Cytek Northern Lights - Flow Cytometry System
A new flow cytometry system that shifts the paradigm in what scientists expect to see in performance from an affordable three laser system. Cytek Northern Lights incorporates the same groundbreaking technologies as its older sister, the Cytek® Aurora. Like Aurora, its optical design and unmixing algorithm give scientists remarkable flexibility, enabling the use of a wide array of new fluorochrome combinations without reconfiguring the system for each application. The state-of-the-art optics and low-noise electronics provide excellent sensitivity and resolution. Flat-top beam profiles, combined with a uniquely designed fluidics system, translate to outstanding performance at high sample flow rates.
The end result is a system that sits in a sweet spot for scientists that have budgeted for a one to three laser system, but desire the ability to run panels of higher complexity.
SpectroFlo® software offers an intuitive workflow from QC to data analysis with technology-enabling tools that simplify running applications.
The Cytek® team has reimagined what you should expect from an affordable cytometer and has delivered an instrument that brings the benefits of full spectrum cytometry to more scientists.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
Upgradeable from one laser and nine colors to three lasers and 24 colors, there is a Northern Lights configuration to fit your needs.
Sensitivity redefined using state-of-the-art optics and low-noise electronics.
Superb resolution of dim and rare populations, even in high complexity panels and high flow rates.
One configuration for all assays - no need to change optical filters.
Use any commercially available fluorochrome excited by the onboard lasers.
Intuitive software with familiar workflow.
Fewer lasers to run more colors.
Low maintenance lasers, more fluorochrome choice, one configuration, and up to 24 colors per sample equates to greater cost savings and less setup time between experiments.
Northern Lights contains a fixed optical assembly configured with one to three spatially separated laser beams. Laser delays are automatically adjusted during instrument QC.
LasersOne laser configuration: 488nm: 50mW
Two laser configuration: 488nm: 50mW, 640nm: 80mW
Three laser configuration: 405nm: 100mW, 488nm: 50mW, 640nm: 80mW
Flat-Top laser beam profile with narrow vertical beam height optimized for small particle detection.
Emission OpticsEmission CollectionFused silica cuvette coupled to high NA lens for optimum collection efficiency to optical fibers.
Forward and Side Scatter DetectionFSC: high-performance semiconductor detector with 488nm bandpass filter.
SSC: Two high-performance semiconductor detectors with 405nm and 488nm bandpass filter. Note: 405nm side scatter applies to three laser configurations only.
Fluorescence DetectorsProprietary high sensitivity Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) semiconductor array per laser enabling more efficient spectrum capture in the 420-830nm range. No filter changes required for any fluorochrome excited by the 405nm, 488nm, and 640nm lasers.
Standard Optical ConfigurationViolet detector module (only available in three laser configurations): 16 channels uneven spaced bandwidth from 420nm-829nm.
Blue detector module: 14 channels uneven spaced bandwidth from 498-829nm.
Red detector module: 8 channels uneven spaced bandwidth from 652-829nm.
Low: 15 µL/min, Medium: 30 µL/min, High: 60 µL/min, Plate high-throughput mode: 100 µL/min
Fluidic ModesLong clean, SIT flush, Purge filter, Clean flow cell
Manual Sample Input Formats12x75mm polystyrene and polypropylene tubes
Standard Fluidic Reservoirs4L fluid container set with level-sensing provided. Compatible with 20L sheath and waste cubitainers.
Volumetric measurement during sample recording enables calculation of counts per µL for any gated population.
Plate Loader Option96-well microtiter plate capbility
Throughput time 35 minutes at High Throughput mode sampling 7 µL/well
Plate stage temperature: 4-30°C
Plate Loader CarryoverDefault mode: ≤0.3%, Low Carryover mode: ≤0.1%, High Throughput mode: ≤1%
PerformanceFluorescence SensitivityFITC: ≤35 MEFL, PE: ≤10 MEFL, APC: ≤10 MEFL, Pacific Blue: ≤25MEFL
* measurements based on an average from two systems, one three lasers and one five lasers, and performed using SPHERO Rainbow Calibration Particle (RCP-30-5A) based on its peak emission channel.
Fluorescence LinearityFITC R2 ≥0.995 / PE R2 ≥0.995
Forward and Side Scatter ResolutionPerformance is optimized for resolving lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes.
Side Scatter ResolutionCapable of resolving 0.2µm beads from noise.
Carryover<0.1%
Data Acquisition Rate35,000 events/s*
* Three-laser system
Live unmixing during acquisition
Developed specifically to streamline assay setup, data acquisition, and file export
Automated QC module
Autofluorescence extraction
Raw and Unmixed FCS 3.1 files
ElectronicsSignal ProcessingDigital signal processing with automatic window gate adjustment.
22-bit 6.5 log decades.
Threshold using any single parameter or combination of parameters.
Pulse Shape ParametersPulse Area and Height for every parameter. Width for scatter parameters and one fluorescence parameter for each laser.
Windows® 10 Pro 64-bit
ProcessorIntel® Core™ i7 processor, 3.2 GHz
RAM16GB
Hard Drive500GB SSD / 1TB SATA
Video ProcessorNVIDIA® HD GeForce
Monitor28” UHD 4K Monitor
Dimensions (W x D x H)
Instrument DimensionsWithout loader: 54 x 52 x 52 cm
With loader: 58.4 x 62 x 52 cm
Instrument weight: 61 kg
Loader weight: 13 kg
29.1 x 9.25 x 34.4 cm
Recommended Workspace157 x 72 x 132 cm
100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 2A max
Heat Dissipation500W with all solid-state lasers
Temperature15–28°C
Humidity20%-85% relative non-condensing
Air filteringNo excessive dust or smoke
LightingNo special requirements
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.