Andor Technology Optosplit II User manual

Optosplit II
Image Splitter
User Guide v3.1

Important - Please read before installation
I. Important - Please read before installation
For maximum reliability we recommend using the equipment within certain guidelines. If in any
doubt, then please feel free to contact our technical support department (e-mail tech@cairn-
research.co.uk .
The following points should be considered when using the Optosplit for the first time:
1. The Optosplit is supplied pre-aligned and centred, please refer to this manual before making any
adjustments.
Do not adjust smaller knurled screws or recessed hex screw on lid before reading this manual!
2. When changing the filter cube care should be taken not to touch any optical surfaces. If any lenses,
filters, or mirrors are marked then they should be wiped with a lens tissue.
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Package Contents
II.Package Contents
Optosplit Image Splitter
Optosplit Body
Filter Cube(s ____________
2 slot covers
Shutter to occlude either optical path
Auxillary filter/lens holder
Coupling
Rectangular diaphragm with female c mount input
Output focussing adjuster with male c mount output
Filters
Dichroic filter ____________
Short emitter ____________
Long emitter ____________
Dichroic filter ____________
Short emitter ____________
Long emitter ____________
Dichroic filter ____________
Short emitter ____________
Long emitter ____________
Dichroic filter ____________
Short emitter ____________
Long emitter ____________
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III.Table of Contents
I. Important - Please read before installation.......................................................................................... i
II. Package Contents................................................................................................................................... iii
III. Table of Contents................................................................................................................................... v
1 Introduction............................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Installation guide..................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Configuring the filter and dichroic mirror holder................................................................ 4
2.2 Installing the Optosplit in the light path................................................................................ 5
2.3 Focussing the camera. ............................................................................................................ 6
3 Operation of the Optosplit................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Adjusting the position of the images...................................................................................... 7
3.2 Configuring a new filter set...................................................................................................... 9
4 Technical summary............................................................................................................................... 11
5 Technical Support................................................................................................................................. 13

Table of Contents
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Introduction
1 Introduction
In fluorescence imaging applications it is often useful to acquire simultaneous images at two
different emission wavelengths. Traditionally such applications have been restricted by the speed of an
electronic filter changer, or by the cost and complexity of adding a second camera to a system. In many
instances the region of interest does not require the full resolution of the camera so the ideal solution
would be to simultaneously image at two different wavelengths on the same camera chip. In conjunction
with a research microscope and a suitable CCD camera the Cairn Optosplit allows the researcher to do
exactly this.
The Optosplit is usually supplied with a rectangular aperture to define an ROI and includes controls
to allow the two images to be positioned accurately and conveniently within the camera frame. Images
can be acquired using any imaging software and processed either manually off-line or using an appropriate
analysis tool such as the Splitview module in Universal Imaging’s Meta series software or Field Split in
Andor Bioimaging's iQ.
As supplied, the instrument is configured to attach to the c-mount output port of a research
microscope, with a c-mount CCD camera fitted to its output. The design allows for connection to a
variety of alternative devices, so please consult with us if you intend using it in any other configuration.
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