FAQs
A list of common questions which are asked are listed below. The FAQs have been grouped under several headings to help you find the information you are seeking more quickly. This list is continually being increased as we respond to specific questions and add them to FAQs. If you cannot find the information you require, contact CoolLED.
About LEDs
Performance
Operation
Specifying
Commercial
About LEDs
Are LEDs stable?
CoolLED LEDs are stable because we use active-cooling. Intensity will not vary or decrease significantly throughout its long lifetime.
Do you need to use excitation filters with LEDs?
CoolLED recommends these filters. LEDs are narrow waveband but often exhibit a small "tail" which can cause "cross-talk". You can discuss with us for your application.
How long do LEDs last?
Almost indefinitely. CoolLED LAMs (LED Array Modules) are guaranteed for three years but expected "on" lifetime is measured in tens of thousands of hours.
Are LEDs sufficiently intense?
Yes. LEDs have become more intense in recent years. In addition, CoolLED is experienced in creating the most intense and stable excitation.
Do LEDS get hot?
Although LEDS are far more efficient than conventional light sources, heat is still generated. This is why CoolLED uses active-cooling to maintain LED stability.
Do LEDs emit UV?
Only designated LED wavelengths at 400nm or below emit UV.
Is regular alignment necessary with LEDs?
No. A simple once-ever alignment is required when your CoolLED product is first fitted to your microscope. This is to optimise to the individual optical path and configurations of your microscope.
Is a Shutter necessary on my microscope if I use LED excitation?
No. The Shutter is redundant when using LED excitation as the LEDs switch on/off so quickly.
Are ND (Neutral Density) filters necessary on my microscope if I use LED excitation?
No. The ND Filters are redundant when using LED excitation as the LEDs can be controlled for intensity from 0-100%.
What LED wavelengths are available?
CoolLED currently offers a choice from 18 LED wavelengths. More will become available in the future.
Performance
Are CoolLED LED products bright enough?
Yes. Like all other all light sources, intensity varies across the wavelength spectrum. Actual intensity delivered to the microscope is similar to a 100W Mercury lamp in the Blue and Red (excitation) regions. LEDs are weaker in the Green region but are more than sufficient for most applications. CoolLED LED products are the most intense available.
Can I excite more than one wavelength at the same time?
This facility is available on the latest release of pE-1 and pE-2 products.
Will it fit on my microscope?
Yes. CoolLED provides standard adaptors for Leica, Motic, Nikon, Olympus and Zeiss microscopes. Adaptors for other microscopes can be provided.
How quickly can you switch CoolLED LEDs?
LEDs can switch almost instantaneously. Where available, CoolLED products can switch in under 300 microseconds using TTL control.
How much power does a CoolLED unit take?
The pE-1 and pE-2 systems should consume around 10W when on but with the light off, and take up to 100W when one of the LED sources is on at full 100% intensity.
Which fluorophores can I excite?
Most common fluorophores can be excited. CoolLED is constantly adding LED wavelengths to match existing fluorophores and filter sets.
Does CoolLED use commercially available LEDs?
No. Commercially available LEDs are supplied as packaged parts. CoolLED starts with bare semiconductor LED die and builds actively-cooled arrays to achieve the best performance.
Is the excitation homogeneous across the field-of-view?
Yes. CoolLED uses homogenizing rods or liquid light-guides to ensure an even excitation of samples
How long do light-guides last?
As LEDs only generate the desired narrowband wavelengths of light, damage to the light-guide is minimal. Light-guides are expected to last for many years.
Why do some CoolLED products use light-guides?
Light-guides offer efficient delivery of homogeneous LED excitation without bringing heat, vibration or electromagnetic interference to the microscope.
Do CoolLED products use Mercury?
No. LEDs do not use any specified hazardous materials.
OPERATION
How do you control CoolLED LED products?
A manual control pod is provided with all products. This controls wavelength selection and intensity. More sophisticated systems can be controlled under imaging software integration.
How easy is is to use CoolLED products?
Very. A simple once-ever alignment is required. Thereafter, the control pod or integration software allows choice of wavelength or intensity.
SPECIFYING
How do I choose wavelengths?
First decide how many wavelengths you need installed and select that Product. Then click on the Configuration page for that product. A configuration diagram explains the options.
How many wavelengths can I have?
CoolLED offers a range of products from single wavelength up to 4 wavelengths installed. All multiple-wavelength products are modular so that you can interchange LAMs (LED Array Modules) to select different wavelengths from CoolLED's range.
What connections are there to CoolLED products?
CoolLED pE excitation systems have Ethernet, USB and 15-pin D-type ports for communication
Can I use a CoolLED product with a conventional light source?
Yes. CoolLED offers its Dual Adapt unit which can accommodate two separate light sources.
Can I integrate my CoolLED product with imaging software?
Yes. CoolLED excitation systems can be integrated with many of the popular imaging software packages.
COMMERCIAL
Where can I purchase CoolLED products?
You can purchase directly from CoolLED or through a local distributor and some microscope manufacturers
Can I get references from existing CoolLED users?
Yes. Please contact us to advise your application and we can provide relevant references.
Where do I get Service and Support?
CoolLED offer support directly. At first instance, please contact your original supplier.
I didn't find the answer I was looking for in FAQs
Then contact CoolLED directly and we will be pleased to respond.
