Eppendorf AF2200 Plate Reader - Manual (Page 17)

Product description
Eppendorf ® PlateReader AF2200
English (EN)
17
Flash lamp
The device uses a high-performance xenon gas-discharge lamp (flash lamp). The flash jumps over a small
gap between two electrodes. The lamp contains high-pressure xenon. The flash disappears within several
microseconds. The flash frequency is 40 Hz.
The device uses the flash lamp for fluorescence and absorbance measurements. The primary advantages of
this unique type of lamp are:
• High intensity from the deep UV range through near IR range
• Very long service life
• A single light source for a wide range of applications
• No heat-up time required
Condenser
A condenser is used to focus the light into the optical fluorescence system via the entrance aperture.
Excitation filter
For fluorescence applications, optical band-pass filters are required which allow suitable wavelengths to
pass through and filter the rest of the spectrum.
In many cases, the fluorescence emissions spectra are not dependent on the precise excitation wavelength.
Therefore, a relatively wide band-pass filter (10 – 40 nm) can be used for a maximum total fluorescence
signal. The filters are mounted in removable slides.
Flash monitoring
The light energy of individual flashes may fluctuate slightly. To take these fluctuations into account, a
silicon photodiode monitors the energy of each individual flash. The results of the fluorescence
measurement will be compensated accordingly.
2.5.2 Upper fluorescence optics
Flash light enters the optical system focused through an aperture. The opening functions as a color-specific
light source. A partially transparent mirror (beam splitter) reflects 50 % of the light toward the microplate.
The lens system of the objective focuses the light on the sample.
The fluorescence emission in the well will be measured from above. The fluorescence light is bundled by
the lens, guided through the partially transparent mirror with emission filter and focused via the exit
aperture so that it can be detected.