Chroma Filter Series Overview
Chroma offers a range of fluorescence filter sets designed to meet different performance requirements, imaging modalities, and application needs. The series below are grouped by performance level and intended use.
ET Filter Series — Highest Performance
ET (Enhanced Transmission) filters are manufactured using a modified magnetron sputtering process, producing durable coatings with high transmission (typically 93–97%) and steep spectral edges. These filters are optimized for maximum signal throughput, minimal spectral overlap, and demanding imaging applications. All ET sets are sub-pixel image registered by design.
Single-Band Filter Sets
49000 Series — ET Single-Band (Non-laser)
High-transmission, steep-edge filter sets for general fluorescence imaging. Optimized for modern fluorochromes with short Stokes shifts and applications requiring maximum signal intensity and contrast.
49300 Series — ET Single-Band (FISH / Chromosome Painting)
Spectrally matched to common FISH probes and chromosome painting applications. Designed for use with non-laser light sources.
49900 Series — ET Single-Band (Laser)
Designed for laser-based systems. Includes laser clean-up filters, emission filters, and high-flatness dichroics for precise spectral control.
TRF49900 Series — ET Single-Band (Laser TIRF)
TIRF-optimized sets with enhanced blocking (OD8+) and ultra-flat dichroics. Includes additional emission filtering for improved signal-to-noise in high-background environments.
Multi-Band Filter Sets
59000 Series — ET Dual-Band
Dual-band emission filters for imaging two fluorochromes. Available with either dual-band excitation (simultaneous imaging) or single-band exciters (sequential imaging).
59900 Series — ET Dual-Band (Laser)
Laser-compatible dual-band sets with high-performance dichroics and spectral separation for two laser lines.
TRF59900 Series — ET Dual-Band (Laser TIRF)
Dual-band TIRF sets with enhanced laser blocking and options for additional emission filtering to maximize signal-to-noise.
69000 Series — ET Triple-Band
Triple-band filter sets for imaging three fluorochromes. Configurations available for simultaneous or sequential excitation.
79000 Series — ET Ratiometric
Designed for ratiometric dyes (e.g., Ca²⁺, pH indicators). Supports quantitative imaging using multiple excitation or emission wavelengths.
89000 Series — ET Multi-Band (Single-Band Components)
Uses single-band excitation and emission filters with a multiband dichroic. Ideal for co-localization, FRET, and live-cell imaging with image-splitting systems.
89900 Series — ET Quad-Band (Laser)
Designed for systems using four laser lines. Provides efficient spectral separation with high transmission and blocking performance.
TRF89900 Series — ET Quad-Band (Laser TIRF)
Quad-band TIRF sets with enhanced blocking and ultra-flat dichroics for high-precision imaging applications.
AT Filter Series — General Performance
AT filters provide durable sputtered coatings with >90% transmission and excellent blocking performance, offering a cost-effective solution for routine fluorescence applications.
39000 Series — AT Single-Band
General-purpose fluorescence filter sets for routine imaging and assays. Suitable for most applications requiring reliable performance and good spectral separation.
19000 Series — AT Longpass
Longpass filter sets for applications requiring high signal intensity and flexibility across multiple fluorochromes. Not recommended for multi-color separation.
39100 Series — AT Qdot
Designed for quantum dot imaging. Uses a common excitation band with emission filters matched to specific Qdot emission wavelengths.
Supporting Components and Accessories
91000 Series — Filter Cubes / Holders
Filter cubes and mounting hardware compatible with major microscope platforms (Zeiss, Nikon, Leica, Olympus/Evident).
92000 Series — Diagnostic Tools
Tools for evaluating and troubleshooting optical system performance.
Additional Optical Components
21000 Series — Mirrors and Beamsplitters
General-purpose mirrors, beamsplitters, and polarizers.
22000 Series — Neutral Density Filters
Uniform attenuation across a spectral range for controlling light intensity.
23000 Series — Miscellaneous Filters
Specialty filters for various optical applications.
33000 Series — Brightfield Filter Sets
Filters designed for transmitted-light (non-fluorescence) microscopy.
Notes on Performance and Selection
ET series filters are recommended for applications requiring maximum signal, steep spectral separation, and advanced imaging techniques.
AT series filters provide reliable, cost-effective performance for routine fluorescence imaging.
Laser-based applications and techniques such as TIRF, confocal, and multiphoton microscopy require filters specifically designed for those illumination conditions.
Multiband configurations trade spectral separation for speed and convenience, while single-band systems provide the highest signal-to-noise performance.
