Simultaneous Dual Emission

BMG LABTECH has been the pioneer of a unique Simultaneous Dual Emission (SDE) detection system which makes it possible to measure two emitted wavelengths at the same time. This is the perfect tool for double emission assays such as FRET, TR-FRET, and BRET, meaning that the sample only has to be read once. In fluorescence Polarization detection, this technology can be used to read both the parallel and perpendicular emission signals at the same time.

SDE detection uses two matched photomultiplier tubes for the measurement of the 2 emission wavelengths, which substantially reduces plate read times and increases throughput. It also corrects any signal variation due to differences in well volumes, concentrations, or fluctuations in excitation energy. This ensures improved sensitivity and lower %CVs compared with other readers. SDE measurements are normally combined with a ratio calculation of the results from both emission channels.

SDE gives several distinct advantages to BMG LABTECH microplate readers in FRET, TR-FRET (HTRF®, LANCE®, LanthaScreen™), BRET, and fluorescence polarization assays. The PHERAstar® FSX  can also measure AlphaPlex™ assays using Simultaneous Dual Emission.

Fig. 1: Simultaneous dual emission allows the measurement of 2 emission wavelengths simultaneously by using optics modules with a beam splitter and two emission filters next to two matched PMT pairs.

Advantages of Simultaneous Dual Emission detection

  • Faster read times
  • Increased sensitivity
  • Lower %CV values
  • Higher Z'-factors

SDE comes as standard on the PHERAstar FSX and is an option on the LUMIstar®Omega and the FLUOstar Omega.

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