Altra Flow Cytometer

Altra Flow Cytometer

This instrument (acquired in January 2003) is a research-grade unit, which means that it can be adapted for a wide range of uses. It is capable of analysis and sorting of populations. The Altra is very flexible, with multiple lasers (can be used singly or in combination) and multiple (7) detectors, which can be optimized for particular applications.

Laser Compartment in Altra Flow Cytometer

Lasers: The Altra is outfitted with 5 lasers, for maximum flexibility in fluorescence excitation and detection. The lasers are as follows:
2 -- 5W water-cooled Coherent I90C argon ion lasers (tunable to UV and visible wavelengths, including 310 nm, 488 nm, 514 nm)
1 -- 35mW air-cooled argon ion laser, 488 nm excitation only
1 -- 1.5 mW helium-neon laser, 543.4 nm excitation
1 -- 35 mW helium-neon laser, 633 nm excitation
These lasers can be operated singly or in any combination.
Flow Cell Compartment in Altra Flow Cytometer

Fluorescence Detectors: The unit has 6 photomultiplier tubes, capable of detecting fluorescence emission from 200 to 800 nm. It also has a single special photomultiplier tube optimized for detection in the infrared (> 800 nm).

Scatter Detectors: The unit has a forward scatter photodiode and well as a forward scatter photomultiplier tube.

Sorting Features: The Altra is capable of high and low speed sorting, as well as large particle (200 µm diameter) sorting. Sorting of two populations simultaneously is possible, as is sorting into multiwell plates or onto slides. Unattended sorting is also possible, using SortLock software.

Sample Handling: The unit can be configured with a quantitative sample handling device (Harvard Apparatus Syringe pump), if determination of the concentration of cells in a sample is desirable.

XL Flow Cytometer

This instrument (acquired in March 2003) is a bench-top grade flow cytometer. It is equipped with a 35 mW 488 nm argon ion laser and has 4 fluorescence photomultiplier tubes, one side scatter photodiode and one forward scatter photodiode. It can be fitted with a large volume (2 ml+) sample handling device, for counting rare, large (>2 um to 200 um diameter) cells. This option also allows quantitative analyses.

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