AgileOptix spinning disk technology
Our proprietary AgileOptix™ spinning disk technology is a microscopy innovation designed to run more complex, physiologically-relevant cellular models including 3D spheroids, tissues, live-cell assays and whole organisms. This technology combines the clarity of confocal imaging with the throughput and well-known robustness of the ImageXpress® Micro platform.
How the spinning disk technology works
One aspect of AgileOptix technology is a spinning disk light path, which includes a very bright solid state light engine. Excitation light passes through a rapidly spinning disk with symmetrically placed spirals of pinholes or slits. These pinholes or slits split the illumination light into multiple beams that scan the fluorescent sample. Emission light from the sample then passes back through the confocal disk and is then directed via a dichroic beamsplitter through the emission filter to a high-sensitivity scientific CMOS camera.
The AgileOptix technology difference
Unlike other spinning disk confocal technologies used for high-content screening, AgileOptix technology offers the ability to adapt disk geometries to meet your unique assay requirements. It is one of the few technologies on the market that includes a unique dual disk configuration with both pinholes or slits to accommodate high-throughput applications.
AgileOptix technology enables the ImageXpress® Micro Confocal High-Content Imaging System to deliver the sensitivity and throughput needed for demanding applications by combining:
- Powerful solid-state light engine
- High-quantum efficiency 16-bit, >4 megapixel scientific CMOS sensor
- >3 log dynamic range in both widefield and confocal modes
- Large field of view (1.96 mm2 at 10X) maximizes collection of publication quality images and statistically relevant data
- Specially designed optics to ensure the best images for your assay
- Air objectives with up to 0.95 NA
- Water objectives with up to 1.2 NA
Multiple confocal disk configurations for optimized assay performance
AgileOptix proprietary spinning disk technology includes simple, user-defined configurations to ensure maximum assay performance for both confocal and widefield imaging. Multiple confocal disk geometries are available, including pinhole and slit configurations.
| Spinning disk geometry | 60 µm pinhole (single disk) |
60 µm dual disk with 50 µm slit |
60 µm dual disk with 42 µm pinhole |
| High-sensitivity detection |
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| Fast acquisition |
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| >3 log dynamic range† |
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| Widefield mode for flat biology |
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| Most confocal applications |
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| Highest resolution imaging |
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| High-throughput applications |
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*Powered by our highly responsive sCMOS sensor and advanced solid state light source.
Gain deeper insights with water immersion objectives
Water immersion objectives
Water immersion objectives can offer signal increases of up to 4X** which can help scientists see deeper into 3D and thick tissue samples at lower exposure times.
- Increase penetration depths into samples
- Improve z-resolution and spherical aberrations
- Gain sharper, crisper images
- Access more data than ever before
Images taken at the same exposure.
**Data and images were acquired during development using customer samples. Results may vary.
*High-performance 3D customizations
AgileOptix technology offers the flexibility to add high-performance customizations. Water immersion objectives, combined with our custom deep tissue confocal disk and high-intensity lasers described below, allow you to penetrate even deeper into your 3D samples and capture sharper, crisper images.
Molecular Devices can successfully tailor the ImageXpress Micro Confocal system to include customized software and hardware including the features described herein, as well as integration of other lab components such as incubators, liquid handlers, and robotics for a fully automated workcell. With over 30 years of experience in the life science industry, you can count on us to deliver quality products and provide worldwide support.
Sale is subject to our Custom Product Purchase Terms available at www.moleculardevices.com/custom-products-purchase-terms
High-intensity lasers
High output laser excitation can reduce exposure times by up to 75%.** The laser light source is available as either a 5-channel or 7-channel with outputs of 400 —1,000 mW/channel. The 7-channel laser light source Includes near IR and is ideal for customers with increased multiplexing requirements.
- Obtain sharper images with higher signal-to-noise
- Generate up to a 2X** boost in scan speed attributed to significantly reduced exposure times
- Run FRET experiments using lasers for CFP and YFP
Images taken at the same exposure.
**Data and images were acquired during development using customer samples. Results may vary. Highlighted features’ price, time to deliver, and specifications will vary based on mutually agreed technical requirements. Solution requirements may cause adjustment to standard performance.
Deep tissue penetrating, confocal disk module
An upgrade to the deep tissue penetrating, confocal disk module, combined with a laser light source, can improve resolution when imaging thick tissue samples.**
- Improve suppression of out-of-focus light
- Reduce haze (pinhole crosstalk)
- Penetrate deeper into thick tissue samples for sharper images
Images taken at the same exposure.
**Data and images were acquired during development using customer samples. Results may vary. Highlighted features’ price, time to deliver, and specifications will vary based on mutually agreed technical requirements. Solution requirements may cause adjustment to standard performance.
Resources for AgileOptix Spinning Disk Technology
Flyer
High-performance Customizations
High-performance Customizations
Capture more data at greater depths for 3D and thick tissue samples Scalable, high-performance, high-content screening solutions with the ImageXpress® Micro Confocal system
Videos & Webinars
Gain deeper insights into cellular 3D structures with water immersion objectives