The laboratory sector is known for its rising cost pressures and high volumes of samples. Halogen light sources are gradually being replaced by those that use energy-efficient high-performance LED technology and processes like stereomicroscopy are being automated. For this reason, SCHOTT has expanded its successful KL LED series to include a system that can be easily integrated into existing infrastructures.
The new “KL 1500 LED plus” light source can be controlled directly from a PC via a USB interface. It features an electronic shutter and a flash function. The brightness can be set at two different increment values (coarse / fine). An LCD display shows the brightness setting and the operating mode. The product also features a port for a foot control switch.
SCHOTT uses LEDs that produce neutral white light with a color temperature of around 6000 Kelvin. Unlike halogen systems, this means there are no more annoying changes in the color temperature of the light during dimming. Daylight filters are also no longer necessary. The appropriate type of halogen filter is also available for users who prefer halogen light that has more of a yellowish shade.
Because these new devices use the same proven fiber optic interface used in halogen light sources, the light source is all that needs to be replaced. This means customers are able to continue using their existing fiber optic light guides. These devices all come with universal power supplies to ensure that they can be used all over the world without any limitations.
The LED has a service life of 50,000 hours or 125 times that of a halogen light bulb, an aspect that translates into less downtime. Furthermore, LED technology allows for energy savings of around 80 percent and thus significantly lower operating costs.
