Cascade II:512 The Most Sensitive EMCCD Camera for Bioscience0 pages

Cascade® II 512 Datasheet
HIGH PERFORMANCE EMCCD & CCD CAMERAS FOR LIFE SCIENCES

512 x 512 imaging array
16 x 16-μm pixels

Primary applications
Ultra-low-light fluorescence
Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF)
Single-molecule fluorescence
Spectral imaging

The Photometrics® Cascade® II:512 is the only EMCCD
microscopy camera in the world to offer -80˚C cooling
without LN2 or water! This 16-bit, 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.

Luminescence

Featurest

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 -80˚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

512 x 512 imaging array
16 x 16-μm pixels

Good field of view and sensitivity
Good resolution

10-MHz readout
5- and 1-MHz readout

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

16-bit digitization

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

C-mount

Easily attaches to microscopes, standard lenses, or optical equipment

Acquisition software

Captures, analyzes, and saves high-resolution images

PCI interface

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/Vista 32, Mac OS X, and Linux® (kernel versions 2.4 and 2.6.8)

PM-DS-004 Rev B1

©2012 Photometrics. All rights reserved.

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