Below is an example of two different detection schemes used to detect the same four commonly used PCR fluorophores: FAM, HEX, ROX, and Cy5. The first scheme uses four single-band filter sets, each one optimized for a particular LED/fluorophore combination. The second uses one multi-band filter set with minimal filters and space requirements, but with compromised spectral efficiency. Other detection schemes may require only two fluorophores, while some may require six or more fluorescence channels.
A: Four individual narrow-band filter sets to detect nucleotides conjugated to FAM, HEX, ROX, or Cy5. Optimized for use with LEDs with output in the spectral regions of 465–475 nm, 525–535 nm, 560–580 nm, and 625–635 nm.
B: One single four-band filter set to detect nucleotides conjugated to FAM, HEX, ROX, or Cy5. Optimized for use with LEDs with output in the spectral regions of 465–475 nm, 520–535 nm, 580–595 nm, and 635–645 nm.
In both graphs, light gray shaded plots = excitation filter spectra, dark gray shaded plots = emission filter spectra, thick black traces = dichroic beamsplitter spectra.
Recommended filter set for detecting FAM in PCR instruments with an LED light source with output in the range of 455-485nm
PCR470/30x (EX)
PCR505lpxr (BS)
PCR520/20m (EM)
Recommended filter set for detecting HEX in PCR instruments with an LED light source with output in the range of 520-540nm
PCR530/20x (EX)
PCR550lpxr (BS)
PCR565/22m (EM)
Recommended filter set for detecting ROX in PCR instruments with an LED light source with output in the range of 560-580nm
PCR570/20x (EX)
PCR590lpxr (BS)
PCR615/40m (EM)
Recommended filter set for detecting Cy5 in PCR instruments with an LED light source with output in the range of 620-640nm
PCR630/20x (EX)
PCR647lpxr (BS)
PCR665/20m (EM)