Products: ProEM EMCCD Cameras

The Ultimate in Resolution, Speed, Precision, and Peace of MindThe thermoelectrically cooled ProEM-HS family of cameras incorporates back-illuminated electron- multiplying CCDs (EMCCDs) with proprietary eXcelon3 technology. These state-of-the-art imaging and spectroscopy format EMCCD cameras enable a wide variety of low-light-level applications for scientific research and industrial R&D. ProEM EMCCD camera systems include the following key features:
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The embodiment of Princeton Instruments’ 30+ years of low-noise, high-performance scientific camera design expertise, ProEM-HS imaging and spectroscopy systems are utilized to perform revolutionary research in leading labs around the world. These cameras provide all of the essentials for tackling demanding low-light-level applications such as hyperspectral Raman imaging and single-molecule fluorescence, in which EM gain provides single-photon sensitivity. The ProEM-HS camera series supports high-resolution, back-illuminated EMCCDs with exclusive eXcelon3 sensor technology that reduces troublesome etaloning while increasing sensitivity in the UV and NIR. Sustained spectral rates of up to 20 kHz are achievable.
Temporal variation of laser vibrational Raman spectra of combustion species in a high-pressure turbulent methane-air combustion.(Image credit: Dr. Jun Kojima, NASA). |
Patented eXcelon3 technology
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Highest sensitivity in UV and NIR
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Reduced etaloning, back-illuminated CCDs
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Learn more on the eXcelon web page

Unique vacuum technology
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Lifetime vacuum guarantee, with all-metal seal technology
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Deep cooling to -90° C
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Ultra-low dark current for long exposure times
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Single input window for maximum sensitivity
- Maintenance-free operation

Special readout modes for various application requirements
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Special high-speed
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Spectra kinetics
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Kinetics
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EM gain
- Low-noise

Spectra Kinetics
Imaging frame transfer architecture
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Eliminates need for mechanical shutter
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Permits continuous readout of an image or spectrum
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Sustained full-frame imaging rates of up to 34 fps or > 3 kHz in special high speed readout mode
- Bias correction provides baseline stability to within a single count

Spectroscopy-format EMCCDs
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>20 kHz spectral rate
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> 300 KHz spectra/sec using special Spectra Kinetics mode
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Bias correction provides baseline stability to within a single count
- Ultra-low bin noise

EM gain calibration - OptiCAL
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Built-in reference light source provides one-click gain calibration
- Ensures consistent performance over camera lifetime

Sensitivity from ~ 120 nm to ~ 1100 nm
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Broadest wavelength coverage for the widest variety of applications
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> 95% quantum efficiency (QE)
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High QE in UV with Unichrome phosphor coating
- Enhanced sensitivity and reduced etaloning with proprietary eXcelon3 technology
High-speed GigE interface provides:
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Industry standard computer interface without need for additional hardware
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Seamless plug-and-play connectivity with the latest desktops and laptops
- True 16-bit data transfer at 2MHz, 5MHz and 10MHz readout speeds

Powerful 64-bit software delivers:
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Intutive user interface
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Easily automate experimental setup for multi-user labs
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Simple background, flatfield and defect correction
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Accurate wavelength and intensity calibration for spectroscopy with optional Intellical (TM) software
- Universal programming interface - PICAM (64 bit) - for custom programming
ProEM EMCCD Camera models comparison and datasheets
Model | Imaging Array | Sensor Type | Pixel Size | Peak QE |
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ProEM HS: 512BX3 ![]() |
512 x 512 | B/I, eXcelon3 FT (PI Exclusive) | 16 x 16 µm | ~95% |
ProEM HS: 1KBX3-10um ![]() |
1024 x 1024 | B/I, eXcelon3 FT (PI Exclusive) | 10 x 10 µm | ~95% |
ProEM HS: 1024BX3 ![]() |
1024 x 1024 | B/I, eXcelon3 FT (PI Exclusive) | 13 x 13 µm | ~95% |
ProEM: 16002 eXcelon3 ![]() |
1600 x 200 | B/I, eXcelon3 (PI Exclusive) | 16 x 16 µm | ~95% |
ProEM: 16004 eXcelon3 ![]() |
1600 x 400 | B/I, eXcelon3 (PI Exclusive) | 16 x 16 µm | ~95% |
B/I = Back Illuminated
FT = Frame Transfer
Fluorescence, Phosphorescence, and Photoluminescence Spectroscopy
Fluorescence, phosphorescence and photoluminescence occur when a sample is excited by absorbing photons and then emits them with a decay time that is characteristic of the sample environment.
Astronomical Imaging
Astronomical imaging can be broadly divided into two categories: (1) steady-state imaging, in which long exposures are required to capture ultra-low-light-level objects, and (2) time-resolved photometry, in which integration times range from milliseconds to a few seconds.
General Raman
The most common application of Raman spectroscopy involves the vibrational energy levels of a molecule. Incident laser light in the UV, visible or NIR, is scattered from molecular vibrational modes.
Bose-Einstein Condensate
Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) can be regarded as matter made from matter waves. It is formed when a gas composed of a certain kind of particles, referred to as “bosonic” particles, is cooled very close to absolute zero.
Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy
Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) a type of non-linear Raman spectroscopy. Instead of the traditional single laser, two very strong collinear lasers irradiate a sample.
Combustion
Combustion researchers rely on laser-based optical diagnostic techniques as essential tools in understanding and improving the combustion process.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology helps scientists and engineers create faster electronics as well as ultrastrong and extremely light structural materials.
Resonance Raman Spectroscopy
Instead of fluorescence, some types of colored molecules produce strong Raman scattering at certain conditions. This effect was called Resonance Raman.
Publications
NSOM,Material Science,Nanotechnology,2D Materials,Four-Wave-Mixing,Graphene,Nanophotonics,Plasmonics
Absorption,Fluorescence Spectroscopy,Material Science,2D Materials,Perovskites,Solar cells/photovoltaics
Sensitive in-vivo imaging using NIR-II/SWIR and gated cameras
Sensitive emission spectroscopy of high harmonics generated in Si membrane with MIR pulses.
OES-Optical Emission Spectroscopy, Plasma Physics and Monitoring, Nanomaterial Synthesis, Plasma in Liquids
2D materials, Graphene, photoluminescence imaging
Spectroscopic characterization of plasma in a Tokamak experiment using UV to NIR techniques.
Sensitive Fluorescence Imaging with ProEM for spatio temporal data acquisition
Detection and measurement of Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) using ProEM.
Cathodoluminescence in an electron microscope detected by sensitive spectgroscopy helps to optimize luminescent materials for example for applications in happens when electrons that are hitting a material cause the emission/luminescence of photons. Here the emission is initiated with a scanning electron beam in an electron microscope. The background for this research is to optimize phosphors for LED devices that are necessary to obtain emission of white light for example. Electron microscopy and sensitive spectroscopy helps to get deeper insights and to optimize new luminescent materials for devices.
In this article a monolayer of WSe2 is investigated by tip-enhanced photoluminescence with a gold tip moved very closely (around 1nm) to the material. This a) amplifies the PL signal and b) can be used to turn emission of certain PL transitions on and off.
Measuring a second harmonic generated signal from a plasmonic metamaterial.
Researchers at Northwestern University used an IsoPlane 320 and a ProEM EMCCD camera in their SERS setup to investigate interactions between a ligand and a protein.
Researcher at the US Army Research Lab and Sandia National Lab utilize a IsoPlane 320 and a ProEM EMCCD to perform Raman spectroscopy to detect and characterize the presence of chemical agent aerosals in various complex atmospheric environments for a defense mission.
A research team from RWTH Aachen University in Germany used an IsoPlane 320 spectrograph with a ProEM 1600 EMCCD camera in their experimental setup measurement procedure for the rapid determination of isothermal vapor-liquid equilibria using only milliliter samples.
Characterizing plasmonic structures using angle dependent extinction spectroscopy.
Probing the material science of Ge using a pump probe spectroscopy technique. Mid-IR probe is up converted and detected with a ProEM camera and SpectraPro spectrograph.
ProEM 1600 EMCCD and SpectraPro 2300 were part of the experimental setup to probe the properties of the one pot prepared composite phosphor of CaTiO3 and CaGa2O4, cathodoluminescence mapping, thermoluminescence and lifetime measurements were carried out.
Experiments conducted by researchers from Texas A&M University and the University of Qatar captured particle images using a ProEM 512 EMCCD camera attached to an inverted epi-fluorescence microscope.
A ProEM 1024 EMCCD and a SpectraPro 2155 spectrograph are used in this research by a team from Greeenland, Denmark and the UK to demonstrate the widespread green algae in the ice sheets in parts of Greenland.
The ProEM 512B was part of the experimental setup for the group at Northwestern University's investigation into the optical response of truncated and nontruncated Ag triangular nanoprisms
Application Notes
Scientific Cameras for Ultra-Low-Light Imaging in Quantum Research
09/23/2019 Technical Information about EMCCDs, emICCDs, and InGaAs Array Cameras
Brochures
Astronomy Brochure
Our state-of-the-art cameras, spectrometers, optics, and coatings are utilized at leading observatories
around the world, providing the most innovative technologies to meet the very latest challenges.
Manuals
Product Manuals
Download operation manuals for Princeton Instruments cameras, spectrometers, and accessories from our ftp site.
Tech Notes
Tech Bulletin - Fast Frame Access
09/17/2019 The Teledyne Princeton Instruments PICam API offers direct control of our cameras, including
fast access to live data via event callbacks.
A primer on eXcelon3 EMCCD technology
eXcelon3 is a breakthrough technology that provides the best EMCCD performance
available on the market.
On Chip Gain
This technical note endeavors to provide a comprehensive look at the advantages and limitations of on-chip multiplication gain, a new CCD technology designed for low-light, high speed imaging.
Videos
News
Combustion Seminar Presented by Princeton Instruments
April 11, 2018Fastest and highest resolution 1M pixel electron-multiplying CCD camera for high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy
May 23, 2017FERGIE's First Visit to Beijing, China
October 14, 2016EMCCD Instrumental in Pluto Atmospheric Research
September 4, 2015High Speed EMCCD Cameras with eXcelon3
June 9, 2015
IsoPlane Imaging Spectrographs
Award-winning imaging spectrographs with superior performance over Czerny-Turner traditional designs, available with 203 mm and 320 mm focal length designs.
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LightField Scientific Imaging & Spectroscopy Software
Ground breaking software to control your Princeton Instruments systems. Now with Windows 10 support. It's like nothing you have ever experienced!

eXcelon CCD and EMCCD Technology
Patented CCD and EMCCD sensor technology provides the best fringe suppression and broadest sensitivity in the market

GigE Fiber Optic Interface kit
Allows remote operation of GigE cameras from the host PC located up to 550 meters away.