PHERAstar Plus Detection System

BMG LABTECH has designed the ultimate high-end microplate reader for all of your research and High Throughput Screening (HTS) applications – the PHERAstar Plus. This compact and versatile instrument is able to perform all the leading non-isotopic detection technologies including:

• Fluorescence Intensity (including FRET)
• Fluorescence Polarization
• Time-Resolved Fluorescence (including TR-FRET)
• Luminescence (including BRET)
• AlphaScreen™
• Absorbance UV/Vis

Outstanding Sensitivity and Speed

The outstanding sensitivity and speed of the PHERAstar microplate reader are based upon a new, innovative lens-based optical design which incorporates Simultaneous Dual Emission Detection technology for all measurement modes. Assay specific Optic Modules are the key to the optical design of the PHERAstar Plus. They contain all the necessary optical components including excitation and emission filters, dichroic mirrors, beam splitters and/or polarization filters.

Two different light sources also contribute to the PHERAstar Plus’ outstanding performance. One is a high energy xenon flashlamp (300 flashes per second) that is used for fluorescence and absorbance measurements. The second is a solid-state laser light source that is built-in for ultra-sensitive AlphaScreen™ measurements.

Five PMT’s for Detection

The PHERAstar Plus detection system contains two pairs of matched photomultiplier tubes (PMT’s) which are used for Simultaneous Dual Emission Detection. One matched pair of PMT’s is used for Fluorescence Intensity, Fluorescence Polarization and Luminescence. The matched pair of PMT’s has been specificially optimized to perform Time-Resolved Fluorescence (i.e. TR-FRET). The fifth PMT is for UV/Vis absorbance.

 

Automatic Z-Height Adjustment

The optical system of the PHERAstar Plus directs the energy of the excitation light to a small focal point in the center of the well, giving excellent sensitivity in all microplate formats up to 1536. The automated height adjustment of the focal point ensures the best signal-to-noise ratio for every plate, every application and every volume.

All of the above discribed features are automatic and work in conjunction with each other, allowing the PHERAstar Plus to provide the user with the results they expect from the best HTS microplate reader in the world.