Overview

The NIGHTSEA Model SFA Fluorescence Adapter system can add a versatile fluorescence imaging capability to the Hirox digital microscope. Visit our website for a full gallery of images made with the NIGHTSEA adapter and the Hirox microscope.

Our adaptations to the Hirox system are concerned with the lens. We now offer variants of our fluorescence adapter system that work with the HR-2500E and HR-1020E lenses. (We may be able to support older lenses – contact NIGHTSEA for more information.)

Fluorescence solution

The key elements of any fluorescence system are:

• A light source that produces sufficient energy in the appropriate 
  wavelength range to excite fluorescence in the sample of interest 
• A barrier filter in the viewing path that blocks reflected excitation light 
  while transmitting the fluorescence emitted by the sample

NIGHTSEA implements these for the Hirox system with:

• high intensity LED light sources available in five excitation wavelength 
  ranges (see list on next page) 
• emission barrier filters that can be easily added to the Hirox lenses
  • The filters for the HR-2500E and HR-1020E lenses simply insert into the Analyzer slot.

Comprehensive Solution Kit

The components of a NIGHTSEA system that adds a single excitation/emission wavelength combination on a Hirox microscope are:

• Flexible gooseneck lamp base with LED drive circuit and intensity control
• Universal power supply (120/240VAC, 50/60Hz) with international plug set
• Excitation light source
• Emission barrier filter
• Barrier filter glasses for fluorescence viewing and eye safety
• Padded carrying case

Additional wavelength sets are implemented by adding a matched set (light plus filter set) consisting of a light source, barrier filter, and filter glasses.

We are currently working on adapters for the full range of Hirox lenses, for use with all of our wavelength options. Please contact Hirox or NIGHTSEA to discuss your application and compatible solutions.

Why we recommend a set of three excitation 
wavelengths for industry needs 

We have found that the combination of the Ultraviolet, Violet, and Royal Blue excitation/emission sets addresses a wide variety of industrial imaging challenges. The most common misconception we encounter is that fluorescence is uniquely associated with ultraviolet (UV) light and many customers immediately ask for that wavelength. However, we have found in several cases – even some in which UV was specifically recommended by a dye manufacturer – that either Violet or Royal Blue provided superior performance.  For example: 

A prospective customer wanted to image concrete thin sections impregnated with fluorescent dye. The dye supplier recommended UV, and it is true that UV will make the dye fluoresce nicely. We found that our Royal Blue excitation produced significantly brighter fluorescence. 

Similar to above, except that a fluorescence epoxy had been used to highlight surface cracks in a test sample. Royal Blue excitation yielded brighter fluorescence. 

Acquiring the three-color system will provide the highest chance of success and will equip you with a versatile toolkit to address new fluorescence imaging challenges as they arise. Contact us if you would like to discuss your application further. 

In addition to the Comprehensive Solution Kits, you can also purchase single-color full systems that provide everything you need to get started with one excitation/emission combination. Once you have a full system, additional wavelength sets can be ordered separately. These contain the new light head, microscope barrier filter, and barrier filter glasses.

Wavelength Sets

There are five excitation/emission wavelength combinations available for the system. 

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