Techne PrimeQ - Manual (Page 31)

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1.15.4 Before you start
Check that:
1. All cables are connected between the instrument and PC.
2. All power cables are plugged in and comply with safety standards.
3. The Quansoft software has been installed on the PC.
1.15.5 Start-up procedure
1. Turn on the power to PrimeQ by pressing the switch at the back of the instrument. A welcome
beep can be heard.
2. Turn on the PC and wait for Windows to boot up.
3. Log in under your user name.
4. Double-click the Quansoft icon on the desktop to launch the software.
PrimeQ is now ready for use.
1.16 Installing the filter cartridges
1.16.1 The role of the filter cartridge
The role of the filter cartridge is to control the excitation and emission wavelengths of light using
filters and a dichroic mirror.
• The excitation filter transmits only the wavelength of the light source that excites the
fluorophore.
• The emission filter transmits only the wavelength of the light produced by the fluorescence
of the sample.
1. White light from the LED light source enters the cartridge and is separated by the excitation
filter.
2. Light of the desired wavelength is then turned 90° by a dichroic mirror and directed to the wells
via the fibre optic bundle.
3. Emitted light produced by the excited fluorophores is transmitted via the fibre optic bundle,
straight through the dichroic mirror and filtered by the emission filter such that only light at the
correct emission wavelength is allowed through.
4. Emitted light is passed on to the photo-multiplier tube (PMT) for detection.
The filters provided with the system are high-quality components with special anti-reflective
coatings. As with all filters, they will degrade over time, especially in climates with higher humidity
levels. This will ultimately lead to degradation in the instrument performance such that the
purchase of replacement filter cartridges is required (see section 5.6). Filters should last at least
three years, possibly as long as five depending on the frequency of use and conditions.
From light
Excitation
Emission
To detector
Dichroic mirror
To and from fiber bundle From light
Excitation
Emission
To detector
Dichroic mirror
To and from fibre bundle