Lambda
10-3
High Speed Filter Wheel
The Lambda 10-3 is a
high performance, microprocessor-controlled multi-filter
wheel system for imaging applications requiring up to 3 filter
wheels. The latest generation of Sutter's optical filter
changer product line, the Lambda 10-3 uses recent advances
in motor technology to achieve switching times of 40msec
between adjacent filters. It features both USB and serial
port interfaces as well as keypad control. The Lambda 10-3
is the upgrade to the Lambda 10-2 and ideal for imaging applications
requiring multiple filter wheels. This new release offers
faster switching times, control for 3 filter wheels/ 2 shutters,
more communication interface options and a universal power
supply.
The Lambda 10-3 controls
up to 3 filter wheels. The user can select between one of
seven speeds, allowing the speed to be adjusted in accordance
with the load of the wheel. The Lambda 10-3 can operate up
to 40msec switching time speed at speed 1 with the traditional
25mm filter wheel as well as our newer, high-speed 32mm version.
If additional speed of movement is desired we manufacture
a special three position wheel which achieves switching times
of less than 33 msec at speed 0.. Except for the 4-position
compact wheel, our filter wheels employ a direct drive system
consequently there is no belt slippage or backlash.
In addition the Lambda
10-3 controller supports both the traditional Uniblitz shutter
as well as our new SmartShutter line. Our SmartShutter is
designed to
mount on our filter wheels much like the current shutter is mounted so there
should be no mounting constraints. In addition we support control of a standalone
SmartShutter from the controller, making it possible to control an external
SmartShutter wherever an additional shutter is required.
The SmartShutter sets
a new standard for shutter performance and reliability. In
the traditional shutter design there are two or more “leaves” that
rub against each other. Given time, the blades will wear down, bind, and the
shutter will fail to open. The SmartShutter is designed with only one moving
part, which virtually eliminates the effects of wear and markedly improves performance.
Both our 25mm and 35mm SmartShutter are capable of opening within 8ms from the
time of the trigger and can reliably achieve repeat opening times of 20 cycles
per second.
The microprocessor-based
controller provides exceptional versatility and is adaptable
to various modes of operation and function. The SmartShutter
can
be programmed
for a variety of movement profiles or to produce a variable aperture by
determining
the degree of shutter opening. When used in our Lambda LS xenon light source
and coupled with a liquid light guide, the shutter acts as a programmable
neutral density filter. While the impulse of our shutter is minimal we
have incorporated
a “soft” action mode to decrease vibration if necessary.
The command’s used to control of our new Lambda 10-3 is a superset of the
Lambda 10-2 meaning all of the commands used to control the Lambda 10-2 . Additional
commands are necessary to access the third wheel as well as the special smart
shutter features. The SmartShutter features can be programmed through the keypad
so that you can use the old shutter commands to access the neutral density function
or the soft shutter mode.
Filter selection can
be made directly from the keypad or from a computer via the
serial or USB port. The controller determines the shortest
route
to the
selected filter and an acceleration/deceleration algorithm minimizes
vibrations during
the movement of the wheel. Internal sensors ensure correct filter positioning
and the current filter position is displayed on the front panel. The
serial port accepts RS232 level signals through a DB-9 connector. USB
input is
made through
a standard connector and can be directly connected to a PC USB port.
The Lambda 10-3's USB port interface supports multiple USB devices
simultaneously, allowing
a user to run in tandem as many units as USB ports.
The line voltage for
the Lambda 10-3 may be either 120 or 240 volts, 50 or 60Hz.
The universal power supply will automatically switch to
accommodate the line
voltage - no user adjustment is required. As with the Lambda 10-2,
an optional
liquid light guide is available for applications requiring absolute
vibration isolation, and/or spatial uniformity independent of wavelength.
Features
• Up to 40 msec
between adjacent filters (10 position wheel)
• Up to 31 msec between adjacent
filters (3 position wheel)
• Controls three wheels and
up to two optional shutters
• Can accommodate SmartShutter‘ and Uniblitz“ shutter
• Command set compatible with
Lambda 10-2
• Up to 40 msec between adjacent
filters (10 position wheel)
• Up to 31 msec between adjacent
filters (3 position wheel)
• Serial and USB interfaces
• Can control a variety of 25
mm & 32 mm wheels
• Chopper drives
• Universal power
supply
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