12-bit monochrome digital camera is much faster at capturing faint fluorescence images, particularly those in the IR region of the spectrum, through more effective use of CCD chip
By using the photosensitive area on its CCD chip more effectively, the Nikon DS-1QM digital camera is said to be 2.5 times more efficient and 30% more sensitive than standard low light level cameras.
This makes the new 12-bit monochrome digital camera much faster at capturing faint fluorescence images, particularly those in the IR region of the spectrum.
As a result the DS-1QM enables greater accuracy of measuring fluorescence intensities and quantifies the signals it detects.
The DS-1QM achieves its speed and sensitivity by employing virtual frame transfer CCD technology to produce 15 frames per second in full resolution and up to 90 frames per second in binning mode.
This technology also removes the need for micro lenses as used in ordinary cameras, meaning more photons emanating from a wider range of wavelengths can reach the chip's extra large pixels.
Peltier cooling down to -30C ensures low noise images even with exposure times up to 30 seconds.
The CCD is mounted in a vacuum sealed package which eliminates condensation and promotes an adiabatic process.
To ensure all 15 frames per second of its full resolution images are transferable to a PC, the DS-1QM incorporates a 400Mbps Firewire (IEEE1394) interface. However, if preferred the user can view an image on the video monitor without connecting to a PC.
