Specifications

Characteristics1, 8

InSight X3+ InSight X3
Output Characteristics Main Output Dual Output Main Output Dual Output
Tuning Range 680 nm-1300 nm 1045 nm (fixed) 680 nm-1300 nm 1045 nm (fixed)
Average Power2 >1.5 W at 700 nm
>2.4 W at 800 nm
>3.0 W at 900 nm
>2.7 W at 1000 nm
>2.4 W at 1100 nm
>2.1 W at 1200 nm
>1.5 W at 1300 nm
>3.5 W >1.0 W at 700 nm
>1.6 W at 800 nm
>2.0 W at 900 nm
>1.8 W at 1000 nm
>1.6 W at 1100 nm
>1.4 W at 1200 nm
>1.0 W at 1300 nm
>3.5 W
Pulse Width2 <120 fs <170 fs <120 fs <200 fs
Noise2,3,4 <0.5 % <0.25 % <0.5 % <0.5 %
Pre-compensation Dispersion Range 680 nm: -12,000 fs2 to -40,000 fs2
800 nm: 0 fs2 to -25,000 fs2
1050 nm: 0 fs2 to -10,000 fs2
1300 nm: -3,000 fs2 to -8,000 fs2
"Optional:
 -14,000 fs2 fixed"
680 nm: -12,000 fs2 to -40,000 fs2
800 nm: 0 fs2 to -25,000 fs2
1050 nm: 0 fs2 to -10,000 fs2
1300 nm: -3,000 fs2 to -8,000 fs2
"Optional:
 -14,000 fs2 fixed"
Repetition Rate 80 MHz ±0.5
Spatial Mode2 TEM00, M2 <1.2
Beam Diameter (1/e²)2 1.1 ±0.2 mm
Beam Divergence, full angle2 <1.5 mrad
Beam Roundness2 0.8-1.2 
Beam Astigmatism2 <20 %
Beam Pointing Stability5 <350 µrad
Tuning Speed6 >50 nm/sec
Stability7 <±1 %
Polarization2 >500:1 horizontal

Environmental Requirements

InSight X3+ InSight X3
Altitude Up to 2000 m
Temperature, Operating 20-25°C
Relative Humidity, Operating Maximum 75% non-condensing up to 25°C
Temperature, Storage 15-35°C
Relative Humidity, Storage Maximum 65% for 15-35°C
Cooled Water Temperature in Closed-loop Chiller 21°C, Typical

Electrical Requirements

InSight X3+ InSight X3
Power Supply 100-120 V~/200-240 V~, 50/60 Hz
Chiller 100-200 V~, 50/60 HzC
Total System Power Consumption <1500 W
Communication Interface RS-232, USB, PC required
Sync Signal SMA

Footnotes:

  1. Due to our continuous improvement program, specifications may change without notice.
  2. Specification applies to 900 nm (tunable) output.
  3. A sech2 pulse shape is used to determine the pulse width as measured with a Newport PulseScout® autocorrelator.
  4. Specification represents rms noise measured in a 10 Hz to 10 MHz bandwidth.
  5. Maximum deviation across the entire tuning range and precompensation dispersion range.
  6. Averaged over entire tuning range.
  7. Percent power drift in any 2-hour period with less than ±1°C temperature change after a 1-hour warm up.
  8. InSight X3+ and InSight X3 are Class IV – High- Power Lasers, whose beams are, by definition, safety and fire hazards. Take precautions to prevent exposure to direct and reflected beams. Diffuse as well as specular reflections can cause severe skin or eye damage.

Features

Overview

The InSight X3+ and InSight X3 are built on Spectra-Physics’ industry leading InSight platform. Designed for maximum performance and reliability, the InSight X3+ delivers high powers across the tuning range for brighter signals and increased imaging depths.  The InSight X3+ and InSight X3 lasers have the largest
installed base in the market. As a result, researchers have generated more than 1,000 peer-reviewed
publications.

Ultra-Wide Tuning Range

The InSight platform is designed for advanced multiphoton microscopy in neuroscience, immunology, and other biological sciences. Based on patented technology1, InSight is a hands-free, fully computer-controlled light source. It features a gapfree, 680 nm to 1300 nm tuning range which nearly doubles the accessible wavelengths when compared to traditional Ti:sapphire lasers. The InSight performance is optimized in the 900–1100 nm range to support the common green and red fluorescent proteins including GFP, RFP, GCaMP, jRGECO, and mCherry. With the InSight X3+ A increased output power, experiments using red flurophores in the 1200–1300 nm range can be performed.

Exceptional Performance

InSight X3+ A and InSight X3 A are equipped with the standard, DeepSee integrated dispersion compensation to ensure pulse broadening effects are minimized. As a result, fluorescence signal and penetration depth are maximized. The integrated attenuators provide real-time adjustment of the output energy delivered to the sample. Their fast response time acts as a software-controlled switch that can be used to minimize exposure for delicate samples and to minimize backlash effects.

Both lasers can be equipped with a fixed 1045 nm dual beam option to support the diverse needs of multimodal imaging. The tunable and fixed outputs are synchronized which enables several applications including advanced imaging techniques such as CARS and SRS. The InSight also supports simultaneous, multi-wavelength excitation of fluorophores and/or genetically encoded calcium indicators, and second and third harmonic generation
microscopies.

InSight X3+ A and InSight X3 A Models

Built on the proven InSight platform, InSight X3+ A and InSight X3 A lasers are equipped with integrated attenuation for real-time optimization of the experimental pulse energy. Each model delivers high average power, short pulses and dispersion compensation to support the most demanding experiments in neuroscience, immunology and biology.

Compatible Power Sensors

To verify and analyze the output power of your InSight X3+/X3 laser, we recommend the Ophir 10A-BB-16 thermal power sensor and Centauri laser power meter.  Additional information on this laser measurement equipment can be found on the ophiropt.com website.  Other Ophir sensors and meters may also be suitable for the InSight X3+/X3, depending on application. Ophir also works with laser system developers to achieve embedded beam diagnostics to monitor system performance as an OEM solution.

Bio-Imaging Ultrafast Lasers Tuning Curve