Semrock Master Catalog 2018

The Physics of Pixel Shift
Pixel shift refers to the shift of a
microscope image that can occur when
switching between fluorescence filter
cubes. This is undesirable because
the individual images obtained with
these cubes do not overlap precisely
with each other, causing issues in the
analysis and understanding of the
image data. This white paper explains
the optical physics behind pixel shift,
and outlines some key considerations
in the design of optical filter sets with
“zero pixel shift” (less than one pixel
error) performance.
Pixel Shift in Fluorescence
Microscopy
Multicolor imaging in fluorescence
microscopy is typically performed by
acquiring sequential images at different
emission wavelengths, and overlaying
these images to study the spatial
distribution of cellular components.
Imaging artifacts such as “pixel shift”
can compromise the extent to which
such a composite image correctly
represents the biological phenomena.
This white paper discusses pixel shift
in the context of multicolor imaging,
how these shifts can be mitigated,
and which types of multicolor
imaging can be used to improve
microscopy performance.
Practical Aspects of
Mirror Usage in Optical
Systems for Biology
Multimodal NLO Imaging
Nonlinear optical (NLO) imaging is
a powerful microscopy technique
in the field of biomedical optics, in
which ultrafast laser excitation is used
to exploit several nonlinear optical
effects that can provide high-contrast
imaging of biological samples. This
white paper discusses the emergence
of NLO imaging and how it has been
facilitated by advances in three key
technology areas: ultrafast lasers;
high-performance, hard-coated optical
filters; and high-sensitivity detectors.
Fluorophores commonly used in
combination with NLO fluorescence
imaging are also discussed.
Understanding Polarization
Despite its importance for many optical
systems and applications, polarization
is often considered a more esoteric
property of light that is not so well
understood. In this article our aim is to
answer some basic questions about the
polarization of light, including: what
polarization is and how it is described,
how it is controlled by optical
components, and when it matters in
optical systems.
How to Calculate
Luminosity, Dominant
Wavelength, and
Excitation Purity
This article provides a brief overview
of a simple, clear, and unambiguous
method for calculating the color an
observer sees when looking through
an optical filter at a well-defined
light source using the CIE 1931 Color
Specification System.
Measurement of
Optical Filter Spectra
Due to limitations of standard
metrology techniques, the measured
spectral characteristics of thin-film
interference filters are frequently not
determined accurately, especially
when there are steep edges and
deep blocking. Use of the optimal
measurement approach for a given
filter or application can reduce errors
in and overdesign of experiments and
systems that use filters, thus optimizing
performance, results, and cost.
NIR Filters Mirrors Polarizers
Edge
Filters
Dichroic
Beamsplitters
Laser-line
Filters
Laser Diode
Filters
Why are so many different models
of mirrors found in biological optics
setups, and how does one know
which mirror to purchase for a specific
purpose? This paper seeks to
answer those questions, by providing
practical, useful information on the
now ubiquitous flat dielectric mirror.
It also outlines some of the key design
considerations and specifications
to consider when selecting the
appropriate flat mirror for an optical
system used in biology.
Notch
Filters
Lamp Clean-up
Filters
111
More