MiCAM03-N256

Large Sensor and Large Pixel

Active Area size

17.6mm x 17.6mm

Pixel size

69μm x 69μm

Applications such as membrane potential imaging require both very high speed, and the ability to detect small changes in fluorescence, such as 0.5-1%. In order to optimize S/N ratios, it is important to increase the amount of light captured by one pixel. It is easy to collect light and capture small changes using a sensor having large pixels.

High Spatial Resolution, High Frame Rates, and High S/N Ratios

Number of Pixels

256 x 256 pixels

Maximum Frame Rate

1,000 fps (at 256x256 pixels)

Dynamic Range

71dB

The overall performance has been improved in a balanced manner. This includes maximum frame rate, spatial resolution, and S/N ratios, all of which are important factors for high-speed membrane potential imaging.

Wide Dynamic Range Mode or High Sensitivity Mode by Adjustable Well Depth

Wide Dynamic Range Mode

3,000,000 electrons

High Sensitivity Mode

   600,000 electrons

It is now possible to easily switch the full well capacity of the camera in the acquisition software. Two modes are available: wide dynamic range mode (D-mode), and high sensitivity mode (S-mode). D-mode is used for tissue samples with high fluorescence light intensity, and S-mode is used for cultured cell monolayers, or preps with low fluorescence light intensity. This adjustable well depth makes it possible to image a variety of biological samples using a single camera.

ROI Readout for Higher Frame Rates (Option)

Preset partial readout setting and multiple ROI setting can be selected, and as a result it is possible to achieve higher frame rates. For example, ultra high frame rates such 20,000 fps@32x32 pixels is possible.

• All pixels readout (256x256 pixels)
• Multiple ROI readout (32x32x9 pixels)

Direct Data Saving and Long-Term Data Acquisition with USB3.0 High-Speed Data Transfer

New USB3.0 interface allows for significantly faster data transfer from processor to PC. It is now possible to save data directly to HDD or SSD, and long-term recording of several minutes up to a few hours can be achieved, regardless of the RAM capacity (Note that sampling rate, number of pixels, number of cameras used, and PC specifications, will affect the total recording time).

Up to two cameras can easily be connected and used in a completely synchronized dual-camera system

MiCAM03 processor has two camera ports, and can be adapted as a dual-camera system using an optional second camera, which enables synchronized recordings. This allows for simultaneous imaging of multiple fluorescent wavelengths, as well as three-dimensional imaging from different angles.

Synchronous Lighting Control of LED Light Source for Two-Wavelength Excitation Imaging such as Fura-2 Calcium Imaging

In the case of imaging using two fluorescent probes with two different excitation wavelengths or imaging using a two-wavelength excitation/single-wavelength fluorescent probe, it is necessary to synchronize the frame timing of the camera and the lighting timing of the light source.

This function is to output the lighting signal synchronized with each frame timing from MiCAM03 to multiple LED light sources. This makes it possible to easily synchronize the frame acquisition with MiCAM03 and LED lighting.

There are up to 4 channels of output. Preset patterns, in which signals are output alternately from each channel, are available. There is no need to set the lighting pattern using a commercially available pulse generator.

Moreover, since the pulse delay time and pulse width can be specified by software, it is possible to make detailed settings in accordance with the rise and fall times of the LED used.

• Two-wavelength excitation mode

Various I/O Connectors, and Improved Compatibility with External Devices

MiCAM03 has multiple input and output connections available. These universally standard I/O connections can be synchronized with image acquisition and external devices.

Turnkey System Ready for Immediate Use

The system consists of hardware/software specifically designed for high-speed fluorescence imaging, and the PC and monitor are included as standard equipment. Before use, calibration/setting/tuning is not necessary. The hardware connection is straightforward between components using cables, making it possible to acquire data immediately after setup.

Pre-Post Trigger Mode

MiCAM03 can record activity which occurs before and after a trigger signal is generated. When an external trigger occurs, such as a spontaneous biological signal, or a trigger pulse from an external stimulator, a specified amount of "pre-trigger" data can be saved. The "post-trigger" data is also collected in the same recording. As a result, both pre-trigger data and post-trigger data can be saved within one acquisition period.

• Pre-Post Trigger Mode (75% Pre-Trigger)

Time Lapse Imaging

MiCAM03 can capture phenomenon that changes in a few minutes up to several hours, intermittently. Because illumination light is turned on only at the time of image acquisition, phototoxic effects to sample is minimized, and a stable baseline can be acquired.

• Example of Time-lapse imaging

High Resolution Camera Control Function (Optional)

It is possible to control a high resolution camera having 1920x1200 pixels (BV-XB1 camera). High resolution imaging can be applied to various applications, including detection of intracellular Ca 2+ dynamics, flavoprotein fluorescence, FRET imaging, and also imaging of animal behaviors. High resolution imaging with BV-XB1 can also be synchronized with MiCAM03 high-speed imaging.

• BV-XB1
• Example of flavoprotein imaging

Acquisition/Analysis Software (BV Workbench)

BV Workbench is the image acquisition software that controls MiCAM03-N256 imaging system. In addition to image acquisition and control of inputs and outputs of the imaging system, analysis functions including movie playback, wave display, filter functions, etc…are also included. BV Workbench has an intuitive user interface that is easily operated with the use of a mouse.