Life Science Optics

CMOS and CCD Cameras

cmos and ccd cameras

For over 20 years, life science OEMs have relied on us to provide thousands of cameras with exceptional value and consistent batch-to-batch performance. University and government research labs have looked to us for low volume solutions with optimized specifications. We have supported CCDs from ON Semi (formerly Kodak), Sony, Teledyne e2v, Hamamatsu, and Fairchild. In recent years, we’ve added scientific CMOS cameras, including board level imagers for integration into customers’ sub-systems. We will work with you to select the sensor technology that best fits your needs. IDEX Health & Science can then provide anything from an imaging system to a complete subsystem integrating optics, filters, illumination, and fluidics.

Kepler CMOS Cameras

Kepler cameras add CMOS sensors and high speed to our product portfolio. The back-illuminated KL400 has a peak quantum efficiency of 95% and delivers 24 high dynamic range frames per second with 1.5 electrons noise. In 12-bit mode, an 80 x 2000 subarray can exceed 1000 frames / second. The larger area of the KL4040 (37 x 37 mm) is alternative to complex step-scanning solution. We will continue to add new CMOS sensors to address customers’ needs. Kepler KL cameras include USB 3.0 interfaces as well as a QSFP (quad small form factor pluggable) cages for high-speed fiber optic communication. Air cooling and plumbing for liquid circulation are standard. Electromechanical shutters are optional to ease acquisition of calibration dark images.

In 2021, KL2020 joined the Kepler family and provided a game-changing solution for life science applications. This OEM camera offers high QE, high frame rates, and exceptional SNR ratio at a very competitive price.

DOWNLOAD KL400 BI DATASHEET

DOWNLOAD KL400 FI DATASHEET

DOWNLOAD KL4040 FI DATASHEET

MicroLine CCD Cameras

MicroLine and Hyperion cameras have long set the standards for price / performance for scientific CCD imaging. MicroLine cameras are small and lightweight, yet deliver extraordinary performance in cooling, noise, frame quality, and digitization bit-depth. With exceptionally low dark current and high sensitivity it makes it ideal for low light fluorescence applications.

Hyperion was developed for OEMS with a need for shorter distance front-to-back. MicroLines and Hyperions share electronics in differently shaped housings to satisfy customers’ mechanical requirements.

DOWNLOAD MLx285 DATASHEET

DOWNLOAD MLx695 DATASHEET

Sensors in all cameras are deep cooled in long-life maintenance-free sealed chambers. Regulated cooling stabilizes results for improved calibration. Cooling also minimizes thermally generated dark signal and maximizes dynamic range.

Camera Capabilities

 KL400KL4040MLx285MLx695
Sensor TechnologyCMOSCMOSCCDCCD
Sensor ArchitectureBack Illuminated / Front IlluminatedBack Illuminated / Front IlluminatedFront IlluminatedFront Illuminated
Peak QE (%)95 (BI) / 58 (FI)90 (BI) / 74 (FI)6275
Pixel Size (µm)1196.454.54
Array Size4 MP (2 K x 2 K)16 MP (4 K x 4 K)1.3 MP (1360 K x 1024 K)6 MP (2750 K x 2200 K)
Sensor Area (mm)22.5 x 22.536.9 x 36.98.8 x 6.612.5 x 10.10
Diagonal (mm)31.952.11116
Full Well (e-)92 (BI) / 120 (FI)39 (BI) / 70 (FI)1817
Data Bit-Depth (bit)16161616
Spectrum Capability (nm)200 - 1100 (BI) 300-1000 (FI)200 - 1100 (BI) 300-1000 (FI)300 – 1000300 – 1000
Dark Current (typical)0.4 eps @ -20 C (BI) / 0.2 eps @ -20 C (FI)1 eps @ -10 C (BI) / 0.15 eps @ -20 C (FI)0.001 eps @ -25 C0.0007 eps @ -30 C
Read Noise (e-; typical)1.6 (BI) / 1.5 (FI)2.1 (BI) / 3.7 (FI)4.53
Shutter TypeRollingRollingGlobalGlobal
Frame Rate24 / 4823(QSFP)41.4
Coolingdelta 45 Cdelta 40 Cdelta 60 Cdelta 60 C
InterfaceUSB3 / QSFPUSB3 / QSFPUSB2USB2
BinningNoNoYesYes

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