Excelitas Technologies Introduces X-Cite FIRE for Fluorescence Microscopy

Excelitas Technologies Corp., a global technology leader focused on delivering customized photonic solutions, has introduced the X-Cite FIRE light source for fluorescence microscopy, the latest in its line of X-Cite products. The new X-Cite FIRE offers a rich, broad spectrum output from 360-750nm, for exciting an extended range of fluorophores with the advantages and simplicity of using LEDs.
 
From one end of the spectrum to the other, X-Cite FIRE has improved LED coverage, providing a closer match to mercury arc lamp output. With a 365nm spectral peak, X-Cite FIRE is matched perfectly with the narrow DAPI filter sets that are standard in research microscopes. At the opposite end of the spectrum, X-Cite FIRE provides 735nm excitation for Cy7, a wavelength that is not available in any other broadband LED light source at comparable prices.
 
Leveraging Philips Lighting’s ColorSpark HLD LED technology to improve output and remain cost-effective, the X-Cite FIRE’s high power in 500-600nm for TRITC and mCherry enables faster imaging time and better excitation for dim specimens. “We are pleased that our HLD LED technology will have such a positive impact on research imaging, and look forward to future projects with Excelitas,” said Marco Maenner, business development manager at Philips Lighting.
 
Power levels for TRITC, Cy5 and Cy7 excitation rival that of arc lamps and can handle everything from routine imaging to demanding high-speed applications. Designed for use with liquid light guides, X-Cite FIRE is compatible with modern light-guide-only microscope designs and can also be combined with Excelitas microscope adaptors to replace traditional lamp houses. X-Cite FIRE makes it possible to switch from mercury lamps to environmentally-friendly LEDs without compromising on price or performance.
 
“X-Cite FIRE combines everything researchers like about X-Cite 120Q and X-Cite 120LED—a rich, broad spectrum, the brightness of an arc lamp with all the advantages of LEDs, multiple built-in control options, and the flexibility to work with light guide or direct-coupled microscope designs—all manufactured to X-Cite’s high quality standards,” said Mike Kay, director of product management, Biomedical Lighting at Excelitas Technologies.
 
X-Cite FIRE offers the same intuitive manual operation as other X-Cite products, with speedDIAL or foot pedal, USB and TTL control options. It is compatible with the standard X-Cite command set for seamless integration with existing X-Cite 120LED software drivers.
 
Excelitas Technologies Corp. is a global technology leader focused on delivering high-performance, market-driven photonic solutions to meet the lighting, detection and other technology needs of global customers. From biomedical technology to research laboratory, safety and security, consumer, semiconductor, industrial, energy and environment, as well as defense and aerospace applications, Excelitas Technologies is committed to enabling our customers’ success in their end-markets. Excelitas Technologies acquired Qioptiq in 2013 and now has approximately 5,500 employees in North America, Europe and Asia, serving customers across the world.