Frequently Asked Questions: Newton FT-900 Imaging System
This frequently asked questions document has been designed to help answer some of the most common questions related to preclinical optical imaging using the Newton FT-900 system.
1. What is the Newton FT900?
The Newton FT900 is a versatile preclinical optical imaging system capable of both bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging across a broad spectrum, including visible (VIS), near-infrared (NIR), and short-wave infrared (SWIR/NIR-II). It is designed for in vivo imaging of small animal models but can also be used for ex vivo and in vitro samples. Additionally, it features an integrated 3D topography module for bioluminescence signal reconstruction in mice.
2. What are the key benefits of using the Newton FT900 for preclinical imaging?
The Newton FT900 offers several advantages, including high sensitivity due to its wide f/0.7 lens aperture on both its VIS/NIR-I and NIR-II cameras, allowing for more light collection and shorter acquisition times. Its NIR-II capabilities provide deeper tissue penetration (up to 10 times greater than visible fluorescence) with reduced autofluorescence, enabling clearer visualization of processes like vascular blood flow. The system also supports absolute quantification with NIST traceable calibration, 3D optical topography for bioluminescence, and multispectral imaging with spectral unmixing to avoid crosstalk between different fluorescent signals.
3. How does the Newton FT900 address the issue of autofluorescence?
The Newton FT900 minimizes autofluorescence by offering NIR and NIR-II imaging capabilities, as these longer wavelengths generally experience less background signal from biological tissues. When working in the visible spectrum, the system allows for the subtraction of autofluorescence from regions of interest.
4. What are the excitation and emission filter specifications?
The Newton FT900 is equipped with 10 excitation channels at wavelengths: 440, 480, 540, 580, 640, 680, 740, 780, 880, and 980 nm. It also has 14 high-efficiency emission filters with peak emissions at 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, and 1600 nm. Custom design filters are also available.
5. What software is included with the Newton FT900, and what are its key functionalities?
The system comes with its own comprehensive image acquisition and analysis software package, KUANT, which is license-free. The software features an intuitive, protocol-driven interface for image acquisition, allowing for easy adjustment of exposure, saving, printing, and quantification. It supports various imaging modes, including automatic, manual, and serial acquisition. For analysis, the software enables ROI definition, tumor development monitoring, data comparison, 3D visualization, automatic image overlay, spectral unmixing for multiple dyes, and absolute quantification.
6. Is the Newton FT900 design robust?
Yes, the Newton FT900 has a very robust design for long durability. It also has an elegant, modern design to adapt to your work environment and is easy to clean.
