Stories & Features
Advance your Imaging Capabilities with BioLine™ CMOS Camera
May 4, 2022
by
IDEX Health & Science
Choosing a camera for a broad range of Life Science imaging applications can be a challenging task. The sensor assumes such a central role in an imaging system, that a deep understanding of the instrument’s specifications and technical trade-offs is needed. Gel and blot imaging systems that are using fluorescence and chemiluminescence in a low light environment require higher resolution and sensitivity to produce publication quality images and data sets. When acquiring images at very long exposures, the reliable and cost-effective cooling capabilities become important to reducing the dark shot noise.
In the high content imaging of cells where the goal is to maximize data capturing, the large FOV and higher speed would be the most advantageous camera features. Other features to consider when optimizing high content imaging system are large dynamic range and broad spectral sensitivity (high QE).
Some digital immunoassay platforms for rapid detection of biomarkers combine single molecule fluorescent detection with flow cytometry. This technology provides a single molecule detection capability with significantly improved detection limits. Such improvements wouldn’t be possible without higher sensitivity at the extended exposure time and wide dynamic range.
With those needs in mind, the BioLine™ CMOS platform was developed by Finger Lakes Instrumentation (FLI) under the umbrella of IDEX Health & Science. It was designed to offer a range of Sony sensors with various pixel density and formats for Life Science applications from Gel Doc Imaging to DNA Sequencing and Spatial Transcriptomics. Our experienced team of optical and systems engineers across different life science applications can help bring your system to the next level by improving its imaging performance. As the optofluidic leader, we deliver the most complete portfolio of technologies, components, and capabilities from source-to-sensor systems to individual light sources, optical modules, and camera solutions.
Case Study: A high sensitivity IDEX camera with a wide dynamic range is a critical component for robust and reproducible results of a multiplex biomarker detection system.
This line of cameras can be used by life science instrument manufacturers who are looking to replace obsoleted CCD cameras. CMOS technology has become preferred over CCD technology in many applications due to advantages in speed, read noise, and cost. A typical disadvantage of CMOS technology is higher dark current noise. Therefore, thermal control for long exposure applications (to be able to collect enough photons from a low light environment) is critical for high-quality images. The BioLine CMOS imagers are built upon reliable, proven TE-cooling technology, enabling users to achieve higher SNR images, even in low-light applications. Our IDEX Health & Science team can assist in making a well-informed decision on a suitable CMOS candidate by offering a detailed SNR analysis using your system parameters. The BioLine CMOS line of cameras supports industry standard interfaces that further facilitates a drop-in replacement of older cameras.
Need to Transition from CCD to CMOS?
Watch our recent webinar focused on leveraging all the benefits of CMOS technology and how to make a data-driven decision on selecting your next camera.
Learn how to advance your imaging capabilities with BioLine Cameras today.