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PhotonMAX EMCCD camera is designed to be a no-compromise EMCCD camera for ultra low-light level imaging applications. From fiber optic data interface for remote operation to a software interface which accesses frames in real time, PI's PhotonMAX camera systems cover all the essentials researchers need. As a result, the PhotonMAX has become a highly sought-after EMCCD camera for researchers around the world.
The PhotonMAX:512B utilizes a 512 x 512-pixel, back-illuminated EMCCD with >90% quantum efficiency and <1 e- rms read noise, achieving this high-QE, low-noise performance at faster-than-video frame rates. This groundbreaking technology comes equipped with a durable vacuum guaranteed for the lifetime of the camera.
NEW: The large format PhotonMAX: 1024B with megapixel (1024x1024) back-illuminated EMCCD provides 3.25x the field of view while providing the same benefits of single photon sensitivity, cooling, permanent vacuum and other ground breaking features you come to expect from PhotonMAX family. View the press release.
Our no-compromise philosophy is apparent in every aspect of the PhotonMAX design. For example, this 2-in-1 camera is independently optimized for both traditional CCD and “on-chip multiplication gain†operation. Whether an application involves single-molecule detection, adaptive optics, luminescence, phosphor imaging, tomography, or low-light spectroscopy and fluorescence, the PhotonMAX steadily delivers the highest level of performance.
Features and Benefits
Download PhotonMAX Product - flyer (pdf)
View the Tech Note: Kinetics RedountKinetics.pdf for Fast Temporal Studies (pdf)
PhotonMAX helps researchers uncover the relationship between blinking statistics and ligand coverage on a single Qdot surface.
The results are published in a recent cover paper in The Journal of Physical Chemistry
Recently, M. Barnes et al from The George Richason, Jr. Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts used PI/Acton's PhotonMAX: 512B camera to perform correlated single molecule fluorescence measurements on CdSe quantum dots. Results showed, for the first time, blinking statistics are related to the ligand coverage on the Qdot surface. In one finding, they report that the completely covered (~25 ligands) CdSe-OPV nanostructures showed complete blinking suppression. PhotonMAX provided needed sensitivity to capture images with 100msec to 2 sec exposure times over 1000 seconds. They also used PI/Acton PIXIS: 400B with SP2150i spectrograph to perform spectroscopy measurements as well.
Back-illuminated EMCCD technology. Highest sensitivity.
The PhotonMAX provides single-photon detection at high-speeds. Two performance parameters which have a significant effect on the camera's signal-to-noise ratio at low-light levels are:
- Quantum efficiency, or the fraction of incoming photons absorbed by a CCD
- Read noise
The PhotonMAX optimizes both these parameters to deliver an unprecedented signal-to-noise ratio through the camera's back-illuminated EMCCD, which provides >90% quantum efficiency and an on-chip multiplication gain, which effectively reduces read noise to well below 1 e- rms. As a result, the PhotonMAX achieves single photon sensitivity.
A choice of detector formats. For field of view or frame rate
PhotonMAX provides a choice of 512x512 or 1024x1024 format frame transfer, back illuminated EMCCDs. While both PhotonMAX: 512B and 1024B detectors deliver the ultimate sensitivity,PhotonMAX: 512B is preferable for applications requiring highest frame rates and 1024B provides larger imaging area.
| Feature/Specification |
PhotonMax: 512B |
PhotonMax: 1024B |
| Sensor |
512 x 512 frame transfer, back illuminated EMCCD |
1024 x 1024 frame transfer, back illuminated EMCCD |
| Pixel Size |
16 x 16 um |
13 x 13 um |
| Imaging Area |
8.2 x 8.2 mm |
13.3 x 13.3 mm |
| Frame Rate at Full Resolution |
29 fps |
8.5 fps |
| Dual Readout Amplifiers |
Yes |
Yes |
| Digitization |
10, 5, and 1 MHz at
16-bits |
10, 5 and 1 MHz at
16-bits |
Permanent vacuum with all-metal seals . . . maintenance free . . . guaranteed for life.
As the only EMCCD camera in the world providing guaranteed vacuum performance, the PhotonMAX maintains temperature and low dark currents throughout its lifetime. Exclusive PI vacuum technology features 100% UHV-grade components in a stainless-steel vacuum chamber with all-metal seals. Cutting-edge brazing techniques are used for the optical-window / vacuum-chamber interface.
Groundbreaking, all-metal vacuum seals, and active vacuum maintenance technologies (e.g. getter) take care of outgassing. There are no epoxies used (such as those used by other manufacturers to glue the optical window to the vacuum chamber), which compromise the vacuum over time. Read the XP Camera Technology note to learn more about the PhotonMAX's superior vacuum technology.
Deepest thermoelectric air cooling . . . lowest dark current . . .
Equipped with PI's renowned CCD cooling technology, the PhotonMAX delivers the lowest dark current available while achieving deep cooling down to -80°C using only air. To keep the dark current stable, cooling is controlled to within ±0.05°C. With such low dark currents, the PhotonMAX is a perfect solution for applications requiring long integration times, such as steady-state luminescence and fluorescence applications.
Does away with complicated, bulky chilled water circulators in labs.
CoolCUBE liquid circulator provides an elegant solution for vibration sensitive environments . . .
The PhotonMax system comes specially suited with an elegant CoolCUBE liquid circulator for optic-sensitive experiments requiring vibration-absent environments or thermal-free air currents. This compact unit provides both maintenance-free liquid circulation and essential power to the camera. View the CoolCUBE data sheet (pdf) to learn more.
Single optical window . . . minimal light loss . . .
When it comes to low-light level detection, every photon counts. The PhotonMAX employs only one optical window (composing the vacuum chamber) in the light path in order to minimize light loss at the optical surface. Princeton Instruments' manufacturers remove the CCD cover before installing the detection device inside the vacuum chamber. As a result, it utilizes just one vacuum-chamber window in the light path, allowing for AR coating specifically optimized for the wavelength of interest of the vacuum window on both sides (VIS-AR, NIR-AR, UV-AR). The PhotonMAX also provides the highest throughput of any detector in the market. An MgF2 window is offered for broad spectral range from deep UV to NIR.
Dual-amplifier configuration with independent gain settings . . . 2-in-1 camera for unmatched versatility . . .
While on-chip multiplication gain is ideal for low-light level detection at high speeds, as in capturing fast kinetics, traditional back-illuminated CCD cameras are better suited for applications that do not require high frame rates (e.g., steady state luminescence).
The PhotonMAX:512B offers two independent readout amplifiers, making it ideal for both slow and fast low-light level applications. Since CCD properties (e.g., full well) differ between these modes of operation, PI has designed two separate electronic chains to optimize readout in each mode of the camera.
A 10-MHz, 16-bit digitizer . . . Highest speed and wide dynamic range . . .
Both the PhotonMAX:512B and 1024 utilize a 10-MHz, 16-bit digitizer for full-resolution video frame rates. When ROI selection and/or binning is applied, rates in excess of 400 frames-per-second are possible. The full well of the CCD pixels and output node (in the multiplication amplifier) are realized at all times.
Lowest read noise and clock-induced noise in the EM channel . . . unchallenged dynamic range and photon detection capability . . .
Capable of achieving a base noise of ~45 e-rms @ 10MHz EM channel when no multiplication gain (i.e. 1X) is applied, the PhotonMAX provides the lowest noise measurable on EMCCD-based cameras in the market. Though the read noise is minimized to below 1 e-rms by using the multiplication gain, low starting read noise offers significant performance improvements. For example, the PhotonMAX requires lower multiplication gain to reach <1 e-rms. In lower multiplication gain, higher dynamic range captures dim and bright objects in the same image. Higher device lifetime as a result of multiplication gain degradation (as reported by EMCCD manufacturers) is a function of multiplication gain and input light levels.
View the graph below to compare actual measured performance of the PhotonMAX:512B:
For single-photon detection applications, minimization of the dark current (a function of temperature and exposure time) and clock-induced charge (CID) is necessary. The CIC is a type of spurious charge generated during the clocking (readout) of the CCD which is weakly dependent on the temperature while remaining independent of exposure time. The PhotonMAX reduces the CIC to negligible levels of 0.005 e-/pixel/sec in (512B).
The PhotonMAX tackles advanced experiments requiring high-dynamic range and/or single photon detection.
Compact design . . . one camera head . . . no external boxes or controllers . . .
The PhotonMAX system's unrivaled, state-of-the-art technology comes in a single, compact package. The system’s low-noise electronics and analog-to-digital converters are located close to the CCD, directly inside the camera head. This use of Primary Point Digitization™ helps the PhotonMAX achieve the lowest possible read noise (unlike systems that house crucial readout electronics on PCI cards situated in noise-prone environments like computers). Equal care goes into the selection of components. As a result, the PhotonMAX achieves extraordinarily low read noise, even when running at the highest readout speeds.
WinView / WinSpec software and LabVIEW™ SITK . . . ultimate solution . . .
The PhotonMAX comes equipped with powerful, easy-to-use WinView and WinSpec software packages which allow full control over data acquisition and offer advanced features such as macro-record and automation.
For easy integration within complex experiment setups, a software imaging tool kit (SITK™) is available with National Instruments’ popular LabVIEW package. The SITK offers a full suite of LabVIEW™ VIs for ready programming.
The new PhotonMAX platform easily compares to all software packages and custom programs written for previous PI cameras as well as Photometrics® Cascade® cameras.
Programmable TTL I/O and trigger ports . . . easy integration into complex experiment setups . . .
The PhotonMAX provides extensive TTL input/output signals for easy synchronization which include external trigger in, simultaneous status signals indicating exposure, readout and programmed shutter control. The I/O port also includes fully programmable digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and analog-to-digital (ADC) converter ports. No other EMCCD camera in the world equals the PhotonMAX's unique versatility.
Optional fiber data interface . . . Remote operation . . .
The PhotoMAX tackles long range operations without difficulty, utilizing a fiber optic data interface kit which operates from as far away as 300 meters. This option provides an excellent solution for telescopes or hazardous locations. For more details, view the fiber optic interface kit data sheet (pdf).
Comprehensive system testing . . . legendary Princeton Instruments performance . . .
The PhotonMAX delivers the best EMCCD performance on the market today thanks to PI's standard system check prior to delivery.
All PI cameras undergo thorough testing to ensure they meet or exceed the specifications quoted. Performance specs such as read noise, linearity, and full well are measured for each individual system. Customized for longevity, PhotonMAX cameras continue to provide superior, reliable performance for our customers.
Also, see our Cascade EMCCD cameras for ultra-high speed (>4000 frames per second) and high resolution.