The new ORCA-D2 is a dual-CCD camera is designed around two ER-150 CCD devices. It can capture simultaneous dual-wavelength or multiple focal-plane images. Each CCD captures a 1280 × 960 pixel field of view and has independent exposure and gain settings to accommodate significantly different intensity levels between the two images as is often seen in FRET and ratio imaging applications.
Hamamatsu
Bridgewater, NJ
[email protected]
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PRESS RELEASE
ORCA-D2: A unique solution for dual wavelength imaging and multiple focal plane imaging
Hamamatsu Photonics has announced the new ORCA-D2, a dual CCD camera which will be available in spring 2010. Designed around two ER-150 CCD devices, the ORCA-D2 can capture simultaneous dual wavelength or multiple focal plane images. Each CCD captures a 1280 (H) x 960 (V) pixels field of view, and each CCD has independent exposure and gain settings to accommodate significantly different intensity levels between the two images as is often seen in FRET and ratio imaging applications.
Image separation is accomplished with interchangeable optical blocks that incorporate beam splitters and emission filters. Selecting among the dichroic splitter optical blocks or a 50/50 optical block provides a simple and easy-to-use tool for a wide range of applications. By combining the optical blocks with the two high quantum efficiency ER-150 CCDs, it is easy to make dual images of! wavelengths between 400 nm and 950 nm at frame rates up to 11 fps at full resolution and full 12-bit output.
Image registration in dual imaging applications is greatly simplified in the ORCA-D2. One of the CCDs is adjustable via software to compensate for vertical, horizontal, and Z-axis registration. Each optical block contains a memory and can be adjusted for multiple objective choices as well. When the optical block is inserted into the camera, the position of the moveable CCD is automatically adjusted for the optical setup.
Other features of the ORCA-D2 include wide dynamic range; high sensitivity and low noise, courtesy of Hamamatsu's advanced CCD cooling technology; and Hamamatsu's proprietary vacuum-sealed chamber technology, which promotes long-term, maintenance-free operation with even the most demanding applications. The camera also features an IEEE1394b interface, 12-bit A/D converter, and various external trigger modes.
This camera is suitable for a variety of microscopy applica! tions, i ncluding ratio imaging, single and dual wavelength fluorescence microscopy, FRET, blue to NIR fluorescence applications, colocalization and FISH applications, dual wavelength TIRF microscopy, real-time confocal microscopy, combined transmission and fluorescence imaging, and multi-focal plane imaging.