Eppendorf epMotion 5070 - Manual (Page 26)

Hardware
epMotion
® 5070
English (EN)
26
5.2 Optical sensor
Abb. 5-2: Optical sensor principle
Fig. 5-2: Optical sensor principle
On the carrier, the optical sensor is located to the right of the tool holder.
The optical sensor records the intensity of the reflected light using a lateral infrared light source,
semi-transparent mirror, fixed lens and the procedure in z-direction. Height z
0
is defined as the point with
the highest intensity which enables the detection of the level in a vessel or the presence of labware.
The optical sensor can detect horizontal, plane surfaces. The surface of the liquid must be at an angle of
90° ± 3° to the optical axis.
The surfaces of liquids can be strongly bent by the vessel geometry or the physical properties of the liquid
or vessel. The optical sensor may not detect the level on strongly bent surfaces. If this is the case, the user
must enter the liquid volume.
The optical sensor has a detection limit for vessel levels. The detection limit depends on the vessel
geometry. Generally, levels of 3 mm or higher can be detected.
The following functions of the optical sensor can be activated:
• Liquid detection
Determines the filling level for positions of labware, which has the Liquid detection option activated.
• Tip detection
Checks to see if the pipette tips defined in the application are available.
Determines the quantity and position of tips in the rack.
Works only with epT.I.P.S. Motion in TipHolders and Racks from Eppendorf.
• Location detection
Detects the labware coding.
Checks to see if the labware on the epMotion worktable matches the labware on the epBlue worktable.
Information on setting the optical sensor, and a detailed description of all functions, can be
found in the software operating manual.
Detector
Diaphragm
Z
Z
0
Imaging optics
Light source
Semi-transparent
mirror
Diaphragm