CLARIOstar Plus

The revolutionary next-generation monochromator technology with filter-like performance. LVF Monochromators™ take advantage of Linear Variable Filters (LVF) to separate light into distinct wavelengths and continuously adjustable bandwidths. LVF Monochromators allow for filter-like light transmission and performance, and eliminate the stray light issues found in conventional monochromators. LVF Monochromators can be found on the CLARIOstar Plus and VANTAstar microplate readers.

Sample signals often span over a wide range of intensities. This makes detection of all samples in a single run problematic as a fixed gain ensures that only a limited range of intensities is reliably detected. Enhanced Dynamic Range was specifically designed to offer the largest possible dynamic range - 8 concentration decades. It allows measurement of bright and dim signals in the same run – no gain setting required – and provides highly reliable results over a large dynamic range with no manual intervention.

Excitation lasers significantly improve performance and lower limits of detection, since they yield higher excitation energy at a specific wavelength when compared to xenon lamps.

Both the CLARIOstar and the PHERAstar FSX can be equipped with a laser dedicated to Alpha Technology (AlphaScreen^®, AlphaLISA^® and AlphaPlex^TM) detection. This dedicated laser outperforms any xenon-based light source by specifically exciting donors at 680 nm.

Fluorescent and luminescent detection of adherent cells substantially profits from measurements performed from the bottom of the well. The PHERAstar FSX, CLARIOstar Plus and VANTAstar have a free air optical path to the bottom of the microplate, improving sensitivity and eliminating the need for fiber optics or light guides.

Unlike conventional microplate readers, all BMG LABTECH readers require no displacement or installation of any additional hardware when switching between top and bottom reading modes.

Automation is a key feature in high-throughput screening. BMG LABTECH microplate readers have been successfully integrated into various robotic systems. Small footprint, multiple robotic software interfaces and an automation-friendly plate carrier guarantee an easy integration into all leading robotic platforms. All plate readers can be controlled through ActiveX or DDE interfaces. Moreover, the ASCII data output is the most versatile in the industry and works with most LIMS and automation platforms.

Many of today's most popular assays such as enzyme kinetics, calcium flux, and dual luciferase require the ability to monitor a signal during and after the addition of a reagent. All BMG LABTECH readers, with the exception of the SPECTROstar Nano, can be equipped with up to two reagent injectors. Injectors enable reagent delivery to any plate format from 6 to 384 wells.

Shaking and incubation allow users to mix the well content and easily run measurements at elevated temperatures. The incubator controls the air temperature in the measurement chamber from room temperature up to 45°C, 60°C or 65°C. BMG LABTECH microplate readers are equipped with orbital, double-orbital or linear shaking with definable intensity, duration and direction of motion. These features are available on all BMG LABTECH plate readers.

BMG LABTECH was the first and is the only microplate reader manufacturer to equip its instruments with a UV/vis spectrometer for absorbance measurements. Similar to a monochromator, but much faster, the spectrometer will capture full-absorbance spectra from 220 to 1000 nm at a resolution of 1 nm in less than one second/well. Alternatively, up to eight discrete wavelengths can be collected at the same time.

Automatic Z-height adjustment is extremely important for obtaining the best possible signal from every sample. If the focus is inaccurate by as little as 0.2 mm, this can result in a signal degradation of up to 25%. BMG LABTECH's Z-height focus adjustment tool scans the whole sample with 0.1 mm resolution and determines the height at which the strongest signal can be measured.

Dichroic mirrors have significantly different reflection and transmission properties at two different wavelengths. Specifically for optic detection, they reflect or block excitation light at lower wavelengths, and transmit emission light at longer wavelengths to the detector. Used between excitation and emission filters, they increase sensitivity and decrease background noise.