Linearity, a quantitivity index, has been improved to >98%. This, together with reduced noise, assures comparable, quantitative image data collection over a wide exposure range.

DS-Qi1 incorporates a programmable gain amplifier for low-light levels, or for shorter exposures. Users can easily choose the gain of the CCD output to reduce exposure time or to increase frame rates. The electronic design ensures linearity when using any gain setting.

The Peltier cooling mechanism cools the CCD down to 10º C below ambient temperature, reducing the average dark current to 0.7e/pixel/s. Also, the readout noise is reduced to 8e- rms with the newly developed CCD drive circuit. Thus, clear, high-contrast fluorescence images can be captured at a dynamic range of over 2000:1.

The high-sensitivity CCD, which has outstanding quantum efficiency (>65% at 500nm), combined with low read noise, allows the capture of even low light fluorescence signals. Intensity and time of fluorescence excitation can therefore be minimized to reduce photobleaching.

The USB2.0 interface for connecting camera control unit DS-U2 to a PC allows high-speed data transfer. It also enables stress-free PC operation.

The DS-Qi1 comes standard with trigger port, enabling external shutter operation and triggered exposures.

The DS-Qi1 can be controlled by Nikon’s powerful NIS-Elements imaging software platform. NIS-Elements successfully integrates microscope image capture, document data management and analysis. Comprehensive control of microscope, camera and peripheral devices makes it possible to configure a multidimensional time-lapse imaging system easily and efficiently .