Optical Filters And Mirrors - BIO RAD ZE5 User Manual

Chapter 2 Hardware Description
which results in higher side scatter (SSC). The ZE5 Cell Analyzer is configured to collect SSC from the
488 nm laser.

Optical Filters and Mirrors

The ZE5 Cell Analyzer's optical filters separate and direct fluorescent light to the PMTs for detection.
The optical detection system is designed to be extraordinarily space-efficient and compact, allowing
up to 27 fluorescence detectors to be installed. A unique feature of the optical system design is that
each detector is an equal distance from the collection source, so that the system can collect every
wavelength of light at the same focal distance. A single lens and steering mirror are used to optimize
the collected light on all detectors, guaranteeing that the light efficiently reaches the final bandpass
filter with no more than three interactions with dichroic filters.
Mirrors and filters permit multiparametric analysis. By partitioning the spectrum of collected light into
specific ranges of wavelengths, each detector can be dedicated to the measurement of particular
fluorophores.
The ZE5 Cell Analyzer's optical filters and detectors are arranged in banks dedicated to particular
interrogation point/laser combinations, with one bank per laser. These banks are located behind the
filter access door on the right side of the instrument. A black filter cover protects the optical detection
system from ambient light. When lifted out of the way, the filter cover attaches to the instrument using a
magnet, as shown in the next figure.
38 | ZE5 Cell Analyzer and Everest Software