Nikon DS-Qi1 Digital Sight Series

Nikon Updated: 2007-06-20
Nikon DS-Qi1 Digital Sight Series

The definitive quantititive digital camera for time-lapse fluorescence observation.

A recent addition to Nikon's Digital Sight camera line, the DS-Qi1  is an ultra high-quality scientific grade digital camera geared for high-speed, high-sensitivity applications. By combining low noise electronics and a high-quantum efficiency detector, the DS-Qi1 can capture a wide dynamic range of intensities while maintaining quantitative linearity. Added features such as a fast analog-to-digital converter (ADC), very low read noise, and programmable gain control make the DS-Qi1 an ideal detector for fluorescence imaging applications.

High Sensitivity
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.

Low Noise
The Peltier cooling mechanism cools the CCD down to 10ºC 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.

Superior Linearity
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.

Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA)
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.

High Speed Interface
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.

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

NIS-Elements Imaging Software
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.