LEJ LQ HXP 120 Compact Mercury Short Arc Fluorescence Microscopy Light Source

Name: LEJ LQ HXP 120 Compact Mercury Short Arc Fluorescence Microscopy Light Source
Brand: Leistungselektronik JENA GmbH

Description

LQ‑HXP 120 Compact AC Light Source for Fluorescence Excitation – 120 W Mercury Short‑Arc System

The LQ‑HXP 120 is a compact, high‑intensity AC light source engineered specifically for demanding fluorescence excitation in microscopy and related imaging tasks. Designed around a 120 W mercury short‑arc reflector lamp, this system delivers a broad, stable spectral output ideally matched to common fluorophores in the visible and ultraviolet ranges. Its rugged design and integrated lamp housing make it a strong alternative to traditional mercury lamp housings and older arc lamp systems frequently used in research microscopes, inspection stations, and process tools.

Unlike bulky, fan‑noisy enclosures, the LQ‑HXP 120 prioritizes quiet operation through optimized thermal management, which is especially valuable in sensitive laboratory environments and long‑duration imaging sessions. The integrated electronic shutter and 20‑step brightness control allow precise, repeatable illumination settings that help protect samples from photobleaching and support consistent exposure conditions. With an average lamp life of approximately 2,000 hours, this light source provides a reliable, low‑maintenance solution for fluorescence applications where stability and uptime are critical.

Optimized Illumination for Modern Fluorescence Microscopy

The mercury short‑arc technology used in the LQ‑HXP 120 provides high radiance and strong spectral lines, making it well suited for a wide selection of fluorescence filter sets used in biological research, pathology, and live‑cell imaging. Both VIS and UV variants are available, ensuring coverage from the ultraviolet region for deep‑UV excitation through the visible region for routine fluorescence dyes. This versatility makes the light source compatible with a broad range of fluorophores and image acquisition protocols that are standard in microscopy labs worldwide.

The system couples light into the microscope or optical setup via high‑quality liquid light guides. This approach offers several advantages over direct lamp mounting: it provides flexible positioning, reduces mechanical vibration transfer to the instrument, and improves illumination uniformity at the sample plane. Liquid light guide coupling is widely used in advanced fluorescence excitation systems, and its inclusion in the LQ‑HXP 120 aligns the product with the best practices of comparable high‑end light sources used in research and industrial microscopy.

Flexible Single and Multi‑Output Configurations

In addition to standard single‑output models, the LQ‑HXP 120 is also available in an “Xpole” configuration with multiple light outputs. This enables simultaneous or switchable illumination of more than one optical path, a capability valued in forensic analysis, multi‑station inspection, and parallel imaging systems. The multi‑output design makes it possible to feed fluorescence excitation light to several microscopes or optical channels from a single light engine, helping to reduce cost and complexity compared to installing separate lamp housings for each station.

Each configuration maintains consistent optical quality and intensity, supporting applications where reproducible results across different stations or channels are important. By combining compact housing dimensions with flexible liquid light guide routing, the LQ‑HXP 120 can be easily integrated into existing benches, imaging clusters, or OEM platforms without significant mechanical redesign.

Precision Control, Safety, and Reliability

The LQ‑HXP 120 was developed with a strong emphasis on controlled, safe, and reliable operation in professional environments. The integrated 20‑step brightness dimming allows refined adjustment of light output, enabling users to balance signal strength against phototoxicity and photobleaching in light‑sensitive samples. The electronic shutter, which can be controlled externally via an interface, supports fast on/off switching with frequencies up to 40 Hz and switching times under 6 ms, making it well suited for time‑resolved measurements, automated microscopy, and synchronized imaging workflows.

For long‑term stability, the system includes an operating hours counter that notifies the user when the lamp approaches the end of its service life, helping to plan proactive maintenance and avoid unexpected downtime. Built‑in protection circuits shut down lamp power in the event of overheating, while a safety interlock switches off the device when the housing cover is opened. An automatic glare protection mechanism keeps the light outlet closed when no light guide is attached, minimizing stray light and enhancing user safety. These design choices align the LQ‑HXP 120 with the operational and safety standards expected of modern laboratory and industrial light sources.

Specifications

Light Source Technology:	Mercury short-arc
Spectral Output:	White / broadband
Wavelength Range:	300 – 650 nm
Number Of Channels:	1
Microscope Coupling:	Liquid light guide
Compatible Microscopes:	Universal (via light guide)
Application:	Fluorescence, Forensics, Inspection / machine vision
External Control:	External Shutter
Lamp Power:	120 W
Average Lamp Life:	approx. 2,000 h
Brightness Dimming:	20-step
Shutter Control:	Electrical via interface
Max. Shutter Frequency:	40 Hz
Shutter Switching Time:	< 6 ms
Mains Voltage:	100 to 240 VAC
Power Frequency:	50 to 60 Hz
Power Consumption:	Max. 210 VA
Dimensions (W X H X D):	Approx. 145 mm x 210 mm x 315 mm
Weight:	Approx. 5.0 kg
Light Guide (LQ-HXP 120):	Ø 3 mm x 2,000 mm, Lumatec Fluid Light Guide Series 380
Light Guide (LQ-HXP 120 UV):	Ø 3 mm x 2,000 mm, Lumatec Fluid Light Guide Series 300
Light Guide (LQ-HXP120-X):	2 x Ø 3 mm x 1,500 mm, Lumatec Fluid Light Guide Series 380

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Features

High-Intensity 120 W Mercury Short-Arc Light Source – Optimized for powerful, stable illumination in fluorescence excitation, microscopy, and demanding industrial imaging applications.
Designed for Fluorescence Excitation – Spectral output of OSRAM® HXP R 120W/45C VIS and HXP R 120W/45 UV lamps is ideal for exciting a broad range of common fluorophores in life science, medical, and research microscopy.
Compact AC Light Source for Space-Critical Setups – Small footprint (approx. 145 x 210 x 315 mm, 5 kg) allows easy integration into crowded lab benches, OEM instruments, and production lines.
Long Lamp Lifetime (~2,000 Hours) – Extended average service life significantly reduces lamp replacement frequency and downtime compared with standard mercury short-arc systems.
20-Step Electronic Brightness Dimming – Fine, reproducible intensity adjustment across 20 discrete levels enables precise control of excitation power for sensitive samples and quantitative imaging.
Integrated High-Speed Electronic Shutter – Electrically controlled shutter with up to 40 Hz switching frequency and < 6 ms switching time for time-critical imaging, exposure control, and photobleaching protection.
External Control of Shutter and Dimming – Convenient electrical interface allows straightforward integration into automated microscopy platforms, imaging systems, and OEM machine control.
Liquid Light Guide Coupling – Stable, homogeneous light delivery via robust liquid light guides (VIS and UV variants) ensures excellent beam uniformity at the microscope or process head.
Multi-Output “Xpole” Variant Available – LQ-HXP120-X configuration supports two light guides (2 x Ø 3 mm x 1,500 mm) for flexible routing, multi-station illumination, or parallel microscope setups.
Quiet Operation with Optimized Thermal Design – Advanced thermal management minimizes fan noise and vibration, ideal for microscopy labs, clinical environments, and sensitive measurement setups.
VIS and UV Optimized Models – Choose between LQ-HXP 120 VIS and LQ-HXP 120 UV variants with tailored spectral ranges for visible-light fluorescence or strong UV excitation and curing applications.
Wide-Range Universal Mains Input – 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz compatibility enables global deployment without external transformers, suitable for international OEMs and multi-site laboratories.
Integrated Operating Hours Counter – Built-in hour meter with end-of-life notification simplifies preventive maintenance and helps maintain consistent illumination performance.
Comprehensive Safety Features – Safety circuit powers down the device when the housing cover is opened; overtemperature protection switches off lamp power in case of overheating.
Glare and Exposure Protection – Light outlet remains automatically closed as long as no light guide is connected, protecting users from accidental high-intensity light exposure.
Stable AC Power Supply for Arc Lamp – Precisely matched power electronics ensure fast ignition, reliable operation, and reduced arc instability over the entire lamp lifetime.
Ideal for Fluorescence Microscopy & Imaging – Provides high brightness and stable output for widefield fluorescence, epi-fluorescence, and image processing applications across life science and materials research.
Suitable for Forensics and Semiconductor Manufacturing – High UV/visible intensity, controlled output, and optional multi-output “Xpole” design support forensic inspection, wafer inspection, and defect analysis.
UV Curing and Photochemistry – Strong UV emission and reliable continuous operation make the UV version well-suited for adhesive curing, polymerization, and photochemical processes.
OEM-Ready Solution – Rugged housing, standardized interfaces, and consistent optical performance make the LQ-HXP 120 a robust, integration-friendly choice for system builders and equipment manufacturers.
Complete Ready-to-Use Package – Delivered with lamp installed, matching liquid light guide, power cord, and operating instructions for fast setup and immediate deployment.

Applications

Fluorescence Microscopy Light Source – Ideal as a compact AC excitation source for epifluorescence, widefield, and reflected light fluorescence microscopy, providing stable, high-intensity illumination for common fluorophores such as DAPI, FITC, TRITC, GFP, and Cy dyes.
Routine and Research Laboratory Imaging – Delivers uniform, repeatable illumination for routine lab microscopes, digital imaging stations, and automated slide-scanning systems where stable excitation is required over long imaging sessions.
Live-Cell and Time-Lapse Experiments – Supports long-term fluorescence imaging and time-lapse microscopy thanks to 20-step brightness dimming, integrated shutter control, and an average lamp life of about 2,000 hours to minimize interruptions.
Multichannel Fluorescence and Multicolor Imaging – Broad spectral output of the 120 W mercury short-arc reflector lamp enables excitation of multiple fluorescence channels, suitable for multi-dye labeling, co-localization studies, and multiplex assays.
Confocal and Spinning Disk Microscopy Illumination – Used as a powerful excitation source for confocal, spinning disk, and other high-speed imaging systems that require high irradiance and fast electronic shuttering.
UV and VIS-Specific Fluorescence Excitation – The VIS (HXP 120(-X)) and UV (HXP 120 UV) variants allow optimized excitation in visible and ultraviolet ranges, supporting applications from blue/green fluorophores to UV-excitable dyes and chromophores.
Forensic Fluorescence and Crime Scene Analysis – Suitable for forensic laboratories and field analysis (especially in the Xpole version), enabling detection of biological traces, latent fingerprints, security markings, and document authentication under UV and visible excitation.
Industrial Machine Vision and Image Processing – Provides stable, high-brightness illumination for automated optical inspection (AOI), defect detection, quality control imaging, and pattern recognition in production environments.
Semiconductor Manufacturing and Wafer Inspection – Used for photoluminescence inspection, mask and reticle examination, crack and contamination detection, and other semiconductor metrology tasks that rely on stable UV/VIS illumination.
Materials Science and Surface Analysis – Enables fluorescence and UV-induced inspection of coatings, composites, thin films, and surface treatments, supporting failure analysis and structural characterization.
Biotechnology and Life Science Assays – Provides excitation for fluorescence-based assays in microplates, microfluidic chips, and lab-on-a-chip systems, including DNA/RNA labeling, protein assays, and cell-based screening.
Fluorescence Stereomicroscopy and Macroscopy – Offers bright, evenly coupled light via liquid light guides for stereo microscopes and macroscopes used in developmental biology, entomology, plant science, and small animal imaging.
UV Curing and Photopolymerization – Delivers controlled UV intensity for curing UV-sensitive adhesives, resins, and inks in precision bonding, micro-assembly, electronics encapsulation, and optical component manufacturing.
Microfabrication and Lithography Support – Serves as a UV illumination source for mask alignment, inspection, and exposure support in microfabrication, microfluidics production, and MEMS processes.
Fluorescence-Based Quality Control in Pharma and Food – Used in inspection systems to verify packaging integrity, tamper-evident seals, fluorescent security tags, and contamination markers in pharmaceutical and food processing lines.
Security Printing and Anti-Counterfeiting – Excites security inks, UV fibers, and covert markers in banknotes, IDs, labels, and branded packaging, enabling quick authentication and counterfeit detection.
Education and Training in Fluorescence Techniques – Robust and easy-to-integrate light source for teaching microscopy, fluorescence imaging, and optical measurement techniques in universities, teaching hospitals, and research institutes.
OEM Integration into Imaging Systems – Compact form factor and electronic interface for shutter and dimming control make it ideal for OEM integration into customized microscopes, imaging platforms, and analytical instruments.
Multi-Output Illumination with Xpole Variant – The LQ-HXP120-X version with dual liquid light guide outputs supports simultaneous illumination of two microscopes, parallel inspection stations, or split-beam experimental setups.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the LQ‑HXP 120 light source and what is it used for?

The LQ‑HXP 120 is a compact AC light source based on a 120 W mercury short‑arc reflector lamp (OSRAM HXP R 120W/45). It is designed for high‑intensity fluorescence excitation and broadband illumination in microscopy and industrial imaging. Typical applications include fluorescence microscopy, forensic investigations (crime scene and latent print visualization, especially with the Xpole multi‑output variant), machine vision and image processing, semiconductor inspection, and UV curing. Light is coupled out via liquid light guides for stable, homogeneous illumination at the microscope or process tool.

What are the main differences between LQ‑HXP 120, LQ‑HXP 120 UV, and LQ‑HXP 120‑X (Xpole)?

All three variants use a 120 W short‑arc mercury lamp but differ in spectral range and number of light outputs: - LQ‑HXP 120 (VIS): Uses the OSRAM HXP R 120W/45C VIS lamp with a broad visible spectrum optimized for common fluorescence dyes and white‑light imaging. Supplied with a Ø 3 mm × 2,000 mm Lumatec Fluid‑Light Guide Series 380. - LQ‑HXP 120 UV: Uses the OSRAM HXP R 120W/45 UV lamp, offering stronger UV components for UV‑excited fluorescence and UV curing. Supplied with a Ø 3 mm × 2,000 mm Lumatec Fluid‑Light Guide Series 300 optimized for UV transmission. - LQ‑HXP 120‑X (Xpole): Uses the VIS lamp but offers two independent Ø 3 mm × 1,500 mm Lumatec Series 380 light guides for multi‑output illumination (e.g., two microscopes, microscope + camera system, or multi‑angle illumination).

How long does the lamp last and how is lamp life monitored in the LQ‑HXP 120?

The LQ‑HXP 120 series is specified with an average lamp life of approximately 2,000 hours, which is typical for 120 W short‑arc mercury lamps used in fluorescence microscopy. The controller includes an integrated operating hours counter that tracks lamp runtime and provides a notification when the lamp is approaching the end of its service life. For stable fluorescence intensity and reproducible imaging, many labs plan preventive lamp replacement somewhat before the nominal end of life (for example at 70–80% of rated hours), depending on the sensitivity of their application and acceptable intensity drift.

How is brightness controlled on the LQ‑HXP 120 and can it be adjusted remotely?

The LQ‑HXP 120 offers 20‑step brightness dimming, allowing users to adapt illumination intensity to sample brightness, exposure times, and detector sensitivity. Dimming is electronic, not via a mechanical iris, which supports reproducible and fine‑grained setting of excitation power. Both dimming and the integrated shutter can be controlled externally via the interface, so the unit can be integrated into automated microscopy and imaging systems for synchronized exposure control. This makes it suitable as an OEM light engine where software‑controlled intensity and on/off timing are required.

What safety features does the LQ‑HXP 120 provide for laboratory and OEM use?

The LQ‑HXP 120 series incorporates several built‑in safety mechanisms important for high‑intensity mercury and UV light sources: - Safety circuit: Automatically switches the device off when the housing cover is opened, protecting against accidental exposure to lamp radiation and electrical components. - Overheating protection: Monitors internal temperature and switches off the lamp power supply in case of overtemperature; the system can be restarted once the cause is resolved. - Glare/UV protection at the output: The light outlet remains automatically closed as long as no liquid light guide is plugged in, preventing stray emission into the environment. These features make the unit suitable for routine lab environments and integration into OEM systems where compliance with lab safety practices and equipment interlocks is required.

How is the light coupled to microscopes or instruments, and what liquid light guides are compatible?

Light from the 120 W mercury short‑arc lamp is coupled via flexible liquid light guides, which provide high transmission, good homogeneity, and mechanical isolation between the light source and the microscope or instrument. The standard configurations include: - LQ‑HXP 120 (VIS): Ø 3 mm × 2,000 mm Lumatec Fluid‑Light Guide Series 380 (Item no. 11709) - LQ‑HXP 120 UV: Ø 3 mm × 2,000 mm Lumatec Fluid‑Light Guide Series 300 (Item no. 11121) optimized for UV - LQ‑HXP 120‑X: 2 × Ø 3 mm × 1,500 mm Lumatec Fluid‑Light Guide Series 380 (Item no. 12302) Adapters are typically used to connect the light guide to common microscope brands and filter turrets. For best performance, a liquid light guide with the same diameter and series as specified in the datasheet—or equivalent high‑quality UV/VIS guides—is recommended.

What are the electrical and mechanical specifications of the LQ‑HXP 120 for system integration?

The LQ‑HXP 120 series is designed as a compact, globally compatible OEM‑capable light source. Key specifications are: - Mains voltage: 100–240 VAC - Power frequency: 50–60 Hz - Power consumption: max. 210 VA - Dimensions (W × H × D): approx. 145 mm × 210 mm × 315 mm - Weight: approx. 5.0 kg Each unit is supplied with the device including lamp, power cord, and operating instructions. The compact footprint and wide‑range input allow easy integration onto optical tables, into instrument enclosures, or as an OEM module in microscopy and imaging systems.

Got more questions? Use the inquiry form to ask the supplier directly.