Hamamatsu Orca

The Hamamatsu ORCA-Flash2.8 is a high-sensitivity digital camera designed for low-light imaging at high frame rates, making it ideal for advanced scientific applications. Equipped with a 2.8-megapixel scientific CMOS (sCMOS) sensor, this camera delivers exceptional image quality across a broad spectrum, from ultraviolet to visible light.

Key features:

• High resolution: 2.8-megapixel sensor with 3.63 × 3.63 µm pixel size.
• Broad spectral sensitivity: Effective from ultraviolet to visible wavelengths, with peak quantum efficiency over 60% at 450–500 nm.
• Low readout noise: Typically 3 electrons rms, ensuring clear images even in low-light conditions.
• High-speed imaging: Full-resolution readout at 45 frames per second, with sub-array readout up to 1273 frames per second.
• Minimal dark current: Requires cooling to only +5°C, reducing thermal noise.
• Versatile connectivity: Interfaces with PCs via Camera Link frame grabber.

This camera is widely used in various scientific fields, including fluorescence microscopy, cell biology, and biomedical imaging. Its applications encompass ratio imaging, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, and real-time confocal microscopy.

Commonly adopted by university laboratories, biomedical research centres, and clinical environments, the ORCA-Flash2.8 has been instrumental in advancing research in molecular biology, neuroscience, and biotechnology. First released in 2010, it remains a reliable tool for researchers requiring high-performance imaging solutions.