Image Splitter
Simultaneous Multi-Channel Imaging with a Single Camera
Cairn Research Ltd.
We offer a range of image splitters from our partner company Cairn Research Ltd. for simultaneous multi-channel imaging on one camera sensor. This offers a major benefit over manual or electronic filter changers, as there is no longer need to pause acquisition while the filter position is changed. Furthermore, it allows your camera to be operated in fast stream modes. All devices have simple user friendly controls and excellent pixel registration between channels (>99.9% using sCMOS or large format EMCCDs).
The channels will typically be defined by bandpass interference filters from the Chroma Technology range to allow multi-wavelength imaging. However, the separation can also be made on the basis of polarization state, focal depth or any other modality which requires the same field of view to be recorded under different conditions. The image splitter comparison chart below shows the most common products. On top, it is possible to combine the image splitter with a multi-camera adapter to produce six or even eight channel devices.
The image splitter series of Cairn Research Ltd. consists of three general modules defined by number of simultaneous channels on a single camera sensor:
- OptoSplit II – Dual emission image splitter to capture up to 2 images on a single camera sensor
- OptoSplit II BP – Dual emission image splitter with bypass to capture up to 2 images on a single camera sensor
- OptoSplit III – Triple emission image splitter to capture up to 3 images on a single camera sensor
- MultiSplit V2 – Four-way emission image splitter to capture up to 4 images on a single camera sensor
Applications
The image splitter can be used for all kinds of experiments where fast processes on multi channels must be acquired simultaneously:
- Simultaneous multi fluorescent probe imaging
- Simultaneous phase contrast/ DIC and fluorescence
- Simultaneous multi depth imaging (using independent lenses)
- Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)
- Photoconversion/ Photoswitching
- Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF)
- Spinning disk confocal microscopy
- Single Plane Illumination Microscopy (SPIM)
- 3D super resolution PALM/ STORM (using cylindrical lenses)
- Ratiometric calcium, voltage and pH-imaging
- Polarisation studies (Anisotropy)
Image Splitter Comparison Chart
The following table gives a rough overview about the available image splitter. For more information and details, please refer to the single products.
| Device | Channels per camera | Cameras | Sensor size(mm) & Split mode (Bypass) |
|---|---|---|---|
| OptoSplit II | 2 | 1 | 16.6 x 14.0, Split mode (13.3 x 13.3, ByPass)  ( ) |
| OptoSplit II ByPass | 2 | 1 | 16.6 x 14.0, Split mode (13.3 x 13.3, ByPass) () |
| OptoSplit III | 3 or 2 | 1 | 16.6 x 14.0, Split mode  () |
| MultiSplit (available as a custom design order only) | 4 | 1 | 13.3 x 13.3, Split mode  |