Z-Height Focus

Automatic Z-height adjustment is extremely important in obtaining the best signal in any given assay. The Z-height optimally focuses the lens assembly on the signal in a well. If this is inaccurate by as little as 0.2 mm, a signal degradation up to 25% can result. While most readers adjust Z-height to “low, medium, high” or in 1 mm increments, the PHERAstar series of HTS readers give precise control in 0.1 mm increments.

A key aspect to the detection system used in the PHERAstar series is the auto Z-height focal adjustment. The auto Z-height focus will determine where the strongest signal is in the well. The auto Z-height focus can adjust to within 0.1 mm, giving the PHERAstar series the most precise Z-height focusing adjustment available.

Automatic Z-height adjustment is just another feature that allows the PHERAstar Plus and PHERAstar FS to detect the optimal emitted signal for every assay, every time.  A similar non-automated Z-height focus adjustment is also found on the Omega Series of microplate readers when using the advanced TRF Optic Head. This optic head allows for increased sensitivity and less variation in assays such as TRF and TR-FRET.