SCHOTT LED MC-LS A20990 Fiber Optic Light Source Illuminator (100–240V)

The SCHOTT LED MC-LS (A20990) is a high-output fiber optic “cold light” source designed for stereo microscopy, inspection, and imaging workflows that require bright, stable illumination with precise control. The MC-LS supports continuous 0–100% dimming and workstation-friendly connectivity for repeatable inspection conditions.

System note: Light delivered at the work surface is primarily driven by the selected light guide geometry (single vs. dual vs. ring) and working distance—choose guide style first, then optimize intensity.

Specifications:

Manufacturer / Model: SCHOTT ColdVision MC-LS LED Light Source
Catalog / Part number: A20990
Light flux (rated): 850 lm
Color temperature: 5400 K
Dimming: Continuous 0–100%
Connectivity / control: USB (virtual RS-232) + built-in 9-pin connector (analog)
Cooling: Fan cooled
Max. active light guide diameter: 13 mm
Input voltage: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption: 60 W
Operating temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Dimensions (L x W x H): 158 x 145 x 98 mm (6.2" x 5.7" x 3.9")
Weight: 2.0 kg (4.62 lb)
Compliance: ETL approved; RoHS compliant
Use environments: Inspection / microscopy / workstation illumination; final suitability depends on installation, airflow, and SOP

About the Manufacturer:

SCHOTT is a global technology company known for advanced glass, materials science, and optical technologies used across microscopy, life sciences, industrial inspection, electronics, and medical technology. SCHOTT illumination platforms (including the ColdVision range) are designed to support repeatable optical performance and durable workstation integration in demanding technical environments.

Compatible Light Guides and Accessories (Optional Add-Ons)

Power Cords (Select One)

US: H09063.026
EU: H09063.028
UK: H09063.027

Optional Light Guides (as listed on this product page)

A08400: Single rigid gooseneck 18" (chrome)
A08410: Single rigid gooseneck 30" (black)
A08500: Dual rigid gooseneck 18" (chrome)
A08575: Dual rigid gooseneck 23" focusing (black)
A08600: Universal ringlight (47 mm to 62 mm)

Notes: Light guide geometry (single vs. dual vs. ring) usually matters more than raw output when controlling glare and shadowing. Open the SOSCleanroom Technical Vault tab for selection guidance and setup best practices.

For application support, call us at 800-443-7101 or email Sales@SOSsupply.com.

Product page updated: Feb. 5, 2026 (SOS Technical Staff)

© 2026 SOSCleanroom.com. All rights reserved.

The Technical Vault: SCHOTT ColdVision MC-LS (A20990) LED Fiber Optic Light Source

Vault purpose: What MC-LS is optimized for, how output and guide choice affect inspection outcomes, and controlled-environment deployment notes.

1. What the MC-LS Is Designed to Do

MC-LS (A20990) is a high-output fiber optic cold light source for stereo microscopy and inspection. Light is generated in the housing and delivered through a fiber optic light guide, enabling controlled illumination placement while keeping electronics and heat generation away from the most sensitive viewing zone.

In practice, the system is used to standardize inspection lighting across stations where repeatability matters (operators and/or cameras).

2. Output, Spectrum, and What Actually Drives Brightness at the Part

Rated light flux: 850 lm
Color temperature: 5400 K
Dimming: continuous 0–100%
Max. active light guide Ø: 13 mm

Usable illumination is a system result: source output + light guide geometry + working distance + aiming angle. For reflective parts, guide selection and angle often improve defect visibility more than increasing intensity.

3. Dimming Strategy (How to Avoid Glare and Overexposure)

Start low, then increase intensity only as needed.
Change angles first to reduce specular hot spots on polished or coated surfaces.
Standardize settings (dimming % + guide position) in work instructions for repeatability.

4. Control & Integration (USB / RS-232 / Analog)

USB control: digital control via USB (virtual RS-232)
9-pin connector: analog control options via built-in connector
Protection feature: temperature monitoring helps protect the LED engine under demanding use

If you are using camera-based inspection, digital intensity control can improve station-to-station repeatability and reduce operator variability.

5. Mechanical, Power, and Environmental Limits

Input voltage: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption: 60 W
Operating temperature: 0°C to 40°C
Dimensions (L x W x H): 158 x 145 x 98 mm
Weight: 2.0 kg
Cooling: fan cooled (maintain ventilation clearance)

6. Light Guide Selection (Recommended Options on SOSCleanroom)

Light guide geometry defines illumination behavior. Example options listed on the SOSCleanroom product page:

A08400: single rigid gooseneck 18"
A08410: single rigid gooseneck 30"
A08500: dual rigid gooseneck 18"
A08575: dual rigid gooseneck 23" focusing
A08600: universal ringlight (47–62 mm)

7. Controlled Environment Considerations

MC-LS is an illumination device with internal electronics and active cooling. It is not sterile and is not marketed as cleanroom-certified. Controlled-environment suitability depends on installation, cleaning method, and placement relative to critical airflow zones.

In sensitive areas, many facilities place the light source outside the most critical airflow zone and route only the light guide toward the work area. Document placement and wipe-down protocol in SOP/qualification packages when inspection repeatability or audit readiness is required.

8. Source Basis (Specification Traceability)