Patent awarded for BMG LABTECH's Linear Variable Filter technology

BMG LABTECH, a manufacturer of microplate readers, recently received a patent for its dual monochromator technology using Linear Variable Filters (LVF). The technology offers flexibility and sensitivity for fluorescence and luminescence applications.

LVFs have variable coatings along their lengths that can reject or pass certain wavelengths of light. They consist of two quartz slides (a linear variable long pass and a linear variable short pass) which, when properly aligned, separate light into distinct wavelengths.

BMG LABTECH’s CLARIOstar microplate reader features two LVFs: one for excitation and one for emission. A Linear Variable Dichroic Mirror slide is used to separate emission from excitation light, optimising the light path but also reducing background signal. The optical system uses a free-air optical path to direct the light into the microplate well, reducing autofluorescense and increasing light transmission.

The LVF monochromators also have continuously adjustable bandwidths ranging from 8 to 100 nm, with larger bandwidths allowing increased light for excitation and emission. In addition, the design eliminates internal loss of light and avoids stray light that occurs with conventional monochromators.