OptoSplit III - Triple Image Splitter from Cairn Research

The Cairn Research OptoSplit III "TripleSplit" emission image splitter is a device that allows a single camera to record images simultaneously at two or three different optical wavelengths, polarization states, or other differentiated states.  It divides an image into separate, spatially identical components, displayed side by side on a single sensor - effectively increasing research capacity with just one camera. 

Traditionally, multi-channel imaging is performed using an electronic filter changer.  The switching speed of an electronic filter changer is a major limitation to speed and science.  The OptoSplit III can be configured to capture either two or three images in parallel, with no time lost to switching filters.

The OptoSplit uses a unique rotating mirror cradle to ensure excellent image registration and features a fully adjustable rectangular aperture to enable cropped sensor imaging modes and reduce scatter.  Cairn's proprietary lens design supports sensors up to 29.4mm diagonal (25mm using single channel cube).  The large aperture design results in improved off-axis correction that maximizes image flatness and minimizes chromatic distortion to give enhanced performance with all sensors.  All optical surfaces feature AR coatings, 425nm to 875nm.

The OptoSplit III is ideal for many scientific applications, including:

• Simultaneous multi-fluorescent probe imaging
• Live cell and high speed imaging
• Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)
• Ratiometric calcium, voltage & pH imaging
• Polarization studies (anisotropy)
• Simultaneous fluorescence and transmitted/DIC/phase imaging
• Simultaneous multi Z depth imaging

The OptoSplit III is simple to add to most microscopes, and is compatible with:

• Spinning disk confocal microscopy
• Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF)
  
• Light sheet and Single Plane Illumination Microscopy (SPIM)
• 3D super resolution PALM/STORM (using cylindrical lenses)

Imaging with the OptoSplit does not require any custom camera drivers.  However, many software packages include useful tools to assist with registration and analysis.  An OptoSplit plugin is also available in ImageJ (Fiji) and MicroManager.

This OptoSplit III package includes the following:

• C-mount input and output connections (22mm FOV)
• 1x magnification optics
• Rectangular input diaphragm
• 1 Empty triple filter cube (requires 3x 25mm emission filters, 2x 26x38x2mm dichroic)
• 1 Empty filter cube for two channel imaging (requires 2x 25mm emission filters, 1x 26x38x2mm dichroic)
• Calibration cube
• 1 OptoSplit support jack
• 2 Shutter plates
  

Filters not included.  Alternate adapters are available for larger field-of-view, such as F-Mount or T-Mount.  1.3x magnification optics are available upon request.  Contact us for polarization options including a beamsplitter cube and rotatable polarizer, or multifocal optics.  Additional filter cubes and drop-in 25mm holders are available. 

We are happy to recommend and supply filter sets.  Please contact us to discuss your application.