Low-light Specialist

The MU043M-FL is designed specifically for extreme low-light applications. The cutting-edge global-shutter sensor takes quantum conversion to a whole new level. The monochrome sensor was designed for challenging tasks including deep-space imaging, so it’s no surprise it provides an astonishing 7469mV photoelectric-conversion (1/30s, f/5.6). Not only that, but due to the lower resolution and increased sensitivity, maximum framerates up to 520fps can be achieved for incredibly responsive real-time previews*. All of this adds up to a camera born for fluorescence and dark-field applications, as well as applications involving photosensitive subjects. Due to the extreme sensitivity, this camera is not intended for high-output brightfield illumination.

*Preview framerate may not match the recorded framerate. Extreme framerates are dependent on the computer’s processing power and recording media.

Sensitivity

An image sensor’s sensitivity is one of the most important characteristics for low-light imaging. The ability to efficiently capture light with low noise levels allows the capture of faint signals, or to capture vivid images very quickly. The study of live specimens or other light-sensitive subjects can be difficult due to the amount of light needed to produce an image. One of the result is specimen bleaching, which shortens the subjects lifetime and limits the time available to study it. A highly sensitive sensor can reduce the amount of exposure, prolonging the viability of the specimen.

Monochrome vs Color

Monochrome may seem antiquated in modern imaging, but it still holds relevance. All sensors are fundamentally monochrome, as a silicon substrate does not interpret color. Most color sensors use an array of red, green, and blue filters arranged in a Bayer pattern to filter out all but the intended wavelengths of light. The image is later demosaiced to produce a full-color image with each pixel borrowing color data from its neighbors. The resulting image can be extremely accurate depending on the demosaicing algorithm used.

The downside of using a Bayer (or other) filter array is that a lot of light is rejected at each pixel, resulting in longer exposures needed to achieve full well-capacity. If light is abundant, this is not much of a problem. But for low-light applications, every drop of light counts. Monochrome sensors do not use color filters, so they can capture more light per pixel in shorter durations.

Global Shutter Technology

One of the major benefits of CMOS technology in imaging sensors is the ability to read each pixel independently. This drastically cuts down the time required to capture an image, and reduces noise compared to CCD readout methods. The line-by-line “rolling shutter” readout method reads some lines of pixels while others are in the process of capturing, leading to distortion in subjects in motion, mostly noticeable in high-speed motion.

Global shutter to the rescue. Global shutter is a method of capturing and reading out an image which in some ways mimics CCD technology. The entire image is read out at the same time, avoiding potential continuity errors seen with rolling shutter. This is beneficial for capturing objects in motion, and produces a more accurate image.

Field of View

Using a 1/3-inch format sensor, this camera is best-used with a 1/3X reduction lens or 1/3X C-mount photo-ports. A 0.37X reduction lens for 23mm ports is included, along with 30mm and 30.5mm adapters. This maximizes the field-of-view captured by the camera.

Software

With software available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, this camera package is a multi-platform imaging solution. The included Windows software offers image-development and measurement tools, as well as advanced compositing features such as image-stitching and extended-depth-of-focus. A measurement calibration slide is included to properly calibrate the software’s scale for use with the array of linear and geometric measurement tools. With the ability to calibrate scales at multiple magnifications, the software can be used for multi-level inspection. Independent preview and capture resolutions allow you to view high-speed video while simultaneously capturing high-definition images. For Mac and Linux, there is a lite version of the software which can capture video and still images, and includes limited processing features.

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