Elemental for Discovery
The ORCA-Fire intelligently integrates all the essential elements of a high performance, back-thinned, scientific CMOS (sCMOS) camera. The camera’s excellence is rooted in Hamamatsu’s dedication to low noise and high quantum efficiency sCMOS technology. With the ORCA-Fire, high sensitivity is realized while also achieving excellent resolution and blazing fast speeds. The ORCA-Fire shines when the science demands high throughput but the sample can only deliver a few photons.
Will the ORCA-Fire spark your next discovery?
Low mag imaging (<40×) offers the advantage of large field of view, which can be critical for high throughput applications. To acquire low mag images with maximum information, the imaging system must achieve high resolution by matching pixel size to Nyquist-level or higher sampling rates. The pixel size of the ORCA-Fire is ideal for most 40× objectives or lower (see chart below). The ORCA-Fire’s high spatial resolution combined with a large pixel array and high speed readout delivers 2.9× higher pixel throughput over even the fastest 4.2 MP 6.5 μm sCMOS camera.
The ORCA-Fire uses advanced back-thinned technology with micro-lenses to achieve high quantum efficiency. Combined with readout noise of 1.0 e- rms, the ORCA-Fire continues Hamamatsu's trend of providing sCMOS cameras that offer paramount sensitivity at all light levels.
High QE is a fundamental expectation and a critical component of high sensitivity imaging. Achieving high QE through sensor backthinning seems straightforward however there are nuances in backthinned sensor design that can impact image quality. In conventional back-illuminated detectors, crosstalk occurs between pixels due to poor pixel separation within the active region of the silicon, impairing resolution independent of pixel size. Our engineers implemented a deep trench pixel structure in the ORCA-Fire that prevents pixel crosstalk and improves resolution.
Researchers are increasingly turning to fluorescence lightsheet microscopy to study biological processes in living cells and organisms and to capture stunning 3D resolution of cleared tissue. There are many flavors of lightsheet microscopy but generally the sample is illuminated orthogonally using a “sheet” of light. This sheet is then scanned across the sample to obtain optical cross-sectional images that can be reassembled into full 3D renderings. The ORCA-Fire implements Hamamatsu’s patented lightsheet readout mode. In this mode, the lightsheet is synchronized with readout of the sensor, reducing the impact of scattered light and effectively improving image quality and signal to noise.
In the ORCA-Fire, lightsheet readout has four distinct operational modes: forward, backward, bidirectional and reverse bidirectional. In forward mode the readout begins at the top and progresses to the bottom of the sensor. In backwards mode, the readout is initiated from the bottom and ends at the top. Bidirectional mode begins with forward readout in the first frame and switches to backwards readout in the next frame, continuing this alternating pattern frame by frame. As the name suggests, backwards bidirectional mode, begins with the bottom to top backwards readout in the first frame and switches to top to bottom in the next and so on. Both bidirectional modes were implemented to avoid the lag time required to return to the lightsheet to the top or bottom of the sensor for the next frame.
With the introduction of the ORCA-Fire, users are now able to stream 10 megapixel images to their computers 115 frames per second. The computer recommendations for this high data rate can be met by using the guidelines listed this PC Recommendations for ORCA-Fire.
The ORCA-Fire intelligently integrates all the essential elements of a high performance, back-thinned, scientific CMOS (sCMOS) camera.
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The ORCA-Flash4.0 LT3 is a new scientific CMOS camera for fluorescence imaging, which has been improved from the ORCA-Flash 4.0 released in 2011.
It is equipped with a high level of performance required for fluorescence imaging such as life science applications, and can be used not only for basic research applications but also for integration into various types of equipment.
With a low readout noise of 1.5 electrons rms, the ORCA-Flash4.0 LT3 delivers high S/N comparable to or better than a BSI camera, especially in the low light range.
This performance can be demonstrated in high quality multidimensional imaging, as typified by long time-lapse imaging with low excitation light with low phototoxicity and photobleaching.
The ORCA-Flash4.0 LT3 is capable of 40 frames/second readout, which is even faster than the conventional ORCA-Flash4.0 LT+ (30 frames/second). This is useful for applications which requires real time measurement with high temporal resolution.
The wide field of view of 13.312 mm (H) × 13.312 mm (V) allows more information to be obtained in a single shot.
This contributes to higher throughput in experiments such as DNA chip reading.
With the introduction of the ORCA-Flash4.0 LT3, users are now able to stream 4 megapixel images to their computers 40 frames per second. The computer recommendations for this high data rate can be met by using the guidelines listed this PC Recommendations for ORCA-Flash4.0 LT3.
The ORCA-Flash4.0 LT3 is a new scientific CMOS camera for fluorescence imaging.
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Inspiration does not obey speed limits.
For imaging scientists, inspiration is often found at the edges―at the spatial, temporal, and optical boundaries of a system. It’s that grainy image of the cytoskeleton that has just enough photons to confidently resolve two unique molecules. It’s data extracted from a few pixels, whittled away from a larger array, to achieve capture rates relevant to neuronal signaling. It’s the mesmerizing cellular migrations of a developing embryo, reconstructed from a lightsheet time-lapse, that offer new insights and spark new questions.
By more than doubling speed, resolution and field of view relative to current scientific cameras, the ORCA-Lightning is designed to inspire new frontiers of exploration. Compared to a Gen II sCMOS, the ORCA-Lightning delivers 2 times the pixel area, 2.8 times the pixels and 3.4 times faster pixel-per-second readout.
All these increases translate to the ability to capture more image data faster, and still achieve Hamamatsu-quality images and information content. So whether you’re developing the next cutting-edge lightsheet system or building a library of the mouse connectome, the high throughput of the ORCA-Lightning will get you to your goal faster. And, we hope, open doors to new discoveries.
Can even take high-speed images which were difficult to fully capture until now, with approximately 6 times the readout speed, while maintaining a level of readout noise similar to that of ORCA-Flash4.0 V3.
Cameras used in light-sheet microscopes put emphasis on high speed, demanding fast readout. Because images with increased readout speed result in obtaining fewer photons upon capture, it is necessary to keep the camera's readout noise low when trying to capture high S/N images. ORCA-Lightning can capture images at approximately 6 times the readout speed, while maintaining a level of readout noise similar to that of ORCA-Flash4.0 V3.
Using CoaXPress as an interface and optimizing high speed data transfer to the PC, ORCA-Lightning realizes high-speed image acquisition.
We took consecutive images and produced 3D imaging of a free-swimming Volvox.
When capturing the image of a free-swimming Volvox, imaging speed of 2-dimensional (area of observation) and 3-dimensional (number of images) settings were selected with a precondition of approximately 8 volumes per second.
With its high speed, ORCA-Lightning can capture clearer images within a wide range compared to ORCA-Flash4.0 V3.
Imaging conditions
“Lightsheet Readout Mode” is a unique and patented feature of Hamamatsu sCMOS cameras which can improve signal to noise ratios in Lightsheet microscopy.
Utilizing selective plane illumination, Lightsheet microscopy is a fluorescence method that places a thin sheet of excitation light across only the focal plane being imaged. The sheet of light is swept in very precise synchronization to the rolling shutter of the camera. The scan height of the rolling shutter effectively becomes a slit, enabling less background signal and scattered light. By using this combination of illumination and camera readout, very fast acquisition of optically sectioned images is enabled. Additionally, there is significantly reduced photobleaching and phototoxicity to the sample as compared to many other methods.
Lightsheet microscopy is used for live cell imaging at scales that range from small groups of cells to whole organisms. The rapid increase in the use of this technique over the past several years has been remarkable.
ORCA-Lightning covers the twice large field of view compared to ORCA-Flash4.0 V3, so that it can improve throughput and efficiency of work.
With the introduction of the ORCA-Lightning, users are now able to stream 12 megapixel images to their computers 121 frames per second. The computer recommendations for this high data rate can be met by using the guidelines listed this PC Recommendations for ORCA-Lightning.
Compared to a Gen II sCMOS, the ORCA-Lightning delivers 2 times the pixel area, 2.8 times the pixels and 3.4 times faster pixel-per-second readout.
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The ORCA-Fusion, built from the sensor up, balances the complex nuances of camera features to provide beautiful images and robust data at all lights levels, but especially in tough low-light conditions. The exceptionally low and highly uniform read noise of the ORCA-Fusion means that when the sample emits even just a handful of photons, either by default or by experimental design, they are not lost in the noise, but detected and reliably quantified. After all, when you want to hear a whisper it’s best to be in a quiet place.
“Lightsheet Readout Mode” is a unique and patented feature of Hamamatsu sCMOS cameras which can improve signal to noise ratios in Lightsheet microscopy.
Utilizing selective plane illumination, Lightsheet microscopy is a fluorescence method that places a thin sheet of excitation light across only the focal plane being imaged. The sheet of light is swept in very precise synchronization to the rolling shutter of the camera. The scan height of the rolling shutter effectively becomes a slit, enabling less background signal and scattered light. By using this combination of illumination and camera readout, very fast acquisition of optically sectioned images is enabled. Additionally, there is significantly reduced photobleaching and phototoxicity to the sample as compared to many other methods.
Lightsheet microscopy is used for live cell imaging at scales that range from small groups of cells to whole organisms. The rapid increase in the use of this technique over the past several years has been remarkable.
With the introduction of the ORCA-Fusion, users are now able to stream 5 megapixel images to their computers 89 frames per second. The computer recommendations for this high data rate can be met by using the guidelines listed this PC Recommendations for ORCA-Fusion.
The ORCA-Fusion, built from the sensor up, balances the complex nuances of camera features to provide beautiful images and robust data at all lights levels, but especially in tough low-light conditions.
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See what you’ve been missing
The ORCA-Fusion BT camera is the pinnacle of scientific CMOS (sCMOS) performance. The specifications are without compromise: ultra-low readout noise, CCD-like uniformity, fast frame rates and back-thinned enabled high QE. But the beauty of the ORCA-Fusion BT is what this combination of exceptional photon detection and collection can do for you. See the dimmest whisper of signal, acquire visually stunning, high S/N images from the fewest photons, capture previously unresolved temporal events and perform computational methods with confidence. The ORCA-Fusion BT is the camera that makes the difficult experiments easy and previously impossible experiments possible.
Exclusive industry leading BT sCMOS performance with trusted Hamamatsu quality and reliability
A practical and functional replacement for expensive EM-CCDs with uncompromising sensitivity, speed and versatility
“Lightsheet Readout Mode” is a unique and patented feature of Hamamatsu sCMOS cameras which can improve signal to noise ratios in Lightsheet microscopy.
Utilizing selective plane illumination, Lightsheet microscopy is a fluorescence method that places a thin sheet of excitation light across only the focal plane being imaged. The sheet of light is swept in very precise synchronization to the rolling shutter of the camera. The scan height of the rolling shutter effectively becomes a slit, enabling less background signal and scattered light. By using this combination of illumination and camera readout, very fast acquisition of optically sectioned images is enabled. Additionally, there is significantly reduced photobleaching and phototoxicity to the sample as compared to many other methods.
Lightsheet microscopy is used for live cell imaging at scales that range from small groups of cells to whole organisms. The rapid increase in the use of this technique over the past several years has been remarkable.
With the introduction of the ORCA-Fusion BT, users are now able to stream 5 megapixel images to their computers 89 frames per second. The computer recommendations for this high data rate can be met by using the guidelines listed this PC Recommendations for ORCA-Fusion BT.
The ORCA-Fusion BT camera is the pinnacle of scientific CMOS (sCMOS) performance. The specifications are without compromise: ultra-low readout noise, CCD-like uniformity, fast frame rates and back-thinned enabled high QE.
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The ORCA-spark is a high-sensitivity digital CMOS camera using a 2.3 megapixel CMOS sensor.
It has global shutter to achieve a high-speed readout of 65 frames/s, making it ideal for imaging fast moving objects.
The ORCA-spark also delivers readout noise levels as low as 6.6 electrons, enabling imaging with high S/N ratio even when capturing images of dark objects.
The ORCA-spark is a high-sensitivity digital CMOS camera using a 2.3 megapixel CMOS sensor.
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We’ve advanced our camera technology, so you can advance your science
Building on our extensive experience with high performance scientific cameras and advanced imaging applications, Hamamatsu introduces the new ORCA-Flash4.0 V3. This one camera expertly handles applications ranging from the acquisition of beautiful scientific images to experiments that demand detection, quantification and speed. With on-board FPGA processing enabling intelligent data reduction, highly refined in-camera, pixel-level calibrations, increased USB3.0 frame rates, purposeful and innovative triggering capabilities, patented lightsheet read out modes and individual camera noise characterization the ORCA-Flash4.0 V3 is the precision instrument for imaging.
“Lightsheet Readout Mode” is a unique and patented feature of Hamamatsu sCMOS cameras which can improve signal to noise ratios in Lightsheet microscopy.
Utilizing selective plane illumination, Lightsheet microscopy is a fluorescence method that places a thin sheet of excitation light across only the focal plane being imaged. The sheet of light is swept in very precise synchronization to the rolling shutter of the camera. The scan height of the rolling shutter effectively becomes a slit, enabling less background signal and scattered light. By using this combination of illumination and camera readout, very fast acquisition of optically sectioned images is enabled. Additionally, there is significantly reduced photobleaching and phototoxicity to the sample as compared to many other methods.
Lightsheet microscopy is used for live cell imaging at scales that range from small groups of cells to whole organisms. The rapid increase in the use of this technique over the past several years has been remarkable.
With the introduction of the ORCA-Flash4.0, users are now able to stream 4 megapixel images to their computers 100 frames per second. The computer recommendations for this high data rate can be met by using the guidelines listed this PC Recommendations for ORCA-Flash4.0.
The ORCA-Fusion BT camera is the pinnacle of scientific CMOS (sCMOS) performance. The specifications are without compromise: ultra-low readout noise, CCD-like uniformity, fast frame rates and back-thinned enabled high QE.
INQUIRE PRICING →
