06 Jun 2007 The performance of filters depends, above all else, on a high signal transmission. Also significant is a low noise level. In many applications, the signal-to-noise ratio is the critical factor.
This is especially true when only a few photons are available and the illumination times are short. Confocal microscopy, microscopy of living cells, and multi-photon processes are only just a few examples.
With this in mind, Omega Optical developed its QuantaMAX series of excitation and emission filters with extremely high blocking which extends up to the sensitivity limit of CCDs at 1150 nm. With this technology the background radiation is kept to a minimum. Together with a high transmission in the passband, a high signal-to-noise ratio can be reached.
The EP (energetic process) coatings used in the production of QuantaMAX filters are spectrally highly stable, mechanically robust, and insensitive to moisture. This results in a long life expectancy of the filter, even under harsh environmental conditions. The filter layers are not sensitive to intensive radiation; however, they have to be protected against mechanical damage. To protect the sensitive layers as much as possible a special assembly is used for QuantaMAX.
A datasheet, which contains not only a list of the five filter sets currently available, but the relevant fluorophores as well, can be found on our website.
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