New developments in CCD imaging devices for low-level confocal light imaging

Barry R. Masters

doi:10.1117/12.44139

1 May 1991 New developments in CCD imaging devices for low-level confocal light imaging

Barry R. Masters

Proceedings Volume 1428, Three-Dimensional Bioimaging Systems and Lasers in the Neurosciences; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.44139
Event: Optics, Electro-Optics, and Laser Applications in Science and Engineering, 1991, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Charge coupled devices (CCD) have several advantages over tube camera imaging devices. These advantages include: geometric stability, high dynamic range (12, 14, or 16 bits) and photometric linearity. In order to achieve low-readout noise the readout is usually limited to 50 kpixels per second. The readout time is several times longer than video rates; the slow readout at less than video rates is the major disadvantage. A new CCD imager has been coupled to a Nipkow disk, confocal light microscope and its performance is evaluated using both reflected light and low-light-level fluorescence imaging. The CCD imager is a TK515, silicon CCD which is sensitiveequalsve from the UV to the near-IR. The sensor is a full frame area imager, with CCDs fabricated using a buried channel, three-level polysilicon gate process with very high charge-transfer efficiency (>0.9999) and low dark current. Low noise on-chip amplifiers provide and interface to external preamplifiers with readout noise typically <10 electrons at -90 degree(s) C, and 50 kpixels/second data rate. The chip is a thinned, back-illuminated device with anti-reflection coatings. The quantum efficiency is >80% at 400 nm and >90% at 600 nm. To determine its performance the Tektronix CCD was mounted in a Photometrics liquid cooled camera, attached to a Technical Instruments K2Bio confocal microscope.

Citation Download Citation

Barry R. Masters "New developments in CCD imaging devices for low-level confocal light imaging", Proc. SPIE 1428, Three-Dimensional Bioimaging Systems and Lasers in the Neurosciences, (1 May 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.44139

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