Chapter 1: Introduction - Molecular Devices SpectraMax Paradigm User Manual

Chapter 1: Introduction

The SpectraMax® Paradigm® Multi-Mode Detection Platform from Molecular Devices® is a
user-upgradeable, multi-mode microplate reader capable of performing absorbance,
fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence (including HTRF), fluorescence polarization,
AlphaScreen®, AlphaLISA®, and luminescence measurements. An external computer running
the SoftMax® Pro provides integrated instrument control, data display, and statistical data
analysis.
Detection cartridge modularity lets you configure the system to meet your current needs,
while providing flexibility to address future applications. Up to six detection cartridges can be
installed in each of the two detection cartridge drawers. The software detects the installed
cartridge configuration and does all measurement types supported by the detection
cartridges. For information about detection cartridges, see
page 93.
Depending on the application, the instrument can read 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 384-well
microplates. For micro-volume measurements, the instrument supports SpectraDrop 24-well
Micro-Volume Microplates and SpectraDrop 64-well Micro-Volume Microplates. The
instrument is capable of reading 1536-well microplates when used with specific detection
cartridges. See
CAUTION! To prevent damage to the instrument, the height of the microplate must
not exceed 25 mm, including the lid if the microplate is lidded.
The SoftMax Pro Software can collect data from one or more microplates and store it in a
single data file, using the same or different instrument settings for different microplates.
Assays requiring a read in two or more read modes or read types can be combined in a single
experiment and run with a single command in the software, by defining separate microplate
reads and enabling Auto Read. For information on the acquisition and analysis capabilities of
the software, see the SoftMax Pro Software application help or user guide.
The SpectraMax Paradigm Instrument can be integrated with an automated laboratory
system. When integrated, the detection protocols are accessed by the robotic controller
software.
5014038 E
Selecting Suitable Microplate Types on page
Available Detection Cartridges on
91.
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