High-sensitivity Cooled CCD Camera-DIGITAL SIGHT SERIES DS-Qi1
The definitive digital camera for time-lapse fluorescence observation.
High–sensitivity, low noise and excellent quantitative capability!
By combining low-noise electronics and a high-quantum efficiency detector, the DS-Qi1 can capture a wide dynamic range of intensities while maintaining quantitative linearity. Added features such as a fast analog-to-digital converter (ADC), very low read noise, and programmable gain control make the DS-Qi1 an ideal detector for fluorescence imaging applications.
High sensitivity
The high-sensitivity CCD, which has outstanding quantum efficiency (>65% at 500nm), combined with low read noise, allows the capture of even low light fluorescence signals. Intensity and time of fluorescence excitation can therefore be minimized to reduce photobleaching.
Low noise images
The Peltier cooling mechanism cools the CCD down to 10°C below ambient temperature, reducing the average dark current to 0.7e-/pixel/s. Also, the readout noise is reduced to 8e- rms with the newly developed CCD drive circuit. Thus, clear, high-contrast fluorescence images can be captured at a dynamic range of over 2000:1.
A larger dynamic range allows acquisition of weak fluorescence signals, and of very bright signals–even in the same image (images can be intensity scaled for computer displays, allowing users to visualize the high dynamic range).
Reliable quantitative analysis
Linearity, a quantitivity index, has been improved to >98%. This, together with reduced noise, assures comparable, quantitative image data collection over a wide exposure range.
High frame rate display
A high frame rate of up to 32fps with 640 x 480 pixel image size (2 x 2 binning) is possible, using a fast 36MHz analog-to-digital converter. As images can be displayed smoothly in near real time, stress-free focusing and positioning is possible.
High performance and flexible imaging software
NIS-Elements imaging software integrates microscope image capture, document data management and analysis. Comprehensive control of microscope, camera and peripheral devices makes it possible to configure the multidimensional time-lapse imaging system easily and it enhances research efficiency.
Visit the NIS-Elements webpage for more details.