Andor has released Revolution DSD, which enables high-performance confocal microscopy using a white-light source.
Revolution DSD is a fully integrated system based on a Differential Spinning Disk optical system working in conjunction with an Andor Clara high-sensitivity, Interline CCD camera and controlled by an IQ work station.
Using white light, as opposed to lasers, is said to significantly cut the cost and bring this powerful form of microscopy within the budget of far more potential users, particularly as the compact solution will fit the side port of any microscope.
One of the keys to the performance of the Andor Revolution DSD white-light confocal system is its use of active background subtraction.
This has the ability to deliver purely confocal or wide-field images.
As a result, switching between techniques is said to be unusually simple for a confocal system and it simplifies binding and accurate focusing of the specimen.
As well as the overall performance, the confocality achieved by the system may exceed laser-point scanners.
The approach makes for strong optical sectioning, even at low magnification.
The spinning disk can be selected: one provides 50 per cent transmission and the other 25 per cent, making it suitable for sectioning thicker specimens.
Although this white-light confocal system cannot yet match the performance of laser-spinning disk-based alternatives (such as Revolution XD, also available from Andor), it is suitable for applications where moderate frame rates per second and low magnification renders other instruments less useful.
