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The Yokogawa heads: Do differ in cost and the ability to customize the optics
and dichroics. The standard (not "Fancy") unit has a BNC input for
gen-locking to a video camera signal.

Solamere Technology Group has never used filterwheels to change excitation
lines. Over 4 years ago, we introduced AOTFs   (Acousto-Optical tunable filters)
to switch shutter and add/subtract laser lines to the confocal head. This
device costs slightly more than a filter wheel and switches in less than 1
micro-second. It replaces the neutral density wheel, the filter wheel, and the
shutter, has no moving parts and is controlled by our imaging software which can
collect and display 16 bit, 1024 x 1024 images at 30 fps. The "Fancy New"
systems use a motor drive in the head to switch cubes, this is much slower than the
AOTF. We have users imaging at up to 120 ips through the confocal and we have
cameras that image at 1000 fps. The faster you go the more sensitive your
camera needs to be.

Best regards to the list,
George



George A. Peeters MD, MS
Pres. Solamere Technology Group
1427 Perry Ave
Salt Lake City UT 84103

tel/fax 801 322-2645
cell phone 801 232-6911