Ocean Optics Linear Variable Filters User Manual
Linear Variable Filters
Linear Variable Filters
Ocean Optics LVF-series Linear Variable Filters are useful
for spectrally shaping the excitation energy from broadband
sources used for fluorescence. The LVF Adjustable
Bandpass (LVF-HL) filter consists of a linear variable highpass and a linear variable low-pass filter that, when used in
tandem, block or pass light in a user-configurable region
from 300-700 nm. The LVF filters provide an easy, affordable
way to restrict wavelengths to a particular region when
performing your fluorescence experiments.
LVF-series Linear Variable Filters also come as part of the
Linear Variable Filter Kit (LVF-KIT), which allows you to
convert your existing Ocean Optics cuvette holders to LVFcompatible cuvette holders.
The following sections provide instructions on setting up and
using the Linear Variable Filters and Linear Variable Filter
Kit.
Ocean Optics Linear Variable Filters
Parts Included
The following items are included in the Linear Variable Filter Kit (LVF-KIT). Each of these items can be purchased
individually independent of the LVF-KIT:
• One LVF-H Linear variable high-pass filter (in a slide carrier)
• One LVF-L Linear variable low-pass filter (in a slide carrier)
• One LVF-CUVADPT cuvette adapter
• Once CDF-DIFFUSE Teflon
• One FHS-LVF in-line sampling optic with collimating lenses
Optional Parts
• LVF-HH double Linear variable high-pass filter
• LVF-LL double Linear variable low-pass filter
Part Descriptions
The LVF-H Linear variable hig h-pas s and LVF-L Linear variable low-pass filters are single filter slides epoxied
into slide carriers. These slide carriers are connected back-to-back using four setscrews to create the LVF-HL
Adjustable Bandpass Filter. See the instructions for configuring and using the LVF-HL filter later in this document.
The LVF-CUVADPT cuvette adapter fits over any Ocean Optics cuvette holder to help clamp the LVF-HL slide carrier in place during experiments. This item can accommodate both single filter and double filter slide carriers.
diffuser
The CDF-DIFFUSE diffuser is a 1 cm cuvette-shaped piece of Teflon path. Inserted into the cuvette holder during fluorescence applications using the LVF filters and the CUV-ALL-UV 4-way or CUV-FL-DA cuvette holders, it redirects the excitation energy at a 90° angle from the excitation source to the spectrometer. This simplifies the configuration process by eliminating the need to move the collimating lenses while configuring the bandpass filters.
Linear Variable Filters 1
with a 45° angle at the height of the optical
Linear Variable Filters
The FHS-LVF is an inline sampling optic with two collimating lenses for use with both single and double filter slide carriers. The FHS-LVF is designed for use with reflection probes such as the R600-7-UV/125F for measurements from surfaces.
The LVF-HH (optional) is similar to the LVF-H. However, it contains two LFV-H filters epoxied into a single slide carrier. This doubles the effectiveness of the filter but, since the light must pass through a second layer, also decreases the amount of energy that passes through the filter.
The LVF-LL (optional) is similar to the LVF-L. However, it contains two LFV-L filters epoxied into a single slide carrier. This doubles the effectiveness of the filter but, since the light must pass through a second layer, also decreases the amount of energy that passes through the filter.
Configuring Linear Variable Filter Kit Components
Follow the steps below to configure the various components of the Linear Variable Filter Kit:
Configuring Adjustable Bandpass Linear Variable Filters (LVF-HL)
Adjustable Bandpass LVFs consist of two separate filters epoxied into two separate slide carriers. These slide
carriers must be aligned and connected properly in order for the LVF to function as designed.
Follow the steps below to configure your Adjustable Bandpass LVF:
1. Locate the two slide carriers that contain the LVF-L and the LVF-H filters.
The LVF-H filter has a long, oval-shaped hole at the top of the filter to accommodate the setscrews. The
LVF-L filter has four holes bored into the slide carrier to accommodate the setscrews.
If necessary, hold each filter up to a natural light source to identify the LVF-L and LVF-H filter. When
oriented correctly, the LVF-L filter contains a blue coating on the left side of the filter and the LVF-H filter
contains a red coating on the right side of the filter.
2. Align the filters so that the LVF-H (red) filter is on the top with the red coating on the right side and the
LVF-L (blue) filter is underneath with the blue coating on the left side (see diagram below).
Orientation of Linear Variable Filter slides – Align the LVF-H slide directly over the LVF-L slide as illustrated, then
secure with setscrews
3. Insert each of the four setscrews into the groove in the LVF-H and tighten each screw into the holes on
the LVF-L.
You have now properly assembled the LVF-HL Adjustable Bandpass Filter for use. See the Using the LVF-HL
Adjustable Bandpas s Filter section for operating instructions.
Linear Variable Filters 2
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