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Computer-controlled RGB LED Illuminator for Upright Microscopes

Patent Pending Now in Fourth Generation

The RGB LED Illuminator provides uniform and diffuse light for near-Koehler microscope illumination and is controlled by computer. Red, green and blue colors can be switched on and off individually or in any combination, including all three giving white light. The unit mounts instead of microscope condenser.

Specifications

• Wavelengths: Red (619 nm), Green (515 nm), Blue (465 nm).

• Switching time: < 1 ms. (practically, speed is determined by the serial port and the software that controls it; for faster switching use digital control).

• Light intensity: At full intensity integration time for a typical CCD camera ~0.5-5 ms. in each color (with 10X objective).

• Illuminated area: 12.5mm or 25mm in diameter.

• Interface: Serial RS232 or USB with USB-to-serial converter (RS-232: needs 9 pin male connector in the computer; 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity); digital TTL-level available.

• Software: LEDTool/LEDToolV - ActiveX server for interactive control or for automation from other applications; direct control through serial port.

• Size: fits instead of substage condenser.

Advantages

• Fast switching of colors under computer control (especially advantageous in scanning applications).

• Bright, uniform and diffuse illumination of large specimen area (see details).

• Independent and accurate (10 bit) control of each color provides any desired color and intensity.

• Color images from monochrome digital camera with full non-interpolated color at every pixel maintain full resolution of the sensor.

• White light for visual observation.

• No vibration or noise.

• Low heat emission, low thermal drift, low temperature gradient; can be always on.

• Sequential acquisition of colors makes possible the adjustment of focus position for each color.

• Improved image quality due to monochromatic illumination; this reduces the effect of chromatic aberrations present in microscope objectives.

• No extra components in the imaging path of the microscope ensure that there is no deterioration of image quality.

• Fits into condenser space of upright microscopes.

• Cost saving due to elimination of standard light source, condenser and filter changer.

• Long life, no moving or serviceable parts.