Life Sciences and Biophotonics

Working with lasers is a foundation for biomedical research. There are many applications and studies that require specific optical set-ups. Composing a set-up begins with creating a safe, stable lab environment, continues with choosing a suitable laser, and ends with selecting the right optical components and measurement equipment.

Since this is quite a task, we are happy to advise you to help you find the right products. Our advice is based on market knowledge, close contact with our suppliers, and years of experience in the photonics world.

Lab Environment

For every application involving a microscope, it is important that your sample doesn't make unexpected movements. This leads to measurement errors and unnecessary noise. To prevent this, we offer solutions through our partners TMC and Zaber.

TMC offers vibration-damped tables that block vibrations caused by traffic, acoustics, slamming doors, and other sources. Zaber produces nano-positioners that can be used to precisely move samples in and out of a microscope's focus.

• Vibration-damped tables (TMC)
• Nano-positioners (Zaber)

Laser Source

The required laser depends heavily on the application and specific research. For example, a certain wavelength CW laser might be needed for fluorescence microscopy & flow cytometry. Or a certain femtosecond pulse energy may be required for multiphoton microscopy. The nanosecond pulses needed for MALDI-TOF, Microdissection & Optoacoustics can also vary in energy. There are also applications like Optogenetics that require multiple wavelengths.

Because of the many variables, we have many partners, each with their own strengths. This allows us to offer a great selection for any biomedical application. Let us know how we can help you!

• Hübner Photonics
• CNI
• Keopsys
• Light Conversion
• Quantel

Optical Components, Safety & Measurement Equipment

To complete your set-up, optical components are often still needed. Think of optical filters, SLMs, polarization and AO modulators.

Another important topic is laser safety. We offer goggles, shields, viewing windows, and curtains. These are calculated based on standards for the required protection levels, even for combinations of lasers.

Of course, it is essential that your set-up measures and reports the correct data. For this, devices like a waveform generator, photon counter, or oscilloscope are often needed. It's also not uncommon to use a PID controller, lock-in amplifier, or a laser lock box. For these needs, we work with our partner Liquid Instruments. While the choice in these areas is huge, it’s made easy for you: Liquid Instruments has a product that includes all the instruments mentioned above. Send us a message if you’d like to hear more!

• Meadowlark
• Semrock
• Keopsys
• Laservision
• NoIR
• Liquid Instruments

A complete list of our products can be found below