PRESS RELEASE / PRESSEINFORMATION
April 12, 2016
New Leica camera for imaging live cells under near-native conditions
Leica Microsystems launches sCMOS microscope camera
Wetzlar, Germany. Leica Microsystems launches the Leica DFC9000, a monochrome microscope camera with a highly sensitive third-generation sCMOS sensor. The camera enables researchers to image live cells under near-native conditions, allowing them to gain a better understanding of cellular processes and dynamics.
The Leica DFC9000 features an sCMOS sensor with high quantum efficiency over the entire spectrum of light, which provides a high signal-to-noise ratio to securely detect even faint signals. Compared to the second generation sensor, the maximum quantum efficiency increased by 14%, totaling up to 82% depending on wavelength as illustrated in the graphic below. In combination with a very low noise level, this results in a crisp fluorescence signal against a dark background – an effect very much desired in high-end fluorescence live cell imaging. The high sensitivity of the camera eliminates the need to monitor GFP-overexpressing specimens and protects cells from phototoxicity. The camera acquires full-frame images at a standard rate of 50 frames per second (fps) in the USB 3.0 interface version and at 90 fps with the Camera Link interface version. Higher frame rates can be achieved with partial readout of, for example, 512 x 512 pixels with 270 fps. This means researchers will not miss any fast cellular processes.
“ sCMOS cameras have become the gold standard in demanding, high-end live cell imaging. Their sensitivity and speed ensure that users can capture data even from very fast processes – with other sensors these would be lost. With the Leica DFC9000, we launch the first Leica sCMOS camera. It enables researchers to get closer to reality, because they can image live cells under near-native conditions. This camera fits many of our research microscopes perfectly: Their 19 mm camera ports are designed to take full advantage of the 19 mm sensor diagonal, making sure researchers benefit from this really large field of view,” says Markus Lusser, President of Leica Microsystems.
Microscopes from Leica Microsystems, like the inverted Leica DMi8 or the upright Leica DM6 B, offer a fully optically corrected 19 mm camera port that allows researchers to make full use of the sensor and achieve a real field of view of 19 mm over the entire imaging system.
The Leica DFC9000 is available with a USB 3.0 interface as the Leica DFC9000 GT, and with a Camera Link interface as the Leica DFC9000 GTC.
Claudia Müller / Anja Schué· Tel. +49 6441 29-2630 / -2201· [email protected]
Leica Microsystems GmbH · Ernst-Leitz-Straße 17–37 · D-35578 Wetzlar · www.leica-microsystems.com PRESS RELEASE / PRESSEINFORMATION
More information about the Leica DFC9000 http://www.leica-microsystems.com/dfc9000 Introduction to digital camera technology http://www.leica-microsystems.com/science-lab/microscope- cameras/introduction-to-digital-camera-technology/
The Leica DFC9000 sCMOS microscope camera is highly sensitive with its high quantum efficiency of up to 82% and extremely low noise. The image shows a paramecium expressing GFP-Epiplasmin and Cy5-polyglycylated Tubulin. Nucleus stained with Hoechst 33258 (blue). Acquisition with LAS X. Specimen courtesy of Dr. A. Aubusson-Fleury, CGM- CNRS, France
The Leica DFC9000’s third-generation sensor has a quantum efficiency of up to 82% depending on wavelength. Quantum efficiency describes the ability of a sensor to absorb and convert light into electrons. The high sensitivity of the camera enables researchers to image their specimens under near- native conditions.
The Leica DFC9000 sCMOS microscope camera mounted to a Leica DMi8 inverted microscope. With the combination of the microscope’s 19 mm camera port and 19 mm sensor diagonal to the camera, researchers see more and ensure they do not miss any data.
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Claudia Müller / Anja Schué· Tel. +49 6441 29-2630 / -2201· [email protected]
Leica Microsystems GmbH · Ernst-Leitz-Straße 17–37 · D-35578 Wetzlar · www.leica-microsystems.com PRESS RELEASE / PRESSEINFORMATION
About Leica Microsystems Leica Microsystems develops and manufactures microscopes and scientific instruments for the analysis of microstructures and nanostructures. Ever since the company started as a family business in the nineteenth century, its instruments have been widely recognized for their optical precision and innovative technology. It is one of the market leaders in compound and stereo microscopy, digital microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy with related imaging systems, electron microscopy sample preparation, and surgical microscopes.
Leica Microsystems has seven major plants and product development sites around the world. The company is represented in over 100 countries, has sales and service organizations in 20 countries, and an international network of distribution partners. Its headquarters are located in Wetzlar, Germany.
Claudia Müller / Anja Schué· Tel. +49 6441 29-2630 / -2201· [email protected]
Leica Microsystems GmbH · Ernst-Leitz-Straße 17–37 · D-35578 Wetzlar · www.leica-microsystems.com