CB2

Monochrome back-illuminated global shutter sCMOS - Back-illuminated sCMOS sensor with high QE and a very low 1.3e- rms read noise provides exceptional sensitivity through the visible spectrum. By incorporating a global shutter architecture, a “snapshot” image can be taken which provides true temporal accuracy across the field of view. This avoids the temporal distortions that can be found when imaging dynamic processes using the more common rolling shutter sCMOS designs.​

​ High resolution sensor format - With 24.5 Megapixel array and small 2.74 µm pixel size it is possible to image much wider areas at lower magnifications in full resolution greatly improving productivity. For example, by using a 10x objective you can capture four times the information in each snap as when using a 20x objective. When compared to a standard 6.5 µm pixel size 4.2 Megapixel cameras at 40x, even greater improvements in throughput can be achieved.​

On-chip 2x2 Binning - CB2 uniquely offers on-chip 2x2 binning of sCMOS pixels, allowing the native 2.74µm pixel to be converted to a 5.48µm pixel without doubling of read noise (which would otherwise be expected for sCMOS technology). This inherent optical flexibility significantly expands the application adaptability of the camera. For example, in fluorescence microscopy, a 2.74µm pixel is ideal for x10 to x40 low magnification imaging of large samples, whereas 5.48µm is better suited to high sensitivity imaging of samples with x60/High NA objective lenses. In astronomy, it also renders CB2 more optically adaptable to range of telescopes.

​ Low dark current sCMOS - For longer exposure applications of seconds to minutes duration, such as luminescence imaging or astronomy, it is thermal noise (dark current) that is the main source of noise that sets the ultimate limit of detection. Typically, slow scan deep cooled CCD cameras have remained the most suitable detectors for these applications as they have orders of magnitude lower dark current than sCMOS and their slow readout speed is not important. However, the new CB2 24B is different to most sCMOS; it features an ultra-low dark current sensor which when combined with cooling provides ‘CCD-like’ dark current of 0.0015 e-/p/s.

High Speed - Delivering 74 fps (full resolution) in 12-bit and 37 fps HDR mode, and much faster still with Region of Interest and/or pixel binning, CB2 24B can measure fast dynamic variability. Furthermore, the negligible readout time of a high-res sensor vastly exceeds that of CCDs, ideal for astro-photometry with minimal dead time between exposures.

Temperature management - Air cooling provides effective cooling to 0 °C for most applications. Liquid cooling boosts cooling down to -20 °C providing the lowest possible dark current at long exposures, or for vibration sensitive applications such as electrophysiology.

Selectable read-out options - 8-bits, 10-bits, 12-bits, 16-bits modes: Trade-off between frame rate and dynamic range. HDR mode is available to capture the full image information across an wide 16-bit data range.

​ Adjustable Gain - Default options for selection of High gain or Low gain allows easy adjustment for sensitivity or extended dynamic range. In addition, advanced users can fine-tune sensitivity and dynamic range to suit their specific requirements using 24dB analog gain and up to 48 dB of digital gain.

Multi-windowing and Region of Interest (ROI) - User-selectable regions of interest allow cropped sensor operation to boost frame rates even further, while multiple regions of interest can also be set enhancing your application possibilities.

Compact Design - CB2 24B packages a large area sensor, thermoelectric and liquid cooling and multiple connectivity options within a space efficient design, keeping the overall size of the camera to a minimum. The dimensions of the CB2 24B are 177.50 x 93 x 77.5 mm (LxWxH), while weight is 1.1 kg. This allows for ease of integration in most imaging and detection systems.

Lens mounting - The large 19.7 mm diagonal sensor of the CB2 24B comes with a native C-mount for broad compatibility and wide field of view across most modern microscopes, and optics. A TFL-mount is available to avoid vignetting that may be possible in certain applications that have large optical apertures.

High speed data interface options - Supporting the high data output of the camera are high-speed data interface options. CoaXPress and 10 GigE provide stable, low latency performance over longer distances.

​ Low temperature qualified - CB2 24B has been qualified for operation down to -40 °C ambient, ideal for observing in high altitude harsh environments.