Lambda VF-5™
Tunable Filter Changer
Sutter Instrument has developed several filter changers specially designed for wavelength selection over a wide spectral range to any given nanometer value. The Lambda VF-5™, Lambda VF-10, Lambda VF-1™ and Lambda VF-1 Edge™ employ the innovative VersaChrome® and VersaChrome Edge™ thin-film filter technology from Semrock® to provide outstanding bandpass characteristics such as high transmission (close to 100%), steep edges and out of band blocking. These tunable filter systems produce the center wavelength you select on command. And since these filters pass an image, they are equally suitable for emission and excitation paths.
How It Works
A specific wavelength within the wide spectral range of each filter is obtained by adjusting the angle of incidence from 0 to 60 degrees. This tuning causes little or no change in spectral performance of the filter regardless of the
state of polarization of the light passing through the filter. The current VersaChrome series has 15 filters covering 338 to 900nm. By simply selecting the desired center-wavelength on the controller, users can select any combination
of filters for the Lambda VF-5 (which holds up to 5 filters), any single filter in the series for the Lambda VF-1 or any one of 10 filters in the VF-10 that uses smaller filters suitable for laser applications.
The latest development from Semrock® is the VersaChrome Edge filter technology that allows selection of the band-width as well as the center wavelength. This new filter system uses separate tunable high-pass and low -pass filters in
series to define the bandpass. An additional filter is used in series with these filters to provide the best blocking outside the pass-band.
The controller for these new tunable filter changers is a special version of our Lambda 10-B. Users can select the desired center wavelength in 1nm increments from the keypad, or via the serial or USB ports. This allows control of
the Lambda VF instruments with minimal changes to existing software supporting the popular Lambda 10-B controller. A sequence of wavelengths can be stored in the controller and the TTL input can then be used to trigger selection of
the wavelengths in the sequence step-to-step. The firmware includes filter-specific data for each of the VersaChrome filters in the series.
Creating Your Own Bandpass Filter, Craig Hodgson, Ph.D. and Cicely Rathmell, M.Sc.,
http://www.semrock.com/Data/Sites/1/semrockpdfs/smk-versachrome-wp.pdf
The Lambda VF-5
Along with the ability to select any wavelength in the range covered by any combination of 5 VersaChrome filters, the Lambda VF-5 has a patented white-light output mode that allows the user to access the full spectral output of the
excitation light source when it is required. White-light output is achieved by capturing the rejected light from the VersaChrome filter at a 45 degree angle and then combining the two beams on the output side of the VF-5. If this
configuration is desired, it requires an additional custom light guide and SmartShutter® system.
When using the Lambda VF-5 for emission applications, we suggest installation of the 5 filters with the longer center-wavelengths covering from 430nm to 800nm. For excitation applications, we suggest installing the 5 filters with
the shortest wavelengths covering 338 to 620nm. For special applications, any combination of 5 filters could be installed in the Lambda VF-5. The compact Lambda VF-1 accepts any single filter in the series. The single VersaChrome
filter installed in the Lambda VF-1 can be changed as needed.
- FEATURES
- NEW: Now supported by the Lambda 10-3 with special programming
- NEW: Patented white light output capability
- Wavelength range as wide as 338-900nm
- Access any center-wavelength in nanometer increments
- Images pass through filters making it suitable for both excitation and emission
- Easily switch between fluorphore combinations
- Optional liquid light guide offers absolute vibration isolation
- All the advantages of thin-film technology - high transmission, steep spectral edges, high out-of-band blocking
- Polarization independence (s and p nearly identical)
- APPLICATIONS
- Hyperspectral imaging
- Fluorescence imaging
- Ratiometric imaging
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Lambda VF-5
Dimensions
9.4in x 6in x 5in | 23.8cm x 15.2cm x 12.7cm
Weight
11.7lbs | 5.3kg
Controller
Dimensions
8.2in x 5.9in x 5.1in | 14.9cm x 20.8cm x 13cm
Weight
2.6lbs | 1.1kg
Electrical
120/240 Volts
50/60 Hertz power line
75 Watts max
US Prices > Lambda VF-5™
International prices vary by country. Please contact your local distributor or Sutter Instrument for a quotation. Prices subject to change without notice.
| Catalog Number | Description | Price |
| VF-5* | Lambda VF-5, five VersaChrome® filters, Lambda 10-B control unit, serial and USB cables, power cable and manual | $19,550 |
|---|
FOR LAMBDA VF-5 AND VF-1 ONLY (No charge when ordered to be installed in instrument)
VF-1 and VF-5 filters: https://www.semrock.com/filtersRefined.aspx?id=475&page=1&so=0&recs=20
US Prices > VersaChrome® Filters - Original Series
| Catalog Number | Description | Price |
| CO-O573380 | Tunable filter, 338-380nm with 16nm bandwidth | $1,950 |
|---|---|---|
| CO-O573440 | Tunable filter, 390-440nm with 16nm bandwidth | $1,950 |
| CO-O573490 | Tunable filter, 440-490nm with 15nm bandwidth | $1,950 |
| CO-O573550 | Tunable filter, 490-550nm with 15nm bandwidth | $1,950 |
| CO-O573620 | Tunable filter, 550-620nm with 14nm bandwidth | $1,950 |
| CO-O573700 | Tunable filter, 620-700nm with 13nm bandwidth | $1,950 |
| CO-O573800 | Tunable filter, 700-800nm with 12nm bandwidth | $1,950 |
US Prices > VersaChrome® Filters - Extended Overlap Series
| Catalog Number | Description | Price |
| CO-O573400 | Tunable filter, 402-357nm with 16nm bandwidth | $1,950 |
|---|---|---|
| CO-O573449 | Tunable filter, 451-398nm with 15nm bandwidth | $1,950 |
| CO-O573501 | Tunable filter, 503-446nm with 15nm bandwidth | $1,950 |
| CO-O573561 | Tunable filter, 564-498nm with 14nm bandwidth | $1,950 |
| CO-O573628 | Tunable filter, 632-557nm with 14nm bandwidth | $1,950 |
| CO-O573784 | Tunable filter, 708-623nm with 13nm bandwidth | $1,950 |
| CO-O573790 | Tunable filter, 794-696nm with 12nm bandwidth | $1,950 |
| CO-O573900 | Tunable filter, 900-787nm with 11nm bandwidth | $1,950 |
VersaChrome® is a registered trademark of Semrock®
The ranges described above are the designed performance values for the VersaChrome coatings. The Semrock catalog tuning ranges will be narrower due to different criteria.
US Prices > Accessories
| Catalog Number | Description | Price |
| O629950 | Male-to-male C-mount adapter for mounting SmartShutter® to Lambda VF-5/ VF-1 | $70 |
|---|---|---|
| VF5-WL | Lambda VF-5 white light kit | $1,905 |
| VF5-EMMSN-ADP | Emission adapter | $4,220 |
RELATED PRODUCTS
Microscope Adapters
SmartShutter®
Lambda XL
Lambda LS
Lambda 10-B
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Technote - Options for Easy Control of VF-5 / VF-1
PRODUCT INFORMATION
VF-5 Sales Flyer