As fluorescence becomes more important in digital pathology, the quality of the illumination behind every image matters. Brighter light alone is not enough.

Wavelength selection, homogeneity and integration can all affect image quality, acquisition speed and the reliability of quantitative data. These were key considerations when 3DHISTECH, a global developer of digital pathology solutions, began working with CoolLED on illumination for its fluorescence slide scanning platforms.

Following technical evaluation, 3DHISTECH selected a customised solution based around CoolLED's Amora 8-channel LED Illumination System. With eight individually controlled LED channels, illumination can be closely matched to fluorophore excitation spectra, allowing more useful light to contribute directly to image formation and supporting shorter exposure times.

Homogeneity across the field of view was equally important. Digital slides can be built from thousands of individual image tiles, making consistent illumination essential for reducing artefacts and reliance on software correction.

The project went beyond supplying a standard light source. Engineers from CoolLED and 3DHISTECH worked together on opto-mechanical integration, alignment and illumination performance to create a solution suited to the scanner architecture.

CoolLED illumination technology is now integrated across a range of 3DHISTECH fluorescence slide scanning systems, including the Pannoramic MIDI III, supporting applications from advanced pathology research to multiplex fluorescence imaging.

As digital pathology moves towards more automated and quantitative workflows, the partnership shows the importance of designing illumination as an integral part of the complete imaging system.