Optical Solutions for Fluorescence Imaging

Fluorescence imaging technology relies on precise spectral beam steering and shaping, and signal detection capabilities to visualize and interpret biological processes with unprecedented resolution and sensitivity. Techniques like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing raise the bar for optical precision as they allow new and emerging healthcare diagnostics faster, cheaper and more effective.

Thin film optical coatings

Precise spectral edge placement and high transmission efficiency are among the characteristics of thin film optical coatings that improve fluorescence signal collection and multiplexing performance. VIAVI hard-coated, thin film optical filters provide >90% transmission from UV to near-infrared (NIR) light in combination with deep blocking to optimize imaging quality and improved sensitivity. Proprietary low angle shift (LAS) filters further enhance the performance of thin film coatings by suppressing stray light and improving the signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), even in wide fields of view enabling miniaturized instrument development.

Light shaping optics

Controlling the shape, intensity, and irradiance of illumination light through light shaping optics is a prerequisite for advanced fluorescence imaging that rely on quantitative image analysis such as DNA sequencing methods. VIAVI engineered diffusers produce highly consistent and uniform illumination beams that reduce photobleaching and optimize throughput for applications requiring high-density visualization at the molecular level. Polymer-on-glass (POG) diffusers provide flexible and affordable beam shaping options and Reactive Ion Etched diffusers are suitable for high power laser applications.

Applications

In addition to PCR and DNA sequencing, fluorescence imaging applications made possible by advanced optical solutions include flow cytometry filters to support high-volume cell sorting and analysis, and in-vivo imaging to monitor molecular events in living plants and animals. High-content screening (HCS) leverages fluorescence imaging technology to identify new drug targets and measure large scale cellular activity.

VIAVI product offerings

VIAVI optical product offerings continue to address evolving fluorescence imaging standards and applications.

• Notch filters accurately reject or attenuate light signals within a specific band while passing signals above or below this band.
• Low angle shift (LAS) filters dramatically reduce angle shift of spectral edges offering designers unprecedented control over instrument miniaturization and improving sensitivity.
• Bandpass/edge filters allow for the detection and analysis of specific light wavelengths from UV to mid-infrared.
• UV to mid-infrared coatings on a variety of substrates address diverse sets of applications.  
• Thin film interference filters separate excitation light from fluorescent signal according to the unique wavelength, and sensitivity constraints of the application. 
• Vortex phase plates enable focused beam phase singularity for super-resolution microscopy.
• Micro lens arrays utilizing polymer-on-glass (POG) technology are the heart of spinning disc confocal microscopes reducing cost.