FRAPPA

Share all laser lines for photo stimulation and imaging

FRAPPA is a galvo scanning instrument, named by conjoining acronyms for fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and photoactivation (PA). FRAPPA has a unique switching design that allows it to be configured in the imaging path. In bypass mode it acts as a relay optic, projecting an image to the detector, while in scanning mode it acts as a laser scanner, targeting user-defined regions of the specimen. This “in-line” configuration allows it to utilize the same wavelength for imaging and photo-stimulation.

The cost of “in-line” operation is sequential execution of imaging and photostimulation, but the switching speed is optimized at ~10 ms to minimize its impact. FRAPPA utilizes galvo technology, has a single laser input and is designed to deliver a diffraction limited spot from CW and pulsed lasers in the wavelength range 400-800 nm.

These features make it an attractive option for photobleaching, switching and activation as well as DNA damage studies.

Features and Benefits

• "Bypass" mode provides 1:1 relay imaging for "in-line" configuration
• "FRAPPA" mode performs laser scanning via imaging C-port
• Diffraction limited spot size ~0.6 μm @488 nm FWHM
• "In-line" operation enables use of all laser lines for FRAPPA actions
• Mode switching in < 10 ms
• Integrated control with iQ2 software provides "point-and-shoot" and protocol modes
• Arbitrary multi-region scanning of points, rectangles and polygons
• Share imaging lasers with Andor’s unique multi-port adapter
• Active blanking output for ALC integration

Specifications Summary

Product Components

FRAPPA is available in a single model for “in-line” or dichroic configuration. With C-mount input and output, FRAPPA is easy to configure with the “in-line” setup, FRAPPA uses the bypass mode for imaging and the scanning mode for photo-stimulation. Its output can be coupled directly to a camera or a confocal scanner e.g. CSUX.

FRAPPA can be used for simultaneous photo-stimulation and imaging when configured on a separate microscope C-port and used with a dichroic mirror. FRAPPA is compatible with visible to near IR lasers operating in CW or pulsed mode (400 - 800 nm) for photostimulation.

Left: In bypass mode the FRAPPA acts as a 1:1 relay imaging system. As shown by the orange beam path the X galvo mirror is positioned at the instrument pupil and completes a 4f imaging path.
Right: In FRAPPA mode, the laser beam is injected from the laser input port and is steered to the Y galvo. The X galvo is positioned to scan the laser beam into the microscope to execute the defined photo-stimulation.