Aura Phase Contrast Illuminator
The Aura is a ring-light of LEDs that replaces the microscope condenser for phase contrast imaging on an inverted microscope.
- Allows true Zernike phase contrast with extra working space around the sample
- Excellent for complex experiments in electrophysiology, live cell imaging, and multi-modal time lapse
- Provides large working area above the sample for electrophysiology and microfluidic equipment
- Working distance of up to 220mm
Complex experiments in the fields of electrophysiology and live cell imaging often require the use of instrumentation near the sample. The Aura Phase Contrast Illuminator provides extra working distance above the sample, up to 220 mm, for these demanding experiments. The Aura uses concentric rings of super-bright LEDs in place of the conventional condenser and phase rings.
The Aura system provides the simplest possible alignment, the highest-quality phase contrast images, and is directly compatible with the best modern inverted research microscopes for electrophysiology, live cell imaging, and multi-modal time lapse experiments. Aura allows turn-key PhL, Ph1, and Ph2 imaging in white light or the near infrared.  As with all products from the manufacturer Cairn, this unit integrates into most existing systems with flexible timing and control systems.
Comparative optical schema. (A) Optical schema for conventional Zernike phase contrast microscopy, consisting of collimated light source, phase annulus, condenser assembly, and phase contrast objective lens. Inset view of objective BFP via Bertrand lens showing overlapped phase annulus and phase ring. (B) Optical schema for condenser-free Zernike phase contrast consisting of LED ring and phase contrast objective. Inset view of objective BFP showing overlapped image of LED.
| Working Distance Above Sample | Up to 180 mm |
| Phase Rings Supported | PhL, Ph1, and Ph2 |
| Control Options | TTL/Analog, USB (with optional adapter), and manual |
| Ultra-Long Working Distance | Ideal for electrophysiology and other micromanipulation applications |
| Easy to Align | Ideal for multiuser facilities – no condenser to align. |
| Supports both Phase Contrast and Brightfield Imaging | Flexible application uses |
- Electrophysiology
- Live cell imaging
- Time-lapse and multimodal integration
- Simultaneous fluorescence and transmitted light
- Simultaneous high speed and high resolution
Downloadable Documents
Please find links below to relevant downloads for our products.
Related products
-
CairnTwinLED Light Source
Ratiometric calcium imaging with LEDs can work extremely well, but, due to the relatively narrow bandwidths and spectral variations of individual LEDs, it does require attention to detail. The TwinLED head works directly with our OptoLED controller and makes the process simple, as we take care of the LED selection, intensity regulation and bespoke optics to make your experiments work with the best possible signal-to-noise.
• Preconfigured & compact
• Near perfect stability
• Full LED ratiometric illuminator(0 reviews) -
CairnOptoLED
Ultra-stable, high-intensity, modular illuminator
- High intensity
- Near perfect stability
- Instantaneous vibration-free switching
- Well-suited for epi-fluorescence, transmitted light microscopy, macroscopy, and optogenetics
(0 reviews) -
LDI Family ProductsLDI Family of Products
The LDI is a multiline, solid-state laser illuminator offering up to 1000mW of output power via a multimode fiber at the price of a low power LED light engine. With feedback-controlled output stability and up to a 100:1 linear dynamic range, the LDI is the ideal light source for a wide range of applications including spinning disk confocal microscopy, structured illumination microscopy, FRAP, photoactivation / photoconversion, and PALM/STORM.
(0 reviews)
