Linear Variable Filter – a flexible solution for data acquisition in laboratory technology

Fast diagnostics and comprehensive data acquisition for safe analysis; medical systems that are multifunctional; perform a variety of analyses highly efficiently; evaluate data reliably. The importance of rapid and reliable acquisition of medical data has been recognized long before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. But in an extreme situation such as this, it becomes even more obvious which processes and procedures are needed in laboratory technology and how these need to be reevaluated.

Optical methods for information retrieval, e.g. based on spectroscopy, have become indispensable in laboratory equipment. Fluorescence techniques such as labeling in marker technology are just one example of the integration of optical components in process analytics. The process spectroscopy sector is growing continuously and the success factor lies in the segmentation of products. But it is precisely this segmentation and the associated specialization of laboratory equipment that poses a crucial problem in terms of cost structure. Despite the desired diversity, the components used must allow a certain flexibility. Only in this way is it possible to offer attractive and innovative solutions, both technologically and in terms of cost

Optics Balzers, as a globally recognized supplier of innovative coating solutions, has developed special solutions for this market. For example, so-called Linear Variable Filters, or “LVF” for short, are offered for laboratory analysis systems. Thanks to a special coating technology, these filters have a precisely defined spectral response. LVFs have different characteristics which can be adapted and optimized according to the application. Optics Balzers offers a wide range of LVF in the spectrum from 300 nm to the NIR. The freely adjustable edge position of the transmission band can be variably adapted to the respective measurement task.

The combination of only two filters to one arbitrarily adjustable and tunable filter allows to replace existing filters and is a cost-effective alternative to buying a large number of single filters. Especially for diagnostic systems that require a high degree of flexibility LVF seems to be the method of choice.

For more information, please visit: https://www.opticsbalzers.com/