HNü series
개요
With industry-leading low light SNR
Made for applications requiring a large field of view along with photon counting capabilities in the fields of Space & Defense, Life Science, Physics, Industry and more. The HNü 1024/512/256 camera provides exactly what is to be expected from a high-end EMCCD camera: virtually no noise. This ultimate sensitivity enables highly efficient low-flux imaging, hence faster acquisitions and superior image quality.
특징
Outstanding SNR performances
* Operation rate up to 25 fps full frame
* < 0.0015 e–/pixel/frame background noise
* EM gain up to 5000
* Air-cooling down to -80°C
Highest quantum efficiency
The HNü 1024/512/256 integrates the high QE (up to 95%) typical to high-end EMCCD detectors. Coupled with Nüvü’s patented electronics for the lowest background noise and the highest EM gain, this HNü 1024/512/256 camera is ideal for large field-of-view measurements in ultra-low light conditions.
Typical spectral response as a function of wavelength, as specified by the EMCCD detector manufacturer
Photon counting performance comparison
Thanks to Nüvü’s CCD Controller for Counting Photons, less clock-induced charges (CIC) are generated, the dominant source of noise in low light EMCCD imaging, providing at least 10x less noise than other cameras using the same detector whilst counting at least 15% more genuine photons
Now with multiple region of interest (mROI) feature
Instead of imaging an object with the entire EMCCD detector area, a user can set multiple smaller portions of the detector to perform the same task faster.
Selecting a particular region of interest (ROI) or multiple ROI (mROI) is a trade-off that offers higher frame rates at the cost of a reduced field of view. A ROI is subject to the same limitations as binning, namely that the speed gain occurs with smaller vertical regions but is restricted by the horizontal pixel rate.
Features for faster acquisition
* Crop Mode
* Fast Kinetics Mode
* Time-Delay Integration (TDI) Mode
* Multiple Region of Interest (mROI) & ROI
Fully integrated services // Software tools
* NüPixel control, acquisition and analysis software
* Software development kit (SDK) for customizable programming
* Various drivers available for commercial software
* Windows & Linux compatibility
* Worldwide professional customer support
스펙
Darker EMCCD — Less noise
The darkest EMCCD cameras are manufactured by Nüvü Camēras. The secret? The CCD Controller for Counting Photons (CCCP), an innovative technology that virtually suppresses clock-induced charges (CIC), and a cooling Peltier unit integrated into an ingenious packaging. The thermoelectrically cooled HNü camera operates between -60 and -90°C with outstanding precision to optimize CIC and dark current to their ground level. The images below illustrate the accumulation of dark current when the shutter is closed. The darker the image, the less noise is present.
With Nüvü Camēras' EMCCD technology Other EMCCD technology
Acquisition conditions: -85 °C cooling, 10MHz readout speed, EM gain of 5000 for Nüvü Camēras, and 1000 for other EMCCD manufacturers.
No pixel leaking, superior image quality
At high readout speeds, the electron transfer from one potential well to the next may be incomplete, leaving a few charges behind. Consequently, the leftover electrons artificially increase the brightness of certain pixels, thereby diminishing the overall image quality with the addition of arbitrary blurry spots. However, Nüvü Camēras’ CCCP preserves charge transfer efficiency (CTE), even at low operating temperature and increased EM gain, while decreasing CIC, yielding highly superior image quality.
With Nüvü Camēras' EMCCD technology Other EMCCD technology
Acquisition conditions: -85 °C cooling, 10MHz readout speed, EM gain of 5000 for Nüvü Camēras, and 1000 for other EMCCDs.
New standard for photon-counting imaging cameras
As stated in its name, Nüvü Camēras’ proprietary CCD Controller for Counting Photons was purposely designed for photon-counting imaging. As such, no noise-filtering algorithms are used. The amount of noise generated is simply lower, eliminating the risk of removing genuine photoelectrons.
Resorting to arbitrary clocks rather than regular square clocks to shift the electrons through the EMCCD, the CCCP clamps down the generation of clock-induced charges and significantly reduced the detector’s total background noise. Consequently, the EMCCD ability to discriminate single-photon events is considerably increased, and the camera can effectively operate in photon-counting mode as long as the background noise is low.
In extreme cases where the expected intensity is about a single photon per pixel per second or even less, the photon counting (PC) mode is the ideal solution to obtain high-quality images. By eliminating the excess noise factor (ENF) and using a statistically significant threshold, pixels are individually analyzed to determine whether or not they truly detected a photon despite various noise sources.
Displayed below are images of extremely dim light sources — low concentration bioluminescent samples — and illustrate the power of photon-counting imaging in such conditions. All figures are courtesy of the Université de Sherbrooke Hospital Centre.
Single 30 seconds acquisition in conventional (CCD) mode. No details are visible where we should have seen several bioluminescent ATP samples.
Applying electron multiplication to suppress the readout noise reveals the bioluminescent ATP samples in 5 seconds. As such, all six ATP concentrations are detectable with SNR values varying from 1.9 to 14.1 (or, equivalently, 2.8 dB to 11.5 dB).
Photon counting mode with an EMCCD increases the contrast of all ATP samples by suppressing the excess noise factor (ENF), thus allowing considerable improvements in image quality. The SNR increases from 6.6 to 51.3 (equivalent to a range of 8.2 dB to 17.1
옵션
Space & Defense
Over the past centuries, space exploration has always sought state-of-the-art low-light imaging technology and adopted many innovative products to carry out its never-ending discovery of the cosmos.
The colossal potential of this technology is starting to emerge and yet needs to be fully grasped. The following EMCCD ground and space-based applications are only the tips of the iceberg.
Applications in space and defense
Space surveillance
Space situational awareness (SSA) with increased time resolution and sensitivity for unparalleled detection capabilities. Detect fainter, faster and smaller space objects or debris thanks to unparalleled sensitivity.
Night Time observation
Unique SNR for night observation (UV to NIR) Image from ultra-violet to near infra-red with the highest signal-to-noise ratios even in extreme darkness conditions.
Extrasolar planet imaging
Enhanced sensitivity for exoplanets detection and characterization Industry-leading photon-counting capabilities and sensitivity for the imaging and characterization of even the farthest Earth-like objects.
Adaptive optics
Unmatched speed for atmospheric distortion correction. The highest EMCCD frame rate and lowest latency for both high quality and rapid detection of distortions.
Satellite and Balloon mission
Exceptional low light imaging performances compatible with high atmospheric environments and low pressure.
High resolution spectroscopy
Image at smaller spectral bandwidths with higher speeds thanks to unmatched sensitivity and imaging rates.
Life Science
Every day, new interactions between light and living organisms are discovered.
Pioneering the exploration of uncharted areas of Life Sciences, our innovative cameras are the solution to the most complex detection challenges of the scientific community involved in ultra-low light imaging.
Applications in Life Science
Real time cancer cell detection
With increased image quality in lower exposure times, neoplastic tissue can be rapidly detected and shown in real-time for image-guided surgery readily transferable to the clinic.
Detection of low light emission by biomarkers
Detect faint light emissions with unmatched signal-to-noise ratios to allow biological sample characterization in the most light-starved contexts while minimizing photobleaching.
Drug development
Increase the lifetime of observed cells while preserving their integrity. Increase knowledge on long-term effects while monitoring their dynamic mechanisms of action.
Small animal imaging
Small animals such as mice, rats, and rabbits are commonly used to study biological phenomena in a non-invasive manner with the help of fluorescing or bioluminescent biomarkers.
Cerenkov luminescence imaging
Detect faint Cerenkov radiation faster and increase the imaging reliability thanks to improved sensitivity, thus facilitating clinical integration.
PHOTON COUNTING FOR LIFE SCIENCES
Multiple biomedical research fields can now benefit from the most sensitive camera on the market. Observing individual photons at high frame rates with an astoundingly high SNR is now possible with Nüvü™ EMCCD cameras. With a background noise below 0.001 ē/pix/frame as well as an EM peaking at 5000, these cameras can be applied to several biomedical research fields to study phenomena that have never been examined with such precision, sensitivity and reliability.
An EMCCD background noise results from the combination of dark current and clock-induced charges. The readout noise, the excess noise factor, and improper charge transfer also influence the background noise. Nüvü Camēras state-of-the-art and patented technology elegantly overcomes these obstacles. Its lower noise allows signal amplification up to 5000 times via electron multiplication before digitization, while typical EMCCDs are limited to an EM gain of 1000 due to lack of efficiency. Combine with the multitude of other noise-countering methods made available with CCCP technology. Additionally, Nüvü Camēras advance technology sets new standards using creative and innovative engineering to physically reduce the system’s noise without a single computer-based filtering algorithm.
When every photon counts
What you see is the exact same galaxie imaged with and without Nüvü Camēras’s imaging technology. Now imagine that each star is a cancer cell, which technology would you prefer?
Spatial innovations have always been at the forefront of new technologies. This is the reason why Nüvü’s technology, although initially designed for Astronomy, is now pushing boundaries of the observable in life science.
Physics
Single-photon detection for measurements at the quantum limit
Image dynamic events and interactions at the smallest scales with remarkably short exposures and over large spectral ranges with Nüvü Cameras’ unmatched noise specifications, enabling you to push the frontiers of knowledge with less concern over technical limitations.
Applications in Physics
Quantum simulators
Measure faint fluorescence signals from single atoms with minimal laser excitation thanks to industry-leading photon counting capabilities. Track interactions and other fast kinetic events with exceptionally short exposures and high reliability.
Quantum imaging
Quantum imaging is a large sub-domain in quantum optics studying quantum entanglement and its effects. By exploiting these unique properties, the accuracy of standard classical methods can be significantly improved and novel imaging methods can be achieved. Better understanding of quantum entanglement is also crucial to improve quantum communication and quantum computing methods.
HNü series
개요
With industry-leading low light SNR
Made for applications requiring a large field of view along with photon counting capabilities in the fields of Space & Defense, Life Science, Physics, Industry and more. The HNü 1024/512/256 camera provides exactly what is to be expected from a high-end EMCCD camera: virtually no noise. This ultimate sensitivity enables highly efficient low-flux imaging, hence faster acquisitions and superior image quality.
특징
Outstanding SNR performances
* Operation rate up to 25 fps full frame
* < 0.0015 e–/pixel/frame background noise
* EM gain up to 5000
* Air-cooling down to -80°C
Highest quantum efficiency
The HNü 1024/512/256 integrates the high QE (up to 95%) typical to high-end EMCCD detectors. Coupled with Nüvü’s patented electronics for the lowest background noise and the highest EM gain, this HNü 1024/512/256 camera is ideal for large field-of-view measurements in ultra-low light conditions.
Typical spectral response as a function of wavelength, as specified by the EMCCD detector manufacturer
Photon counting performance comparison
Thanks to Nüvü’s CCD Controller for Counting Photons, less clock-induced charges (CIC) are generated, the dominant source of noise in low light EMCCD imaging, providing at least 10x less noise than other cameras using the same detector whilst counting at least 15% more genuine photons
Now with multiple region of interest (mROI) feature
Instead of imaging an object with the entire EMCCD detector area, a user can set multiple smaller portions of the detector to perform the same task faster.
Selecting a particular region of interest (ROI) or multiple ROI (mROI) is a trade-off that offers higher frame rates at the cost of a reduced field of view. A ROI is subject to the same limitations as binning, namely that the speed gain occurs with smaller vertical regions but is restricted by the horizontal pixel rate.
Features for faster acquisition
* Crop Mode
* Fast Kinetics Mode
* Time-Delay Integration (TDI) Mode
* Multiple Region of Interest (mROI) & ROI
Fully integrated services // Software tools
* NüPixel control, acquisition and analysis software
* Software development kit (SDK) for customizable programming
* Various drivers available for commercial software
* Windows & Linux compatibility
* Worldwide professional customer support
스펙
Darker EMCCD — Less noise
The darkest EMCCD cameras are manufactured by Nüvü Camēras. The secret? The CCD Controller for Counting Photons (CCCP), an innovative technology that virtually suppresses clock-induced charges (CIC), and a cooling Peltier unit integrated into an ingenious packaging. The thermoelectrically cooled HNü camera operates between -60 and -90°C with outstanding precision to optimize CIC and dark current to their ground level. The images below illustrate the accumulation of dark current when the shutter is closed. The darker the image, the less noise is present.
With Nüvü Camēras' EMCCD technology Other EMCCD technology
Acquisition conditions: -85 °C cooling, 10MHz readout speed, EM gain of 5000 for Nüvü Camēras, and 1000 for other EMCCD manufacturers.
No pixel leaking, superior image quality
At high readout speeds, the electron transfer from one potential well to the next may be incomplete, leaving a few charges behind. Consequently, the leftover electrons artificially increase the brightness of certain pixels, thereby diminishing the overall image quality with the addition of arbitrary blurry spots. However, Nüvü Camēras’ CCCP preserves charge transfer efficiency (CTE), even at low operating temperature and increased EM gain, while decreasing CIC, yielding highly superior image quality.
With Nüvü Camēras' EMCCD technology Other EMCCD technology
Acquisition conditions: -85 °C cooling, 10MHz readout speed, EM gain of 5000 for Nüvü Camēras, and 1000 for other EMCCDs.
New standard for photon-counting imaging cameras
As stated in its name, Nüvü Camēras’ proprietary CCD Controller for Counting Photons was purposely designed for photon-counting imaging. As such, no noise-filtering algorithms are used. The amount of noise generated is simply lower, eliminating the risk of removing genuine photoelectrons.
Resorting to arbitrary clocks rather than regular square clocks to shift the electrons through the EMCCD, the CCCP clamps down the generation of clock-induced charges and significantly reduced the detector’s total background noise. Consequently, the EMCCD ability to discriminate single-photon events is considerably increased, and the camera can effectively operate in photon-counting mode as long as the background noise is low.
In extreme cases where the expected intensity is about a single photon per pixel per second or even less, the photon counting (PC) mode is the ideal solution to obtain high-quality images. By eliminating the excess noise factor (ENF) and using a statistically significant threshold, pixels are individually analyzed to determine whether or not they truly detected a photon despite various noise sources.
Displayed below are images of extremely dim light sources — low concentration bioluminescent samples — and illustrate the power of photon-counting imaging in such conditions. All figures are courtesy of the Université de Sherbrooke Hospital Centre.
Single 30 seconds acquisition in conventional (CCD) mode. No details are visible where we should have seen several bioluminescent ATP samples.
Applying electron multiplication to suppress the readout noise reveals the bioluminescent ATP samples in 5 seconds. As such, all six ATP concentrations are detectable with SNR values varying from 1.9 to 14.1 (or, equivalently, 2.8 dB to 11.5 dB).
Photon counting mode with an EMCCD increases the contrast of all ATP samples by suppressing the excess noise factor (ENF), thus allowing considerable improvements in image quality. The SNR increases from 6.6 to 51.3 (equivalent to a range of 8.2 dB to 17.1
옵션
Space & Defense
Over the past centuries, space exploration has always sought state-of-the-art low-light imaging technology and adopted many innovative products to carry out its never-ending discovery of the cosmos.
The colossal potential of this technology is starting to emerge and yet needs to be fully grasped. The following EMCCD ground and space-based applications are only the tips of the iceberg.
Applications in space and defense
Space surveillance
Space situational awareness (SSA) with increased time resolution and sensitivity for unparalleled detection capabilities. Detect fainter, faster and smaller space objects or debris thanks to unparalleled sensitivity.
Night Time observation
Unique SNR for night observation (UV to NIR) Image from ultra-violet to near infra-red with the highest signal-to-noise ratios even in extreme darkness conditions.
Extrasolar planet imaging
Enhanced sensitivity for exoplanets detection and characterization Industry-leading photon-counting capabilities and sensitivity for the imaging and characterization of even the farthest Earth-like objects.
Adaptive optics
Unmatched speed for atmospheric distortion correction. The highest EMCCD frame rate and lowest latency for both high quality and rapid detection of distortions.
Satellite and Balloon mission
Exceptional low light imaging performances compatible with high atmospheric environments and low pressure.
High resolution spectroscopy
Image at smaller spectral bandwidths with higher speeds thanks to unmatched sensitivity and imaging rates.
Life Science
Every day, new interactions between light and living organisms are discovered.
Pioneering the exploration of uncharted areas of Life Sciences, our innovative cameras are the solution to the most complex detection challenges of the scientific community involved in ultra-low light imaging.
Applications in Life Science
Real time cancer cell detection
With increased image quality in lower exposure times, neoplastic tissue can be rapidly detected and shown in real-time for image-guided surgery readily transferable to the clinic.
Detection of low light emission by biomarkers
Detect faint light emissions with unmatched signal-to-noise ratios to allow biological sample characterization in the most light-starved contexts while minimizing photobleaching.
Drug development
Increase the lifetime of observed cells while preserving their integrity. Increase knowledge on long-term effects while monitoring their dynamic mechanisms of action.
Small animal imaging
Small animals such as mice, rats, and rabbits are commonly used to study biological phenomena in a non-invasive manner with the help of fluorescing or bioluminescent biomarkers.
Cerenkov luminescence imaging
Detect faint Cerenkov radiation faster and increase the imaging reliability thanks to improved sensitivity, thus facilitating clinical integration.
PHOTON COUNTING FOR LIFE SCIENCES
Multiple biomedical research fields can now benefit from the most sensitive camera on the market. Observing individual photons at high frame rates with an astoundingly high SNR is now possible with Nüvü™ EMCCD cameras. With a background noise below 0.001 ē/pix/frame as well as an EM peaking at 5000, these cameras can be applied to several biomedical research fields to study phenomena that have never been examined with such precision, sensitivity and reliability.
An EMCCD background noise results from the combination of dark current and clock-induced charges. The readout noise, the excess noise factor, and improper charge transfer also influence the background noise. Nüvü Camēras state-of-the-art and patented technology elegantly overcomes these obstacles. Its lower noise allows signal amplification up to 5000 times via electron multiplication before digitization, while typical EMCCDs are limited to an EM gain of 1000 due to lack of efficiency. Combine with the multitude of other noise-countering methods made available with CCCP technology. Additionally, Nüvü Camēras advance technology sets new standards using creative and innovative engineering to physically reduce the system’s noise without a single computer-based filtering algorithm.
When every photon counts
What you see is the exact same galaxie imaged with and without Nüvü Camēras’s imaging technology. Now imagine that each star is a cancer cell, which technology would you prefer?
Spatial innovations have always been at the forefront of new technologies. This is the reason why Nüvü’s technology, although initially designed for Astronomy, is now pushing boundaries of the observable in life science.
Physics
Single-photon detection for measurements at the quantum limit
Image dynamic events and interactions at the smallest scales with remarkably short exposures and over large spectral ranges with Nüvü Cameras’ unmatched noise specifications, enabling you to push the frontiers of knowledge with less concern over technical limitations.
Applications in Physics
Quantum simulators
Measure faint fluorescence signals from single atoms with minimal laser excitation thanks to industry-leading photon counting capabilities. Track interactions and other fast kinetic events with exceptionally short exposures and high reliability.
Quantum imaging
Quantum imaging is a large sub-domain in quantum optics studying quantum entanglement and its effects. By exploiting these unique properties, the accuracy of standard classical methods can be significantly improved and novel imaging methods can be achieved. Better understanding of quantum entanglement is also crucial to improve quantum communication and quantum computing methods.