PerkinElmer EnVision Instrument Manual

INSTRUMENT MANUAL

EnVision

Multilabel Reader

™

2104-9030-02

March 2008

2104

™

EnVision

Multilabel Reader

Valid for instruments with software version 1.12

PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences, Wallac Oy, P.O. Box 10, FIN-20101 Turku, Finland.

Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. Website: www.perkinelmer.com

Warning

This equipment must be installed and
used in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations.
Installation and service must be
performed by personnel properly
trained and authorized by PerkinElmer
Life and Analytical Sciences.

Failure to follow these instructions may
invalidate your warranty and/or impair
the safe functioning of your equipment.

Contents

Contents

Introduction...............................................................................................................................3

Conventions used.................................................................................................................... 4

Functional description..............................................................................................................7

Application information.......................................................................................................... 7

Reporter gene assays........................................................................................................... 7

Enzyme assays..................................................................................................................... 7

Time-resolved fluorometry.................................................................................................. 7

Receptor ligand binding assays........................................................................................... 7

Cellular assays..................................................................................................................... 8

Genotyping assays............................................................................................................... 8

Image FlashPlate™ assays.................................................................................................. 8

AlphaScreen assays............................................................................................................. 8

Assays with dispensing ....................................................................................................... 8

Technologies........................................................................................................................... 9

Time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) (240-850 nm) .............................................................. 9

Fluorescence intensity (240- 850 nm)................................................................................. 9

Fluorescence polarization (450-750 nm)............................................................................. 9

Luminescence...................................................................................................................... 9

Ultra Sensitive luminescence .............................................................................................. 9

Absorbance (240-950 nm)................................................................................................... 9

AlphaScreen/HTS AlphaScreen (520-620 nm)................................................................... 9

Mechanical design overview ................................................................................................ 10

Temperature control.......................................................................................................... 11

Plate types.......................................................................................................................... 11

Plate height sensor............................................................................................................. 11

Alternative plate loading modes........................................................................................ 11

Flexible stacker.................................................................................................................. 11

Robotic loading ................................................................................................................. 11

Optical system ...................................................................................................................... 12

Luminescence mode.......................................................................................................... 13

Ultra Sensitive luminescence mode .................................................................................. 14

Fluorescence Intensity....................................................................................................... 14

TR-fluorescence mode ...................................................................................................... 17

Fluorescence polarization mode........................................................................................ 21

Absorbance mode.............................................................................................................. 23

AlphaScreen / HTS AlphaScreen mode............................................................................ 25

TRF laser mode................................................................................................................. 26

Light sources ..................................................................................................................... 27

Optical filters..................................................................................................................... 27

Focus point adjustment...................................................................................................... 28

Application specific mirror modules................................................................................. 28

Detectors............................................................................................................................ 28

Apertures........................................................................................................................... 29

Test plate ........................................................................................................................... 29

Measurement features........................................................................................................... 29

Fast dual TRF.................................................................................................................... 29

Multiple window TRF....................................................................................................... 29

Dual ratio measurements................................................................................................... 30

Fast FP............................................................................................................................... 30

i

Contents

AlphaScreen ...................................................................................................................... 30

Large wavelength regions ................................................................................................. 30

Luminescence mode.......................................................................................................... 30

Minimized crosstalk in luminescence measurements ....................................................... 30

Crosstalk correction for Ultra Sensitive luminescence ..................................................... 30

Crosstalk correction for AlphaScreen or HTS AlphaScreen............................................. 31

Reading from above and below......................................................................................... 31

Shaking.............................................................................................................................. 31

Scanning............................................................................................................................ 31

Kinetics.............................................................................................................................. 31

Dispensing......................................................................................................................... 31

Barcodes ............................................................................................................................... 33

Filter/mirror barcodes........................................................................................................ 33

Plate barcodes.................................................................................................................... 33

Tip mount barcodes........................................................................................................... 33

PC and printer....................................................................................................................... 33

PC configurations.............................................................................................................. 33

Printer................................................................................................................................ 34

Software................................................................................................................................ 34

Relation to other systems...................................................................................................... 34

Information about user instructions and warnings.............................................................37

Installation instructions......................................................................................................... 37

User manual.......................................................................................................................... 37

Reference manual ................................................................................................................. 37

Administrator manual........................................................................................................... 37

Quick start guide................................................................................................................... 37

On-line help.......................................................................................................................... 37

Routine maintenance ............................................................................................................ 37

Warnings............................................................................................................................... 38

Report on laser safety: EnVision with the TRF laser option..............................................39

General: ................................................................................................................................ 39

Outer covers and openings of EnVision............................................................................... 39

Safety switches and lid locking ............................................................................................ 41

Laser beam path.................................................................................................................... 44

Detaching the optical fiber.................................................................................................... 44

Additional safety features of the instrument......................................................................... 44

Laser warning labels............................................................................................................. 45

Contact addresses ................................................................................................................. 48

Routine maintenance..............................................................................................................51

Cleaning the instrument........................................................................................................ 51

Cleaning of the lens when using the dispenser..................................................................... 51

Removing the magazine table............................................................................................... 53

Changing filter slides............................................................................................................ 54

Changing a mirror module.................................................................................................... 55

Changing the bottom mirror................................................................................................. 56

Changing the aperture........................................................................................................... 58

Changing a tip mount ........................................................................................................... 60

Specifications...........................................................................................................................67

Safety standards.................................................................................................................... 67

Conformance to EU directives ............................................................................................. 68

Environmental conditions..................................................................................................... 68

Power requirements.............................................................................................................. 68

ii

Contents

Physical dimensions ............................................................................................................. 69

Input / Output connections ................................................................................................... 69

PC ......................................................................................................................................... 69

Plates..................................................................................................................................... 69

Stacker .................................................................................................................................. 69

Plate barcode specifications.................................................................................................. 70

Light sources......................................................................................................................... 71

Detection units...................................................................................................................... 71

Mirrors.................................................................................................................................. 71

Filters.................................................................................................................................... 71

Apertures .............................................................................................................................. 71

Dispenser .............................................................................................................................. 71

Measurement modes............................................................................................................. 72

Plate shaking......................................................................................................................... 72

Scanning ............................................................................................................................... 72

Kinetics................................................................................................................................. 72

Monochromator option......................................................................................................... 72

Applications supported...................................................................................................... 72

Photometric performance with monochromator................................................................ 73

Fluorescence intensity performance with monochromators.............................................. 73

Other optional modules ........................................................................................................ 73

Measurement time and performance .................................................................................... 73

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY FOR CE-MARKING.......................................... 79

WEEE Instructions for PerkinElmer Products ...................................................................81

Glossary ...................................................................................................................................85

Installation...............................................................................................................................97

Environment ......................................................................................................................... 97

1. Unpacking instructions..................................................................................................... 97

2. Installation of options....................................................................................................... 97

3. PC ..................................................................................................................................... 97

4. Set up the system.............................................................................................................. 98

Index.........................................................................................................................................99

iii

Trademarks

Wallac. LANCE, FP2 and EnVision are trademarks and PerkinElmer, AlphaScreen and
DELFIA are registered trademarks of PerkinElmer, Inc.

Windows, Windows XP and Windows Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in
the U.S. and other countries.

Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
LanthaScreen is a trademark of Invitrogen Inc.
HTRF is a registered trademark of Cisbio International.

iv

Chapter 1
Introduction

1

2

Introduction

The EnVision™ microplate reader from PerkinElmer Life and Analytical
Sciences is a complete platform for quantitative detection of light-emitting
or light absorbing markers in research and drug discovery applications. It is
suitable for measurement of fast or glow luminescence, fluorescence
intensity, fluorescence polarization ([FP]2™), high-sensitivity time-resolved
fluorometry (DELFIA®) and homogeneous time-resolved fluorometry
(LANCE™). It can also be used to measure absorbance.

EnVision may be equipped with a monochromator option. In measuring
absorbance and fluorescence intensity, monochromators provide an
alternative to the use of specific waveband filters, and allow greater
flexibility. The quad monochromator option includes two double
monochromators. A single monochromator option is also available for
absorbance assays.

Very high sensitivity measurements can be made with the Ultra Sensitive
luminescence option.

Introduction

A laser-equipped model allows AlphaScreen measurements to be made.
HTS AlphaScreen allows faster throughput than standard AlphaScreen.

A model with an external laser provides enhanced time-resolved
fluorescence capabilities for TRF, LANCE and HTRF.

EnVision is a very compact, small footprint bench top unit with features
such as shaking, reading from above or below and scanning.

Also available are a dispenser with up to two pumps and temperature
control of the instrument chamber.

The single point reading technology with extremely fast and accurate
mechanical movement allows the reading of high-density plates as well as
use of a wide variety of plates or sample matrix formats. It accepts all types
of microtitration plate. It measures 96-well plates in less than 20 seconds
and 1536-well formats in under one minute. Plates can be loaded manually
or plates can be loaded using 20 or 50-plate free access magazines which fit
in a stacker.

Alternatively, robot-friendly EnVision is easy to connect to laboratory
automation.

The software is a 32-bit application running under Windows XP® or
Windows Vista®. Output can be to a file on the PC and/or to a laser printer
or on the network.

3

Introduction

Figure 1. Wallac EnVision with a stacker

Figure 2. Wallac EnVision without a stacker

Wallac EnVision is designed to be customizable to suit your specific
application needs without you having to invest in features you do not want.
If in the future you wish to add new features, this is also possible.

Conventions used

Buttons or other software items to be clicked with the mouse are in bold text
e.g. File.

Items in the main Navigation Tree are in bold italic e.g. Protocols.
Buttons on the instrument that need to be pressed are in block letters e.g.

START.
Note! The term "AlphaScreen" refers to both standard AlphaScreen and

HTS AlphaScreen unless a distinction is specifically made.

4

Chapter 2
Functional description

5

6

Functional description

This section contains information about the technical features of your
instrument such as supported assays and technologies, designs and
measurement features.

Application information

EnVision supports several kinds of assays.

Reporter gene assays

When you need to measure either the level of expression or the functional
effect of a drug candidate in terms of transcriptional activity of cells,
EnVision provides the features you need for reliable detection of reporter
gene expression.

The instrument has comprehensive and versatile scanning and kinetics
capabilities. It supports GFP assays with dual reading from below. You can
also measure, for example, Luciferase and B-lactamase in the same
protocol. Dual emission reading is possible for all technologies.

Functional description

Enzyme assays

In Kinase, Protease, Helicases or Caspase assays, for example, EnVision
reads very rapidly using a two-detector system. The temperature control
option enables enzyme applications to be run in stabilized conditions. The
instrument's kinetics facility and, for example, its flexible stacker system
option, allow you to work fast and effectively.

Time-resolved fluorometry

DELFIA and LANCE assays are based on time-resolved fluorescence
methods using proprietary chelates from PerkinElmer. You can choose
DELFIA separation assays of extreme sensitivity, or fast and convenient
LANCE homogenous assays. PerkinElmer supply a wide range of reagents
or you can benefit from these superior technologies through our assay
service. EnVision also supports other TRF chemistries such as
LanthaScreen™ and HTRF®

Receptor ligand binding assays

One of the most common molecular targets for drug discovery are G
protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Assays based on fluorescence
polarization provide today's most effective means of their detection. Fast­reading EnVision is ideal, for example, for B2-Bradykin, MC3, MC4 and
MC5.

7

Functional description

Cellular assays

Reading from below, scanning and kinetics are some of the features that
make Wallac EnVision the ideal tool for cellular assays such as cAMP,
Ca2+ or any ADME/tox assays. The temperature control option further
enhances these possibilities.

Genotyping assays

A feature of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) research is the need
for fast results. With a two-detector configuration, stacker, plate barcode
reader, as well as factory set protocols to cover all labels, plates and filters,
EnVision provides a complete facility for fast detection of SNPs.

Image FlashPlate™ assays

Ultra Sensitive Luminescence enables measurement of Image FlashPlate
assays. This assay measures radioactive samples. The radioactivity is
detected using energy transfer via a scintillant and a europium chelate
(emission at 615 nm). The Image FlashPlate is a 384 shallow well
microplate, coated with scintillant emitting in the red range of the spectrum,
thus eliminating most of the interference from colored compounds.

AlphaScreen assays

AlphaScreen is an ideal tool for screening a broad range of targets. The
technology provides an easy and reliable means to determine the effect of
compounds on biomolecular interactions and activities. AlphaScreen offers
the possibility to assay many biological interactions including low affinity
interactions as well as enzymes, receptor-ligand interactions, second
messenger levels, DNA, RNA, proteins, peptides, sugars and small
molecules).

Assays with dispensing

The dispenser option enables applications that require immediate
measurement after the activation step. The dispenser is needed, for example,
in assays such as calcium ion-channel. The signal is measured
simultaneously during the dispensing step followed by a 30 second kinetic
measurement. In a flash luminescence application the substrate is dispensed
into the well, the plate is mixed for 2 seconds and the signal is registered.

8

Functional description

Technologies

The instrument uses the following measurement technologies if the
appropriate options are installed:

Time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) (240-850 nm)

• Multiple time window TRF

• Simultaneous dual emission measurements above or below

• Sequential dual emission measurements above or below

• Sequential dual emission measurements for LANCE assays or other

homogenous TRF such as HTRF and LANTHSCREEN

• Ratio measurements

Fluorescence intensity (240- 850 nm)

• Ratio measurements

• Simultaneous dual emission measurements above or below

• With the monochromator option, 2 double monochromators support

flexible wavelength selection. Alternatively, filters may still be
chosen to provide excellent speed and performance

Fluorescence polarization (450-750 nm)

• Simultaneous dual emission measurements

Luminescence

• Simultaneous dual emission measurements

• Glow luminescence measurements

Ultra Sensitive luminescence

• Radioluminescence measurements with Image FlashPlate

• Glow luminescence measurements

Absorbance (240-950 nm)

• Ratio measurements

• Measurements in the UV range

• With the monochromator option, double or single monochromator

represents an easy-to-use alternative to filters

AlphaScreen/HTS AlphaScreen (520-620 nm)

• High sensitivity measurements of biomolecular interactions using

laser excitation

9

Functional description

Mechanical design overview

Figure 3. Layout of modules in EnVision (side view)

1. Case frame

2. Front panel

3. Loading door

4. Height sensor

5. Case

6. Lid

7. Power supply

8. Basic frame

9. Top measuring head body

10. Cover plate

11. Light shutter

12. High effic.light source

13. Detector

14. Second detector

15. Excitation filter frame

16. Filter module

17. Emission filter frame

19. Photometric detector

20. Mirror module

21. Light director assembly

22. Bottom excitation cable

23. Photometric cable

24. Emission light selector

25. Emission cable

26. Second detector emission light selector

27. Bottom measuring head body

28. Photometric optics

29. X-Y conveyor

30. Barcode reader holder

31. Barcode reader

32. Plate carrier

33. Z-movement module

34. Lifting module (stacker)

35. Magazine for 20 plates

18. Mirror module changer

Note! With Ultra Sensitive Luminescence there is an additional detector for
this measurement. This is located next to the other detector(s). The detector
used for Ultra Sensitive Luminescence is also used for HTS AlphaScreen if
that is installed.

Note! With AlphaScreen and HTS AlphaScreen there is an additional laser
for excitation. The light travels by means of a light guide to a special mirror
module and via that to the measurement position. A light shutter protects the
detector during the time the laser is exciting the sample. With HTS
AlphaScreen there is an additional detector to enable high throughput
AlphaScreen measurements. This is located next to the other detector(s). It
is the same detector as used for Ultra Sensitive Luminescence.

10

Functional description

Note! The optional dispenser unit is bolted on to the side of main instrument

and connections made through an opening in the instrument case

Temperature control

The temperature control option consists of heating elements. These are
located above and below the measurement position.

Plate types

All types of microtitration plate may be measured. Petri dishes, slides, filters
and Terasaki plates are all suitable.

Plate height sensor

A height sensor ensures that every time a plate is loaded the height is
detected.

Alternative plate loading modes

The possible plate loading modes are:

• Manual loading (one plate at time)

• Stacker loading (up to either 20 or 50 plates per load) - requires the

stacker module

• Robotic loading - uses an external robotic system to load plates in

the plate carrier of the basic instrument. The magazine table of the
stacker is used without magazines. Rods come up from the table and
the plate is loaded onto them.

Flexible stacker

The stacker provides a semi-automated plate loading option. Each stacker
carries up to 20 or 50 plates at a time. The plate stacker includes robust
magazines, which are easy to lift into place and remove. With an easy one­hand operation you place and remove the loaded magazine. Measurement is
started with a single mouse-click or by pressing the START button,
depending on the barcode mode.

You can select whether plates are taken into the instrument from the right or
the left magazine. Plates can also be moved from one magazine to the other.

Robotic loading

In a typical automated HTS laboratory there are many different instruments
such as stackers, different kinds of readers and counters, washers and
dispensers, all of which can be accessed by a robot enabling continuous
loading and unloading. The robot moves microplates from instrument to
instrument in a sequential order according to the assay protocol used. The
robot acts as the master system and all the other instruments are subsystems

11

Functional description

of the robot. The robot software communicates with the subsystem software.
Different kinds of robots can be used as the main system in an automated
HTS laboratory.

When used with a robot, EnVision is usually linked through COM
interfaces. These provide the basis for seamless integration and instrument
control. The robot and the counter work as a unit.

Optical system

The unique measurement performance of EnVision is a consequence of the
instrument's special optical design. The emission optical system features
Direct Double Optics. This means a full lens system without any light
guides or fiber bundles for measurements from above and a stray light
aperture between the two lenses. The latter configuration ensures optimized
use of a high quality interference filter and pure collection of emission light
from the excited sample volume.

The excitation optical system also employs two lenses. They are coupled
with a short length of quartz fiber bundle. The use of the fiber bundle allows
the optimal location of filter slides so that you can access them easily.
Another important advantage of using the fiber bundle is to ensure delivery
of a confined and stable circular spot into the sample volume.

Figure 4. Overall view of the optical components

In the pictures of the optical components, the two circles at the top represent
two light sources, the first light source (the larger circle) and the second
light source (the smaller circle), medium circles are path selectors, small
circles on top of slides represent filters. Rounded rectangles represent mirror
modules and pentagons are light detectors (PMTs and diode). All straight
lines represent direct optical paths using lens optics and all curved lines
represent optical paths using quartz light guides.

Note! With Ultra Sensitive Luminescence there is an additional detector, a
highly sensitive PMT. This is also used for HTS AlphaScreen.

12

Functional description

Note! With AlphaScreen a special dichroic mirror module is used to direct

the excitation laser light into the sample well. The emission path and
detection is similar to that for fluorescence intensity.

Luminescence mode

When a luminescence sample is measured, no excitation components are
used. It is often useful to use an infrared cut-off filter (2100-212) in the
emission path due to the very long decay photoluminescence from the plate
itself.

The sample is measured as follows: emission light coming from the sample
is collected by the sample optics and directed through the aperture of the
luminescence mirror module (2100-404). This aperture effectively decreases
the crosstalk from adjacent wells. The filter optics guides the light from the
aperture into the photocathode of the side window photomultiplier tube. The
single photon counting system counts the number of photons for a pre­selected time period and the counter is then read by the microprocessor.

Figure 5. Luminescence measurement

Figure 6. Dual wavelength luminescence measurement

In some luminescence applications there is a need to measure two
wavelengths at the same time. This can be done if you have the high speed
dual detector option with the dual luminescence mirror module (2100-454)
with the 50/50 beamsplitter in the emission light path.

13

Functional description

Ultra Sensitive luminescence mode

Figure 7. Ultra Sensitive luminescence measurement

Ultra Sensitive luminescence uses a very high sensitivity luminescence
PMT as the detector. It has extremely low background, high dynamic range
and spectral response from 300 nm up to 650 nm. The detector has no
optical components and the emission light is collected directly from the
well.

The detector can be lowered so that it is just above the plate, thus reducing
the crosstalk between wells. The detector has an aperture to define the area
of the plate it can view. Currently there are three different aperture sizes: for
96, 384 and 1536-well plates. They are optimized to give the highest
possible signal and minimize crosstalk between wells. This aperture can be
changed by hand.

There is a sensor to identify the presence of the aperture. Another sensor
allows precise plate height determination to allow the aperture to come very
close to the plate without hitting it.

Fluorescence Intensity

In fluorescence intensity measurements the sample is excited by the
flashlamp and generated fluorescence is read by a photomultiplier tube in
gated analog mode. In analog detection mode the high voltage of the
photomultiplier i.e. the gain, is a parameter that can be set by the user.
Changing the parameter value from 1 to 1024 changes the gain from 50000
to about 10 million i.e. over two orders of magnitude.

The basic measurement needs only one flash, but for higher accuracy it
could be useful to use more flashes. The integrated analog signal from the
photomultiplier and the reference photodiode are always read after every
flash. For one measurement (one or more flashes) these readings are
summed (not averaged). The reference signal is then compared to the
original reference value with the label and the results are corrected for the
same excitation energy.

All FI-measurements are done in epi-mode (top or inverted) i.e. excitation
from above and reading from above or excitation from below and reading
from below. The general mirror module with the 50/50 beamsplitter m irror
can be used for all labels independent of the excitation and emission
wavelengths. For dual detection the dual general mirror module is needed.
For reading from below, the same mirror module can be installed into the
bottom head but now the mirror module information has to be given through
the user interface and the instrument has no means to check the correctness
of this information. For optimized FITC or similar labels a special mirror
module is available with a dichroic mirror. The emission signal with the

14

Functional description

dichroic mirror is about three times higher than with a general mirror
module.

Figure 8. Excitation from above/Reading from above

Figure 9. Excitation from below/Reading from below

Figure 10. Excitation from above/Dual reading from above

15

Functional description

Figure 11. Excitation from below/Dual reading from below

Using the quad monochromator option, excitation light from the lamp is
directed through the excitation double monochromator into the sample. The
emission light is then directed through the emission double monochromator
to the detector.

Figure 12. FI measurement using the EnVision™ monochromator option

Monochromator function relies on the direction of a beam of polychromatic
light onto a diffraction grating. The grating separates the incident
polychromatic beam into its constituent wavelength components, sending
each wavelength into a different direction so that a narrow band of
wavelengths can be collected. Double monochromators contain two
diffraction gratings. The use of monochromators provides the benefit that
wavelength can be selected steplessly through the workstation software.

Although monochromators relieve you of the need to have filters for every
label, a broad waveband cut-off filter is still required in order to block
harmonic multiple orders of the wavelength chosen. A total of three cut-off
filters covers the entire range of wavelengths supported by the instrument.

16

Functional description

TR-fluorescence mode

In time-resolved fluorescence measurements the sample are excited by the
flash lamp and the generated fluorescence is read by the photomultiplier
tube in single photon counting mode. The basic measurement needs only
one flash, but more flashes (i.e. 100) ensure higher accuracy. The integrated
photon counts from the photomultiplier and the integrated analog signal
from the reference photodiode are always read after every flash. For one
measurement (one or more flashes) these readings are summed (not
averaged). The reference signal is then compared with the original reference
value obtained with the same label and the results are corrected so that they
each come from the same excitation energy.

Most TRF-measurements are done in epi-mode i.e. excitation from above
and reading from above or excitation from below and reading from below,
or in through mode. The general mirror module (2100-4010) with 50/50
beamsplitter mirror can be used for all labels independent of the excitation
and emission wavelengths. For dual detection the dual general mirror
module (2100-4050) is needed. For better detection limits the UV mirror
module (2100-4170) should be used. The dichroic mirror of this mirror
module is optimized for excitation of different chelates. The dual mirror
module (2100-4160), for instance for dual label DELFIA (Eu/Sm), is
equipped with a secondary dichroic mirror with a cut-off wavelength of 630
nm. With this mirror module different epi-measurements can be performed.

Figure 13. Excitation from above/Reading from above

Figure 14. Excitation from above/Dual reading from above

17

Functional description

Figure 15. Excitation from below/Reading from below

Figure 16. Excitation from below/Dual reading from below

Figure 17. Excitation from below/Reading from above

18

Functional description

Figure 18. Excitation from below/Dual reading from above
Note! A dual mirror is needed whenever the second detector is used even if

the reading is done from opposite sides of the plate. The mirror in the light
path to the second detector is the one that must be dual as noted in the
figures.

Figure 19. Excitation from above/Reading from below

19

Functional description

Figure 20. Excitation from above/Dual reading from below

Figure 21. Excitation from above/Reading from above and reading from
below (second detector). Bottom mirror must be dual

Figure 22. Excitation from above/Reading from above (second detector)
and reading from below. Top mirror must be dual

20

Functional description

Figure 23. Excitation from below/Reading from above and reading from
below (second detector). Bottom mirror must be dual

Figure 24. Excitation from below/Reading from above (second detector)
and reading from below. Top mirror must be dual

Fluorescence polarization mode

The excitation light is produced in the same light source as for FI and TRF
measurements. The light is guided via an excitation filter through the light
guide into the optical module. The excitation light is polarized by a
polarizing filter in the optical module. The filter polarizes the light in the S­plane. The integrated photon counts from the photomultiplier and the
integrated analog signal from the reference photodiode are always read after
every flash. For one measurement (one or more flashes) these readings are
summed (not averaged). The reference signal is then compared with the
original reference value obtained with the same label and the results are
corrected so that they each come from the same excitation energy.

The excitation light is then directed onto the sample by the excitation
beamsplitter in the optical module.

21

Functional description

The polarized emission light passes through the excitation beamsplitter in
the optical module. If the instrument has two detectors enabling dual
emission measurements, the mirror module has a second emission
beamsplitter which directs a portion of the emission light to the second
detector. This second beamsplitter separates light according to its plane of
polarization.

The emission light then passes through the emission filters in the emission
filter slide. These filters are equipped with polarization filters to ensure th at
the right plane of polarization is being measured. Hence there are separate
filters for S and P polarized emission light. If the system does not support
dual emission measurements the two planes will be measured sequentially
by changing the emission filter.

The final result is calculated by combining these measurements using the
formula

Polarization (mP) = 1000 * (S – G*P)/(S + G*P)
where S and P are the measured results with the S and P emission filters

respectively. G is a factor to correct for the effect of emission filter
transmission variations, differences in the emission light paths and sample
viscosity. In instruments with two detectors the G factor can be set to 1 and
the polarization value can be adjusted by changing the separate gain of the
detectors.

In EnVision, a background correction can be done before calculating the
final results. It is done by subtracting measured S and P results obtained
from a buffer sample from the actual measured S and P results respectively.

Figure 25. Excitation from above/Reading from above (two readings
necessary, one with the S polarizor and one with the P polarizor)

22

Functional description

Figure 26. Excitation from above/Dual reading from above (using the S and
P polarizors)

Absorbance mode

For absorbance measurements the same excitation light source is used as for
FI, TRF and FP measurements. The wavelength of the light is selected by an
optical filter placed in the excitation filter slide and it can be in the range
230-950 nm. A 405 nm absorbance filter is supplied with the instrument.

In absorbance measurements, light is directed through a light guide to the
bottom measuring head where the intensity of the light is measured using a
reference photodiode. The light is then directed through the bottom of the
plate and focused into the sample. The focal plane is the same as for FI,
TRF and FP measurements.

The intensity of the light is first measured without any sample and then the
samples in one plate are measured.

The light intensity is measured by a photodiode placed at an optimal
position directly above the plate. The light path for absorbance
measurements is thus different than for FI, TRF, FP and luminescence
measurements.

The absorbance value is calculated by the equation
A = -log (I/I0)
where I0 is the light intensity without any sample and I is the intensity after

an absorbing or reflecting medium.

23

Functional description

Figure 27. Light directed through the sample from below and detected
above with a photo-diode

Using the quad monochromator option, light passing into the sample comes
from the “excitation” double monochromator. For users who do not wish to
perform fluorescence intensity measurements, the single monochromator
option may be chosen rather than the quad monochromator.

Figure 28. Absorbance measurement using either the quad or single
monochromator option

24

Functional description

AlphaScreen / HTS AlphaScreen mode

Unlike the other modes, AlphaScreen uses a laser to excite the sample. A
special dichroic mirror module is used to direct the excitation laser light into
the sample well. In the case of standard AlphaScreen a light guide is used to
direct the light to this mirror module. In the case of HTS AlphaScreen the
light is directed straight to the sample from the laser. The excitation
wavelength is 680 nm. AlphaScreen donor beads are excited by the laser
beam. A photosensitizer in the donor bead converts ambient oxygen to a
more excited singlet state. These oxygen molecules diffuse to the bound
acceptor bead where they react with a thioxene derivative generating
chemiluminescence at 370 nm. This activates fluorophores in the bead
which emit fluorescence light in the range 520 to 620 nm. The long half-life
of the signal permits the measurement to be time-resolved to reduce the
contribution of background fluorescence. The fact that the excitation
wavelength is longer than the emission, further reduces the background, as
does the fact that wavelength itself is long.

In the case of AlphaScreen the emission light pathway involves the
fluorescence light passing back through the mirror module and then through
the filter into the photomultiplier tube. There is also a shutter in this
pathway which is open during the emission phase but closed during
excitation to protect the detector from the laser light.

Figure 29. Laser excitation from above/reading from above. Mirror module
must be the special AlphaScreen dichroic

In the case of HTS AlphaScreen, the detector is directly above the plate and
reads the well adjacent to the one excited by the laser. Light passes through
an aperture and into the detector.

25

Functional description

Figure 30. Laser excitation from above to adjacent well/reading from
above.

Both excitation and emission occur from the top of the sample. Bottom
reading is not possible with AlphaScreen in EnVision.

Only one measurement per well is recommended because the sample is
partially bleached by the excitation light.

Crosstalk is a factor that must also be taken into account. There are three
components: bleaching caused by the excitation of adjacent samples,
afterglow from a previously excited adjacent sample and glow from an
adjacent well at the time of measurement. A crosstalk correction wizard
allows the amount of the crosstalk to be measured and the software uses this
as a correction factor in the calculation of the final result.

TRF laser mode

Figure 31. Laser excitation (second light source) from above/reading from
above. Bias mirror module with a single mirror is used.

26

Functional description

Figure 32. Laser excitation (second light source) from above/dual reading
from above. Bias mirror module with two mirrors is used.

The TRF laser (second light source) is a compact nitrogen laser that does
not require any additional nitrogen source. The laser produces a very narrow
(3 nm) excitation pulse at a wavelength of 337 nm. This enables short 20µs
delay times to used, improving the signal to background ratio. The
excitation pulse is also very strong making on-the-fly TRF assays feasible.

Light sources

EnVision employs a high stability, short-arc flash lamp as a common light
source (first light source) in measurements. The high-efficiency light source
has a high repetition rate for high throughput applications and it allows you
to perform faster multi-flash measurements such as time-resolved
fluorescence and fluorescence polarization. For every measurement type
you can select the number of flashes used. To ensure both the long-term and
short-term stability of measurements, the excitation energy is monitored
after every flash via a beamsplitter and reference photodiode.

In the case of AlphaScreen a laser emitting light at wavelength of 680 nm is
used.

In the case of enhanced TRF measurements, a nitrogen laser option (second
light source) emitting light at a wavelength of 337 nm may be used. This is
fixed to the back of EnVision and the light is directed to the well by means
of a light fiber and the bias mirror module.

There is no danger to the user from these lasers unless the instrument is
broken into.

Warning! Only personnel specially trained and authorized by
PerkinElmer may open the covers that require a tool.

Optical filters

A wide range of filters covers the wavelengths used in fluorometric and
photometric applications. Additional filters are available upon request.

27

Functional description

All interference filters are pre-installed into the barcoded filter block which
is easily installed onto a ladder-type filter slide. The structure of the block
ensures that any polarizing filters used are aligned in the right direction.

Focus point adjustment

The focus point is adjustable. The measuring height is a parameter that can
be defined in your protocol. The focus point can be located at the very
bottom or at the very top of the well or anywhere between. This is very
beneficial when measuring filters plates, cell layers, membranes etc. It also
enables you to reduce sample volumes efficiently.

Application specific mirror modules

User interchangeable application specific mirror modules form a crucial part
of the optical system. The mirror modules include all application critical
components:

All application specific mirror modules are barcoded.

• a main excitation dichroic beamsplitter

• 50/50 broadband beamsplitter

• a reference beamsplitter for measurement stabilization

• an emission dichroic beamsplitter

• broadband beamsplitter for dual measurement

• a stray light aperture located between relay optics

• a special dichroic beamsplitter for AlphaScreen

• a bias mirror module for use with the second light source

For reading from above, the multiple mirror module can hold up to four
mirror modules. Any of the mirror modules can also be in the head for
reading from below but the barcode is not then read automatically.

The mirror modules used for dual channel measurements differ from those
used for single channel measurements. Dual mirror modules include a third
reflecting component - an emission beamsplitter and a stray light aperture.

Detectors

The photoluminescence detectors are red-sensitive temperature-stabilized
side-window photomultiplier tubes. For chemiluminescence and time­resolved fluorescence measurements the detectors are used in single photon
counting mode with factory-set high-voltage and discriminator setting. For
fluorescence intensity and fluorescence polarization measurements the
detectors are used in gated analog mode with user adjustable gain (high
voltage) setting values.

Optionally a second detector can be installed behind the first one. Two
detectors increase speed of measurement which is highly advantageous in
all dual label measurements in both fluorescence polarization assays and
time-resolved fluorescence DELFIA and LANCE assays.

28

Functional description

Measurements can also be made from below if the appropriate modules are
included.

In Ultra Sensitive Luminescence and HTS AlphaScreen the detector is a
very high sensitivity PMT.

Apertures

In Ultra Sensitive luminescence and HTS AlphaScreen measurement, an
aperture is used to guide light from the sample into the detector. This
reduces signal loss due to light spreading out from the sample. It also
minimizes crosstalk from adjacent samples.

There are different sizes of aperture: for 1536, 384 and 96-well plates
respectively. Apertures also differ depending on if they are for HTS
AlphaScreen or one of the luminescence modes. You can use an aperture
smaller than the sample well e.g. a 1536-well plate aperture for a 384-well
plate. This will minimize the crosstalk although there will be some signal
loss because the aperture size is not optimum.

The system checks that the selected aperture is in place and gives a warning
message if it is not. You can still continue despite this warning if you
choose to.

A shutter is available to protect the additional detector from dust when it is
not being used e.g. for several days or longer. This shutter must be used
instead of an aperture when standard AlphaScreen measurements are made
because the other apertures prevent the detector and plate cooler from
coming close enough to the plate to make successful standard AlphaScreen
measurements.

Test plate

A test plate is supplied with every instrument. This includes multilabel solid
samples covering all technologies and commonly used labels.

Measurement features

Your instrument has the following measurement features:

Fast dual TRF

Homogeneous TRF-assays can be measured extremely rapidly and with
high sensitivity.

Multiple window TRF

The multiple window TRF option opens up the possibility to record the
signal in separate windows within one flash cycle. The need to follow a
change in the emission profile of a lanthanide chelate is of practical

29

Functional description

importance in energy transfer applications especially when the actual energy
transfer might be affected.

Dual ratio measurements

Certain labels require dual excitation or emission readings. In Wallac
EnVision protocols you can define many different labels. The instrument
will carry out the measurement quickly without any worries about any
internal calibrations of serial PMTs.

Simultaneous dual emission measurement with two emission detectors
allows you to obtain the fastest possible results.

Fast FP

Extremely fast measurement is based on a two-detector system, which
means that both polarization planes can be measured at the same time.

AlphaScreen

AlphaScreen enables very high sensitivity measurements with very low
background and very high signal to background ratio. A laser and
AlphaScreen coated-bead technology are used.

Large wavelength regions

Large wavelength ranges are needed in DNA and protein qualification
assays. EnVision supports wavelengths from 240 nm to 850 nm.

Luminescence mode

When a luminescence sample is measured, no excitation components are
used.

Minimized crosstalk in luminescence measurements

The Ultra Sensitive Luminescence feature permits the detector to be
lowered so that it is just above the plate thus reducing the crosstalk between
wells.

Crosstalk correction for Ultra Sensitive luminescence

Ultra Sensitive luminescence allows the instrument to be optimized for
glow-type crosstalk. A special crosstalk measurement is setup and run using
a crosstalk correction wizard. The software then applies the crosstalk
correction to actual sample measurements. This correction further improves
the signal to background ratio for these measurements.

30

Functional description

Crosstalk correction for AlphaScreen or HTS AlphaScreen

A crosstalk correction wizard allows the setup and measurement of the
contribution to the signal from a sample well due to the glow and afterglow
of adjacent samples and the effect of bleaching. The software then corrects
for these effects in the calculation of the final results.

Reading from above and below

Fluorescence intensity and time-resolved fluorescence readings can be taken
from above or below. Reading from above is the most efficient way when
no lid is used because no plastic surface has to be penetrated. For adherent
cells and lidded plates, reading from below provides superior efficiency. It
is a true epimode, in the sense that both excitation and emission are from
below.

Switching between reading from above to reading from below and vice
versa is purely a software issue and for the same run both above and below
can be used.

Shaking

The shaker accommodates the wide range of plates and applications for
which EnVision is suited. Three modes are available; linear, orbital and
double orbital. The duration, speed and amplitude of shaking can all be
defined by the user.

Scanning

Cell applications, require several reading points in one well. Due to the
heterogeneous spread of cells in a well it is important to scan the complete
area of the cell culture. This can be done with EnVision by specifying the
shape of the scan area and the number of points to be scanned. The scanning
function is also suitable for the reading of small membranes, chips and
slides.

Kinetics

In both slow and fast kinetic assays, EnVision allows faithful reproduction
of physical conditions. Delays and repeats can be specified by plates or
wells. Specific operation sequences can be defined by well or by well group.

Dispensing

A dispenser unit can be installed in EnVision. This enables dispensing to
microplates and is needed for applications requiring real time reading after
activation, such as cellular ion-channel and flash luminescence assays. Real
time measurements with dispensing can be done with the “Real time” tip in
a tip mount. The well is directly below the measuring head when dispensing
takes place so there is no delay between dispensing and measurement.

31

Functional description

Simultaneous dual dispensing can be done when immediate measurement is
not required.

In cases where maximizing the signal intensity is important, dispensing can
be done with a tip which is not between the well and the measuring head.

The unit contains two pumps, one of which can be used in real-time kinetics
measurements.

Each pump comprises a motor, syringe, valve and tubing. The aspiration
tube is used to aspirate liquid from the liquid reservoir or to retrieve liquid
back to the reservoir. The output tube is connected to a tip which is part of a
tip mount. The actual position of a tip is determined by the tip mount. In the
case of a dual pump unit the tip mount has two tips, each of which is
connected to one of the pumps.

Each tip mount is identified by a barcode which is read automatically by the
system.

A tip mount has three tip positions of which two can be used at a time.
These positions are named (from left to right) “Post”, “Real time and “Pre”.
The “Real time” position is the measurement position. “Post” is the position
the well moves to after the measurement position. “Pre” is the position it is
in before moving to the measurement position. Pump connections are as
shown in the table.

Tip configuration Pump1 Pump2

Real time Real time Not used
Pre Pre Not used
Real time and Pre Real time Pre
Pre and Post Pre Post

The offset of the “Pre” and “Post” positions depends on the plate type, 384­well or 96-well. There is a separate tip mounts for each of these plate types.

Dispensing can be done in two ways:

- first filling the syringe and then dispensing aliquots the size of the required
volume

- aspirating the required volume and dispensing it.
The second option gives better results when small volumes (< 10 µl) are

dispensed.
There are two modes of operation:
Dispense measurement – dispensing from one or both tips is followed by

measurement.

32

Functional description

Dispense – only dispensing takes place but no measurement. In this case
parallel dispensing is used when there is a dual tip mount.

There is a waste container in the instrument. This is used when operations
such as rinse occur. A separate aspiration tip connected to a waste pump is
used to empty this waste container when necessary. This operation occurs
automatically.

The liquid reservoir is placed on a hot plate which also includes the
possibility to operate a magnetic stirrer. Both the temperature of the hot
plate and the speed of the magnetic stirrer can be controlled by settings in
the software.

Maintenance operations can be performed with:

- the instrument lid closed when the tip mount is in its place

- the instrument lid opened when the tip mount is outside the instrument

Barcodes

Your instrument uses the following barcodes:

Filter/mirror barcodes

All filter and mirror modules are barcoded, this makes their use much
easier.

Plate barcodes

The barcode reader allows you to load barcode labeled plates, which are
identified by the barcode reader. Codabar, Code39, Interleaved 2 of 5 and
Code 128 barcodes can be read.

Tip mount barcodes

Each tip mount is barcoded so that the system knows that the correct tip
mount is in the instrument for the dispensing required.

PC and printer

Your instrument has the following requirements for PC and printer:

PC configurations

The workstation software is run under Windows XP on a Pentium®
computer (1.7 GHz), minimum 512 MB memory, with 30 GB available hard
disk space or Windows Vista on a Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 (1.8 GHz, 800
MHz, 2MB), minimum 1GB memory, with 80 GB available hard disk
space. The computer is equipped with a CD-ROM, an Ethernet card and a
24-bit color display with minimum resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels.

33

Functional description

Printer

All Windows compatible printers are suitable.

Software

PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences has built a wealth of strong
features into its robust EnVision software. Running under Windows XP or
Windows Vista it is easy to learn to use and provides clear viewing of all of
the information you need on screen. For reliability and convenience,
protocols and results are stored in a database.

There is a protocol explorer for quick access and editing of protocols.
Example protocols are included as a starting point for users to make their
own application specific protocols.

EnVision is designed for easy connectivity to your existing automation.
True two-way communication with other instruments is easy to achieve due
to the COM interface and the Windows environment.

Relation to other systems

EnVision can be used independently as a stand-alone manually loaded
system. EnVision can be used as a robot-controlled subsystem in an
automated HTS laboratory. The data generated by EnVision can be
transferred via the Windows operating system and a computer network to
other systems. Different kinds of robots can be used as the main system in
an automated HTS laboratory.

An automated system consists of a local area network (LAN) which
interconnects several workstations, servers, robots and instruments. A
typical example of the function of the network is to transfer results data to a
centralized data management and computing unit.

The workstation can interact with the following external systems:

• Network and network servers.

• Data capture and conversion software.

• Robot control software.

• Human operators.

34

Chapter 3
Information about user

instructions and warnings

35

36

Information about user instructions a nd war ni n gs

Information about user instructions and warnings

There are several forms of user instructions:

Installation instructions

These are not needed by the regular user because installation is only to be
performed by personnel trained and authorized by PerkinElmer Life and
Analytical Sciences. They are included for reference purposes.

User manual

This is a separate manual from this instrument manual. It gives information
necessary for basic operation of the instrument using mainly default
parameter settings. It tells how to run the instrument and view results.

Reference manual

This is a separate manual from this instrument manual. It describes the
features of the user interface in detail. With this information you can do
more advanced setup than described in the User manual.

Administrator manual

This is a separate manual from this instrument manual. It describes the
Enhanced Security software. It is intended for users with Administrator
rights.

Quick start guide

This is a plasticized card that gives an overview of the steps involved in
operating EnVision.

On-line help

This is supplied with the software and can be accessed by clicking Help or
F1 in any EnVision window. This help gives detailed information about all
features of the operation which concern the normal user (service
information is not provided). There is a table of contents giving an overview
of the Help, a topic index in alphabetical order, as well as a search facility
enabling keywords in the help to be located. Topics are connected, where
relevant, by hypertext links so that you can easily find all the information on
a particular subject.

Routine maintenance

This is maintenance intended to be performed by the user and is described in
a separate chapter of this instrument manual. Any other maintenance than
what is described there should be performed by a service person trained and
authorized by PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences.

37

Informations about user instructions and wa rnin gs

Warnings

Regarding connection of the instrument to the mains:
Note! The instrument must be connected to a mains supply having a

protective earth.
On the side of the instrument:

Warning! Disconnect supply before servicing

On the back of the instrument:

Warning! CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT EN 60825-1 + A1:2002 +
A2:2001

Inside the instrument:
Caution! To avoid the risk of electric shock or exposure to ultraviolet light

do not unscrew any parts.

Note! See also the additional warnings associated with the optional TRF
LASER as shown on the following pages.

Safety symbols used

Power ON

Power OFF

38

Information about user instructions a nd war ni n gs

Report on laser safety: EnVision with the TRF laser option

General:

EnVision with the TRF laser option includes a nitrogen laser MNL-100
manufactured by LTB. This laser is classified to class 3B and therefore the
safety aspects are made according to 3B-class laser.

Concerning class 3B lasers, the International Standard IEC 60825-1 on the
safety of laser products states the following:

“Class 3B: Lasers that are normally hazardous when direct intrabeam
exposure occurs (i.e. within the NOHD). Viewing diffuse reflections is
normally safe.”

Regarding laser safety, it is extremely important to prevent the user from
being exposed to laser beam, either directly or through reflection from a
mirror surface.

Although the laser used in EnVision is a 3B-class laser, the EnVision
instrument is a class 1 laser product. This is possible, because EnVision has
adequate laser shielding which prevents the user being exposed to the laser
radiation.

Outer covers and openings of EnVision

The case assembly, lid, loading door and side hatch of the instrument form a
light-tight system. Light-tightness is essential not only for laser safety, but
also for the functional performance of the instrument. The laser itself has
been placed on top of the instrument under a protective casing, and the laser
beam is led by an optical fiber via the electronics compartment to the light­tight instrument compartment. Because of air circulation, the protective
casing of the laser and the electronics compartment cannot be built to be
light-tight. However, the protective casing of the laser and the electronics
compartment can be locked with screws.

EnVision has three openings through which visual contact with the light­tight measurement compartment can occur. These openings are the lid,
loading door and side hatch (see Figure 1).

39

Informations about user instructions and wa rnin gs

Protective casing of the laser

Lid

Loading door

Electronics compartment

Side hatch

Picture 1. EnVision and its openings.

Picture 2 shows the structure of the protective casing of the laser. This is
assembled with screws, and a laser warning label is affixed onto the casing.
The arrow in the picture shows the exit direction of the laser beam. If, for
some reason, the optical fiber of the laser was disconnected, the laser beam
would not come out directly from the protective casing, as it would hit the
end wall of the casing. The tip of the arrow shows the approximate spot
where the laser beam would hit because of this kind of error. Furthermore,
the diffuse reflection from the inner surface of the protective casing does not
cause immediate danger to the user according to class 3B, not even if the
user looks straight at the illuminated spot. Picture 2 also shows the optical
fiber of the laser that leads from the electronics compartment to the
instrument compartment. In addition, the optical fiber of the laser is inside a
cover that protects the optical fiber from damage.

40

Remote

interlock

connector

Information about user instructions a nd war ni n gs

Laser light exit direction

Optical fiber

inside the cover

Picture 2.

The protective casing of the laser and the exit direction of the

optical fiber.

Safety switches and lid locking

The lid has a locking mechanism to ensure that it cannot be opened during
measurements. The mechanism is designed so that two solenoids will lock
the lid before the measurement is started. However, there is no specific
control to ensure that the locking mechanism functions properly. Therefore,
besides the locking mechanism, additional protection is needed. The
purpose of the locking mechanism is mainly to prevent the user from
opening the lid during measurement and destroying the measuring results.

41

Informations about user instructions and wa rnin gs

To ensure laser safety, all three openings are equipped with a magnetic
switch. This kind of Hall sensor operates by detecting a magnetic field
caused by a magnet affixed to the opening. When one of the openings is
opened, the magnet affixed to the opening moves away from the magnetic
sensor and the magnetic field weakens. In such a case the laser operation is
stopped and the laser beam shutter is closed. Thus, it is possible to use the
laser only when the magnetic switch detects that all openings are closed.
The longest possible distance for the magnetic switches to work is
approximately 5 mm and the moving distance of the openings before actual
opening is much longer than this. Hence even the slightest gap in the door is
impossible during laser operation. The mechanical structure of the switches
is presented in the following pictures.

Magnet

Magnetic se nso r

Picture 3. Magnetic switch on the lid.

42

Information about user instructions a nd war ni n gs

Magnetic sensor

Magnet

Picture 4. Magnetic switch on the loading door.

Magnetic sensor

Side hatch magnets

Picture 5. Magnetic switch on the side hatch.

43

Informations about user instructions and wa rnin gs

Laser beam path

The path of the laser beam from the laser to the sample well is described in
the following picture:

Optical fiber inside
protective tube

Laser

Protective casing of the laser

Picture 6.

The laser has been placed on top of the instrument under a protective casing
as shown in Picture 1, and the optical fiber connected to the laser is led via
the electronics compartment to the light-tight instrument compartment. In
the instrument compartment, the light produced by the laser is directed to
the sample with the help of a mirror and lenses. Therefore, when the optical
fiber is connected, it is impossible that the user would be exposed to laser
beam unintentionally.

Path of the laser beam.

Screw fastening

Light-tight
instrument

compart-

ment

Detaching the optical fiber

The optical fiber of the laser is connected to the laser with a SMA-905
connector. The other end of the optical fiber is locked by tightening the
locking screw at the side as shown in Picture 6. The casing protecting the
laser and optical fiber as well as the cover plate of the electronics
compartment are fastened with screws. Therefore, it is impossible to reach
the laser or its fiber connectors without tools.

Additional safety features of the instrument

To ensure laser safety, the device contains two special features. These are
the automatic closing of the beam shutter and the measuring of laser pulse
light before the next laser pulse.

The laser is equipped with a built-in beam shutter, which remains closed
except when measuring. When the measuring is started, the beam shutter
opens and, after measuring, it closes automatically. Thus, no laser beam is
emitted except during measuring, even if the laser is turned on by mistake.
The other safety feature, i.e. measuring of laser pulse light, is intended for
the measuring phase. As mentioned above, laser beam is led by an optical
fiber to the light-tight instrument compartment. Before entering a sample,
part of the laser pulse light is led into a photodiode for a reference

44

Information about user instructions a nd war ni n gs

measurement. The objective of the reference measurement is to correct the
variation of measurement results caused by energy variation of the laser
pulses. In this case the reference measurement is also monitored in such a
way that the laser pulse is activated only when the energy of the previous
laser pulse has been within the specified limits. With this procedure, it is
possible to ensure that the optical fiber has not been damaged or that the
connectors have not been disconnected. If this kind of damage occurs, the
laser operation is stopped right after the first pulse and an error message is
displayed.

Laser warning labels

According to standard IEC 60825-1, a class 3B laser must contain a warning
label with the following text:

LASER RADIATION
AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM
CLASS 3B LASER PRODUCT
Standard IEC 60825-1 also states that all couplings and protective structures

must contain a warning label, if there is a risk of being exposed to class 3B
laser radiation when opened. The warning symbol must include the
following text:

CAUTION – CLASS 3B LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN
AVOID EXPOSURE TO THE BEAM
EnVision has four laser warning labels. They are fastened on the laser and

on the cover plates, and you have to detach the labels before you can reach
the laser or the fiber connectors.

Picture 7. Warning label of the laser.

45

Informations about user instructions and wa rnin gs

Picture 8. Warning label affixed on the protective casing of the laser.

Picture 9. Laser class label on the cover of the electronics compartment.

46

Information about user instructions a nd war ni n gs

Picture 10. Laser warning label inside the instrument.

47

Informations about user instructions and wa rnin gs

Contact addresses

World Headquarters

PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences,
940 Winter Street,
Waltham, Massachusetts 02451,
USA.
[phone]

European Headquarters

PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences,
Imperiastraat 8,
B-1930 Zaventem,
Belgium.
Tel. [phone]

Manufacturer

PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences, Wallac Oy,
P.O. Box 10,
FIN-20101 Turku,
Finland.
Tel: [phone].
Fax: [phone].
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.perkinelmer.com

.

48

Chapter 4
Routine maintenance

49

50

Routine maintenance

All maintenance, other than that described here, must be performed by
service personnel authorized by PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences.

Cleaning the instrument

The plate carrier should be kept clean to avoid dust and dirt entering into the
optics at the measuring position.

You can remove dust by the use of very clean and dry compressed air or
special canned air for optics cleaning.

The plate carrier should be cleaned at least once a week using a soft cloth or
tissue paper soaked in a mild detergent solution or alcohol.

In case of spillage of a sample containing any signal generation component,
clean the area where the spillage occurred in a similar way to that described
above, except that you first use Enhancement Solution to remove e.g. the
europium, then a mild detergent or alcohol and finally distilled water. Let
the area dry before starting to use the instrument.

Routine maintenance

Filters should be free of finger prints. Fingerprints on filters should be
removed with 99.8 vol. % Alcohol (Ethanol Aa) on microfiber cloth.

Cleaning of the lens when using the dispenser

When using the dispenser there is always a risk that there might be some
splashes onto the lens on the mirror module. A dirty lens will decrease the
counting efficiency and sensitivity of the instrument. By cleaning the lens
regularly this can be prevented.

Switch off the instrument when the plate door is open

1.

This plate – shown outside

51

Routine maintenance

With plate turned around,
remove tip mount

2. Push the plate carrier gently inside the instrument into the right upper

corner of the xy track

3.

Remove the tip mount if installed

4. Wet a microfiber cloth (or some soft non-dust tissue) with pure ethanol.

5. Put your hand into the instrument through the plate door of the

instrument and clean the lens (see picture below, in which the horizontal
head is shown vertically). The lens is not directly visible but can be
cleaned from the outside. With a small mirror it is possible to check that
the lens look clean.

Clean lens through plate door

52

Routine maintenance

Removing the magazine table

If you want to load plates manually you need to remove the magazines and
upper part of the stacker - the magazine table.

1. Lift off the magazines.

2. Pull forward the magazine table.

3.

Lift off the magazine table

Note! If the rods of the stacker are up, click the Reset stacker button in

Reader settings/Stacker to get the magazine table out.

53

Routine maintenance

Reverse the procedure to reinstall the magazine table and magazines.

Changing filter slides

1. Lift the instrument lid.

2. You will see the ends of the excitation and emission filter slides directly

in front of you. Pull out the slide you want to get access to.

Add, remove or exchange filter modules as needed.

3.

4. The filter module snaps into place in the filter slide.

54

Routine maintenance

5. Put back the slide.

Note! You could also put in another slide with a different set of filters
instead.

6. Close the instrument lid when you have finished.

7. The instrument will read the barcodes on the filter modules and update

the list of filters in the software.

Changing a mirror module

1. When the lid is lifted you can see a mirror module just to the left of the

top measuring head body (where the filter slides are also located). Up to
four mirror modules are mounted on a rotatable mirror module changer.
You can turn this to get access to the mirror module you want. There is a
metal wedge after which comes mirror modules 1, 2, 3 and 4 in
clockwise order.

2. Use the special tool to remove the mirror module. The sprung metal

piece in the center of the tool must be pressed down when you engage
the hooks of the tool with the mirror module. Release the sprung metal
piece again to hold the mirror module firmly.

3. Press down the end of the tool to release the mirror module.

55

Routine maintenance

4. Lift off the mirror module.

5. In a similar way replace it with the mirror module you want. When the

mirror module is in place, press down on the sprung metal piece to
release the mirror module so that you can unhook the tool.

6. Close the lid when you have finished.

The instrument will read the barcodes on the mirror modules and update

7.
the list of mirrors in the software.

Changing the bottom mirror

Note! This operation has to be performed by touch and not by sight so the
pictures do not show the components when they are actually installed inside
the instrument.

1. Release the white cover on the right side of the instrument by twisting it.
Remove it.

56

Routine maintenance

2. Put your hand through the hole into the instrument and locate the bottom
mirror module holder.

3. It is fixed in place by a finger-tightened screw. The figure shows the
screw in the bottom mirror module holder. You need to find this screw
with your fingers and turn it anti-clockwise to release it.

4.

Carefully withdraw the bottom mirror module holder from its position

inside the bottom measuring head body. Then holding it in your hand,
bring you hand out through the hole in the side of the instrument.

57

Routine maintenance

5. You can then exchange the bottom mirror module. The picture shows a
holder with the bottom mirror module removed.

6. Reverse this procedure to install a bottom mirror module.

7. Make sure that when you have returned the bottom mirror module
holder to its position in the bottom measuring head body, you tighten the
screw to fix it in place. Also replace the cover on the hole in the
instrument. Twist it to lock it in place.

Note! The instrument does not identify the bottom mirror installed. You
must give this information in the software. When you replace the cover a
series of prompts appear on the user interface telling you to give this
information. This is described in the Reference manual in the Mirrors
chapter.

Changing the aperture

If you are going to make measurements using one of the options: Ultra
Sensitive Luminescence or HTS AlphaScreen, you must use the correct
aperture for the plate type you are using. There are three sizes of aperture,
one for each of 96-well, 384-well and 1536-well plates.

Note! In the case of instruments that do not have the Enhanced height sensor
option, the instrument does not check which aperture is installed. You must
do this manually.

1. To access the aperture you must first raise the instrument lid.

58

Routine maintenance

2. EnVision instruments will have one of the following types of head to
secure the aperture slide.

3. Unscrew and remove the screw head (left pictures) or twist anti­clockwise and pull (right). Use your fingers, no tool is necessary.

4. Pull out the aperture.

59

Routine maintenance

5. Replace it with the aperture you require.

6. Slide the aperture back into position.

7. Replace and tighten the screw head. Use your fingers to do this, not any
tool.

8. Close the instrument lid.

Note! If errors occur with the aperture, you should check that the aperture is
correctly installed. There is a possibility that the aperture block did not go
far enough into its place when the screw was tightened.

Changing a tip mount

Open the instrument lid and the dispenser unit lid..

To remove the existing tip mount, first loosen the brass screw and then pull
out the tip mount.

60

Pull out the tubes from the silicone connectors.

Routine maintenance

Lift the tip mount away from the instrument.

Take the new tip mount. Make sure it has the tip configuration you want.

Carefully push each tube from the dispenser into the silicone connectors at
the end of the tubes coming from the tip mount.

61

Routine maintenance

Note! Hold the tube near its end to avoid it kinking when you push it in!

Note! Don’t leave a gap between the ends of the two tubes inside the

silicone connector because this affects the output tube volume.

Note! The tube from Tip 1, which is to be connected to the tube from Pump
1, has a “sock” shrunk onto it to help you distinguish it from the tube from
Tip 2. Connections should be as in the table:

Tip configuration Pump1 Pump2

Real time Real time Not used
Pre Pre Not used
Real time and Pre Real time Pre
Pre and Post Pre Post

62

Routine maintenance

Install the tip mount into the instrument mirror module changer by fitting it
onto the two guide pins. Tighten the brass screw.

Gently pull out each tube through the dispenser connection piece in the
direction of the dispenser so the silicone connector is pulled as close as
possible to the dispenser connection piece.

Arrange the tubing so that it rests on top of the support piece. This prevents
the tubing getting in the way of the mirror module changer.

Close the instrument lid.

Make sure that the correct liquid reservoir and liquid are installed for each
pump and that the aspiration tubes go to the correct reservoirs.

Close the dispenser lid.

63

Routine maintenance

Use the Tip Mounts function in the user interface to prepare and use the tip
mount. See the Tip Mounts chapter in the Reference manual for more
information about selecting the correct tip mount.

See the Dispenser Control chapter in the User manual for dispenser
operations.

64

Chapter 5
Specifications

65

66

Specifications

This section contains information about the safety standards and provides
the EnVision technical information.

Safety standards

Certification:

• IEC-CB, CE and NRTL-TUV Rheinland of North America

The instrument fulfills the requirements of:

• IEC 61010-1:1990 + A1(1992) + A2(1995)

• CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 1010.1 – 92 + A2:97

• UL 61010A-1: 2002 R4.02

Class 1 Laser product

Specifications

Caution! Use of this instrument other than specified in the user instructions
may result in exposure to hazardous laser radiation.

The laser is classified according to standard EN 60825-1 + A1.2002 +
A2:2001 (IEC 60825-1 Ed. 1.2, 2001-08)

The safety specifications are met also under the following environmental
conditions in addition or in excess to those stated in the operating
conditions:

Altitude: up to 2000 m
Temperature: +5°C to +40°C
Relative humidity: Maximum 80% at 31°C decreasing linearly to 50% at

40°C
Mains supply fluctuations: ±10%
Installation category (overvoltage category): II according to IEC 664-1

(Note 1)
Pollution degree: 2 according to IEC 664-1 (Note 2)
Note! Installation category (overvoltage category) defines the level of

transient overvoltage which the instrument is designed to withstand safely.
It depends on the nature of the electricity supply and its overvoltage
protection means. For example in CAT II which is the category used for
instruments in installations supplied from supply comparable to public
mains such as hospital and research laboratories and most industrial
laboratories the expected transient overvoltage is 2500 V for a 230 V supply
and 1500 V for a 120 V supply.

67

Specifications

Note! Pollution degree describes the amount of conductive pollution present

in the operating environment. Pollution degree 2 assumes that normally only
non-conductive pollution such as dust occurs with the exception of
occasional conductivity caused by condensation.

Both of these affect the dimensioning of the electrical insulation within the
instrument.

Conformance to EU directives

The CE mark conforms to the
following EU directives

Performance specifications used to
verify conformance to the
Directives above

• 89/336/EEC

(as amended by 92/31/EEC and
93/68/EEC) relating to
Electromagnetic Compatibility)

• 73/23/EEC

(as amended by 93/68/EEC) Low
Voltage Directive

• EN 61326

class B Requirements

• IEC 61010-

1:1990 + A1(1992) + A2(1995)

Environmental conditions

Operating conditions: +15°C to +35°C, Relative humidity 80% maximum at
31°C decreasing linearly to 65% at 35°C (indoor use)

Operating conditions for AlphaScreen: +20°C to +25°C, Relative humidity
80%.

Transportation conditions: -20°C to +50°C, Relative humidity 5 to 90%,
IEC 68-2-56 as guidelines packed in transportation package

Storage conditions: -20°C to +50°C, Relative humidity 5 to 90%, IEC 68-2­56 as guidelines packed in transportation package

Power requirements

Power consumption: 300 VA
Mains voltage: 110 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz

68

Specifications

Physical dimensions

Reader

Height: 567 mm (with 50 plate stacker magazines 945 mm) (with TRF
Laser 650 mm)

Width: 411 mm (with dispenser unit 566 mm)
Depth: 570 mm (with stacker 748 mm) (with TRF laser 630 mm)
Weight: 50 kg (with stacker 62 kg) (with dispenser 57 kg) (with both 69 kg)

(with TRF laser 55 kg)

Dispenser Unit

Height: 345 mm
Width: 155 mm
Depth: 365 mm
Weight: 7.0 kg

Input / Output connections

PC: Connected directly or indirectly (LAN) to Control Unit, Ethernet
connector (RJ-45 10/100 Mb/s).

Printers: Connected to PC, parallel port

PC

The workstation software is run under Windows XP on a Pentium®
computer (1.7 GHz), minimum 512 MB memory, with 30 GB available hard
disk space or Windows Vista on a Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 (1.8 GHz, 800
MHz, 2MB), minimum 1GB memory, with 80 GB available hard disk
space. The computer is equipped with a CD-ROM, an Ethernet card and a
24-bit color display with minimum resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels.

Plates

1 to 1536-well plates are compatible with the instrument. The user can
define non-standard plate configurations. The maximum outer dimensions
are 86.0 x 128.2 x 29.0 mm. Both opaque and clear plates are suitable (for
photometric measurement a clear bottom is required).

Stacker

A semi-automated plate loading option, including load and unload
magazines. The magazines can take 20 or 50 plates at a time. The stacker is

69

Specifications

bi-directional and designed to take plates that fulfill the following
requirements:

Length: 127.2 - 128.2 mm
Width: 84.5 - 86.0 mm
Height: 7.5 - 29.0 mm
Maximum load: 5.2 kg
Above the plate ledge: the ledge width > 2.8 mm
Below the plate: the ledge width relative to a plate stacked below it:

> 0.7 mm
Gap between the top of a ledge and the bottom of a plate stacked above it:

> 3.5 mm
These last three requirements are because of the holders that support the

stack of plates in the magazine. There must be adequate space between a
ledge and the plate stacked above it for the holders to fit in. There must also
be an adequate amount of ledge sticking out for the holders to get
underneath so that they can support the plate and the rest of the plates
stacked above it.

Note! A plate locking mechanism ensures that a plate can be removed from
a stack even if there is a tendency for plates to stick together due to e.g. tape
on top of a plate.

Note! Plates with heights below 10 mm cannot be used in the same run as
larger heights.

Plate barcode specifications

Barcode length: max. 60 mm
Barcode height: min. 5 mm
Empty space at the ends of barcode label: min. 10 mm
Minimum bar width min. 0.25 mm
Bar-space ratio 1/3
Non-fluorescent label material
Code types (variable number of digits, no check digit):

• CODE39

• INTERLEAVED 2/5

• CODABAR

• CODE128

70

Specifications

Light sources

The flash light source used for measurements is a UV xenon flash tube,
spectral range 230 - 1100 nm. In AlphaScreen a 680 nm diode laser is used.
For homogeneous TRF-assays a 337 nm nitrogen laser is available.

Detection units

Absorbance: Photo diode, range 230-950 nm
Luminescence, Fluorescence and TR-Fluorescence: Photomultiplier tube,

range 230 - 850 nm
Ultra Sensitive Luminescence and HTS AlphaScreen: very high sensitivity,

PMT range 300 nm - 650 nm.

Mirrors

• Multiple mirror module changer provided with 4 mirror positions.

• Barcoded mirrors.

Filters

• Changeable excitation filter slide, provided with 8 filter positions

(Ø15.0 mm)

• Changeable emission filter slide, provided with 8 filter positions

(Ø15.0 mm)

• Barcoded filters.

Apertures

Three apertures are available: for 1536, 384 and 96-well plates respectively.
These are for Ultra Sensitive luminescence or HTS AlphaScreen
measurements.

A shutter is available to protect the Ultra Sensitive luminescence detector
when such measurements are not being made.

Dispenser

- Dispensing up to 384-well plates

- Volumes 2µl - 475µl

- Adjustable dispensing speed 100µl/s – 500µl/s

- Precision for 10µl volume <10%

- Dead volume below 500µl

- Simultaneous dispensing with two pumps for maximum throughput

- In real-time kinetics the dispensing can be set to occur on any selected

repeat

71

Specifications

Measurement modes

• Fluorescence intensity from top

• Fluorescence intensity from top and bottom

• Time-resolved fluorescence from top

• Time-resolved fluorescence from top and bottom

• Multiple window TRF

• Homogenous TRF (LANCE, HTRF, LanthaScreen)

• Fluorescence polarization

• Absorbance

• Luminescence

• Ultra Sensitive Luminescence

• Dual emission

• AlphaScreen or HTS AlphaScreen

• Adjustable measurement height

• Dispensing

Plate shaking

Three plate shaking modes are available: linear, orbital and double orbital.
Three speed levels can be selected and the amplitude of the movement is
adjustable.

Scanning

Scanning of wells (several measuring points within a well) are available for
all technologies.

Kinetics

Repeated measurements or operations can be defined by plate or well.

Monochromator option

Two double monochromators are located inside the instrument casing. Light
fibers are used to guide the light to and from them. The excitation light from
the lamp is directed through the excitation double monochromator into the
sample. The emission light from the sample is directed through the emission
double monochromator to the detector.

Applications supported

• Photometric application range 230 – 1000 nm

• Photometric spectrum scan 230 – 1000 nm

• Fluorescence intensity application range 230 - 850 nm

• Fluorescence intensity excitation & emission spectrum scan

measurement 230 - 850 nm

72

Specifications

• Verification of spectral properties of a fluorescence label prior to

measurement with fixed excitation and emission wavelengths

Photometric performance with monochromator

•

Wavelength range: 230-1000 nm

• Wavelength selection: monochromator, tunable in 0.1 nm increments

• Photometric resolution: 0.001 OD

Fluorescence intensity performance with monochromators

• Wavelength selection: monochromators, tunable in 0.1 nm

increments

Other optional modules

• Stacker

• Barcode Readers

2nd Detector

•

•

Ultra Sensitive Luminescence and HTS AlphaScreen Detector

• AlphaScreen or HTS AlphaScreen - laser light source and plate

cooler unit

• TRF laser (337 nm nitrogen laser)

• Control unit

• Temperature control

• Dispenser

Measurement time and performance

Measurement times

Technology Number of

flashes

Fi/Abs 1 (on-the-

fly)
Fi/Abs 10 32 s 1 m 3 s 2 m 56 s
Fluor.pol. 30 37 s 1 m 22 s 4 m 15 s
TRF

30 37 s 1 m 22 s 4 m 15 s
LANCE

TRF
LANCE

1 (on-the-

fly)
with Laser

TRF

10 35 s 2 m 08 s 8 m 11 s
LANCE
with Laser

Time for 96
wells

Time for
384 wells

Time for
1536 wells

22 s 27 s 36 s

4 s 11 s 35 s

73

Specifications

TRF

100 55 s 2 m 32 s 8 m 52 s
DELFIA

AlphaScreen

- 1 m 32s 4 m 54 s 19 m 28 s

Std
AlphaScreen

- 51 s 1 m 52 s 9 m 23 s

HTS

Measurement Performance

Technology Feature Performance

Fluorescence
intensity, filters

Fluorescence
intensity, filters

Fluorescence
intensity, filters

Detection limit (96­plate, 200 µL)

Detection limit
(384-plate, 50 µL)

Detection limit
(1536-plate, 7.5

< 4 pM, <0.8 fmol/well,
fluorescein, 100 flashes from top

< 4 pM, <0.2 fmol/well,
fluorescein, 100 flashes from top

< 20 pM, <0.15 fmol/well,
Fluorescein, 100 flashes from top

µL)

Fluorescence
intensity,
monochromator

Fluorescence
intensity,
monochromator

Fluorescence
intensity,
monochromator

Fluorescence
polarization

Fluorescence
polarization

Fluorescence
polarization

Time-resolved
fluorescence

Detection limit (96­plate, 200 µL)

Detection limit
(384-plate, 50 µL)

Bandwidth
(Excitation /
Emission)

Detection limit (96­plate, 200 µL)

Precision (384­plate, 50 µL)

Precision (1536­plate, 7.5 µL)

Detection limit (96­plate, 200 µL)

< 10 pM, <2 fmol/well,
Fluorescein, 100 flashes from top

< 80 pM, <4 fmol/well,
Fluorescein, 100 flashes from top

< 8nm

< 3 mP, 1nM Fluorescein, 100
flashes

< 3 mP, 1nM Fluorescein, 100
flashes

< 7 mP, 1nM Fluorescein, 100
flashes

< 55 fM, Eu, <11 amol/well, 100
flashes from top

Time-resolved
fluorescence

Detection limit
(384-plate, 50 µL)

< 55 fM, Eu, < 2.8 amol/well, 100
flashes from top

74

Technology Feature Performance

Specifications

Time-resolved
fluorescence

Detection limit
(1536-plate, 7.5

< 150 fM, Eu, < 1 amol/well, 100
flashes from top

µL)
Linearity 4.5 decades, Eu
Absorbance

Measurement range

0-4 OD @ 405 nm

(96-plate, 200 µL)
Filter /

Monochromator
Absorbance

Measurement range

0-4 OD @ 405 nm

(384-plate, 50 µL)
Filter /

Monochromator
Accuracy @ 2 OD < 2% @ 405 nm
Precision @ 2 OD < 0.1 % @ 405 nm
Absorbance

Measurement range

0-3 OD @ 405 nm

(1536-plate, 7.5
Filter /

µL)
Monochromator

Absorbance

Bandwidth <8 nm
Monochromator
Absorbance

Wavelength

accuracy
Monochromator

Absorbance

Wavelength

precision
Monochromator

Luminescence Lower limit of

detection (96-plate,

200 µL)
Ultra Sensitive

Luminescence

Lower limit of

detection (384-

plate, 50 µL)
AlphaScreen

(Std and HTS)

Detection limit

(384-plate, 50 µL)

(25 µL,

phophorylated bio-

peptide, kinase

assay

±2.0 nm

±0.2 nm

< 75 pM, ATP, 1 second

< 10 pM, ATP, 1 second

< 100 amol

75

Specifications

76

Chapter 6
Quality information

77

78

We

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY FOR CE-MARKING

INSTRUMENTS

Supplier's name

WALLAC OY

Address

PL 10, 20101 TURKU, FINLAND

declare under our sole responsibility that the product

Name, type or model, lot, batch or serial number, possibly sources and numbers of items

2104 EnVision MULTILABEL READER Valid from serial number 1040001

1390 3693

to which this declaration relates is in conformity with the following standard(s) or other normative
document(s)

Title and/or number and date of issue of the standard(s) or other normative document(s)

EN 61326:1998
EN 61010-1 :2001

(if applicable) following the provisions of the following directives

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), 89/336/EEC
Low voltage (LV), 72/23/EEC

Date and place of issue

5 December 2007 TURKU, FINLAND

Name and signature or equivalent marking of authorized person

Pekka Mäkinen, Quality Manager, Instruments

79

80

WEEE Instructions for PerkinElmer Products

or

A label with a crossed-out wheeled bin symbol and a rectangular bar indicates

that the product is covered by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Directive and is not to be disposed of as unsorted municipal waste. Any products
marked with this symbol must be collected separately, according to the regulatory
guidelines in your area.

The objectives of this program are to preserve, protect and improve the quality of
the environment, protect human health, and utilize natural resources prudently and
rationally. Specific treatment of WEEE is indispensable in order to avoid the
dispersion of pollutants into the recycled material or waste stream. Such treatment is
the most effective means of protecting the customer’s environment.

Requirements for waste collection, reuse, recycling, and recovery programs vary
by regulatory authority at your location. Contact your local responsible body (e.g.,
your laboratory manager) or authorized representative for information regarding
applicable disposal regulations. Contact PerkinElmer at the web site listed below for
information specific to PerkinElmer products.

Web address:

Customer Care: 1-800-762-4000 (inside the USA)
([phone] (outside the USA)

0800 40 858 (Brussels)
0800 90 66 42 (Monza)

Products from other manufacturers may also form a part of your PerkinElmer
system. These other producers are directly responsible for the collection and
processing of their own waste products under the terms of the WEEE Directive. Please
contact these producers directly before discarding any of their products.

Consult the PerkinElmer web site (above) for producer names and web addresses.

http://las.perkinelmer.com/OneSource/Environmental-directives.htm

81

82

Chapter 7
Glossary

83

84

Glossary

Glossary

2nd detector PMT that intensifies and measures the signal

from the rear emission channel
Note! the detector has a normal side window

PMT used for both photon calculation and
analog mode. The 2nd detector is needed in
dual label measurements (e.g. Eu/Sm) or in
fast FP measurements, where both
polarization directions are measured
simultaneously.

2nd detector emission
light selector

mirror slide to select whether the 2nd detector
module handles emission light excited from
above the sample or the bottom measuring
emission light from the emission cable

alphascreen this term is used to cover both the standard

AlphaScreen and HTS AlphaScreen options
when referring to features that are common to
both

alphascreen option separate option including a laser, light guide,

mirror module, filter and plate cooler for
AlphaScreen measurements

Note! AlphaScreen is a measurement
technology based on the use of coated beads.
Donor beads are excited by laser light. Energy
is transferred to bound acceptor beads which
then emit light

aperture hole through which radiation may pass

Note! There are three apertures: for 1536, 384
and 96-well plates respectively. These are for
Ultra Sensitive luminescence. See also shutter

aspiration tip used to empty the waste container. Part of the

dispenser

aspiration tube tube between the liquid reservoir and the

syringe in the dispenser. Used to aspirate
liquid from the reservoir or retrieve liquid to it

85

Glossary

barcode reader component that scans the ID barcode mounted

on the sample plate
Note! The barcode reader position depends on

whether the ID barcode is placed on the long
or the short side of the plate.

barcode reader holder support onto which the barcode readers are

mounted

barcode reader module module assembly consisting of the barcode

reader holder and 1-2 barcode readers

basic frame rigid steel-bar case on which the instrument is

assembled

beamsplitter optical device to split the beam into two or

more separate rays. Optical device for
dividing a beam into two or more separate
beams.

bias mirror module the mirror module is used with the second

light source (TRF-laser). It has the aperture
offset from the center position (biased
excitation aperture) whereas mirror modules
used with light source 1 have the aperture in
the center. This bias mirror module comes in a
single mirror module version and a dual
mirror module version

bottom excitation cable optical fiber to guide the excitation light from

the light director assembly into the inlet
aperture of the mirror in the bottom measuring
head

bottom measuring head measuring head positioned below the x-y

conveyor

bottom measuring head
body

body section of the bottom measuring head ; it
embodies dedicated positions for different
modules

bottom mirror module
holder

holder of one manually replaceable mirror for
the bottom measuring head

CAN interface card PCI-bus based add-on card for PCs, which is

used for Controller Area Network (CAN)
protocol data communication

case assembly detachable outer cover of the instrument case

86

Glossary

case frame assembly lower part of the instrument case, not

replaceable and fitted with external connector
and ventilator

control panel plate equipped with three LED-fitted press

buttons that are used to control the
instrument's operation

control unit device through which the instrument's

operation is managed

cover plate lid of the top measuring head body covering

the filter slides in their light-tight channel. It
contains all lenses placed above the filter
slides and supports the light sources, and
detectors.

detector PMT that intensifies and measures the signal

from the emission channel
Note! The detector has a normal side window

PMT used for both photon calculation and
analogue mode.

dichroic mirror beamsplitter that permeates/reflects light of a

certain wavelength range
mirror used to selectively transmit light

according to its wavelength

diffraction grating a device for dispersing light, used as the basis

for a monochromator

dispenser unit device for dispensing to a microtitration plate

in EnVision
one or two pumps can be installed. A tip

mount is used to position the tip(s)

dual mirror module assembly to guide excitation light onto the

sample and emission light to the detector
which also divides emission light between the
detector and the 2nd detector

emission cable optical cable that guides emission light from

the bottom measuring head to the emission
light selector

emission light mirror
holder

part that guides the emission light from top of
the sample into the 2nd detector module in
models without the bottom measuring option

87

Glossary

emission light selector mirror slide to select whether the detector

handles emission light excited from above the
sample or the bottom measurement emission
light from the emission cable

enhanced plate height
sensor

a sensor that enables the Ultra Sensitive
luminescence aperture to be positioned very
close to the plate

excitation light director
assembly

in photometry or bottom measuring ;
assembly to guide the emission light from the
light source through deflection mirrors to the
light guides

flash counter software which counts the number of times

the light source has flashed

filter (optical) component letting only a certain bandwidth

range of light pass through
filter frame support onto which the filter block is mounted
filter module assembly consisting of the filter frame, the

filter, a barcode, a polarizer, and a possible

aperture plate
filter slide assembly consisting of the filter holder and

the filter blocks, enabling automatic filter

switching

Note! The maximum number of filter blocks

on the filter slide is 8. The instrument has two

kinds of filter slides: an excitation filter slide

for excitation light and an emission filter slide

for emission light.
glow luminescence luminescence that persists for at least some

seconds
height sensor probe right behind (inside) the loading door to

check the plate level and ensure that the plate

is properly placed on the plate carrier

88

Glossary

high throughput light
source

flash lamp that is more efficient than the light

source, exciting wide-spectrum light; used to

shorten the time spent on measurements

Note! The max. frequency band of the high

efficiency light source is 1000Hz. One light

impulse has the same optical energy as the

light source, but since the lamp contains an

internal reflector, the average input power is

approx. 35W. If 100 impulses are needed in a

measurement, measuring takes only 0.1 s /

sample using this light source.
hts alphascreen option high throughput version of AlphaScreen

which uses the same very high sensitivity

detector as ultra sensitive luminescence and

an aperture and there are no optics in the

emission light path
instrument case assembly outer cover protecting the

instrument
laser a laser emitting light at a wavelength of 680

nm and used to excite samples in AlphaScreen

and HTS AlphaScreen measurements
lens assembly component that contains one plano-convex

lens and a lens holder with locking rings

Note! The instrument has four different lens

assemblies with different lens features and at

different locations.
lid opening in the upper instrument case

providing access to filter slides and mirror

modules
lid lock mechanism to keep the lid locked during

measurement
lid sensor sensors in the instrument case to ensure that

the lid and the door on the right side are

properly closed
lifting unit mechanism for lifting and lowering plates in

the stacker
light guide optical fiber to guide excitation light into the

inlet aperture of the mirror module
light guide holder mechanical part onto which the light guide is

mounted

89

Glossary

light shutter movable metal plate used to protect a normal

detector from light. It is removed

automatically from the light path during a

measurement

Note! this is different from the Ultra Sensitive

luminescence shutter
light source flash lamp producing wide-spectral excitation

light

Note! The light source excites impulses at a

typical frequency of 100 Hz and uses an

average input power of 5W. The light source

enables measuring all measurement types, but

the ones necessitating several light impulses

for a single measurement (TRF, FP) take more

time. A measurement with the high efficiency

light source is much quicker than

measurement with a normal light source.
loading door light-tight sliding door and the related

mechanism

Note! The approx. dimensions (height and

width) of the door are 35mm*320mm.
luminescence aperture

slide

user-changeable plate-specific slide with

suitable aperture to mask luminescence

emission
magazine detachable part of the stacker to hold the

sample plates
measurement height

changer

module to adjust the height of the measuring

heads from the point of measuring
mirror module assembly to guide excitation light onto the

sample and emission light to the detector

Note! The mirror module contains different

types of beamsplitters, polarizers and aperture

plates to optimize the volume of the sample to

be excited/measured. The mirror module also

contains a reference detector for excitation

light and sample optics is mounted in the

assembly.
mirror module changer module that contains a place for four mirror

modules replaceable by the user

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