The PCR technique, used primarily in molecular biology, amplifies segments of DNA by systematically raising and lowering the temperature of a block that holds the PCR reaction mixtures. These thermal cycling steps physically separate the strands of DNA double helix, and then duplicate them through polymerase synthesis. PCR technology, facilitated by thermoelectric cooling, allows researchers to amplify a single or few copies of a piece of DNA across several orders of magnitude, generating millions or more copies of the DNA strand.
Coherent’s XLT series operate at the heart of PCR thermal cycler modules, unparalleled in their ability to fulfill PCR requirements including thermal uniformity, repeatability, accuracy and speed.

Genetic Sequencing
DNA sequences encode the necessary information for living organisms to survive and reproduce. Determining DNA sequences, therefore, proves crucial to all areas of biological research. Scientists can use DNA sequences to identify, diagnose and potentially develop treatments for genetic diseases or research pathogens that may lead to treatments for contagious diseases.

Coherent’s XLT series of thermoelectric coolers provide the precise temperature control, cycling speed, thermal uniformity and long-term reliability required in today’s complex genetic sequencing machines.

Medical researchers conduct various types of analysis that utilize high-quality image sensor technology, including charge-coupled devices (CCD). A phenomenon known as “Dark Current,” a small electric current that flows through the CCD, often disrupts the CCD image resolution. Cooling the CCD to low temperatures reduces the array’s dark current, thereby improving imaging resolution. Maintaining low temperatures further enhances image quality by improving CCD sensitivity to low-light intensities, including ultraviolet and visible wavelengths. Coherent thermoelectric coolers provide CCD cooling for near-room temperature to 170K (-103°C).

Thermal Imaging Cameras
A thermal Imaging Camera contains a sensor that reacts to infrared energy from surrounding objects and coverts this “thermal signature” to a visible image. These images are critical to the advancement of Medical Thermology, the science of deriving diagnostic indications from highly detailed and sensitive images of the human body, applying to the following fields of study: breast oncology, dentistry, neurology, orthopedics, occupational medicine, pain management, vascular medicine/cardiology and veterinary medicine. Coherent thermoelectric modules stabilize the temperature of a thermal image camera infrared detector, ensuring the highest image quality from external photonic sources.

Single Photon Counting Modules (SPCM)
Single Photon Counting Modules (SPCMs) are self-contained modules that offer market-leading photon counting performance in a variety of cutting-edge applications, including Particle Sizing, Confocal Microscopy, Ultra-Sensitive Fluorescence, Single Molecule Detection and Quantum Communications. The SPCM utilizes a unique silicon avalanche photodiode that must remain at a cool, consistent temperature to ensure maximum photon detection efficiency. Coherent multi-stage thermoelectric coolers achieve the necessary photodiode cooling and temperature control to guarantee module reliability.

High-Speed High-Sensitivity Cameras
Digital high-speed cameras require state-of-the-art electronic technology. The CCD (charge couple device) of a digital camera allows for high sensitivity and fast readout while maintaining high dynamic range and low image lag, and demands thermoelectric temperature management to function properly. The precise temperature control provided by the Coherent thermoelectric cooler provides the stability necessary to meet the digital camera speed and sensitivity requirements.

Optical Detectors – Agricultural, Chemical, Explosives and Bio-Hazard
The hand-held portable detector identifies potentially harmful products in our food, environment and agricultural products. This all-optical Raman system is designed for use by first responders, homeland security, military, law enforcement, forensic chemistry personnel, food industry, agriculture and environmental business. A key component in the detector system, called a charge-couple device (CCD), must remain at a specific temperature for the detector to provide accurate readings and results. Coherent provides thermoelectric coolers that match the CCD temperature requirements and ensure reliability for portable analytical equipment in ultra-sanitary or rugged outdoor conditions.

Deep Depletion CCD Camera Platform for Raman Spectroscopy
Deep depletion cameras offer superior sensory performance for a variety of applications, including Raman Spectroscopy, astronomical imaging and Bose-Einstein Condensate imaging. Every day, leading labs around the globe use these new imaging systems to conduct revolutionary research. These new cameras utilize proprietary back-illuminated and deep depletion sensor technology to provide significant improvements in sensitivity and fringe suppression.
This novel design has all the necessary essentials for tackling demanding low-light-level imaging applications. The system now supports the world’s first high-resolution, back-illuminated, deep-depletion imaging CCD for no-compromise performance in the NIR region (<1150nm).
Coherent currently provides the deepest thermoelectric cooling (-90°C) with no liquid assist to a new deep depletion CCD camera platform.

Aesthetic Medical Lasers
Advanced lasers used in the aesthetic medical market require thermoelectric cooling to extend laser life and increase patient comfort. Coherent’s engineering team develops customized thermoelectric modules to provide laser cooling and match specific laser application requirements.

To measure the concentration of a substance in a complex mixture, scientists conduct a biochemical test called an immunoassay. Machines in hospitals and clinics typically perform hundreds of immunoassay tests in one hour. Hundreds of reagents are used to provide analytical results for a number of diseases, including those related to anemia, bone metabolism, prostrate health, reproductive health, diabetes and many more infectious diseases. Analysis results often rely on reagent temperature accuracy. Coherent manufactures thermoelectric air-to-air chillers designed to maintain the immunoassay reagents at a consistent temperature of approximately 4°C.

In Vitro Diagnostics
Specimen receptacles, a form of in vitro diagnostic medical devices, are utilized to contain and preserve specimens derived from the human body for the purpose of in vitro diagnostic examination. These tests serve a variety of purpose,s including blood supply protection, drug-level monitoring, and disease diagnosis and treatment. Coherent manufactures thermoelectric air-to-air chillers designed to maintain the specimen receptacles and reagents at a very specific temperature to ensure the reliability of the test being performed.

General Temperature Control and Cooling Systems
Proper preservation of vital samples including reagents, insulin, specimen samples, tissue and human body organs requires specific temperature control options. Coherent provides thermoelectric coolers to meet specific application temperature requirements. These thermoelectric coolers are compact, portable and allow the user to program temperature ramps and set points, thereby proving thermoelectric technology the natural cooling method for such medical applications.

Physical therapy environments and routines often require strict temperature control. Thermoelectric technology allows for maximum temperature accuracy, control and overall customer convenience, eliminating melting ice cubes, chemical sprays or the negative side effects of moving parts. Coherent provides thermoelectric coolers (TEC) for various physical therapy applications. The solid state thermoelectric cooler enables portability, efficiency and quiet operation, thereby creating a more comfortable clinical environment and improving treatment results. The thermoelectric cooler also allows heat and cooling control from the same source, preprogrammed set points and ramp rates. The reliability of Coherent thermoelectric coolers meets the needs of numerous physical therapy applications, including localized thermal therapy, contrast therapy, soft tissue therapy, lymphedema and pain management.

Liquid Chiller Systems for Laser Cooling
Thermoelectric operated chillers are compact, quiet, CFC (chlorofluorocarbon)-free circulating systems that stabilize the operating temperature of equipment, such as digital X-ray plates, or remove excess heat from lasers and similar medical devices. Coherent provides thermoelectric modules that cool recirculating chillers, enabling these systems to match applications that require tight fluid temperature stability and control (±0.15°C ) with a smaller heat load such as medical equipment, analytical instruments, power supplies, electro-optics, electronic components and electrophoresis gels.