
Overview
Building on the success of the popular pE-300 Series, the pE-400 is a simple bright white light Illumination System and a controllable, cost-effective replacement for mercury and metal halide lamps. Four powerful LEDs offer intense, broad-spectrum coverage for the most popular fluorophores, ranging from DAPI through YFP to Cy5.

The white light pE-400 Illumination System enables optimised illumination at the touch of a button. It brings a new level of efficiency to applications such as fluorescence screening or sample visualisation on confocal setups, making the inconvenience of lamps a thing of the past.
Protecting your samples
Tight hardware synchronisation not only increases temporal resolution, but also means samples are exposed only during acquisition, protecting against photobleaching and phototoxicity and pushing the boundaries of time-lapse studies.
Live samples can be further protected by balancing the irradiance to the lowest level possible while still maintaining image quality, with control in 1% steps up to 100%. And the more life-like a cell behaves, the more valuable a data set becomes.
Capturing dynamic events is possible with the highest temporal resolution even without software, thanks to precise hardware synchronisation via global TTL input (>10µs) and compatibility with the pE-6501 (USB controlled TTL trigger box). This also enables seamless integration into compatible third-party imaging software such as Evident cellSens.
Intuitive global control
Global control of the white light on/off and irradiance is achieved through the manual control pod for quick and simple operation. For more complex experiments, global control is also possible with third-party imaging software such as µManager (via USB Type B connection).
Sustainable illumination
The compact pE-400 Illumination System builds on award-winning CoolLED technology, with stable and reliable performance and ultra-low power consumption. The sustainability benefits go beyond energy efficiency, and by removing the need for toxic mercury, the pE-400 is a natural choice for cleaner, greener labs.
Fit to your microscope
The compact pE-400 is compatible with the majority of microscope models, with two light delivery configurations available: direct fit and liquid light guide.
Direct fit variants achieve higher irradiance by directly connecting to the microscope via dedicated microscope adaptors, with a simple once-only adjustment optimising the optical path of the microscope. Not only do these variants avoid extra loss of irradiance as the liquid light guide degrades over time, but they are also more cost-effective. This is because they avoid the need to replace the liquid light guide when it comes to the end of its life.
If there is a requirement to keep the source of illumination remote from the microscope, liquid light guide variants are available. These require a fixed 3 mm diameter liquid light guide, and an optional pE-Universal Collimator can be specified in conjunction with a microscope adaptor if required.
- Global control of white light
- Broad spectrum white light from 365-635 nm, ranging from DAPI through YFP to Cy5.
- Seamless integration into compatible third party imaging software and cost-effective high-speed imaging with pE-6501 USB controlled TTL trigger box
- <10 µs global TTL triggering for camera synchronisation
- Simple control pod for intuitive manual operation
- Optimised irradiance control in 1% steps (0-100%)
- Direct fit variant available for higher irradiance with selected/all major microscope models
- Light delivery also available via liquid light guide.
Plus all the benefits afforded by LED Illumination Systems, such as sustainability and longevity.
The system comprises a pE-400 Light Source, power supply and control pod for operation and access to settings and usage history.
Control
Manual:
Manual control for instant on/off and irradiance control (1% steps from 0 – 100%)
Remote:
Via global TTL for on/off control using a BNC connection on the Light Source
Triggering speed <10 µs at full power
Connectivity:
Remote via USB Type B for imaging software control (see Imaging Software)
Variant selection
Light delivery:
Direct fit variants are coupled to the microscope via CoolLED epi-fluorescent microscope adaptor. Liquid Light Guide variants require a fixed 3 mm diameter liquid light guide and optional pE-Universal Collimator to be specified in conjunction with a microscope adaptor if required.
UV wavelength:
SB variant features 365 nm LED.
MB variant features 400 nm LED.
Specification
Power requirements:
100-240 V a.c. 50/60 Hz
Power consumption:
pE-400 Series | At the wall (includes power supply unit consumption) | |
Standby | 2 W | |
Full white irradiance | 80 W |
Dimensions:
pE-400 Light Source: 243 mm (w) x 102 mm (d) x 197 mm (h). Weight 1.8 kg
pE-400 Control Pod: 125 mm (w) x 90 mm (d) x 40 mm (h). Weight 0.3 kg
pE-400 Power Supply: 167 mm(w) x 67 mm(d) x 35 mm(h) Weight 0.62 kg
Upgradeability
In-field firmware upgrade capability
Environment and Safety
- Mercury-free and laser-free
- Energy Efficient
- Long lifetime
- No bulb replacements
- Reduced risk of eye damage
- Quiet operation
- No special disposal regulations or issues
Warranty
Industry-leading 36 months. Read more here.
All data correct at time of publication
We are often asked about the power, intensity or irradiance of CoolLED Illumination Systems. The answer is not as simple as you might believe from many websites and data sheets, and it can be difficult to compare data from these sources as measuring set ups differ.
Photons are also lost as light travels from the light source to sample plane. The only way to objectively compare light sources is by measuring irradiance at the sample plane. To understand why we use the term irradiance and how to measure and compare light sources with accuracy and precision, download our white paper. Or please contact us if you have further questions.
For performance data, please contact us
CoolLED designs and manufactures LED illumination for microscopy and is ideally placed to deliver OEM illumination requirements.
- Streamlined development using proven off-the-shelf technology
- Professional expert support
- Market-leading warranty
- ‘Try before you buy’ option
- Trusted experts in LED illumination technology since 2006
The pE-400 is available in the Amora Series: our proven off-the-shelf product range adapted to offer unparalleled customisation opportunities.
Click the button to find out more.
The scientific community is driving change across academia, industry and government to make laboratories more sustainable. When it comes to fluorescence microscopy illumination, switching to the pE-400 Series can help laboratories meet their sustainability targets, by consuming less energy and avoiding the use of toxic mercury.
“It’s great to see how My Green Labs and CoolLED are helping to move things ahead in the area of laboratory sustainability”. – Todd Lynch, UCLA Capital Programs
The Cy5 (635 nm) LED in the pE-400 Series is a game changer and they also offer massively improved YFP excitation too. They are fantastic products!
Bob Hartley - Managing Director, Alba Scientific (pE-400 Series)
Light Source | Application | Type | CoolLED LED | Chroma | Semrock | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 550 | 49003 ET-eYFP | YFP-A-BASIC | |||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 550 | 49065 ET-eYFP | LED-YFP-A | |||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 550 | YFP-2427B | ||||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 450, 550 | 49064 ET -eYFP LED Wide f/ pE-300 | ||||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 550 | Avant-YFP AF01-504/24 AF521-Di01 AF01-539/27 | ||||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 450, 550 | |||||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 365 or 400 | 49053 ET – DAPI for 355-405nm LEDs | ||||
pE-400 SB | Fluorescence | Single | 365 | 39000 AT DAPI/Hoechst/AlexaFluor 350 | LED-DAPI-B | |||
pE-400 SB | Fluorescence | Single | 365 | 49000 ET Dapi | ||||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 450 | 49001 ET eCFP | LED-CFP-A | |||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 450 | 49013 – ET – TFP (Teal FP) | LED-mTFP-A | |||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 450 | 49002 ET – EGFP (FITC/Cy2) | GFP-4050B | |||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 450 | 39002 AT – EGFP/FITC/Cy2/AlexaFluor 488 | GFP-A-Basic | |||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 450 | 49054 ET – GFP for 455-465nm LEDs | ||||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 550 | 49004 ET Cy3/TRITC | TxRed-4040C | |||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 550 | 49005 ET DSRed (TRITC/Cy3) | LED-TRITC-A | |||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 550 | 49055 ET – Wide mCherry/Texas Red for 540-580nm LEDs | ||||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 550 | 49056 – ET – Narrow mCherry/Texas Red for 540-580nm LEDs | ||||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 550 | 49008 ET – mCherry, Texas Red® | YFP-2427B | |||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 550 | 39010 AT – Texas Red/mCherry/AlexaFluor 594 | LED-mCherry-A | |||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 550 & 635 | 49006 ET CY5 | Cy5-4040C | |||
pE-400 SB, pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 550 & 635 | 39007 AT – Cy5/AlexaFluor 647/Draq5 | ||||
pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 400 | 49021 ET – EBFP2/Coumarin/Attenuated DAPI | LED-DAPI-B | |||
pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 400 | 49028 ET – DAPI for 395nm | ||||
pE-400 MB | Fluorescence | Single | 635 | 49009 – ET – Cy5 Narrow Excitation |
pE-400-D-SB-YYY-ZZ | pE-400 direct fit Illumination System with exchangeable microscope adaptor to customer-specified microscope, remote manual control pod, and power supply. Single Band filter set configuration. |
pE-400-D-MB-YYY-ZZ | pE-400 direct fit Illumination System with exchangeable microscope adaptor to customer-specified microscope, remote manual control pod, and power supply. Multi-Band filter set configuration. |
pE-400-L-SB-SYS-ZZ | pE-400 Illumination System for use with 3 mm Liquid Light Guide. Single band filter configuration. Includes light source, control pod & power supply |
pE-400-L-MB-SYS-ZZ | pE-400 Illumination System for use with 3 mm Liquid Light Guide. Multi-band filter configuration. Includes light source, control pod & power supply |
pE-1906 | 1.5 m long, 3 mm diameter liquid light guide |
pE-10400-YYY | Universal Collimator & customer-specified adaptor |
pE-6501 | USB-TTL Conversion Kit |
To specify microscope code (YYY), see Adaptors
To specify Power Cable (ZZ): 10 = Australia, 20 = Europe, 30 = UK, 40 = USA
- pE-400 Series User Manual – Chinese
- pE-400 Series User Manual – French
- pE-400 Series User Manual – German
- pE-400 Series User Manual – Japanese
- pE-400 Series User Manual – Korean
- pE-400 Series User Manual – Portuguese
- pE-400 Series User Manual – Spanish
- pE-400 Series Declaration of Conformity
- pE-400 Series User Manual
- pE-400 Series Quick Start Guide
- pE-400 Series Essential Commands Manual
- pE-400 Series Troubleshooting Guide
- pE-400 Series Leaflet
- pE-400 Exploded Diagram
We are working to fully integrate the pE-400 into all major third party imaging software programs, but in the meantime you can use the pE-6501 USB controlled TTL trigger box for software control.
The CoolLED pE Driver is first required for software integration, and can be downloaded here.
Contact CoolLED for further information.