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Solis® High-Power LEDs for Microscopy![]()
SOLIS-1C Cold White LED,
Application Idea A Solis® High-Power LED Installed on the Epi-Illuminator Module of a Cerna Modular Microscope Related Items ![]() Please Wait
Features
Configure Your Solis® LED System
Thorlabs' Solis LEDs for microscopy deliver several watts of total output power from a lightweight, vibration-free package. They provide high-power illumination that can be coupled directly to the epi-illumination path on a microscope. Light from the LED is collimated through a large Ø48.3 mm aperture that can be attached via an adapter (available separately below) to the epi-illumination paths of many industry-standard microscopes from Olympus, Nikon, Leica, and Zeiss as well as the six-cube epi-illumination path available on many of Thorlabs' Cerna Microscopes. To install, select one of Thorlabs' microscope port adapters (available separately below), screw it onto the end of the housing, and secure the LED to a compatible microscope. Each Solis LED includes a user-installable diffuser plate (Item # DG20-1500), which can be used to make the output profile of the LED more uniform, and can help to provide even illumination at the sample plane. The lightweight design features passive cooling instead of an internal fan in order to eliminate vibrations that normally degrade image quality in a microscopy setup. Each LED is mounted to a heatsink inside of a 127.8 mm x 127.8 mm x 162.0 mm vented housing to efficiently dissipate heat. As an added level of protection, the integrated internal memory is programmed to trigger an automatic shutdown if the LED internal temperature reaches 95 °C, preventing damage from overheating. The LED will restart after it has cooled to a temperature below 95 °C. For more Solis LED performance information when using Solis LEDs, please see the Performance tab. ![]() Click to Enlarge Thorlabs offers two options for powering a Solis® LED: the plug-and-play DC20 driver (left) and the touchscreen DC2200 driver (right). Solis LED Drivers The DC2200 Touchscreen LED Driver (available separately below) has an intuitive, touchscreen interface that supports both basic current control and more advanced modulation functions for the Solis LED head. For example, this driver allows the LED output power to be set at a fraction of the maximum desired brightness, and it control the LED drive current. For users that require modulation control, the driver integrates both internal and external modulation and pulsed modes. Internal modulation modes include settings for sine, square, and triangle waveforms as well as ways to generate rectangular pulse trains. External modulation modes allow this driver to accept an arbitrary waveform from a function generation or external TTL signals for syncing on/off states with other lab equipment. Both drivers automatically read and set the current limit from the Solis LED's internal memory to protect against overdriven currents. A comparison of the two drivers is provided on the Solis LED Drivers tab.
![]() Click to Enlarge A comparison of the typical collimated output for a Solis LED. The actual spectra will vary from LED to LED within specifications.
LED Output Power ![]() Click to Enlarge Click Here for Raw Data The output power remains stable over a 24-hour period. Small dips in the curve are due to slight variations in climate condition (±2 °C). ![]() Click to Enlarge Shown are the SOLIS-1C, SOLIS-2C, and SOLIS-3C LED spectra scaled to typical power. The region in blue indicates a drop in the spectral flux. The SOLIS-3C provides significantly more power for applications that require strong illumination at these wavelengths, such as excitation of GFPs. Stability at Elevated Room TemperaturesThe thermal dissipation performance of these Solis® LEDs has been optimized for stable power output. The heat sink is directly mounted to the LED mount so as to provide optimal thermal contact, prolonging the life of the diode by keeping the junction temperature at the lowest possible minimum. One characteristic of LEDs is that they naturally exhibit power degradation with time. Often this power degradation is slow, but there are also instances where large, rapid drops in power, or even complete LED failure, occur. LED lifetimes are defined as the time it takes a specified percentage of a type of LED to fall below some power level. The parameters for the lifetime measurement can be written using the notation BXX/LYY, where XX is the percentage of that type of LED that will provide less than YY percent of the specified output power after the lifetime has elapsed. Thorlabs defines the lifetime of our LEDs as B50/L50, meaning 50% of the LEDs with a given Item # will fall below 50% of the initial optical power at the end of the specified lifetime. For example, if a batch of 100 LEDs is rated for 4000 mW of output power, 50 of these LEDs can be expected to produce an output power of ≥2000 mW after the specified LED lifetime has elapsed. Solis LEDs can be operated at room temperatures from 0 to 40 °C. An elevated room temperature can be useful if a sample and microscope needs to be maintained at such temperatures for experiments. The graph at the right shows measurements of the output power for a SOLIS-3C LED at 40 °C over a period of 24 hours; the output power remains stable after the initial warm-up period. Increased Power for Light-Excited FluorophoresThe Solis LED light sources are designed for use in fluorescence microscopy, such as GFP or GFP-derived fluorescent protein imaging. Thorlabs offers LEDs for specific wavelengths as well as white LEDs that cover the entire visible light spectrum. SOLIS-1C, SOLIS-2C, and SOLIS-3C white LEDs provide high-power excitation light for many fluorophores. However, the output power is not the same at every wavelength, as seen in the graph to the right. Most LEDs exhibit a drop in output power from 470 nm to 520 nm. While most imaging applications are unaffected, other light-sensitive applications may require more power in this region. With a constant output power from 450 nm to 650 nm, the SOLIS-3C LED offers significantly more power in this region compared to the SOLIS-1C and SOLIS-2C LEDs. To demonstrate this, we measured the irradiance of the SOLIS-1C and SOLIS-3C LEDs by placing a FB480-10 480 nm bandpass filter in front of an S120VC detector at a distance 200 mm on-axis from the LEDs. The irradiance of the SOLIS-1C and SOLIS-3C LEDs with the filter were 38 µW/mm2 and 45 µW/mm2, respectively. Thus, when compared to the SOLIS-1C, the SOLIS-3C is most beneficial when higher power is needed in this wavelength range. Note that these irradiance values are not representative of the irradiance across the whole spectrum, but rather from 470 nm to 490 nm. Solis® LED Pin Diagram![]() Male 12 Pin Neutrik MiniCON Connector
Do-It-Yourself Mounting OptionsWhile the Solis® LEDs are designed to mount easily to a microscope port, they can also be mounted to an optical table or breadboard. A 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped hole is provided at each corner on the back of the housing for custom mounting applications. The front aperture is internally SM2 threaded (2.035"-40), which provides compatibility with Thorlabs' SM2 Lens Tubes and 60 mm Cage Systems. Below are two examples of how a Solis LED can be mounted to an optical table. The top photo shows a Solis LED mounted using a cage plate and Ø1" post. The bottom photo shows a Solis LED mounted using a Ø2" lens tube, lens tube slip rings, Ø1/2" posts, and Ø1/2" post holders. Please refer to the tables to the left for a list of components in each mounting setup. ![]() Click to Enlarge The SOLIS-1C shown mounted to an optical table using the SM2T2 adapter, a LCP01 60 mm cage plate, and a Ø1" post.
![]() Click to Enlarge The SOLIS-1C shown mounted to an optical table using an SM2L15 lens tube, two SM2RC lens tube mounts, two Ø1/2" posts, and one BA2 post holder base.
![]() Once locked into place, the LED requires no additional support. ![]() An exploded view of the Solis® LED and its connection with the CSE2100 epi-illuminator module. Using Solis® in Cerna® Microscope SystemsSolis® LEDs, which can have either narrowband or broadband spectra, are useful for a range of applications within Thorlabs' Cerna microscopy platform:
They are recommended as epi-illumination sources for a Cerna microscope, and can be used with the CSE2100 or CSE2200 Epi-Illuminator Modules. Mounting a Solis LED onto an epi-illuminator module requires an externally SM2 (2.035"-40) threaded adapter with a male D3T dovetail (Item # SM2A56). First, thread the adapter securely onto the Solis LED. The adapter utilizes the dovetail to attach to the epi-illuminator module; simply insert the adapter and LED into the back of the module, then secure the dovetail with the side setscrew using a 5/64" (2mm) hex key. See the figures to the right for details, and the epi-illuminator module web presentation for additional information about microscope dovetail connections. Please contact Technical Support to use a Solis LED in a trans-illumination configuration. Thorlabs offers two options for driving our Solis® LEDs. The DC20 is a basic option that allows users to control the intensity of their LED using a control knob on the top or via an external TTL signal for modulation. For more advanced applications, our DC2200 drivers provides a touchscreen interface that allows users to control the LED current, select internal or external modulation modes, and more. The table below provides a comparison of key controller features.
Software for the DC2200 DriverThe available software can be downloaded by clicking on the link below.
![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge Excel File with Normalized and Scaled Spectra The above plots compare the spectral flux of the Solis® LEDs. In order to provide a point of comparison for the relative powers of LEDs with different nominal wavelengths, the spectra have been scaled to the typical output power for each LED. This data is representative, not absolute. An Excel file with normalized and calculated scaled spectra for all of the Solis high-power LEDs can be downloaded by clicking on the link above.
![]() Click to Enlarge A SOLIS-1C LED mounted on an Olympus microscope via the SM2A13 adapter (available below), driven by the DC2200 Driver (available below). The Solis® LEDs are high-power LEDs designed for microscopy applications. The lightweight package features a vibration-free, fanless design that can be mounted directly to a microscope port using one of Thorlabs' microscope lamphouse port adapters (available below). Each LED includes a collimating optic in a lens tube with a large Ø48.3 mm aperture. An integrated EEPROM chip stores important LED operating information, such as wavelength and max current, and controls the LED automatic shutoff features; at internal temperatures above 95 °C, the LED will automatically shut down to prevent damage. Most Solis LEDs have a specified dominant wavelength that corresponds to the wavelength that appears brightest to the human eye. Our cold white, warm white, and day light white LEDs feature a broader spectrum that can be described using a correlated color temperature (i.e., color appearance similar to a black body radiator at that temperature). In general, warm white LEDs offer a spectrum similar to a tungsten source, while cold white LEDs have a stronger blue component to the spectrum. These cold white LEDs are more suited for fluorescence microscopy applications or cameras with white balancing because of a higher intensity at most wavelengths compared to the warm white LEDs. The SOLIS-3C day light LED has improved output power in the 470 - 520 nm wavelength range (see the Performance tab for more information). The included diffuser should be installed in front of the collimating lenses using the two included SM2RR Retaining Rings as well as an SPW604 Spanner Wrench (sold separately). The SM2 thread depth is different for each Solis LED. Be sure that the LED is turned off with enough time for the housing to cool before installation, and that the diffuser does not touch the second collimating lens so as to prevent scratching. While typical applications involve mounting the LED directly to a microscope port via a microscope adapter, an 8-32 and M4 cross-tapped hole is provided at each corner on the back of the housing for custom mounting applications (see the DIY Mounting tab for details). These Solis high-power LEDs for microscopy are not intended for use in household illumination applications. ![]()
![]() Click to Enlarge The DC20 a simple way to power the Solis® LEDs.
Thorlabs' DC20 Driver is designed to provide a simple way to control any of Thorlabs' Solis LEDs. Easy to set up and use, this driver is an ideal solution for users of our Solis LEDs who don't require the more advanced functions provided by the DC2200 Touchscreen LED Driver available below. See the Solis LED Drivers tab for a comparison between the DC20 and the DC2200 drivers. The current provided to the LED is controlled by turning the knob on the top of the driver. The position on the top panel marked LIMIT will correspond to the maximum LED current for the connected Solis LED, as the driver automatically detects and sets the current limit to the value stored in each Solis LED's internal memory to protect it from being overdriven. Pushing on the knob will either switch the LED on at the percentage of the maximum current indicated by the control knob position or turn it off. Alternatively, the LED can be modulated using an external TTL signal connected to a BNC input on the back of the driver's housing. See the Specs tab for the TTL signal requirements. A tri-color LED on the side of the unit indicates the current LED status, including whether the LED is on or off (useful with IR LEDs), whether the LED is operating normally, or if an error has occurred. Please note that the DC20 driver is designed specifically to work with the internal electronics in Thorlabs' Solis LEDs and should not be used to drive any other type of LED. ![]()
The DC2200 LED Driver also provides a touchscreen interface for Thorlabs' Solis High-Power LEDs that incorporates more advanced functions than the DC20 driver available above. It can provide up to 10.0 A of current and a maximum forward voltage of 50 V. The driver can either be controlled locally via the device front panel, visible in the photo to the left, or from a PC using the USB 2.0 port on the back of the device. The main menu of the graphical user interface allows the user to select between operating the LED in constant current mode, brightness mode, internally or externally pulsed modes, and TTL modulation. The internal modulation and pulsed operation modes that allow the LED intensity to be modulated without the use of an external function generator. An SMA input on the back of the driver accepts either for external modulation signals with an arbitrary waveform or a TTL High/Low input that allows the LED on/off state to be synchronized with other lab equipment. ![]() Click to Enlarge The touchscreen interface allows the LED brightness to be adjusted. In Brightness Mode, the LED is at 100% brightness when it is driven at the current limit. In addition to the USB 2.0 port and Solis LED connection terminal, this driver has a second LED connectin terminal to support Thorlabs' Mounted, Collimated, and Fiber-Coupled LEDs*. The back of the housing also includes an interlock circuit that can be connected to a user-supplied emergency off switch and a grounded jack that can be used with ESD protection equipment. For a side-by-side comarison of Thorlabs' DC20 Plug-and-Play Driver for Solis LEDs and the DC2200 touchscreen LED driver, see the Solis LED Drivers tab above. Complete specifications can be found on the main page for the DC2200 LED Driver. *Please note that the driver can only control one LED at a time, regardless of which LED connection terminal is used. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge A Solis LED Installed on an Olympus Microscope The Solis® LEDs are compatible with Thorlabs' externally SM2-threaded port adapters for Olympus, Nikon, Leica, and Zeiss microscopes. Microscope compatibility information is provided in the table below. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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