Bluebox Optics, a private company that makes scientific test and measurement equipment based in Huntingdon, UK, has introduced what appears to be their flagship product, the niji module LED light source for fluorescence microscopy. The system features up to seven LED channels to provide powerful, multi-wavelength excitation with emission ranging from UV to Far Red. The niji lets users start with just one LED. Then, with its modular mainframe up to six more LEDs can be added later, for additional excitation center wavelengths, excitation bands, and output power options when they are needed.
Bluebox Optics niji Features Selectable LED Drive Modes
The niji offers selectable LED drive modes of constant optical power and constant current. These modes can enable fast imaging speed and high excitation power stability over long periods. Also, users can control wavelengths, power, and emission channel individually or simultaneously.
The company says that niji is fully compatible with most standard microscopes, as well as MicroManager, MicroManager 2, and a broad range of other software packages. The device is also very quiet, according to the Bluebox Optics.
“When speaking with researchers we identified the wish for a flexible and future-proof LED light source for single and multiband fluorescence microscopy. With the niji’s uniquely reconfigurable mainframe, LEDs and filters can be changed by the user in minutes, there’s no need to know today what wavelength you need in the future,” said Alan Hughes, director of Bluebox Optics.
“With this new LED light source we enable our distribution partners to be able to offer a low-cost entry point LED light source with a low cost upgrade path, making the investment very future-proof,” Alan Hughes said.
