MiCAM03-N256 is a high-speed imaging system that captures and visualizes small changes in fluorescence intensity from biological samples stained with fluorescent probes, such as voltage sensitive dyes and calcium dyes.
MiCAM03-N256 is designed to be the upgraded version of the previous MiCAM02 model, which has been used by neuroscience and cardiac research labs internationally, and which has been cited in many scientific research journals.
While inheriting the basic performance features of the MiCAM02 system, such as high-speed imaging, high S/N ratios, and intuitive operation, new features have been added in the MiCAM03-N256 system. New features include higher spatial resolution using a newly developed CMOS camera head, and long-term recording ability using high speed data transfer.
- High speed membrane potential imaging using voltage-sensitive dyes
- High speed calcium imaging
- Intrinsic optical signal (IOS) imaging based on flavoproteins and hemoglobin
- Imaging FRET, GCaMP, and various fluorescent proteins such as GEVI
- Ratiometric fluorescence imaging with multiple camera heads
- 3D or panoramic imaging with multiple camera heads
- Detection of small changes in light intensity at high speeds
N256 camera head is equipped with a new CMOS image sensor designed and developed by Brainvision.
Large Sensor and Large Pixel
Active Area size: 17.6mmx17.6mm
Pixel size：69μmx69μm
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: 256×256 pixels
Maximum Frame Rate: 1,000 fps (at 256×256 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 (D-mode): 3,000,000 electrons
High sensitivity mode (S-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 (Optional)
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 @ 32×32 pixels is possible.
All pixels readout (256×256 pixels) Multiple ROI readout (32×32 pixels x 9 area)
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).
(Acquisition with single camera using long term recording mode)
| Disk Capacity | Pixels | Frame Rate (fps) |
Number of recordable frames |
Recordable time (min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSD 1TB | 256×256 | 500 | 6,840,000 | 228.0 |
| 1,000 | 6,840,000 | 114.0 | ||
| 1,818 | 6,840,000 | 62.7 | ||
| 128×128 | 500 | 27,360,000 | 912.0 | |
| 1,000 | 27,360,000 | 456.0 | ||
| 5,263 | 27,360,000 | 86.6 |
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.
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.
Synchronous Lighting Control of LED Light Source for Multi-Wavelength Excitation Imaging
In the case of imaging using multiple fluorescent probes with 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 two LED light sources. This makes it possible to easily synchronize the frame acquisition with MiCAM03 and LED lighting.
There are up to 2 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
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.
Time Lapse Imaging (optional)
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 1920×1200 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-XB 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.
| System | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name | High Speed Imaging System MiCAM03-N256 |
High Speed Imaging System MiCAM03-HR |
| Model | MC03-N256 | MC03-HR |
| Standard System Configuration |
Camera Head (1-2), Processor, PC, Monitor, Acquisition software, Analysis Software | |
| Supported OS | Windows 7/10 64bit | |
| Camera Head | ||
| Name | N256 camera | HR camera |
| Model | MC-N256CAM | 02HRCM |
| Image Sensor | Original CMOS | Sony CCD |
| Active Pixels (H x V) | 256 x 256 | 380 x 244 |
| Active Image Area (H x V) | 17.6mm x 17.6mm | 6.4mm x 4.8mm |
| Pixels Size (H x V) | 69μm x 69μm | 16.8μm x 19.6μm |
| Shutter Mode | Global | Global |
| Maximum Frame Rate and Pixels (for 1 camera) |
1,000fps (256x256px) 1,000fps (128x128px) （Optional for 1,000fps and more） |
143fps (380x244px) 270fps (188x120px) 455fps (92x60px) |
| Quantum Efficiency | 55%@550nm / 50%@600nm | 75%@550nm / 50%@700nm |
| Well-Depth | 3,000,000e- / 600,000e- (switching) |
100,000e- (180x120px) / 12,000e- (180x120px, H-bin) |
| Dark noise | 500e- / 130e- | 60e- (3.7ms,180x120px) / 20e- (3.7ms,180x120px,H-bin) |
| Dynamic range | 71dB | 64dB |
| Lens mount | Original M42 mount (flange back: 14.5mm) (Option: C or F mount) |
C mount |
| Interface | Special Cable | Special Cable |
| Dimension (WxHxD) | 80mm x 80mm x 50mm | 62mm x 52mm x 46mm |
| Weight | 474g | 100g |
| Processor | ||
| Name | MiCAM03 processor | MiCAM03 processor (analog I/F) |
| Model | MC03-PRC | MC03-PRC-A |
| Camera Interface | 1 | |
| Camera Port | 2 | |
| Slot for Optional Unit | – | |
| Buffer Memory Inside Processor |
1GB | |
| Analog Inputs for synchronous recording |
2ch | |
| Output for Stimulation Pulse | 1ch | |
| Input for external trigger signal | 1ch | |
| Output for Lighting Control | 1ch | |
| Input/Output for Frame Timing | 1ch | |
| Output for Real Time Light Intensity Monitor |
– | |
| Output for Light Intensity Control | – | |
| Current Output | – | |
| Output for Acquisition Status | – | |
| Output for Trigger Wait Status | – | |
| Digital I/O port | 1 (6 pins) | |
| Trigger Mode | Software, TTL External Input, Analog External Input |
|
| Data Transfer Mode | USB3.0 | |
| Recording Mode | Temporary storage to PC RAM / Direct data saving to PC drive (SSD/HDD) |
|
| Maximum Recordable Frame Number |
Dependent on camera used and image acquisition settings | |
| Power Supply | AC100V-230V、50Hz/60Hz 150W | |
| Fuse | T2A L 250V | |
| Dimension | 300mm (W) x 260mm(D) x 60mm（H） | |
| Weight | 2.6kg | |
| Default/Optional Function | ||
| Single Trial Acquisition | Default | |
| Long Term Acquisition (direct saving to disk) |
Option (sold separately) | |
| Averaging Acquisition | Default | |
| Multiple ROI Readout for Higher Frame Rate |
Option (sold separately) | |
| Time-Lapse Acquisition | Option (sold separately) | |
| High Resolution Camera Control |
Option (sold separately) | |
| Acquisition software | Default | |
| Analysis software | Option (sold separately) | |
| SDK (for Visual C# .NET and MatLab) |
Option (sold separately) | |
| Selectable Number of Pixels (HxV) |
Maximum Frame Rate (fps) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Default | Multiple ROI Readout for Higher Frame Rate (optional function) |
||||
| NR Mode ON/OFF | NR Mode OFF | NR Mode ON 2 Times Ave |
NR Mode ON 4 Times Ave |
||
| 256×256 | Full Resolution | 1,000 | 1,818 | 1,923 | 1,031 |
| 192×192 | Square ROI | – | 2,941 | 3,125 | 1,695 |
| 128×128 | 1,000 | 5,263 | 5,556 | 3,333 | |
| 64×64 | – | 12,500 | 12,500 | 8,333 | |
| 256×128 | Horizontally Long Rectangle ROI |
– | 3,333 | 3,448 | 1,887 |
| 256×64 | – | 5,882 | 5,555 | 3,226 | |
| 256×32 | – | 9,091 | 8,333 | 5,000 | |
| 128×256 | Vertically Long Rectangle ROI |
– | 3,030 | 3,333 | 1,852 |
| 64×256 | – | 4,348 | 5,000 | 3,125 | |
| 32×256 | – | 5,556 | 7,143 | 4,762 | |
| 32×32 | 16 blocks | – | 2,381 | 2,632 | 1,724 |
| 15 blocks | – | 2,500 | 2,778 | 1,818 | |
| 14 blocks | – | 2,703 | 2,941 | 1,961 | |
| 13 blocks | – | 2,857 | 3,125 | 2,083 | |
| 12 blocks | – | 3,125 | 3,448 | 2,273 | |
| 11 blocks | – | 3,333 | 3,704 | 2,439 | |
| 10 blocks | – | 3,704 | 4,000 | 2,703 | |
| 9 blocks | – | 4,000 | 4,348 | 2,941 | |
| 8 blocks | – | 4,545 | 5,000 | 3,226 | |
| 7 blocks | – | 5,000 | 5,556 | 3,704 | |
| 6 blocks | – | 5,556 | 6,250 | 4,167 | |
| 5 blocks | – | 6,667 | 7,143 | 5,000 | |
| 4 blocks | – | 7,692 | 8,333 | 5,882 | |
| 3 blocks | – | 10,000 | 11,111 | 7,692 | |
| 2 blocks | – | 12,500 | 14,286 | 10,000 | |
| 1 block | – | 20,000 | 20,000 | 16,667 | |
| Selectable Number of Pixels (HxV) |
Maximum Frame Rate (fps) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Default | Multiple ROI Readout for Higher Frame Rate (optional function) |
||||
| NR Mode ON/OFF | NR Mode OFF | NR Mode ON 2 Times Ave |
NR Mode ON 4 Times Ave |
||
| 256×256 | Full Resolution | 1,000 | 1,087 | 1,064 | 1,031 |
| 192×192 | Square ROI | – | 1,818 | 1,754 | 1,695 |
| 128×128 | 1,000 | 3,704 | 3,571 | 3,333 | |
| 64×64 | – | 9,091 | 8,333 | 8,333 | |
| 256×128 | Horizontally Long Rectangle ROI |
– | 2,041 | 1,961 | 1,887 |
| 256×64 | – | 3,571 | 3,226 | 3,125 | |
| 256×32 | – | 5,882 | 5,000 | 5,000 | |
| 128×256 | Vertically Long Rectangle ROI |
– | 2,000 | 1,961 | 1,852 |
| 64×256 | – | 3,571 | 3,448 | 3,125 | |
| 32×256 | – | 5,556 | 5,556 | 4,762 | |
| 32×32 | 16 blocks | – | 1,887 | 1,613 | 1,613 |
| 15 blocks | – | 2,041 | 1,724 | 1,724 | |
| 14 blocks | – | 2,174 | 1,852 | 1,852 | |
| 13 blocks | – | 2,326 | 1,961 | 1,961 | |
| 12 blocks | – | 2,500 | 2,128 | 2,128 | |
| 11 blocks | – | 2,703 | 2,326 | 2,326 | |
| 10 blocks | – | 2,941 | 2,500 | 2,500 | |
| 9 blocks | – | 3,226 | 2,778 | 2,778 | |
| 8 blocks | – | 3,571 | 3,125 | 3,125 | |
| 7 blocks | – | 4,000 | 3,448 | 3,448 | |
| 6 blocks | – | 4,762 | 4,000 | 4,000 | |
| 5 blocks | – | 5,556 | 4,762 | 4,762 | |
| 4 blocks | – | 6,667 | 5,556 | 5,556 | |
| 3 blocks | – | 8,333 | 7,143 | 7,143 | |
| 2 blocks | – | 11,111 | 10,000 | 10,000 | |
| 1 block | – | 16,667 | 16,667 | 16,667 | |