Applications

Specifications

Output Characteristics1, 11

InSight X3+ InSight X3+ A InSight X3 InSight X3 A
Tuning Range 680 nm-1300 nm 680 nm-1300 nm 680 nm-1300 nm 680 nm-1300 nm
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		 >1.4 W at 700 nm
>2.1 W at 800 nm
>2.6 W at 900 nm
>2.2 W at 1000 nm
>2.0 W at 1100 nm
>1.7 W at 1200 nm
>1.2 W at 1300 nm		 >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		 >0.9 W at 700 nm
>1.4 W at 800 nm
>1.8 W at 900 nm
>1.6 W at 1000 nm
>1.4 W at 1100 nm
>1.2 W at 1200 nm
>0.9 W at 1300 nm
Fixed Beam (1045 nm) Power >3.5 W >3.0 W >3.5 W >3.0 W
Pulse Width3,4 <120 fs
Pre-compensation Dispersion Range2 680 nm: 0 fs2 to -25,000 fs2
800 nm: 0 fs2 to -17,000 fs2
900 nm: 0 fs2 to -12,000 fs2
1050 nm: 0 fs2 to -5,500 fs2
1300 nm: -3,000 fs2 to -4,500 fs2
Repetition Rate5 80 ±0.5 MHz
Spatial Mode3 TEM00, M2 <1.2
Beam Diameter (1/e²)3 1.1 ±0.3 mm
Beam Divergence, full angle3 <1.5 mrad
Beam Roundness3 0.8-1.2 
Beam Astigmatism3 <25 %
Beam Pointing Stability6 <350 µrad
Tuning Speed7 >50 nm/sec
Stability8 <±1 %
Noise3,4, 9 <0.5%
Polarization3 >500:1 horizontal

Attenuator Control

InSight X3+ InSight X3+ A InSight X3 InSight X3 A
Rise Time [5% - 95%] (ns) <500
Contrast Ratio 1000:1
Minimum Control Step 0.1%
Analog Control (V) 0–10
Input Impedance (MΩ)12 10

Electrical Requirements

InSight X3+ InSight X3+ A InSight X3 InSight X3 A
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

Environmental Requirements

InSight X3+ InSight X3+ A InSight X3 InSight X3 A
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, Typical10

Footnotes:

  1. Due to our continuous improvement program, specifications may change without notice.
  2. Specifications only apply to the wavelength noted.
  3. Specification applies to 900 nm (tunable) output. Fixed beam pulse width <170 fs.
  4. A sech2 pulse shape is used to determine the pulse width as measured with a Newport PulseScout® autocorrelator.
  5. Tunable and fixed outputs are synchronized.
  6. Maximum deviation across the entire tuning range and pre-compensation dispersion range.
  7. Averaged over entire tuning range.
  8. Percent power drift in any 2-hour period with less than ±1°C temperature change after a 1-hour warm up.
  9. Specification represents rms noise measured in a 10 Hz to 10 MHz bandwidth.
  10. Avoid obstructing the air exhaust grills which will result in the recirculation of hot exhaust air. Cooling air enters through the front panel and exits through the rear fan apertures.
  11. InSight X3+, InSight X3, InSight X3+ A and InSight X3 A 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.
  12. For alternate impedence, contact factory.

Features

Overview

The Spectra-Physics InSight X3+ and InSight X3 are among the most used laser light sources for multiphoton imaging. Built on the proven InSight platform, with >950 peer-reviewed publications, InSight X3+ and InSight X3 are designed to produce results. Each laser delivers high average power, short pulses and dispersion compensation to support the most demanding experiments in neuroscience, immunology and biology.

Ultra-Wide Tuning Range

Based on patented technology, InSight is a hands-free, fully computer-controlled light source. It features a gap-free, 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+ increased output power, experiments using red flurophores in the 1200–1300 nm range can be performed.

Exceptional Performance

The InSight X3+ and InSight X3 can also be equipped with an integrated attenuation option. With this option, the laser output power can be software controlled quickly and efficiently to optimize the fluorescence signal in real time.

InSight X3+ and InSight X3 are equipped with the standard, integrated dispersion compensation or optional, integrated output energy attenuation. With the Spectra- Physics’ patented DeepSee dispersion compensation module, the pulse broadening that results from transmission through the microscope is eliminated which provides maximum fluorescence and penetration depth. The optional attenuators provide real-time adjustment of the output energy delivered to the sample. The fast response time acts as a software controlled switch that can be used to minimize exposure for delicate samples and to minimize backlash effects.

Dual Beam Option

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, simultaneous, multi-wavlength excitation of fluorophores and/or genetically encoded calcium indicators, and second and third harmonic generation microscopies.

Compatible Power Sensors

To verify and analyze the output power of your InSight X3+/X3 laser, we recommend the Ophir 3A (7Z02621) 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.

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