This video provides a detailed teardown and analysis of the illuminator and camera components of a Fluidigm Polaris biotechnology instrument. The multi-wavelength Lumen Dynamics illuminator features a complex optical path using dichroic mirrors and narrowband filters, uniquely employing a phosphor-converted white LED for its 575nm output and a phosphor-converted green LED. Its internal EEPROM indicates a remarkably low total operational runtime of only 20 minutes for the green channel. The camera subsystem reveals a sophisticated 50-megapixel ON Semiconductor KAF-50100 CCD sensor, cooled by a multi-stage Peltier stack, with a dual-half architecture for high-speed readout. While functional, the camera's circuit boards show several post-manufacturing modifications ("bodges"), and initial testing demonstrates significant vertical streaking artifacts in captured images, raising questions about its perfect functionality or optimal operating conditions. Both components are deemed interesting but likely only practical for specific uses and are slated for sale on eBay.
Fluidigm Polaris Part 2: Dissecting its Advanced Illuminator and Camera
0:00 - High-End Optical System: The video begins by showcasing the complex optical system, including a camera mounted on a precise adjustment mechanism, two heavy lenses (4kg each with 8-9 elements), and a filter wheel driven by an oversized stepper motor.
0:49 - Specialized Narrowband Filters: A filter wheel houses five large narrowband filters (488, 525, 570, 630, 700 nm) designed to match specific fluorescence dyes and reject excitation light, ensuring precise biochemical analysis.
2:01 - Lumen Dynamics Multi-Wavelength Illuminator: The light source is identified as a Lumen Dynamics unit, featuring a TTL interface for control and an internal light feedback system. Its electronics include separate, application-specific drivers for each wavelength.
5:35 - Diverse LED Technology & Optical Path: The illuminator uses an array of LEDs (430nm, 475nm, 520nm, 575nm, 630nm) combined via dichroic mirrors. Notably, the 575nm (yellow) output is achieved by filtering a phosphor-converted white LED, and the 520nm (green) uses a phosphor-converted green LED for precise wavelength tuning.
7:43 - Light Homogenization: A square fiber optic rod is used within the illuminator to bounce light and ensure uniform illumination, crucial for consistent sample analysis.
11:45 - Extremely Low Usage Indicated: Analysis of the illuminator's EEPROM revealed a surprisingly low operational runtime of only 20 minutes for the green LED channel, suggesting the instrument saw minimal use.
12:55 - Sophisticated 50MP Peltier-Cooled CCD Camera: The camera features a 50-megapixel ON Semiconductor KAF-50100 CCD sensor, cooled by a three-stage Peltier stack, and controlled by a Xilinx FPGA and Cypress microcontroller for high-speed data handling.
14:54 - Dual-Half CCD Architecture: The CCD sensor is designed with two separate halves, effectively acting as two 25-megapixel sensors, enabling parallel data processing via dual ADCs and amplifiers to maintain sensible bandwidth.
15:27 - Post-Manufacturing "Bodges" Observed: Several modifications, including extra decoupling capacitors and poorly secured wires, indicate post-design fixes or cost-cutting measures on the camera's circuit boards.
18:11 - Image Streaking During Testing: Basic functional testing using a pinhole lens revealed significant vertical streaking or smearing in images, particularly in bright areas, the exact cause of which (e.g., pixel overload, readout issue, or camera fault) remains uncertain.
20:38 - Availability for Sale: Both the specialized illuminator and the high-resolution camera are considered interesting but niche components and will be listed on eBay.