20 March 2014

Daylight launches first laser-based IR microscopy platform for rapid, high-res spectral imaging

Daylight Solutions Inc of San Diego, CA, USA, which makes molecular detection and imaging systems based on mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) for scientific research, life science, industrial process control and defense applications, has launched what it claims is the first commercially available laser-based infrared microscopy platform.

Marketed under the name Spero, the microscope opens up research possibilities with chemical imaging and analysis on a real-time basis, says the firm. Powered by Daylight’s proven broadly tunable QCL technology and designed specifically for analyzing biomedical and materials research samples, Spero offers what is claimed to be a unique combination of visibility, instantaneous results in ‘live mode’, and a small resource footprint to easily fit into a lab setting.

By incorporating a high-brightness, broadly tunable mid-IR laser source, Spero provides high image resolution with an ultra-wide field of view. This combination enables researchers to observe micron-scale features while also covering large areas very quickly for high-throughput applications. The instrument operates in the feature-rich mid-IR region and provides high-fidelity spectral data for the accurate identification of molecular and chemical components of complex, heterogeneous samples. Unlike current FTIR-based instruments, full-spectrum, high-resolution hyperspectral data cubes can be collected in just minutes and, with the ‘live mode’ capability, users can observe samples with discrete frequency illumination, allowing real-time imaging of individual spectral features. These capabilities are combined in a compact, desktop form factor that requires no liquid nitrogen cooling.

Spero is powered by an easy-to-use spectral imaging software platform that enables both novice and expert users to quickly generate high-quality images and accurate spectral information, the firm says. Intuitive scripting and automation features are included to allow customized workflows to meet individual user needs. By taking a user-centric and context-aware approach to software development, Spero’s full capabilities can be leveraged to accelerate research across a wide variety of chemical imaging applications, the firm adds.

“As the first laser-based infrared microscopy platform, Spero will provide rapid, high-resolution results for applications ranging from cancer research and drug discovery to food safety and materials manufacturing,” says president Paul Larson.

Tags: Daylight Solutions

Visit: www.daylightsolutions.com/spero