Filter Wheel; Mechanical Description - Sutter Instrument LAMBDA 10-B Operation Manual

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The following instructions are meant to help you set up the LAMBDA 10-B and become
familiar with the manual mode of filter selection. Other sections of this manual contain
detailed discussions on the functionality of the controller, how filters are installed, and
setting up remote control communications.
The Lambda SmartShutter is a microprocessor controlled, high-speed shutter designed for
microscopy and other applications that require a shutter function. The LAMBDA 10-B
controller can control a single a single integrated or two standalone SmartShutters. Shutters
are commonly used to turn off a light source to prevent photo bleaching or other photo
damage. In addition, they may be used to select between multiple light sources or light paths,
such as transmitted light versus fluorescence excitation. SmartShutters can be placed into
one of several modes. These modes determine the way the actual shutter action works: Fast
Mode, Soft Mode, and Neutral Density Mode. Fast Mode provides for the fastest open/close
action of the shutter. Soft Mode is slightly slower than Fast Mode and provides for a
somewhat gradual open/close action, as well as being quieter. Neutral Density Mode allows
for the control of the aperture of the open state of the shutter – between 1 and 144
microsteps may be selected for the Neutral Density Mode. Neutral Density Mode also
provides for the control of light intensity without affecting the wavelength.
The primary use of the shutter is as an accessory to the Lambda 10 series of filter wheels, but
it is also used as a stand-alone piece for the transmitted light arm of inverted microscopes.
The electromechanical shutters actuated by solenoids have been used by most optical
manufacturers for decades and have some outstanding features. They act quickly, they can
be driven by simple electronics, and the package is quite thin. However, these units are prone
to frequent failures and usually cannot be repaired. There is effectively no warranty from the
manufacturer for the end user. Although they can produce short bursts of operation at 30
Hertz, they will overheat and fail quickly if this rate of opening is maintained. These shutters
also produce a good deal of vibration and audible noise.

1.3 Filter Wheel

1.3.1 Mechanical Description

The basic components of the filter wheel mechanical assembly are shown in following figures.
The only components that are to be removed by the user are the drop-in or slide-in filter
holders and the plug in the loading port. At no time should the user remove the cover plate
from the wheel housing.
1. 10-position wheel (removed from motor hub)
2. Installed filter cup
3. Wheel housing
4. Cover plate (removed from wheel housing
5. Stepper motor
6. Drop-in filter holder (Figure 1-1) or slide-in filter holder (Figure 1-2)
7. Mounting ears
8. Optical port
9. Loading port (plug installed)
10. Shutter housing
LAMBDA 10-B OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 1.20Q (20230227)