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Navigating the Evolution of Light-Sheet Microscopy Through Time and Technology
Light-sheet microscopy has played a crucial role in advancing life sciences, enabling researchers to explore biological structures with greater clarity. Over the past 30 years, this imaging technique has evolved significantly, driven by innovations in scientific CMOS (sCMOS) camera technology.
Tracing the Evolution
From its creation over a century ago, light-sheet microscopy has continually evolved, driven by the relentless pursuit of understanding the intricacies of life. The early 20th century saw the birth of the "Ultramicroscope," a pioneering effort that laid the foundation for future advancements. It was a dark field light-sheet setup designed to visualize particles as small as 4 nm. Decades later, the resurgence of interest in this technique led to significant milestones, including the development of Selective Plane Illumination Microscopy (SPIM) in 2004 by Jan Huisken, which revolutionized biological imaging by offering enhanced 3D resolution and reduced phototoxicity. He enhanced earlier light-sheet microscopes by incorporating a microscope objective into the illumination arm and a Hamamatsu Photonics ORCA-ER B/W CCD digital camera.
Hamamatsu's Key Contributions
Hamamatsu Photonics has played a central role in advancing light-sheet microscopy, continually pushing the boundaries of imaging technology. The early 2010s marked a significant turning point with the rise of sCMOS cameras, which outperformed previous EMCCD models by delivering higher resolution, faster speeds, and superior sensitivity - essential attributes for imaging large, delicate specimens. Hamamatsu’s Flash 2.8 and 4.0 sCMOS cameras were instrumental in this technological shift, setting new standards in the field.
Since then, Hamamatsu has continued to innovate, developing its ORCA® series with a diverse range of sCMOS cameras tailored to meet the unique demands of various research applications. Over the past four years alone, more than 1,000 scientific publications have cited the use of ORCA® sCMOS cameras, underscoring their widespread impact. Designed to accommodate different research needs, these cameras offer a variety of sensor dimensions, dynamic ranges, and shutter functionalities, enabling scientists to achieve unparalleled precision in their imaging endeavors.
20 years of light-sheet microscopy innovation with Hamamatsu
Continuing the Evolution: The ORCA®-Halo
As light-sheet microscopy continues to evolve, so too does the technology that powers it. Building on decades of imaging advancements, Hamamatsu has just introduced the ORCA-Halo (C17440-20U), a next-generation back-illuminated sCMOS camera. Designed to meet the needs of academic researchers, it combines exceptional sensitivity, dynamic range, and imaging speed, making high-performance microscopy more accessible than ever.
Explore Further
For a more in-depth exploration of the evolution of light-sheet microscopy and the ORCA camera’s role in this journey, we invite you to read our full article. Discover how past innovations create future possibilities and how we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of scientific discovery.
References: All sources are included in our full article
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