Nikon launches ultra sensitive camera for molecular fluorescence imaging
7 June 2006
Melville, NY, USA. Nikon Instruments Inc., has introduced the Nikon EMCCD
Monochrome Digital Camera (DQC-FS), an ultra high-quality camera
specifically designed for low-level fluorescence. The camera is aimed at
high-speed and high-sensitivity applications such as single molecule
fluorescence, high speed calcium imaging and live cell fluorescent protein
imaging. It can also be used with the LiveScan SFC confocal system and for
micro spectroscopy. The DQC-FS amplifies low-light-level signals above the
CCD read noise by employing unique electron-multiplying CCD technology.
The camera offers researchers extremely high sensitivity through its on-chip
multiplication gain. It achieves, in an all solid-state sensor, the
single-photon detection sensitivity typical of intensified or
electron-bombarded CCDs at much lower cost and at a higher resolution than
is characteristic of conventional intensified CCDs. "Nikon's DQC-FS is
another example of Nikon's continuing focus on advanced imaging through
innovation," said Stan Schwartz, vice president, Nikon Instruments.
"Capturing images in low light situations has become a priority in
microscopy, and the demand for quality combined with multiple functions
increases every day. The DQC-FS provides microscopists with the most
sophisticated and light sensitive technology available for demanding digital
imaging applications." Recent imaging applications in widefield
fluorescence and confocal microscopy have increasingly centred on the
demanding requirements of recording rapid transient dynamic processes that
may be associated with a very small photon signal and which often can only
be studied in living cells or tissues. Technological advances in producing
highly specific fluorescent labels and antibodies, as well as dramatic
improvements in camera, laser, and computer hardware have contributed to
many breakthrough research accomplishments. Nikon's DQC-FS is capable of
capturing even relatively weak signals at very high rates. Incorporating a
back-illuminated, frame transferred CCD, the camera produces a frame rate of
30 full frames per second at 10MHz to deliver an outstanding ability to
record specimen data at high temporal frequency and high dynamic range using
a 16-bit digitizer. To top
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