UVP FirstLight UV Transilluminators User Manual
Page 5

FirstLight UV Transilluminators
Page 5
In the past, quantitative CCD imaging with UV has been difficult due to the lack of uniformity found
in typical UV transilluminators. Accurate and repeatable UV imaging requires a uniform light
source. Uniform Illumination of the FirstLight is critical for quantitative analysis and ensures:
Sensitivity and dynamic range are consistent across the illumination surface
Little or no reliance on uniformity correction by software that can lead to low signal data loss
Straightforward gel to gel comparison
Through design of the FirstLight UV Illuminator, quantitative UV imaging is now possible.
Using the Transilluminator
Place gel/sample on the filter area. It is recommended to place the gels on a Gel-Tray to
protect the filter surface from cuts and scratches. It is recommended that gloves be worn to
avoid contact with gel and staining agents.
Press the ON/OFF switch to ON. Prior to use each day, it is recommended that approximately
a ten-minute warm-up period be observed for the initial use. When frequently turning the unit
on and off, the warm-up period is not required.
After viewing/photographing the sample, turn the transilluminator off.
Uniformity
Through the use of a high density lighting system with a tuned phosphor coating, uniformity of <5%
CV across the imaging surface is achieved and applied for quantiative fluorescent imaging.
Each unit comes with a Certificate of Uniformity, measuring the coefficent of Variance.
The chart below demonstrates the uniformity across the filter area.