Monochrome Microscope Cameras
Solution for Low Light, Fast Capture Imaging
Microscope cameras come in varying colour formats but can also be provided in monochrome. Monochrome microscope cameras deliver a single channel output image of simply the intensity captured by the pixels.
These cameras are often used in scenarios where there is weak signal from the sample or where speed is paramount.
We offer a selection of monochrome cameras that can be found below. If you require any help in choosing a camera, contact us.
Monochrome Microscope Camera Advantages
Monochrome Microscope Cameras provide enhanced imaging capabilities over coloured digital microscope cameras where no colour data is required such as fluorescence imaging
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Increased Sensitivity - With an increase in sensitivity, exposure times can be decreased along with illumination intensity. This aids in the detection of fluorophores with reduced affect on the sample.
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Improved Detail - Monochrome cameras often produce sharper images as no colour filter interpolation is required
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Enhanced Imaging across Colour Spectrum - With monochrome cameras exact filters can be paired for precise spectral imaging
Monochrome Digital Camera Models
Monochrome Microscope Camera Applications
Monochrome microscope cameras are often used in a variety of applications to increase clarity and exposure in situations where colour is not required.
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Monochrome Camera for Fluorescence - Monochrome sensors make ideal fluorescence microscope cameras due to providing advanced specifications over colour cameras. With higher sensitivity and better signal to noise ratios, monochrome cameras provide a better image output for scenarios such as fluorescence where signal can be weak.
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Monochrome Camera for Phase Contrast - Use monochrome cameras to visualise transparent or colourless specimens with phase contrast, enhancing features with monochrome cameras improved sharpness.
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Monochrome Camera for Rapid Live Cell Imaging - Live cell imaging requires fast frame rates and minimal phototoxicity. With monochrome cameras sensitivity can improve exposure times leading to faster frame rates.
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Do you ship globally?Yes we ship and service OHREM's globally, service contracts are provided to help maintain your machine.
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Can a demo unit be organised at my institution?Indigo is a small company and uses its size to give the best possible product for the best possible price to help researches get the most from their product. To keep costs low we do not have a facility to deliver demo stock to customers. Instead we invite customers to make specimens and send them to us to either be processed by us or one of our existing customer network. Get in contact to see how we can help.
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What is the difference between HREM and OHREMHREM and OHREM are interchangeable however at Indigo we refer to OHREM as the system and HREM as the Technique. OHREM stands for Optical High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy.
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Can the machine be adapted to different techniques?The system is flexible and we can help adapt the system to user requirements, get in contact to see what we can do.
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Who Manufactures OHREM?The Optical HREM System is manufactured and sold by us here at Indigo Scientific.
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How is the OHREM controlled?OHREM is controlled by a custom application designed by us here at Indigo to help deliver the most optimal performance and efficiency.
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What is the maximum size of a specimen?A single shot optic (no scanning) is limited to the optical limit of 30mm for the standard system. However, with changes to the configuration the OHREM can achieve success of samples of 60mm wide. Get in touch to find out more.
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What samples can be used?In theory it is down to the staining but already there has been great success in a variety of different specimens, we can offer interested parties imaging of there samples after following the protocol found in the members area. Get in touch to find out more.
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How does the system (OHREM) work?HREM works by using a custom made microtone and optical setup made by Indigo Scientific to section a sample. The sample is imaged during sectioning giving an image series. Learn more about High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy Here. HREM sections 1-10 microns of a resin based block and images the surface.
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How many samples/blocks can be imaged at once?Revision 1 OHREM systems can only image 1 block per section. OHREM 2 and an adapted OHREM 1 is capable of imaging 2 20 mm blocks or 4 10 mm blocks with the facility to expand this if required. It is worth noting a block can contain more than one sample, for example one block can contain 3 embryonic mouse hearts.
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Are there different configurations/Addons?OHREM comes with many addons and configurations. Selections can include a scanning stage, dual/multi flourescence etc, contact us to get full details.
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How does the system look?The Optical HREM system will vary based on the type of system you want but the main system will consist of a microtome unit and optics. The two major systems are the HREM Ultra and HREM Micro .
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Can HREM be used for imaging hearts at different developmental stages?Yes, HREM is highly effective for imaging hearts at various stages of development, particularly in embryos and pups.
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What makes HREM a good tool for heart imaging in small models?HREM provides high resolution and 3D imaging capabilities, allowing researchers to visualize the complex anatomy of the heart in great detail and measure in 3 dimensions.
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Can HREM be used to image other species and organs?Yes, HREM can be used to image many different sample types and density’s such as zebrafish.
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What are key features to look for in a microscope camera?There are lots of specifications, options and software that would impact your choice of a microscope camera. To keep things simple let’s point out some key features we would advise you look out for Sensor size – In microscopy you want to look out for the sensor size, a larger sensor size (often the biggest seen at 1-1.1 inches) often allows for greater pixels which gives better sensitivity for low light applications. It may provide greater resolution up to 20 megapixels. For most industrial and lab work applications a trade off of sensor size over cost is usually taken, picking a smaller sensor size with a fair pixel size. Pixel size – Pixel size refers to the size of each individual pixel on the sensor, the greater the pixel size the better it is for low light applications. The lower the pixel width and height the generally more noisier the image, with lower dynamic range but can often fit far more pixels on the same sensor. Colour type – Microscope cameras come in two main colour variants (not depth that’s a different thing), colour and monochrome. Monochrome cameras are best for low light applications where you require better depth and sensitivity over being able to see the sample in colour. Most applications(bright field etc) will want a colour camera. Don’t be shocked that monochrome cameras carry a bigger price tag either, they are often designed for fluorescence imaging so have better specifications. Interface – Believe it or not picking a camera with a good interface is important. For example USB 3.0 is a well known supported interface, Ethernet is also good but may be more complicated for plug and play scenarios. Some cameras require external power which increases cables. Ultimately consider a camera that meets these requirements, we would highly recommend a USB camera with no external source required. Software for Image Analysis and Capture – Choosing a camera can also be a choice of software package, make sure you weigh up licenses, functions, future upgradability and compatibility with your favourite packages such as micromanager. That’s a good start for you to get choosing, if you need any specific help contact us.
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How Do Colour Microscope Cameras Work vs Monochrome Microscope Cameras?Traditional colour microscope cameras use a red, green and blue filter (in varying formats) and filters incoming light to given pixels. Each pixel will have one colour component and then interpolation is used to give the final full colour image. Monochrome cameras simply measures the intensity of light, this is across all of the spectrum.
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What are the main specification differences between Colour Microscope Cameras and Monochrome Microscope Cameras?