Neuronal Imaging MiCAM05-C35IR

MiCAM05-C35IR is an imaging system equipped with a large 35mm full-size CMOS sensor, which has a spatial resolution of 2,160×1,280 pixels.

MiCAM05-C35IR uses an ultra-high sensitive CMOS sensor which has large pixels, uses low noise technology, and has > 80% quantum efficiency. This makes it possible to image dim fluorescent samples at wide fields of view, which was previously difficult to detect with sufficient S/N ratios.



Main Features

  • Wide field of view: 35mm full-size CMOS sensor (47.7 mm diagonal)
  • Ultra-high sensitivity: large 19umx19um pixel size, high quantum efficiency (> 80%), and new technology to reduce noise
  • High frame rate: 52.6fps at 2,160×1,280 pixels spatial resolution
  • A commercially available fluorescent filter can be installed in the camera head

Applications

  • Wide-field imaging with the use of positive-dF fluorescence/luminescence probes
  • Fluorescence imaging of entire multi-well plates

MiCAM series camera comparison showing light intensity levels and maximum frame rates

MiCAM series cameras have always been used for capturing light intensity changes at high speeds from bright fluorescence samples, but it has been difficult to capture sufficient S/N ratios from dark fluorescent samples.

MiCAM05-C35IR makes it possible to image low light levels from dark fluorescent samples, which was previously difficult to detect with sufficient S/N ratios.

MiCAM series camera comparison showing light intensity levels and maximum frame rates

Very large sensor: wide field of view and brighter imaging is possible

Comparison of sensors

When imaging a wide field of view, it is necessary to use a low-magnification lens. In general, however, low magnification lenses also have low numerical apertures, and images appear dim.

C35IR camera head has a large sensor, and users can image large field of views even when using higher magnification lenses, in comparison to cameras having smaller sensors. As a result, brighter imaging is possible with C35IR at wide fields of view.

In combination with Brainvision’s fluorescence macroscope, it is possible to assemble a wide-field / high resolution / high S/N ratio fluorescence imaging system.


High sensitivity: large pixel size, high quantum efficiency, low noise technology

Large pixel size of 19umx19um, high quantum efficiency of 80% or higher, and new technology to reduce noise. It is possible to capture signals in very dark fluorescence levels with high S/N ratios.


High frame rate: 52.6fps at 2,160×1,280 pixels

Frame rate, spatial resolution and active area size
Imaging Mode Number of
pixels
(H x V)
Active area
size (mm)
(H x V)
Maximum
frame rate
(fps)
Minimum
Exposure time
(ms)
High Resolution
Imaging
2,160 x 1,280 41.0 x 24.3 52.6 19.0
2,108 x 1,080 40.1 x 20.5 61.7 16.2
High Speed
Imaging
(Partial readout)
1,276 x 1,280 24.2 x 24.3 89.3 11.2
1,212 x 1,080 23.0 x 20.5 107.5 9.3
1,212 x   720 23.0 x 13.7 153.8 6.5
1,212 x   360 23.0 x 6.8 277.8 3.6
2×2 Binning 1,080 x   640 41.0 x 24.3 90.9 11.0

A commercially available fluorescent filter can be installed in the camera head

A commercially available fluorescent filter (diameter 50 mm) can be installed inside the camera mount. Users can capture fluorescence by connecting a camera lens directly to the camera head without using a fluorescence microscope.


Dimensions


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

Up to two camera interface boards can be connected to the MiCAM05 processor and up to two of the same type of camera head can be connected at any time. This allows for simultaneous imaging of dual fluorescent wavelengths, as well as three-dimensional imaging from different angles.


Synchronous Lighting Control of LED Light Source for Multi-Wavelength Excitation Imaging (Optional)

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 MiCAM05 processor to multiple LED light sources. This makes it possible to easily synchronize the frame acquisition with MiCAM05-C35IR 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.
Optional UnitOptional Unit
2波長励起モードtwo-wavelength excitation mode
4波長励起モードfour-wavelength excitation mode



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

MiCAM05 processor has multiple input and output connections available, in comparison to previous MiCAM systems. These universally standard I/O connections can be synchronized with image acquisition and external devices. An additional slot has been added to MiCAM05 processor so that customization is also available, depending on the research application.

Panel

Automatic Light Control and Adjustment of Light Intensity

In addition to the “Shutter” output terminal for controlling the timing of illumination in synchronization with image acquisition, there is a “LightCtl” signal output terminal for automatically adjusting the intensity of the excitation light. In this way, light intensity or saturation percentage of the image captured by the camera, can be adjusted using the software. As the background light intensity becomes similar throughout an experiment and even for different biological preps, the experimental repeatability can be improved.

light control

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.

Diagram

Pre/Post Trigger Mode

MiCAM05-C35IR 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

MiCAM05-C35IR 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.
Time LapseExample of Time-lapse imaging





Acquisition/Analysis Software (BV Workbench)

BV Workbench is the image acquisition software that controls MiCAM05-C35IR 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.

BV Workbench


System
Name Ultra-High Sensitivity,
Wide-Field Imaging System
MiCAM05-C35
Ultra-High Sensitivity,
Wide-Field Imaging System
MiCAM05-C35IR
Model MC05-C35 MC05-C35IR
Standard System
Configuration
Camera Head (1-2), Processor, Cables,
PC, Monitor,Acquisition software, Analysis Software
Supported OS Windows 10 64bit
Camera Head
Name C35 camera C35IR camera
Model MC-C35CAM MC-C35IRCAM
Image Sensor CMOS
Active Area Size (H x V) 41.04 mm x 24.32 mm
Pixel Format (H x V) 2,160 x 1,280 pixels (2.76M pixels)
Unit Pixel Size (H x V) 19μm x 19μm
Shutter Rolling shutter
Dark Noise 2.2 e- @gain x16 3.4 e- @gain x16
Full-Well Capacity 61,000 e- 70,000 e-
Lens mount EF-Mount, C-Mount, Others
Interface Special Cable
Dimension (WxHxD) 103mm x 103mm x 76.5mm
Weight 920g
Processor
Name MiCAM05 processor
Model MC05-PRC
Camera Interface 1 (up to 2)
Camera Port 2
(2 of 4 ports is available for C35 camera)
Slot for Optional Unit 1
Buffer Memory
Inside Processor
4GB (up to 8GB)
Analog Inputs for
synchronous recording
4ch
Output for Stimulation Pulse 2ch
Input for external trigger signal 1ch
Output for Lighting Control 1ch
Input/Output for Frame Timing 1ch
Output for Real Time
Light Intensity Monitor
8ch
Output for Light Intensity Control 2ch
Current Output 2ch
Output for Acquisition Status 1ch
Output for Trigger Wait Status 1ch
Digital I/O port 1 (25 pins)
Trigger Mode Software, TTL External Input,
Analog External Input, Usage of Optional Unit
Data Transfer Mode USB3.0 (for basic functions)
USB2.0 (for Real Time Light Intensity Monitor)
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 430mm (W) x 350mm(D) x 75mm(H)
Weight 6.2kg