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Cascade II:1024 The Most Versatile Megapixel EMCCD Camera

Cascade II:1024 The Most Versatile Megapixel EMCCD Camera

Cascade II:1024 The Most Versatile Megapixel EMCCD Camera

Product catalog summary
Overview: The document provides detailed specifications and features of the Photometrics Cascade II 1024 EMCCD camera, designed for high-performance imaging in life sciences applications.
Key Features and Benefits:
  • EM Gain: Offers low-noise, high-sensitivity imaging through an impact-ionization process.
  • Back-Illuminated EMCCD: Provides over 90% peak quantum efficiency for superior image quality.
  • Deep Cooling: Thermoelectric cooling to -60°C reduces dark current, enabling long exposure times without the need for bulky cooling systems.
  • Lifetime Vacuum: Permanent all-metal vacuum seals ensure maintenance-free operation.
  • Imaging Array: 1024 x 1024 array with 13 x 13-μm pixels offers good field of view and resolution.
  • Readout Options: 10-MHz, 5-MHz, and 1-MHz readout speeds for high-speed visualization and precision photometry.
  • Dual Amplifiers: Software-selectable modes for high-speed/high-sensitivity or wide-dynamic-range performance.
  • 16-bit Digitization: Allows detection of both bright and dim signals in the same image.
  • Frame-Transfer EMCCD: Ensures 100% duty cycle for continuous data collection without a mechanical shutter.
  • Single Optical Window: Minimizes light loss by having only one optical surface between incident light and the EMCCD.
  • Compatibility: Easily attaches to microscopes and other optical equipment via C-mount; compatible with Windows XP/7.
Primary Applications: The camera is ideal for low-light fluorescence, total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF), single-molecule fluorescence, and intracellular trafficking studies.
Technical Specifications:
  • EMCCD Sensor: e2v CCD201, back-illuminated, frame-transfer CCD with EM gain.
  • Imaging Format: 1024 x 1024 pixels with a 13.3 x 13.3-mm imaging area.
  • Read Noise: Reduced to less than 1 e- rms with EM gain enabled.
  • EM Gain: Adjustable from 1 to 1,000x in 4,096 steps via software.
  • Dark Current: 0.005 e-/p/s at -60°C.
  • Binning Capabilities: Flexible binning in parallel and serial directions.
  • Operating Environment: 0 to 30°C ambient temperature, 0 to 80% relative humidity non-condensing.
Performance Data: Frame rates vary with binning and readout speed, with maximum rates at 10 MHz and 1.2-μsec/row vertical shift speed.
Conclusion: The Cascade II 1024 EMCCD camera offers high-resolution, low-noise imaging with robust cooling and vacuum technology, making it suitable for demanding life sciences applications.
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Catalog excerpts

Cascade II:1024 The Most Versatile Megapixel EMCCD Camera-1

Cascade® II 1024 Datasheet HIGH PERFORMANCE EMCCD & CCD CAMERAS FOR LIFE SCIENCES 1024 x 1024 imaging array 13 x 13-μm pixels Primary applications Low-light fluorescence Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) Single-molecule fluorescence Intracellular trafficking studies The Photometrics® Cascade® II 1024 is the only true 16-bit, megapixel EMCCD camera in the world to offer -60˚C cooling without LN2 or water! This high-resolution camera uses its deep thermoelectric cooling to maximize gain and minimize dark current. A stainless-steel vacuum chamber (with all-metal seals) houses a high-QE, back-illuminated, frame-transfer EMCCD. The camera’s exclusive vacuum technology is so robust it carries a lifetime guarantee. Features Benefits EM gain Low-noise, impact-ionization process provides very high sensitivity Back-illuminated EMCCD Highest available quantum efficiency (>90% peak QE) Deep cooling Thermoelectric cooling to -60°C minimizes dark current and allows long exposure times No need for a bulky chilled-water circulator or cryogenic compressor, both of which are prone to leaks, blockages, and condensation Lifetime vacuum Permanent, all-metal vacuum seals guaranteed for lifetime of camera Maintenance-free operation 1024 x 1024 imaging array 13 x 13-μm pixels Good field of view and sensitivity Good resolution Excellent for high-speed image visualization Perfect for high-precision photometry Dual amplifiers Select readout mode via software: (1) optimal high-speed / high-sensitivity performance (2) optimal wide-dynamic-range performance Wide dynamic range allows detection of bright and dim signals in the same image Frame-transfer EMCCD 100% duty cycle for continuous data collection No mechanical shutter required Single optical window Single vacuum window is the only optical surface between incident light and EMCCD surface No light loss from multiple optical surfaces Easily attaches to microscopes, standard lenses, or optical equipment Acquisition software Captures, analyzes, and saves high-resolution images High-bandwidth, uninterrupted data transfer PVCAM Circular buffers Device sequencing Supported by numerous third-party software packages Real-time focus Precise integration with shutters, filter wheels, etc. Compatible with Windows® XP/7 ©2013 Photometrics. All rights reserved.

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Cascade II:1024 The Most Versatile Megapixel EMCCD Camera-2

EMCCD Technology Quantum Efciency (%) Note: Frame rates are measured at 10 MHz with 1.2-μsec/row vertical shift speed. EMCCD image sensor e2v CCD201; back-illuminated, frame-transfer CCD with EM gain EMCCD format 1024 x 1024 imaging pixels; 13 x 13-μm pixels; 13.3 x 13.3-mm imaging area (optically centered) Linear full well single pixel output node Digitizer type 16 bits @ 10 MHz, 5 MHz, and 1 MHz “EM gain” amplifier (port #1) “Traditional” amplifier (port #2) Read noise Read noise effectively reduced to <1 e- rms with EM gain enabled EM gain 1 to 1,000x (typical) Controlled via software in 4,096...

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