FAQs

LED-based fluorescence illumination uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to excite fluorophores in a sample. Unlike mercury or metal halide lamps, LEDs provide near-instant on/off, produce less heat, have a much longer lifespan, and eliminate the need for hazardous bulb disposal. They also allow for very precise intensity control and can be triggered quickly for fast imaging applications.

We offer a range of LED illumination systems designed to meet diverse imaging needs. Our products:

• Deliver high-intensity, stable output across various wavelengths.
• Require minimal maintenance and have a long operating life.
• Are compatible with most fluorescence dyes and can be easily integrated into existing microscope setups.
• Offer advanced control options (TTL triggering, software integration) and support modern imaging workflows.
• Cost-effective, will save your facility a lot of money in the long run compared to using mercury or metal halide

The honest answer is ‘It Depends’….  But our LED Illumination Systems are ideal for a wide variety of applications, including routine fluorescence imaging, live-cell imaging, calcium imaging (e.g., Fura-2), FISH, immunofluorescence, and more. They are commonly used in research and clinical labs, core facilities, teaching labs, and industrial settings.

It’s best to check your requirements with one of our Key Account Managers, or simply email [email protected] for more information.

Our LEDs have an extremely long lifespan – often rated at 25,000 hours of continuous use. Actual lifetime can vary depending on intensity settings, usage patterns, and environmental factors, but most users find LED lifespans far exceed those of traditional arc lamps.

Modern high-power LEDs can be just as bright – or brighter – than many mercury or metal halide lamps depending on the spectral region. Optical filters impact brightness significantly, and must be carefully selected to maximise performance. The key advantage is that LED output remains stable over time, without the significant intensity drop-off seen in older lamp technologies.

Some of our light sources do produce UV wavelengths for exciting specific fluorophores (e.g., DAPI, Fura-2). While they are generally safer than high-pressure mercury lamps (which can produce harmful ozone or contain toxic materials), you should still follow standard lab safety practices, including wearing proper eye protection. If your system includes UV, ensure the microscope or device enclosure is used to prevent direct eye exposure.

LEDs generate less heat than traditional lamps, but they still produce some heat, which needs to be managed. CoolLED systems typically use sophisticated built-in active or passive cooling mechanisms to maintain stable operating temperatures. In most standard lab environments, no special external cooling or ventilation is required.

Absolutely. LEDs are significantly more energy-efficient than mercury or metal halide lamps, using less electricity to produce the same (or greater) light output. This lowers both energy costs and the overall environmental footprint of the lab.

We offer several product families to cover a range of applications.

• pE-300 Series (pE-300^white, pE-300^lite, pE-300^ultra): Ideal for routine fluorescence applications, single- and multi-channel imaging with straightforward setup.
• pE-340^fura: Designed for calcium imaging and other UV-excitation applications (e.g., Fura-2, Indo-1).
• pE-400 Series: The most advanced yet cost-effective illumination for routine to advanced fluorescence microscopy applications. Four powerful LEDs offer broad spectral coverage from 365-635 nm
• pE-800 Series: Provides multiple LED wavelengths for demanding multi-channel experiments with advanced control.
• pE-4000: Offers a broad spectral range and robust multi-wavelength capabilities for complex imaging setups.
• pE-100 Series: Single-wavelength, can be specified at any one of 20 different LED wavelengths, and are ideal for routine clinical screening, electrophysiology or basic research applications.
• pT-100 Series: Compact and simple-to-use for transmitted light applications, including brightfield, darkfield, DIC, Dodt gradient contrast and phase contrast.

If you’re unsure, feel free to contact our technical support or speak with a local distributor or your Key Account Managers for personalised recommendations.

It’s highly likely! We design our illumination systems to fit most major microscope brands (e.g., Nikon, Olympus, Zeiss, Leica) with dedicated adaptors.
Check our adaptors page, or contact us to confirm if you need a specific adaptor for your microscope model.

Yes! We can discuss tailored LED configurations, custom wavelengths, or special mounting adaptors. Head over to our OEM Illumination website and get in touch with our dedicated OEM team to explore possible custom solutions.

Our products cover wavelengths suitable for popular fluorophores such as DAPI, FITC, TRITC, GFP, mCherry, Cy5, Fura-2, and more. Specific wavelength ranges differ by model, so consult our data sheets for exact compatibility.

Several of our models allow for easy addition or exchange of excitation filters. This is beneficial, in cases such as Pinkel filter setups for high-speed, high-contrast imaging.

For instance, the pE-300ultra, the pE-400max, the pE-800 Series and the pE-4000 can accommodate various excitation filters. For precise instructions on changing or inserting filters, refer to the user manual or our online product pages.

Check your fluorophores’ excitation spectra and match them to the LED channels available in your CoolLED system – tools such as FPbase are useful for this task. Then, select filters that overlap as closely as possible with those excitation peaks. We provide resources and filter guides on our website, and our support team or local reseller can help you pinpoint the best filter sets.

Filters should be handled by the edges, ideally with clean gloves or tweezers, to avoid fingerprints or scratches on their surfaces. Store them in a dust-free container or filter holder when not in use, and clean with appropriate lens tissue or optical cleaning solutions as needed.

Yes. Narrower filters or those with lower transmission will reduce the intensity reaching the sample. The overall brightness also depends on filter bandwidth, coating quality, and how well it overlaps with the LED emission spectrum. Selecting filters carefully is crucial for achieving optimal signal-to-noise in imaging.

Many CoolLED systems integrate with popular imaging software platforms such as µManager, Evident cellSens, Nikon NIS-Elements, and Leica LAS X.

Some models also include APIs or SDKs for custom control. Check the specific model’s documentation, or our third party imaging software page to confirm compatibility and setup procedures.

Most models support external triggering via TTL in/out ports for synchronous control with cameras or other lab equipment. This enables precise timing and fast switching for multi-channel or live-cell imaging.  Check the features on the product pages to see whether TTL triggering is an option.

Connectivity varies by product line. Many systems include USB or BNC TTL ports. Some advanced models, like the pE-800 Series, offer an RS-232 connection, or additional port options. Check the product-specific datasheet for exact details.

In many imaging platforms, each device is recognised as a separate illumination source. You can label them accordingly (e.g., “LED1,” “LED2”) and control them independently or simultaneously. Ensure each unit is connected to your computer (USB/Ethernet) and that the software drivers are installed. Our support team can help you set up multi-device workflows.

The latency is extremely short – on the order of microseconds to milliseconds, depending on the model. This rapid response is a key benefit of LEDs compared to slow-shutter lamps, minimising phototoxicity and photobleaching, and making them ideal for high-speed applications.  Check the specifications on each product to learn more about the speed of triggering.

CoolLED products are available through our global network of distributors. Check our Local Resellers page to find your nearest one, or contact us directly to discuss your options.

Maintenance is minimal compared to traditional lamp-based systems. Generally:

• Keep the exterior surfaces free of dust using a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Avoid using harsh solvents or excessive moisture.
• Periodically check and clean optical components (filters, adaptors) as recommended in the user manual.

Generally, standard lab conditions (10 ~ 35 °C, moderate humidity of 0 % ~ 90 % RH, minimal dust and vibration) are ideal. Avoid extremely high temperatures or excessive moisture. Keep the system away from direct sunlight or harsh chemical vapours for best performance and longevity.

Some models may have optional firmware updates or require the latest software drivers for full compatibility. Visit our Imaging Software page to download the latest drivers or contact support for guidance on updating your system.

The Warranty Period is 36 months from the date of despatch of all CoolLED products, with the exception of those which have a 340 nm wavelength LED installed.  In this case, the warranty is 36 months from the date of despatch or 3000 hours use – whichever is sooner.

Non-proprietary products re-sold by CoolLED which carry 12 months warranty or manufacturer’s standard – whichever is longer.

For full details, please head to our warranty page

If you believe your product needs repair or replacement under warranty, please:

1. Contact our technical support at support@coolled.com or your local distributor.
2. Provide your product’s serial number, or proof of purchase, and a description of the issue.
3. Our team will guide you through the RMA process, including return instructions.