Daylight Solutions launches world's first laser-based infrared microscopy platform

Daylight Solutions, Inc., a leading manufacturer of molecular detection and imaging solutions in the mid-infrared, today announced the launch of the world's first commercially available laser-based infrared microscopy platform. The microscope, marketed under the name Spero™, opens up a new world of research possibilities with breakthrough chemical imaging and analysis on a real-time basis. Powered by Daylight's proven broadly tunable Quantum Cascade Laser technology and designed specifically for analyzing biomedical and materials research samples, Spero offers a unique combination of unparalleled visibility, instantaneous results in "live mode," and a small resource footprint to easily fit into any lab setting.

By seamlessly incorporating a high-brightness, broadly tunable mid-infrared laser source, Spero provides unprecedented image resolution with an ultra-wide field of view. This unique combination enables researchers to observe micron-scale features while also covering large areas very quickly for high-throughput applications. The instrument operates in the feature-rich mid-infrared region and provides high-fidelity spectral data for the accurate identification of molecular and chemical components of complex, heterogeneous samples. Unlike current FTIR-based instruments, full-spectrum, high-resolution hyperspectral data cubes can be collected in just minutes and with the revolutionary "live mode" capability, users can observe samples with discrete frequency illumination, allowing real-time imaging of individual spectral features. All of these capabilities are combined in a compact, desktop form factor that requires no liquid nitrogen cooling.

"I was able to do more in the small amount of time that I spent with Daylight's Spero than I could ever do back home with the systems we have," says Dr. Michael Walsh, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. "This microscope greatly exceeded my expectations."

Spero is powered by an elegant and easy-to-use spectral imaging software platform that enables both novice and expert users to quickly generate high-quality images and accurate spectral information. Intuitive scripting and automation features are included to allow customized workflows to meet individual user needs. By taking a refreshing user-centric and context-aware approach to software development, the full capabilities of the Spero microscope can be leveraged to accelerate research across a wide variety of chemical imaging applications.

"Spero provides data products and analysis capabilities that simply aren't possible with existing instruments; it represents a true game-changer for chemical imaging," says Daylight Solutions President Paul Larson. "As the first laser-based infrared microscopy platform, Spero will provide rapid, high-resolution results for applications ranging from cancer research and drug discovery to food safety and materials manufacturing."