluorescence values are virtually eliminated by internal compensation for
detector sensitivity, photomultiplier tube voltage and sensitivity, as well as excitation
intensity. The photometric range is 0–4 ODs with a resolution of 0.001 OD.
PATHCHECK
SpectraMax M2 and SpectraMax M2
variable well volumes to 1-cm cuvette readings. PathCheck allows for multichannel
pipettor validation and for experiment comparison from different days.
AUTOMIX
Using SoftMax Pro, the contents of the wells in a microplate can be mixed automatically
by linear shaking before each read cycle, making it possible to perform kinetic analysis of
solid-phase, enzyme-mediated reactions (mixing is not critical for liquid-phase reactions).
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Temperature in the microplate chamber is isothermal, both at ambient and when the
incubator is turned on. When the incubator is on, the temperature may be controlled
from 4°C above ambient to 45°C.
SUPPORTED PLATES
Microplates having 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 384 wells can be used in the SpectraMax M2
e
and SpectraMax M2 . Top detection is available for fluorescence detection on the
SpectraMax M2, while top and bottom reads are possible on the SpectraMax M2
reading optical density at wavelengths below 340 nm, special UV-transparent, disposable
or quartz microplates and cuvettes that allow transmission of the far UV spectra must be
used.
One plate carrier adapter is provided with the instrument. The adapter is required for
optimum performance with standard 96-well and 384-well format microplates for all top-
read applications.
COMPUTER CONTROL
SpectraMax M2 and SpectraMax M2
SoftMax Pro software which provides integrated instrument control, data display, and
statistical data analysis. Cuvette port functionality can be accessed using SoftMax Pro
software.
e
with PathCheck ® Sensor allow normalization of
e
are controlled by an external computer running
e
. When