Dragonfly
High-speed Confocal
Imaging Platform

P

Instant Confocal

P

Simultaneous multi-colour TIRF

P

Laser widefield imaging

P

Single molecule imaging

Controlled by FusionP

VIS-NIR wavelengths

Acquire | Visualize | Analyze

P

Super-Resolution

P

Borealis illuminationP

GPU accelerated deconvolution

Introducing Dragonfly
It’s more than confocal...
Dragonfly is a high-contrast multi-dimensional imaging platform capable of four key imaging
modalities.
At its core is a multi-point confocal for high-speed and highsensitivity imaging. Capturing at speeds at least 10x faster thanconventional confocal technology, Dragonfly is the optimal solution
for live cell imaging, providing low phototoxicity and photobleaching, or
perfect for fast volume acquisition of fixed samples.
Super-resolution is a second feature of Dragonfly, which can leveragea variety of techniques to push the resolution beyond the diffraction
limit: GPU-accelerated deconvolution; SRRF-Stream anddSTORM.
The third high-contrast technique TIRF (total internal reflectance)
microscopy is available as a factory-installed option on the 500 series.
This is the tool of choice for imaging protein dynamics at or proximal
to the cell membrane and single molecule imaging. Dragonfly TIRF
is capable of simultaneous multi-colour TIRF, allowing excitation
penetration depth of two simultaneous wavelengths to be matched for
accurate interpretation of 3D localization.

Above - Dragonfly 200 series model. The Dragonfly 500
series model is shown on the front cover.

A fourth available imaging mode is laser-illuminated widefield
epifluorescence. This mode is ideal for applications that do not benefit from confocal imaging, such as yeast and othervery thin samples, or applications that require high laser power, like single molecule localisation. Imaging in widefieldusing Dragonfly, you can share the same cameras and lasers with the other modes and avoid switching ports and turrets
in the microscope.
Finally, Dragonfly utilizes a range of additional
integrated functions to enhance image
quality and provide more tools for additional
applications. Camera zoom optics optimize
sampling and resolution according to theobjective required by your application.
Illumination zoom on the 500 series increases
excitation power density for high intensity
applications like single molecule localization.

Above - Left: Human iPS cardiomyocyte labelled with actinin488 and phalloidin560
Courtesy of Dr Travis Hinston, The Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center,
University of Connecticut Health Center & The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine.
Right: Mouse Colonic Epithelial Organoid. DNA (blue), LaminB1 (green, nuclear envelope)and GM130 (red, cis-golgi). Courtesy of Ronan Mellin & Dr. Luke Boulter MRC Human
Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh.

Spectral range

Confocal speed

Aperture

Camera zoom

Illumination zoom

Pinhole Sizes

400-800 nm

400 fps

22 mm

1x,1.5x, 2x

1x, 2x, 4x, 6x

25, 40 µm
2Features & Benefits
Hardware Feature

Benefits

High speed confocal(micro-lens enhanced)••

Up to 400 fps for fast cell dynamics
At least 10x faster than conventional confocal

P

P

Large field of view
(16.6 x 14.0 mm)••

Capture more in a single image
Matches large sCMOS sensors

P

P

•

Provides: stability, throughput, uniformity, extended
wavelength range.

P

P

Laser-illuminatedwidefield mode•

For imaging thin specimens and single moleculesPP

16-bit dynamic range•

Capture both weak and bright signals without saturation

P

P

•

Optimal flexibility for simultaneous dual colour imaging(e.g. single camera bypass + 3 chromatic splitters)

P

P

•

Laser illumination timed with camera exposure to minimize
phototoxicity and photobleaching

P

P

•

To comprehensively image multiple fluorophores when using
up to 8 laser lines for excitation (UV to NIR)
RFID-tagged for filter update in user interface

P

P

•

For flexible higher resolution imaging and pixel scaling toachieve Nyquist sampling over a wide range of objectives
and pixel sizes

2-position
motorized(option)3-position
motorized•

High contrast imaging at low and high magnification for large
samples to subcellular imaging

OptionP••

Choice of 7 wavelengths up to 640nm
Any two colours simultaneously - match penetration depthof two labelled targets instantly-

Option•Delivers higher illumination power density for applications
such as localization microscopy

-

P

•

For 3D single molecule localization imaging in a volume-

OptionBorealisTM

Motorized 4 position
emission-splitting
dichroic cassette
Active blanking
Exchangeable emission
filter wheels
Camera magnification(1x, 1.5x & 2x)
2 pinhole diameters(25 µm and 40 µm)
Simultaneous multi-color
TIRF
Illumination zoom•1
Astigmatic lens•1•

200 Series 500 Series

P= Feature available as standard
Option = Feature available as an option- = Feature not available

Software Feature
Real-time 3D rendering
ClearView-GPUTM: GPU-accelerated
deconvolution in parallel with acquisition
or as post-processing
Imaris file format

Benefits•

Immediate visual feedback on experimental progress toevaluate data and make appropriate decisions in real-time•••

Up to 50x faster processing than non-GPU based deconvolution solutions
Run deconvolution during an experiment to save time
Choose an algorithm to balance speed and quality
according to your image properties•

Easy transfer of data to Imaris for comprehensive
downstream multi-dimensional analysis
3Technical Data
General Specifications•1

Excitation range: 400-800 nm
Emission range: 420-850 nm

Confocal/Widefield Wavelength Range
TIRF Input Wavelength Range

400-640 nm

Confocal/Widefield Input Power

2 W maximum for combined wavelengths

Confocal Pinhole Diameter

25 µm and 40 µm (option)

Disk Type

Micro-lens enhanced dual disk

Active Blanking

Laser illumination timed with camera exposure to minimize phototoxicity andphotobleaching

Output PowerAs classified under IEC 60825-1 or the regional equivalent: 500mW maximum Class 3B(typical). May be Class 4 with 1W maximum With some laser combinations.

Lateral Resolution

Diffraction limited in 19 mm diagonal

Illumination Uniformity

Less than 6% roll-off •2

Mechanical Specifications
200 Series

500 Series

39 kg approx. without cameras/accessories

65 kg approx. without cameras/accessories

32.3 x 22 x 18.8 [821 x 558 x 477] (with installation handles)
32.3 x 17.8 x 18.8 [821 x 452 x 477] (without handles)

31.2 x 30.7 x 19.3 [792 x 780 x 489] (with installation handles)
31.2 x 26.5 x 19.3 [792 x 674 x 489] (without handles)

WeightDimensions(WxDxH)
inches [mm]Note: Addition of camera(s) will add up to 7.4 [189] to height and up to 3.7 kg weight per camera.

Frame Rates•3

Maximum Confocal Frame Rate (FPS)•4
Zyla 4.2

Frame Rate (sustained / burst)•5

iXon 888 •6

Array Size

USB 3.010-tapBinning

2048x2048

40/10066/1001024x1024 (2x2)*

100/100

2048x1024

Array Size
1024x1024

512x512256x256

128x128

1x1

24

48

94

123

100/100

2x2

48

94

123

178

80/200133/200

4x4

76

123

178

320

2048x512

133/400

200/400

2048x128

400/400

400/400

Maximum Widefield/TIRF Frame Rate (FPS)
Zyla 4.2

Frame Rate (sustained / burst)•5

iXon 888 •6

Array Size

USB 3.010-tapBinning

2048x2048

40/10098/1001024x1024 (2x2)*

100/100

2048x1024

Array Size
1024x1024

512x512256x256

128x128

1x1

26

50

96

171

100/100

2x2

50

94

110

285

192/200

200/200

4x4

92

167

281

426

2048x512

406/406

422/4222048x128

1627/1627

1691/1691* Matches pixel size of iXon Ultra/Life 888 models for dual camera
simultaneous operation

4

Technical Features Explained
3
1
2

2

4

5

1 Borealis- Patented Perfect Illumination Delivery

TM

Integral to the illumination pathway for confocal and widefield modes is Borealis. Borealis utilizes a multimode fibre and microscopecorrection optics to provide exceptional illumination optimising the following parameters: coupling stability and efficiency, excitation
throughput, imaging uniformity and spectral range.
FeatureBenefits

Uniformity improvements of up to 10x• Accurate cross-field analysis• Seamless tiled/montage imaging

Throughput improvements up to 3x• Lower laser powers required = lower cost
• More light for high power applications (e.g. single molecule localisation microscopy)

Extended spectral range(400-800 nm excitation)• Greater choice of fluorescent probes• NIR imaging to avoid autofluorescence or for deeper imaging

Better axial geometry• More accurate three dimensional image reconstruction

Enhanced laser coupling stability• Longer term illumination stability• Reduced risk of alignment drift and correction

Broad Spectrum Delivery

405
405

488
488

561
561

640
640

750
750

A series of intensity maps captured at the exit window of Dragonfly across all major wavelengths from 405 nm to 750 nm. A highdegree of uniformity is visible. This uniformity then translates to the sample with high quality chromatically corrected objectives in the
microscope.

52 Camera Zoom
At each camera port there is a motorized 3 position magnification changer (500 series) or single/double motorized changer (200series) containing 1x, 1.5x and 2x optics. If you are using a sensitive camera with a larger pixel, such as on the iXon Ultra 888(13 µm), moving to a 2x zoom allows you to reach Nyquist sampling with 60x and 100x high NA objective to ensure all the finest
details from your sample are captured. The level of detail is then only limited by the objective you use.

Right: A comparison of the same cellwith sub-images showing enhanced
resolution of fine detail whenmoving from 1x, 1.5x and 2x zoom
respectively.

1x Zoom

2x Zoom

1.5x Zoom

Relative Zoom

1x

1.5x

2x

Description

Imaging Field area =1x Specimen Illumination area

Imaging Field area =0.67x Specimen Illumination area

Imaging Field area =0.5x Specimen Illumination area

3 Super-Resolution
Dragonfly can utilize three super-resolution techniques – GPU-accelerated deconvolution; SRRF-Stream and dSTORM as well as
widefield and confocal.
Widefield

ConfocalClearView-GPUTM

SRRF-Stream

dSTORM

Dragonfly ModelAll models

All models

Option (All models)Option (All models)

500 series only

Lateral Resolution(typical FWHM) •7

245 nm

238 nm

200 nm (widefield);
140 nm (confocal)

50 – 150 nm

20 – 50 nm

Axial Resolution(typical FWHM) •7

573 nm523 nm

500 nm (widefield);
280 nm (confocal)

573 nm (widefield);
523 nm (confocal)

50 nm (with 3D lens option;
1 µm total range)

Special probes / sample prep.

No

No

No

No

Yes

Frame rates (FPS, typical)

Unlimited

400

Unlimited(post-processing)

1 fps(@512x512 pixels)<0.01

Software Processing

None

None

Fusion*Fusion**

3rd party / open-source
options* Clearview-GPUTM licence required** Camera licence required6

4 Illumination Zoom (500 series)
The illumination path for widefield and confocal modes has a motorized 4-position zoom mechanism. This enables the illumination
light to be focused into a smaller area and deliver a higher power density to the sample when an application requires more light fromthe laser source, for example dSTORM.

Increase in power
densityMode

1x Zoom

2x Zoom

4x Zoom

6x Zoom

Confocal

1x

2x

not used

not used

Widefield

1x

4x

16x

36x

Power density

Low

1.0

4.0

16

36

High

Right: Using the Illumination Zoom
to increase the power density ofillumination.

.6

3.6

x3

s
2:

0:

.9

14

s1

Po

Po

Po

s9

:4

.4

.3

x4

14

.4

x

5

Pos 1: 16.9 x 14.3

Selectable Illumination Field Aperture Size

13.6

Pos 8: 4.9 x 3.7

Pos 3: 13.0 x

Po

s

7:

.4

7.0

x7

x

.1

7.0

:9

s4

Po

Pos

5: 8.

5x

8.5

Pos

6: 7.4

Dragonfly includes a variable aperture to best match the area of illumination to the camera sensor format,
the zoom illumination size, or the field size covered with the camera zoom. The purpose of controllingthe field aperture is to ensure the sample is not over-illuminated ensuring minimal phototoxicity andphotobleaching. Stray light is also reduced, providing higher contrast images.

x 7.4

Relative illum.
Power Density

CameraMagnification(nominal)

Field of view(mm)Comments

Min Disk Area Illum.
Dimensions (mm)1x1x16.64x14.04

Neo & Zyla 5.5 (2560x2160 sCMOS). Full frame

16.64x14.04

1x

1x

14.04x14.04

Neo & Zyla 5.5 (2160x2160 sCMOS).
Scope Quality Area Field Number Limit

14.04x14.04

1x

1x

13.3x13.3

Zyla 4.2 (2048x2048) and iXon 888

13.3x13.32x1x8.8x7.1

sCMOS 1392x1080 optically centred window

8.8x7.12x1x8.2x8.2

iXon 897

8.2x8.22x2x14.04x14.04

Neo & Zyla 5.5 (2160x2160 sCMOS)
Effective pixel size = 3.25 µm

7.1x7.12x1x6.7x6.7

iXon 888
512x512 ROI Optically Centred Crop2x

2x

13.3x13.3

iXon 888
256x256 ROI Optically Centred Crop2x

2x

13.3x13.3

Zyla 4.2 (2048x2048). Effective pixel size = 3.25 µm

2x2x9.1x6.8

sCMOS 1392x1080 optically centred window
3.25 or 6.5 µm (binned 2x2 with higher frame rate)

2x1x

4.1x4.1

iXon 897
256x256 ROI Optically Centred Crop2x2x8.2x8.2

Works for iXon 897. Effective pixel size = 8 µm

2x2x6.5x6.5

iXon 888 quadrant crop mode.
Effective pixel size = 6.5 µm

6.7x6.7

4.6x3.4

4.1x4.1

3.25x3.25

7

Integrated Software Solutions
FusionFusion has been designed to meet the requirements of today’s expectations for ease of use and immediate visual feedback fordata review, whilst fulfilling tomorrow’s aspirations for handling multi-modal imaging.
Fusion simplifies the control of the Dragonfly system, with its multiple imaging modes, to fluorophore and imaging mode selection
in just three mouse clicks. A “New Specimen” feature lets you switch specimens with two mouse clicks, refocusing the objective
automatically. Once the sample is on the microscope you can control all hardware, including the XY stage with its unique software
joystick. Real-time 3D visualization provides a powerful insight to your experiment, and ClearView-GPUTM deconvolution delivers
both enhanced resolution and signal:noise in all dimensions and all modes of imaging.
To find out more about Fusion please see: https://andor.oxinst.com/products/dragonfly

Imaris®
Saving files in Imaris format, Fusion permits easy transfer of your data
into Imaris software. Imaris Core is a standard part of the Dragonfly
package, and required for downstream editing, annotating, surface
rendering, and creating sophisticated multi-dimensional movies.
Additional application-specific modules are available on request, suchas measurement packages for cell biology, cell lineage, neuroscienceand much more.
To find out more about Imaris please see: bitplane.com

8Creating the Optimum Product for You
Step 1

Select the Dragonfly Model You Require

Feature200 Series

500 Series

Upright microscope

P-

Inverted microscope

P

P

Camera port zoom

2-position motorized (option)

3-position motorized

Zoom illumination

-

P

TIRF

-

Option3D astigmatic lens-OptionDual cameras

OptionOptionNote: All models include workstation with Fusion and Imaris Core software.

200 Series

Dragonfly
200 Series

Description

Model Number

Single pinhole pattern, single camera port and camera port magnification options

CR-DFLY-201-40

Dual pinhole pattern, single camera port and camera port zoom options

CR-DFLY-201-2540

Single pinhole pattern, second camera port option and camera port zoom options

CR-DFLY-202-40

Dual pinhole pattern, second camera port option and camera port zoom options

CR-DFLY-202-2540

500 Series

Dragonfly
500 Series

Description

Model Number

Dual pinhole pattern, 4-position illumination zoom, single camera port,
3-position motorized camera port zoom

CR-DFLY-501

Dual pinhole pattern, illumination zoom, second camera port option,
3-position motorized camera port zoom

CR-DFLY-502

Full feature set: Dual pinhole pattern, illumination zoom, dual camera ports,
3-position motorized camera port zoom, TIRF, 3D lens

CR-DFLY-505

Proceed to step 2...

9

Step 2

Select the required laser sources
Choose Additional Options for Your Selected Dragonfly Model

200 SeriesFirst camera magnification (fixed)
Description

Option on models

Part Code

Fixed 1x magnification

201/202

TR-DFLY-PRT1-10F

Fixed 1.5x magnification

201/202

TR-DFLY-PRT1-15F

Fixed 2x magnification

201/202

TR-DFLY-PRT1-20F

Description

Option on models

Part CodeMotorized two position: 1x and 1.5x

201/202

TR-DFLY-PRT1-1015M

Motorized two position: 1x and 2x

201/202

TR-DFLY-PRT1-1020M

Description

Option on models

Part Code

Second camera port

202

CR-DFLY2-CAM2-WHL

Description

Option on models

Part Code

Fixed 1x magnification

202

TR-DFLY-PRT2-10F

Fixed 1.5x magnification

202

TR-DFLY-PRT2-15F

Fixed 2x magnification

202

TR-DFLY-PRT2-20F

Description

Option on models

Part CodeMotorized two position: 1x and 1.5x

202

TR-DFLY-PRT2-1015M

Motorized two position: 1x and 2x

202

TR-DFLY-PRT2-1020M

Description

Option on models

Part CodeSpare 8-position filter wheel

201/202

CR-DFLY2-WHL

First camera zoom (motorized)

Second camera port (202 only)

Dragonfly
200 Series Second camera magnification (fixed)*
Options

Second camera zoom (motorized)*

Spare filter wheel* These options must be specified at time of ordering as they are not field-upgradable.

500 Series

Dragonfly
500 Series
Options

Description

Option on models

Part Code

3D localisation optics*

501/502

CR-DFLY-AST

TIRF*

501/502

CR-DFLY-TIRF

Second camera port

502 only

CR-DFLY-CAM2-WHL

Spare 8-position filter wheel

501/502/505

CR-DFLY-WHL* These options must be specified at time of ordering as they are not field-upgradable.

Proceed to step 3...
10

Step 3

Select the Cameras You RequireNeo 5.5, Zyla 4.2 and 5.5 sCMOS Cameras• Highest resolution, up to 2560 x 2160 pixels, pixel size 6.5 µm, image area up to 16.6 x 14.0 mm. QEmax up to >80%, TE cooled
down to -40oC. See page 4 for frame rates.
• For more information: Neo and Zyla sCMOS cameras

iXon EMCCD Camera Series

Cameras• Single photon sensitive, 1024 x 1024 pixels, pixel size 13 µm, image area 13.3 x 13.3 mm. QEmax >95%, TE cooled to -55oC. See
page 4 for frame rates.
• Add SRRF-Stream: SRRF-STREAM-CAM• For more information: iXon EMCCD cameras

Step 4

Select the Required ILE Model
Many combinations of the following can be supported. For specific laser wavelength configurations please speak to yourSales Engineer and refer also to the ILE specification sheet.
Available Wavelengths

Power (mW)

Available Wavelengths

Power (mW)

405

100

561

50,100, 150*

445

75

640

140

488

50, 150

685

40

514

45

ILE & Laser
options

Step 5

Select Splitter, Dichroic and Filter Options
Alternatives may be considered through discussions with your Sales Engineer and subject to technical compatibility with the
Dragonfly (maximum of 4 installed per unit – per cassette system).

Splitters (dual camera models only)
Description

Splitters,
Dichroics &filters

Part Code

100% first surface mirror

Switch between camera ports

TR-DFLY-CMDM-MIRR

500nm long-pass

CFP/YFP simultaneous imaging

TR-DFLY-CMDM-500

565nm long-pass

GFP/RFP simultaneous imaging

TR-DFLY-CMDM-565

605nm long-pass

GFP/Cy5 simultaneous imaging

TR-DFLY-CMDM-605

640nm long-pass

Cy3/Cy5 simultaneous imaging

TR-DFLY-CMDM-640

750nm long-pass

Visible/NIR dye imaging

TR-DFLY-CMDM-750

Laser dichroic mirrors and emission filters will be discussed with your Sales Engineer in accordance with your application
requirements.

Proceed to step 6...

11

Step 6

Select the Required Accessories

Accessories Please discuss any additional requirements, such as motorized XY and Z stage control, incubation and accessories foryour specific application needs with your Sales Engineer.

Recommended Microscopes
Model
Leica DMI8
Leica DM6 (200 series only)
Nikon Ti-E (single/dual deck)
Nikon Ti2
Nikon FN1, NiU (200 series only)
Please note, some features or components of automated microscopes may
not be supported in Fusion. Please check with your Sales Engineer for moredetail.

12

Mechanical Drawings
Dimensions in inches [mm]200 Series

500 Series

Note: Shown without installation handles, depth is 30.7 [780]with handles. For dimensions of the ILE, please refer to the ILE
specifications sheet.

13

ORDER TODAY
Need more information? At Andor we are committed to finding
the correct solution for you. With a dedicated team of technicaladvisors, we are able to offer you one-to-one guidance andtechnical support on all Andor products. For a full listing of ourandor.com/contact
regional sales offices, please see:
Our regional headquarters are:Europe 				Japan
Belfast, Northern Ireland 			Tokyo
Phone +44 (28) 9023 7126			
Phone +81 (3) 6732 8968
Fax +44 (28) 9031 0792			
Fax +81 (3) 6732 8939
North America				China
Concord, MA, USA 				Beijing
Phone +1 (860) 290 9211			
Phone +86 (10) 8271 9066
Fax +1 (860) 290 9566			
Fax +86 (10) 8271 9055

Items shipped with your Dragonfly

Footnotes

Dragonfly base unit, cables andAll specifications are typical.
Measured for 488 nm with 40 µm pinhole pattern at Dragonfly output port. Illumination at sample
may differ due to variation between microscope objectives.
3. Frame rate data shown for two typical camera options.
4. Confocal frame rates require at least 2.5 ms exposure time, synchronized with the confocal scan
speed, hence they differ slightly from widefield/TIRF.
5. Burst up to camera buffer - approx. 200 - 1000 frames depending on AOI.
6. All measurements are made at 30 MHz pixel readout speed with 0.6 μs vertical clock speed. It also
assumes internal trigger mode of operation. Frame rates shown are for Optically Centred ROIs.
7. Dependent on camera, zoom and objective combination.

accessories (model as ordered)
ILE Laser combiner (with laser options
and accessories as ordered)
Borealis BCU
PC Workstation and accessories
Fusion and Imaris Core Software
User Guides in electronic format

1.
2.

LASER RADIATIONLASER RADIATIONAVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM
CLASS 3B LASER PRODUCTAVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE TO
DIRECT OR SCATTERED RADIATION
CLASS 4 LASER PRODUCT

500mw CW Max at 400 - 700nm

2000mW CW Max at 400 - 700nm

CLASSIFIED PER IEC 60825-1 (2007 ED2.0)

CLASSIFIED PER IEC 60825-1 (2007 ED2.0)

VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE
LASER RADIATIONVISIBLE AND INVISIBLE
LASER RADIATIONAVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM
CLASS 3B LASER PRODUCT

500mw CW Max at 400 - 800nm
CLASSIFIED PER IEC 60825-1 (2007 ED2.0)

AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE TO
DIRECT OR SCATTERED RADIATION
CLASS 4 LASER PRODUCT

2000mW CW Max at 400 - 800nm
CLASSIFIED PER IEC 60825-1 (2007 ED2.0)

The Dragonfly system may be classified under IEC 60825-1 and CDRH 21
CFR 1040.10 as either Class 3B or 4 depending on the system configuration.
Operating & Storage Conditions:•Operating Temperature: 18°C to +28°C ambient•

Indoor use only•

Operating Altitude: up to 2000m•

Relative Humidity: <70% (non-condensing)•

Storage Temperature: 0°C to 50°C

FM40523

EMS91062

Power Requirements:•

External supply: 100 - 240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz•

Power consumption - Dragonfly 300/500: 60 W/100 W (typ./ max.)					Dragonfly 200: 45 W/75 W (typ./ max.)

DFLYSS 0319 R1

14