Microscope Filter Cubes

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• Simplified Assembly and Improved Filter Retention Compared to OEM Cubes
• Compatible with Olympus and Nikon Microscopes (See Table G1.2)
• Durable Aluminum Filter Cube Body
• Designed for Use with Thorlabs' and Third-Party Fluorescence Filter Sets
• Side Labels for Marking Installed Filters

Thorlabs' filter cubes feature a spring plate retention mechanism for the dichroic mirror that results in lower optic stress for improved imaging. Our design also offers an all-aluminum cube body, simplified optic mounting, and three labels for writing information about installed filters. Each cube is also engraved with the item number. Refer to Table G1.2 to view which filter cubes are compatible with which microscope. These cubes are also available with pre-installed imaging filter sets.

Each filter cube holds one set of fluorescence filters: an excitation filter, an emission filter, and a dichroic mirror; see Table G1.2 for compatible sizes. Optics can be mounted, aligned, and swapped out easily as illustrated in Video G1.1. For detailed assembly instructions, please refer to the assembly manuals in Table G1.2.

The excitation and emission filters are mounted using the included SM1RR Retaining Rings and an SM1 spanner wrench, such as the SPW606 (sold separately). The use of SM1RR retaining rings across all filter cubes makes it easier to replace lost or damaged rings. The filter cube bodies may be disassembled for optic installation or removal using a #1 Phillips screwdriver.

Note that the OEM filter cubes sold below utilize plastic in their construction, while these filter cubes have aluminum bodies. When mixed in a filter cube turret, it is important to balance the weight. To ensure longevity of a motorized filter cube turret and prevent unnecessary wear, please place matching filter cubes opposing each other to maintain balance.

• OEM Filter Cubes from Olympus and Nikon
• Interchangeable with Thorlabs Microscopy Cubes (Sold Above)
• Designed for Use with Thorlabs' and Third-Party Fluorescence Filter Sets

These OEM Filter Cubes are manufactured by Olympus and Nikon. Each filter cube holds one set of fluorescence filters: an excitation filter (Ø25 mm, up to 5 mm thick), an emission filter (Ø25 mm, up to 3.5 mm thick), and a dichroic mirror (up to 25.2 mm x 36.0 mm x 1.0 mm). Optics can be mounted, aligned, and swapped out easily as illustrated in Video G2.1. Each filter cube body may be disassembled for optic installation or removal using a Phillips head screwdriver. For detailed assembly instructions, please refer to the assembly manuals in Table G2.2.

Thorlabs' Filter Cubes (sold above) are interchangeable with these OEM cubes and offer a number of design improvements, including simplified mounting and reduced dichroic mirror stress for improved imaging.

Note that these OEM filter cubes utilize plastic in their construction, while Thorlabs' filter cubes (sold above) have aluminum bodies. When mixed in a filter cube turret, it is important to balance the weight. To ensure longevity of a motorized filter cube turret and prevent unnecessary wear, please place matching filter cubes opposing each other to maintain balance.

Please contact Tech Support with questions regarding other cube compatibility, mounting, and filter options. Thorlabs does not guarantee compatibility with other industry-standard microscopes not mentioned on this wepage.