OptiBlock Module System

Modular optical component construction system   

Prizmatix OptiBlocks for Optical Science Experiments    

The Prizmatix OptiBlock system is a range of modular components designed for the rapid construction of optical experiment setups for researchers working in neuroscience, neurobiology, biochemistry and biophysics. The unique feature of OptiBlocks is versatility - the blocks are easily assembled, rearranged, or extended.

The basic units of the OptiBlock system are:

• Fibre coupler
• Beam splitter
• LED light source
• Laser light source
• Photodiode detector
• Photomultiplier detector

From these, a comprehensive optical system can be put together in a variety of configurations in a short amount of time. Typical experiments include:

• Multiwavelength detection & excitation
• Intensity monitoring
• In-line filtering, attenuation or polarisation
• Reflectance or fluorescence detection for in situ, in vivo, or in vitro applications

Detector OptiBlocks

Photodiode
A low noise variable gain optical detector is built in to the Photodiode Detector OptiBlock. The photodiode's output is passed through a trans-impedance amplifier (TRAMP) to deliver a useful output voltage.

Photomultiplier
The Photomultiplier Tube (PMT) Detector OptiBlock incorporates an ultra sensitive variable gain PMT module operating in current mode. Ideal for fluorescence detection, an optional additional amplifier can be used to boost the PMT's signal.

Light Source OptiBlocks

Laser Diode
For applications requiring narrow band or coherent excitation, the Laser Diode Light Source OptiBlock is ideal. Compatible with all popular laser diode types; just select your wavelength. The collimated laser beam can then be coupled to a fibre or combined with other laser or LED sources via Beam Splitter Optiblocks.

LED
The LED Light Source OptiBlock provides a convenient, economical, and low noise light source for the OptiBlock system. A broad range of powers and wavelengths are available, and the collimated light produced can easily be filtered by a filter installed in an adjacent OptiBlock. The module can be supplied complete, or as a shell ready to take your own optics and diode.

Optical OptiBlocks

Beam Combiner
The Beam Combiner can join two discrete UHP-LEDs into one output beam, which can then be coupled to a microscope or an optical fibre. For increased versatility, additional optical filters can be installed at the input or the output ports of this module.

Beam Splitter
The Beam Splitter OptiBlock incorporates a specially designed mounting arrangement that accepts commonly used beamsplitters, such as round, rectangular or microscope-specific dichroic mirrors.
 
The Beam Splitter can be used to separate an incoming light beam into two output beams, or merge two discrete light inputs into a single output beam. This can then be coupled to an optical fibre.
 
For increased versatility, optical filters can be fitted at any of the Beam Splitter OptiBlock's three ports. Most common optical filter sizes and types are supported, including microscope filter sets from Zeiss, Nikon, Olympus, or Leica.

Beam Switcher
The Beam Switcher enables Prizmatix LED modules to be installed on a microscope for use in epi-fluorescence, or as specimen illumination via a fibreoptic probe. This is especially useful for in-situ Optogenetics studies where the Beam Switcher will save on cost, space, and also allow maximum flexibility in experiment design.

Fibre Coupler
The Fibre Coupler OptiBlock conveniently couples multimode optical fibres to the system for the delivery of light to a detector, or from a source. They are manufactured in three versions.

• Standard – OptiBlock length is 28 mm
• Extended – OptiBlock length is 38 mm
• Precise – XY setting by ¼"-80 extra fine set screws

The Fibre Coupler OptiBlock requires no adaptors. It supports standard optical connectors such as SMA, FC and ST, and lenses with the following dimensions:

Filter Wheel
The UHP-Mic-LED can be equipped with a six-position filter wheel at the beam output. This accessory is particularly useful for applications using the UHP-Mic-LED-White light source.

OptiBlock Accessories

Cuvette Holder
Standard 10 mm path length cuvettes can be inserted into beam by means of the Cuvette Holder OptiBlock. This module has three ports for irradiation or detection, each of which can accept a filter or be closed off by a cap.
 
The LED Light Source and Detector OptiBlocks can be directly connected to the Cuvette OptiBlock for maximum efficiency and versatility. This enables easy construction of systems for measurement of fluorescence, absorption, scattering and turbidity of aqueous solutions.

Liquid Light Guide XYZ Collimator
The LLG collimator module is an XYZ adjustable collimator for connecting the Prizmatix Liquid Light Guide (LLG) to the epi-illumination port of fluorescence microscopes. This collimator can be equipped with adaptors for Nikon, Olympus, Zeiss or Leica microscopes.

Enclosures
Rack-style enclosures are available that are suitable for housing various arrangements of OptiBlocks for use in medical and scientific experiments, or for communications and other optical setups requiring a self-contained desktop instrument.
 
The enclosure is equipped with a specially designed lightweight breadboard-style baseplate for mounting OptiBlocks with short M6 bolts.
 
The plate has also been machined to allow for the fixing of circuit boards or electronic modules from third party manufacturers such as National Instruments.

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