Lambda VF-5™ / VF-1™
Tunable Filter Changers
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-1™ employ the innovative VersaChrome® 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. 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 7 filters covering 338 to 900 nm. 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.
The controller for these new tunable filter changers is a special version of our Lambda 10-3. 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 10-3 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.
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 430 nm to 800 nm. For excitation applications, we suggest installing the 5 filters with the shortest wavelengths covering 338 to 620 nm. 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.
The Lambda VF-1
The Lambda VF-1 accepts any single filter in the series, which can be exchanged with other filters as needed. This model offers faster switching times as well as a more compact and affordable system. When used with the Lambda VF-1, the controller is able to also control a separate filter wheel or SmartShutter.
- FEATURES
- Supported by the Lambda 10-3 (with special programming)
- Patented white light output capability
- Wavelength range as wide as 338-900 nm
- 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 wavelength selection
- Fluorescence microscopy
- Ratiometric imaging
- Calcium imaging
- FURA
- Optogenetics
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Lambda VF-1™
Dimensions
2.8 in x 2.8 in x 4.4 in | 7 cm x 7 cm x 11 cm
Weight
3.3 lbs | 1.5 kg
Lambda VF-5™
Dimensions
9.4 in x 6 in x 5 in | 23.8 cm x 15.2 cm x 12.7 cm
Weight
11.7 lbs | 5.3 kg
Dimensions of Control Box
Dimensions
15.75 in x 11 in x 4 in | 40 cm x 28 cm x 10.2 cm
Weight
20 lbs | 11 kg
Electrical
120/240 Volts
50/60 Hertz power line
75 Watts max
* Patent No. 8,733,978
US Prices > Lambda VF-5™ / VF-1™
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-1* | Lambda VF-1, single VersaChrome® filter, Lambda 10-3 control unit, serial and USB cables, power cable and manual | $ 6,140 |
|---|---|---|
| VF-5-3* | Lambda VF-5, five VersaChrome® filters, Lambda 10-3 control unit, serial and USB cables, power cable and manual | $ 22,849 |
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 |
| O573380 | Tunable filter, 380-338 nm with 16 nm bandwidth | $ 2,236 |
|---|---|---|
| O573440 | Tunable filter, 440-388 nm with 16 nm bandwidth | $ 2,236 |
| O573490 | Tunable filter, 490-429 nm with 15 nm bandwidth | $ 2,236 |
| O573550 | Tunable filter, 550-487 nm with 15 nm bandwidth | $ 2,236 |
| O573620 | Tunable filter, 620-547 nm with 14 nm bandwidth | $ 2,236 |
| O573700 | Tunable filter, 700-615 nm with 13 nm bandwidth | $ 2,236 |
| O573800 | Tunable filter, 800-699 nm with 12 nm bandwidth | $ 2,236 |
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 |
| O620050 | Male-to-male C-mount adapter for mounting SmartShutter® to Lambda VF-5/ VF-1 | $ 114 |
|---|---|---|
| VF5-WL | Lambda VF-5 white light kit | $ 2,296 |
| VF5-EMMSN-ADAP | Emission adapter | $ 4,934 |
RELATED PRODUCTS
Microscope Adapters
SmartShutter®
Lambda LS
Lambda 10-B
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Technote - Options for Easy Control of VF-5 / VF-1
PRODUCT INFORMATION
VF-5 Sales Flyer