Lambda VF-5™ / VF-1™
Sutter Instrument has developed several filter changers specially designed for wavelength selection over a wide spectral range to any given nanometer value. The Lambda VF-5 & Lambda VF-1 employ the innovative VersaChrome® thin-film filter technology from Semrock® to provide outstanding bandpass characteristics such as high transmission (close to 100%), steep edges and out of band blocking. Since these filters pass an image, they are equally suitable for emission and excitation paths.
How It Works
A specific wavelength within the wide spectral range of each filter is obtained by adjusting the angle of incidence from 0 - 60 degrees. This tuning causes little or no change in spectral performance of the filter regardless of the state of polarization of the light passing through the filter. The current VersaChrome series has 7 filters covering 338 - 900nm. By simply selecting the desired center-wavelength on the controller, users can select any combination of filters for the Lambda VF-5 (which holds up to 5 filters), any single filter in the series for the Lambda VF-1.
The controller for these new tunable filter changers is a special version of our Lambda 10-3. Users can select the desired center wavelength in 1nm increments from the keypad, or via the serial or USB ports. This allows control of the Lambda VF instruments with minimal changes to existing software supporting the popular Lambda 10-3 controller. A sequence of wavelengths can be stored in the controller and the TTL input can then be used to trigger selection of the wavelengths in the sequence step-to-step. The firmware includes filter-specific data for each of the VersaChrome filters in the series.
The Lambda VF-5
Along with the ability to select any wavelength in the range covered by any combination of 5 VersaChrome filters, the Lambda VF-5 has a patented white-light output mode that allows the user to access the full spectral output of the excitation light source when it is required. White-light output is achieved by capturing the rejected light from the VersaChrome filter at a 45 degree angle and then combining the two beams on the output side of the VF-5. If this configuration is desired, it requires an additional custom light guide and SmartShutter® system.
When using the Lambda VF-5 for emission applications, we suggest installation of the 5 filters with the longer center-wavelengths covering from 430nm - 800nm. For excitation applications, we suggest installing the 5 filters with the shortest wavelengths covering 338nm - 620nm. For special applications, any combination of 5 filters could be installed in the Lambda VF-5. The compact Lambda VF-1 accepts any single filter in the series. The single VersaChrome filter installed in the Lambda VF-1 can be changed as needed.
The Lambda VF-1
The Lambda VF-1 accepts any single filter in the series, which can be exchanged with other filters as needed. This model offers faster switching times as well as a more compact and affordable system. When used with the Lambda VF-1, the controller is able to also control a separate filter wheel or SmartShutter.


- Features
- Specifications
- Product Information
- Part #
- Supported by the Lambda 10-3 (with special programming)
- Patented white light output capability
- Wavelength range as wide as 338-900 nm
- Access any center-wavelength in nanometer increments
- Images pass through filters making it suitable for both excitation and emission
- Easily switch between fluorphore combinations
- Optional liquid light guide offers absolute vibration isolation
- All the advantages of thin-film technology - high transmission, steep spectral edges, high out-of-band blocking
- Polarization independence (s and p nearly identical)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Lambda VF-1
Dimensions
2.8 in x 2.8 in x 4.4 in | 7 cm x 7 cm x 11 cm
Weight
3.3 lbs | 1.5 kg
Lambda VF-5
Dimensions
9.4 in x 6 in x 5 in | 23.8 cm x 15.2 cm x 12.7 cm
Weight
11.7 lbs | 5.3 kg
Dimensions of Control Box
Dimensions
15.75 in x 11 in x 4 in | 40 cm x 28 cm x 10.2 cm
Weight
20 lbs | 11 kg
Electrical
120/240 Volts
50/60 Hertz power line
75 Watts max
* Patent No. 8,733,978
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Tech Notes: Options for Easy Control of VF-5 / VF-1
PRODUCT INFORMATION
VF-5 Sales Flyer
Part Number > Lambda VF-5 / VF-1
International prices vary by country. Please contact your local distributor or Sutter Instrument for a quotation.
Part Number | Description |
---|---|
VF-1* | Lambda VF-1, single VersaChrome® filter, Lambda 10-3 control unit, serial and USB cables, power cable and manual |
VF-5-3* | Lambda VF-5, five VersaChrome filters, Lambda 10-3 control unit, serial and USB cables, power cable and manual |
FOR LAMBDA VF-5 AND VF-1 ONLY (No charge when ordered to be installed in instrument)
VF-1 and VF-5 filters: https://www.semrock.com/filtersRefined.aspx?id=475&page=1&so=0&recs=20
VersaChrome Filters - Original Series
Part Number | Description |
---|---|
O573380 | Tunable filter, 380-338nm with 16nm bandwidth |
O573440 | Tunable filter, 440-388nm with 16nm bandwidth |
O573490 | Tunable filter, 490-429nm with 15nm bandwidth |
O573550 | Tunable filter, 550-487nm with 15nm bandwidth |
O573620 | Tunable filter, 620-547nm with 14nm bandwidth |
O573700 | Tunable filter, 700-615nm with 13nm bandwidth |
O573800 | Tunable filter, 800-699nm with 12nm bandwidth |
VersaChrome is a registered trademark of Semrock
The ranges described above are the designed performance values for the VersaChrome coatings. The Semrock catalog tuning ranges will be narrower due to different criteria.
Accessories
Part Number | Description |
---|---|
O620050 | Male-to-male C-mount adapter for mounting SmartShutter® to Lambda VF-5 / VF-1 |
VF5-WL | Lambda VF-5 white light kit |
VF5-EMMSN-ADAP | Emission adapter |
Applications
- Hyperspectral imaging wavelength selection
- Fluorescence microscopy
- Ratiometric imaging
- Calcium imaging
- FURA
- Optogenetics
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