Molecular Devices ImageXpress Confocal HT.ai, User Manual

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Chapter 1: ImageXpress Confocal HT.ai System
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Filter Changer
The 8-position emission filter wheel uses standard, commercially available filters. Molecular
Devices offers and recommends Semrock filters, based on ImageXpress Confocal HT.ai
system validation testing.
The 5-position dichroic filter wheel uses a unique frame. You must order the dichroic mirror
filters through Molecular Devices.
Objective (Z) Stage
Motorized Z Stage
A linear encoder that features better than 100 nm resolution monitors the Z stage position.
Objectives
The standard objectives are Nikon CFI60 series. The objective lens focuses excitation light
onto the sample and collects light that the sample emits. See
Compatible Objectives on page
243 .
CAUTION! You must contact Molecular Devices Technical Support to schedule a Field
Service Engineer to install or remove a water immersion objective.
Motorized Objective Changer
The instrument includes a 4-position objective changer. Only the selected objective moves up
and down when you change the position.
Sample (X-Y) Stage
Sample
The plate holder is designed to scan multi-well microplates in standard ANSI (SBS) formats with
plastic or glass bottoms. It can accommodate other plate formats that have standard
microplate footprint dimensions. For example, you can use the glass slide adapter (included in
the accessory kit) to image glass slides. Optimal image quality depends on plate flatness, well
bottom thickness, and optical clarity.
Plate Holder and Plate Clamp
A spring-loaded mechanical clamp holds the sample plate securely in the plate holder. The
clamp automatically opens when the X-Y stage moves to the load/eject position, and
automatically closes when the X-Y stage moves the plate into position for imaging.
Motorized X-Y Stage
A linear encoder that features better than 100 nm resolution monitors the X-Y stage position.
Autofocus Laser
The ImageXpress Confocal HT.ai system uses a laser to autofocus the image. The red
(690 nm) diode laser projects a laser spot onto the sample. Reflections of this spot from the
bottom of the plate and the plate-sample interface are imaged by a dedicated, fast-focus
sensor and the spot acts as a reference for focus software.