EMS SFA-LH-IR850 Modular Infrared Light Head
| Brand | EMS/Electron Microscopy Sciences |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | SFA-LH-IR850 |
| Wavelength | 850 nm (center), FWHM ≈ 50 nm |
| Emission Cutoff | <750 nm negligible output |
| LED Type | High-power 850 nm LED |
| Optics | Medium-beam-width diffuser lens |
| Compatibility | NIGHTSEA stereo microscope fluorescence adapter systems |
| Component Category | Optical Component |
Overview
The EMS SFA-LH-IR850 Modular Infrared Light Head is an engineered optical component designed for controlled, non-invasive illumination in low-light and fluorescence-enabled stereomicroscopy applications. It operates on the principle of narrowband near-infrared (NIR) emission at a center wavelength of 850 nm, optimized to align with the spectral sensitivity of silicon-based scientific cameras while remaining invisible to the human eye and most visible-light imaging systems. This spectral selectivity enables behavioral observation of small live specimens—such as rodents, zebrafish larvae, or invertebrates—without visual disturbance or photostress. The device is not a fluorescence excitation source per se, but functions as a dedicated NIR illumination module compatible with NIGHTSEA’s modular stereo microscope fluorescence adapter platforms. Its modular architecture allows integration into existing optical pathways without mechanical or thermal modification to the host microscope, preserving system integrity and alignment stability.
Key Features
- High-intensity 850 nm LED emitter with stable radiometric output and minimal thermal drift over extended operation cycles
- Diffuser lens engineered for uniform irradiance distribution across medium-field-of-view stereomicroscopy configurations (typical working distance: 100–200 mm)
- Narrow spectral bandwidth: centered at 850 nm with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of approximately 50 nm; negligible emission below 750 nm ensures minimal crosstalk with visible-light channels or GFP/mCherry detection bands
- Plug-and-play mechanical interface compliant with NIGHTSEA SYS-IR series lamp bases (e.g., SYS-IR850 DIM Base); no electrical reconfiguration required
- Compact, heat-sink-integrated housing designed for continuous-duty laboratory use with passive thermal management
- No internal driver circuitry—requires external constant-current LED driver (not included), supporting flexible power regulation and dimming compatibility
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SFA-LH-IR850 is routinely deployed in preclinical behavioral phenotyping, developmental biology, and neuroethology workflows where unobtrusive illumination is critical. It supports live-animal imaging under IR-sensitive CMOS or CCD cameras (e.g., FLIR Blackfly S, Basler ace USB3) equipped with appropriate NIR-transmissive optics and longpass filters (e.g., 800 nm LP). While not certified to IEC 62471 for photobiological safety as a standalone product, its radiance falls well within Risk Group 1 (exempt) limits when operated at nominal current (350 mA typical) and mounted at ≥100 mm from specimen. The device complies with RoHS 2 directives and carries CE marking for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU). For GLP-compliant studies, users are advised to document lamp calibration history, including relative irradiance measurements traceable to NIST-traceable spectroradiometers.
Software & Data Management
As a hardware-only optical component, the SFA-LH-IR850 does not include embedded firmware or proprietary software. Its operation is fully decoupled from image acquisition software (e.g., NIS-Elements, µManager, StreamPix), enabling vendor-agnostic integration. When paired with a programmable LED driver, intensity modulation can be synchronized via TTL triggers or analog voltage input—facilitating time-resolved behavioral assays or gated illumination protocols. Audit trails for illumination parameters (current, duty cycle, duration) must be maintained externally in experiment logs or LIMS systems to satisfy FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for regulated research environments.
Applications
- Non-invasive nocturnal behavior monitoring in rodent home cages using IR-sensitive video tracking systems
- Illumination support for dual-channel fluorescence + NIR reflectance imaging on stereo microscopes equipped with filter changers
- Calibration reference source for NIR camera sensitivity profiling and flat-field correction
- Structured lighting for shadow-free surface inspection of opaque biological tissues (e.g., embryonic membranes, insect cuticles)
- Integration into custom-built optogenetic rigs requiring background-free NIR visualization concurrent with 473/594 nm stimulation
FAQ
Is the SFA-LH-IR850 suitable for fluorescence excitation?
No—it emits at 850 nm, which is outside the excitation range of common fluorophores (typically 350–650 nm); it serves only as an illumination source for IR-visible imaging.
Can this light head be used without a NIGHTSEA base?
Yes—when mounted on a compatible optical rail or custom bracket and driven by an external constant-current source, it functions as a standalone NIR illuminator.
Does the unit include a power supply or driver?
No—EMS supplies only the lamp head; users must provide a stable 350 mA constant-current LED driver meeting forward voltage requirements (~3.2 V per diode, two-die configuration).
What camera specifications are required to detect its output?
A monochrome or color camera with peak quantum efficiency ≥60% at 850 nm and no integrated IR-cut filter (or with removable filter) is essential; typical sensitivity threshold: ≥1000 e⁻/s at f/2.8, 10 ms exposure.
Is spectral calibration data provided with the unit?
EMS provides nominal spectral curve documentation (center wavelength, FWHM, relative intensity) in the product datasheet; NIST-traceable spectral irradiance calibration is available upon request as a value-added service.
