Fluorescence Kinetic Microscope
Chlorophyll Fluorescence Imaging from Individual Cells to Plant Populations
About...

Fluorescence Kinetic Microscope FC 2000-Z (FKM) is designed to be the most versatile tool for lab-based research. Fluorescence Kinetic Microscope (FKM) extends the complete capacity of kinetic chlorophyll or multicolor fluorescence imaging to the realm of individual cells and subcellular structures

Key Features

  • 10 µs to 20 ms exposure time per frame
  • High-resolution CCD camera
  • 70 % peak quantum yield with about 4 electrons readout noise.
  • Motorized 6-position filter (Axio Imager.M2 only)
  • 5 color excitation module generating measuring and actinic light


  • Multiple fluorophore imaging
  • Light source with tunable excitation light spectra
  • Automated software-based system operation
  • Spectrally resolved or ultra fast (µs) spot measurements of fluorescence and absorbance kinetics (optional)

Fluorescence Kinetic Microscope


Fluorescence Kinetic Microscope FC 2000-Z (FKM) is designed to be the most versatile tool for lab-based research. Fluorescence Kinetic Microscope (FKM) extends the complete capacity of kinetic chlorophyll or multicolor fluorescence imaging to the realm of individual cells and subcellular structures. All conventional fluorescence parameters can be mapped with micrometer resolution so that individual chloroplasts or even grana-stroma thylakoid segments can be investigated. Modular set-up of the FKM is designed for kinetic fluorescence measurements with various user-selectable excitation and emission wavelengths as well as the combination of imaging measurements with spectrally resolved or ultra-fast (µs) spot measurements of fluorescence and absorbance kinetics.


The Fluorescence Kinetic Microscope (FKM) allows imaging measurements of two-dimensional resolved multicolour fluorescence transients induced by complex irradiance protocols. The fluorescence emission is induced by an appropriate LED light source. In the standard configuration, the wavelength selection in Fluorescence Kinetic Microscope is the same as in other research-grade fluorescence microscopes by the use of a white excitation light source combined with a set of excitation filters, dichroic mirrors, and emitter filters. As an additional option, a light source with tunable spectra for both measuring and actinic / saturating light is available. It increases the range of measurable chromophores and improves signal/noise ratio. The system is designed to allow automatic switching between different excitation wavelengths even during same measurement. In contrast to conventional fluorescence microscopes, the ultrahigh sensitivity of the measuring camera combined with modulated light measurement makes it possible to perform imaging at extremely low light levels that do not disturb the metabolism of the cell.

The Fluorescence Kinetic Microscope can be combined with spectrally resolved measurements which are done via the Spectrometer SM 9000 synchronized to the measuring camera. The ultrafast kinetic measurements are performed by a microscope adapted version of the Double Modulation Fluorometer FL 3500, which again can be synchronized to the measuring camera. In this way, the spectrally resolved or ultrafast kinetic spot measurements can be done simultaneously on the same object and controlled by the same measuring protocol as the imaging kinetic record. All parts and functions can be controlled by the FluorCam software depending on individual configuration.



Protocols


  • FV/FM
  • Kautsky induction
  • Quenching analysis
  • Light Curve
  • Steady state fluorescence, e.g., GFP and other FPs, UV induced plant blue-green fluorescence, various fluorescent dyes
  • QA-reoxidation (it needs optional electronic module)
  • Fast fluorescence induction (OJIP) with 1 µs resolution (it needs optional electronic module)
  • Spectrally resolved absorbance kinetic (it needs optional Spectrometer SM 9000)




Samples


  • Leaves, small plants, fruits, vegetables
  • Mosses, lichens
  • Cyanobacteria, green algae
  • Nematodes




Applications


  • Pulse-amplitude modulated measurement of in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics and its imaging
  • Multicolor imaging on cellular and sub-cellular level
  • Multispectral kinetic fluorescence imaging
  • Analysis of mechanisms involved in changes of photosynthetic performance
  • Analysis of any non-chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics





Software


  • Fully automated control of the whole FluorCam system
  • Image acquisition via automated experimental protocols:
  • - numerous predefined protocols
    - possibility to create user defined protocols via a program Wizard
    - multiple (automatically repeated) experiments
    - barcode reader support

  • Image processing tools:
  • - automatic or manual image segmentation – e.g., labeling of individual plants
    - analysis of kinetic data from all samples within the field of view
    - numerous image manipulation tools
    - export to text file, avi, bmp or raw data formats

  • Windows 7, or higher compatible



For more information about LED wavelengths options and CCD cameras go to Products Introduction


Versions



Microscope Body Options


Axio Imager Z2

  • objective holder, 6-mounted
  • transmitted-light brightfeld
  • motorized focusing drive for z-axis witn 10 nm step
  • possibility of large and heavy samples up to 9 kg

Axio Imager M2

  • Objective holder, 7-mounted, encoded
  • Transmitted light shutter
  • Optics for fluorescence
  • Mechanical stage 75 × 50 R basic,“Axio Imager”, hardcoat anodized surface
  • The Microscope body allows motorized stage movement in the Z axis (up and down).
  • The system includes two adapters (each for one camera).

Axio Scope A1

  • Microscope stand “Axio Scope.A1” HAL 100, HAL 100/HBO, 6 × HD DIC
  • Stage holder D/A, vertically adjustable
  • Reflector turret 6× man., changeable, for P&C modules
  • Mechanical stage 75 × 50 R ergon. drive, fxed position



Light Module Options


10 LEDs Light

  • FluorCam microscopy version control unit for 5× flash light 5× continual light trans-illumination light
  • Epi – illumination light source (LED colors: UV, blue, green, white, red)
  • Optional OJIP and STF function
  • Trans-illumination light source (white and infra LED)
  • Power supply for Microscope Control Unit

3 LEDs Light

  • FluorCam microscopy version control unit FCM3
  • Epi – illumination light source (LED colors: Flash – white, continual light –white, UV)
  • Trans-illumination light source (white and infra LED)
  • Power supply for Microscope Control Unit
  • Optional Fluorometer connection



Camera Options


  • High-sensitivity camera TOMI-1
  • High-resolution camera TOMI-2
  • High-speed camera TOMI-3


Specifications


Fluorescence Parameters:
- Measured parameters: F0, FM, FV, F0', FM', FV', FT
- More than 50 calculated parameters: FV/FM, FV'/FM', PhiPSII, NPQ, qN, qP, Rfd, PAR-absorptivity coefficient, and many others

Light Sources:
455 nm, 470 nm, 505 nm, 570 nm, 605 nm, 618 nm, 630 nm, 735 nm, white and others

Super Pulse Intensity:
- 4,000 µmol. m-2. s-1 (in standard version)
- 6,000 µmol. m-2. s-1 (in light-upgraded version)

Actinic Light Intensity:
Up to 2,000 µmol. m-2. s-1 (in standard version)
Up to 3,000 µmol. m-2. s-1 (in light-upgraded version)

Filter Wheel:
7 positions

Light Regime:
Static or harmonically modulated (sine waveform)

Custom-Defined Protocols:
Variable timing, special language and scripts

CCD Detector Wavelength Range:
400 – 1000 nm

CCD Format:
- 720 x 560 pixels (TOMI-1 camera)
- 1360 x 1024 pixels (TOMI-2 camera)
- 1280 x 1024 pixels (TOMI-3 camera)

Pixel Size:
- 8.60 µm x 8.30 µm (TOMI-1)
- 6.45 µm x 6.45 µm (TOMI-2)
- 6.60 µm x 6.60 µm (TOMI-3)

A/D bit Resolution:
- 12 bit (TOMI-1)
- 16 bit (TOMI-2)
- 12 bit (TOMI-3)

Interface Connector:
Gigabit Ethernet

Outer Dimension:
472 mm (W) x 479 mm (D) x 513 mm (H)

Weight:
Appr. 40 kg

Power Input:
Appr. 1100 W

Electrical:
90 – 240 V

Cameras:
High-sensitivity TOMI-1 or high-resolution TOMI-2 or highspeed TOMI-3

For more information about LED wavelengths options and CCD cameras go to Products Introduction

[h1]Documents[/h1] [list] [*][b] FluorCam Operation Manual (pdf)[/b] [*][b] FluorCam Quick Start Guide (pdf)[/b] [*][b] Driver Instalation manual (pdf)[/b] [/list] [h1]Software[/h1] [list] [*][b] FluorCam 7 (installer), OS: Win 7/10[/b] [*][b] Legacy driver for USB cameras, OS: Win 7 (32 bit)[/b] [/list] [h1]Promotional Materials[/h1] [list] [*][b] FluorCams leaflet (pdf)[/b] [/list] [h1]Tutorial video[/h1] [list] [*][b] FluorCam Tutorial video (mp4)[/b] [/list]

Optional features and accessories


QA-Reoxidation Module
High-end option allowing determination of QA-reoxidation kinetics. QA-reoxidation is recorded in a pump-and-probe manner, i.e. using repetitive flashes and recording with variable delay after each flash.

PAR-Absorptivity and NDVI Module
High-end option for measuring PAR absorptivity and NDVI reflectance index. It includes 7-position filter wheel, light panel 13 x 13 cm (installed round the camera and mounted with far-red LEDs 740 nm + deep-red LEDs 660 nm) and a glass filter. PAR-measurement is based on reflectance of plants in near infrared region and in the visible red range of spectrum. NDVI is used as vegetative index for predicting photosynthetic activity.
IMPORTANT NOTES: To be used only with FC 800-C/1010, FC 800-C/1010-GPF or FC 800-O/1010. This module cannot be used with the Multicolor Plant Module in FC 800-C/1010 or FC 800-C/1010-GPF.

Multicolor Plant Module
High-end option for measuring emission spectra in plants (according to Lichtenthaler and Bushmann). It includes 7-position filter wheel, UV LED light panel (installed round the camera and mounted with 4 UV LEDs 380 nm), four filters - BLUE (FF01-440/40), GREEN (FF02-520/28), RED (FF01-690/8), FAR-RED (FF01-747/33) - and a special software module.
IMPORTANT NOTES: To be used only in the FC 800-C/1010, FC 800-C/1010-GPF or FC 800-O/1010. This module cannot be used with the PAR-Absorptivity and NDVI Module in the FC 800-C/1010 or FC 800-C/1010-GPF.

Fast Fluorescence Induction (OJIP) Module
Electronic module for tracking fast fluorescence induction – OJIP curve. Includes a special electronic board and measuring protocol. The processes are recorded in multiple light exposures, each with a variable delay after the light is switched on.

Filter Wheel
7-position software-controlled filter wheel allows for imaging in different emission bands. Filters are easily interchangeable.

Additional LED Light Panels
Additional LED light panel is mounted at the top part of the FluorCam System. It is located under the camera; the objective of the camera is inserted in the central opening of this panel. The panel widens the possibility of employing more excitation colors for special applications. It is equipped with 4 high-power LEDs in one-channel version, or 8 high-power LEDs in two-channel version. Available colours are: far-red (740 nm), deep-red (660 nm), ultra-violet (365 or 385 nm), green (523 nm), amber (590 nm). Other options available upon request.
Ultraviolet Panel (365 or 385 nm): Recommended use: (1) multicolor fluorescence - UV excited blue F440, green F520, red F680, and infra-red F740 (must be accompanied with the filter wheel and high-resolution CCD); (2) excitation source for wtGFP, DAPI (filter wheel and high-resolution CCD required). Optical power 1,5 W.
Blue Panel (470 nm): Recommended use: (1) excitation source for EGFP (must be accompanied with the filter wheel and high-resolution CCD); (2) studies on stomata function.
Green Panel (530 nm): Recommended use: excitation source for YFP (must be accompanied with the filter wheel and high-resolution CCD).
Far-Red Panel (740 nm) : Maximum total output: 1,200 mW (4 x 300 mW). Recommended use: determination of Fo' and PAR absorbance (use of filter wheel required).
PAR - NDVI Panel (660 nm + 740 nm): This panel is part of the PAR-Absorptivity and NDVI Module.

Set of Grids for Sample Holders
Grids serve for firm and secure attachment of sample holders - Petri dishes or multi-well plates - to the desired spot on the FluorCam shelf or bottom. They are sold as a set of six different holders: for 90 mm, 100 mm, 120 mm, or 140 mm Petri dishes; 4 x 60 mm Petri dish; and for 96-well plate.

Additional Protective Glasses
Radiation safety glasses protecting against excessive LED radiation – equipped with side cover and protective filters. One pair of glasses is provided with the device free of charge.

Advanced Multiple Function for FluorCam Software
Software upgrade enabling multiple scripting functions for automatic initiation and measurement of scheduled FluorCam protocols and for automatic data storage. Advanced multiple function feature allows to define time of protocol initiation with user-defined protocol, apply user defined mask for feature segmentation, automatically subtract the background based on the mask definition and analyze the measured data. The are stored as TAR files with time and date description. Useful for circadian cycle study.

Comprehensive Module for Automatic and Programmable Image Acquisition and Data Management *
Comprehensive software and hardware package for data acquisition and image parameters extraction and analysis. Software part offers user friendly graphical interface, where complex protocols can be easily designed including dark/light adaptation schemes and executed based on user defined actions. All acquired data are stored in an SQL database, processed and available for inspection and further analysis in range of seconds after recording. System allows rapid and easy data browsing, grouping, analysis, user-defined data reprocessing and export. Hardware part includes PC with RAID5 data array, router, monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Barcode Reader with Supporting Software
Barcode reader with FluorCam supporting software included. Used for fully automatic bar code search.