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ORCA®-Quest IQ qCMOS® camera
C15550-23UP
Power new discoveries: ORCA®-Quest IQ is a high-performance and flexible camera for every researcher.
The ORCA-Quest IQ inherits the ORCA-Quest series’ core features—low noise, high resolution, and high quantum efficiency. The new feature of Camera Link output allows the camera to support advanced applications such as adaptive optics and super-resolution microscopy. These applications require a control system through a Camera Link interface for image acquisition, processing, and high-speed feedback to peripheral devices.
ORCA is a registered trademark of Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. (China, EU, France, Germany, Japan, UK, USA).
qCMOS® is a registered trademark of Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. (China, EU, Japan, UK, USA).
Features
- Readout noise (typ.): 0.30 electrons (rms) at ultra quiet scan
- Effective number of pixels: 4096 (H) × 2304 (V)
- Quantum efficiency: 85 % (peak QE at 460 nm)
Frame rate: Camera Link Standard Base/Full
Camera Link, with a history dating back to the early 2000s, uses LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling), which is highly resistant to electrical noise. This standard offers high reliability and stable operation even in noisy environments, and is still widely adopted in many frame grabber boards and image processing equipment. ORCA-Quest IQ supports base/full configuration standards to meet the various needs of our customers.
Base Configuration *1*2
| Binning | X (pixels) | Y (pixels) | Frame rate (frame/s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 × 1 | 4096 | 2304 | 7.19 |
| 2048 | 2048 | 16.1 | |
| 1024 | 1024 | 64.7 | |
| 512 | 512 | 259 | |
| 256 | 256 | 1030 | |
| 256 | 4 | 19 800 | |
| 2 × 2 | 2048 | 1152 | 28.7 |
| 4 × 4 | 1024 | 576 | 115 |
Full Configuration *1*3
| Binning | X (pixels) | Y (pixels) | Frame rate (frame/s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 × 1 | 4096 | 2304 | 28.7 |
| 2048 | 2048 | 64.7 | |
| 1024 | 1024 | 259 | |
| 512 | 512 | 532 | |
| 256 | 256 | 1040 | |
| 256 | 4 | 19 800 | |
| 2 × 2 | 2048 | 1152 | 115 |
| 4 × 4 | 1024 | 576 | 120 |
*1: When using the Camera Link output function, camera control is limited to USB 3.1 Gen1.
*2: Single Camera Link cable connection.
*3: Dual Camera Link cable connection.
Evolution from ORCA-Quest
The ORCA-Quest IQ is a qCMOS camera that inherits the core features of the ORCA-Quest series, low noise, high resolution, high quantum efficiency, and introduces a new Camera Link output.
For details on the camera’s core features, please refer to the ORCA-Quest 2 qCMOS camera page.
Camera articles
qCMOS camera vs. EM-CCD camera vol.1 – Performance comparison of Photon counting cameras
This article will guide you in choosing the best photon-counting camera for your application.
Applications
Super-resolution microscopy
Super-resolution microscopy refers to a collection of methods to obtain a microscope image with a spatial resolution higher than the diffraction limit. Super-resolution microscopy needs scientific cameras with a combination of very low noise and small pixel size, resulting in a higher resolution.
Super-resolution images from ORCA-Quest
qCMOS camera / 4.6 μm pixel size
Super-resolution images from ORCA-Fusion
Gen III sCMOS camera / 6.5 μm pixel size
Experimental setup with ORCA-Quest
Data courtesy of Steven Coleman at Visitech International with their VT-iSIM, high-speed super-resolution live cell imaging system.
Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence microscopy has been gaining attention due to its unique advantages over conventional fluorescence microscopy, including the elimination of the need for excitation light. The major drawback of bioluminescence is its very low light intensity, resulting in long exposure times and low image quality. Bioluminescence research needs highly sensitive cameras, even with prolonged exposure.
Simultaneous dual wavelength luminescence imaging
NanoLuc fusion protein ARRB2 and Venus fusion protein V2R are nearby, and BRET is occurring.
Camera: ORCA-Quest + W-VIEW GEMINI
Objective: 20× / Exposure Time: 30 sec / Binning: 4×4
Appearance of the microscope system
Data courtesy of Dr. Masataka Yanagawa, Department of Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tohoku University
Delayed fluorescence in plants
Plants release a tiny portion of the light energy they absorb for photosynthesis as light over a period of time. This phenomenon is known as delayed fluorescence. By detecting this faint light, it is possible to observe the effects of chemicals, pathogens, the environment, and other stressors on plants.
Delayed fluorescence of ornamental plants (exposure for 10 seconds after 10 seconds of excitation light quenching)
Case study
Lucky imaging
When observing stars from the ground, the image of the star can be blurred due to atmospheric turbulence, which substantially reduces the ability to capture clear images. However, with short exposures and the right atmospheric conditions, it is sometimes possible to capture clear images. For this reason, lucky imaging is a method of acquiring a large number of images and integrating only the clearest ones while aligning them.
Orion Nebula (Color image with 3 wavelength filters)
Imaging setup
Adaptive optics
Adaptive optics is a method where systems immediately correct the wavefront of incoming light disturbed by atmospheric fluctuations. In order to perform real-time and highly accurate wavefront correction, a camera needs to take images with high speed and high spatial resolution. In addition, the camera also needs high sensitivity because the wavefront correction is performed in very dark conditions where a laser guide star is measured.
Wavefront correction by adaptive optics
Comparison of adaptive optics
Data courtesy of Kodai Yamamoto, Ph.D., Department of Astronomy, Kyoto University
Case study
For imaging X-ray or other high-energy particles, a scientific camera coupled with a scintillator is often used. The imaging system must have low noise and high speed to detect momentary phenomena.
X-ray phase contrast CT image of mouse embryo
X-ray phase contrast CT image of a mouse embryo from an ORCA-Quest combined with high resolution X-ray imaging system (M11427)
Exposure time: 15 ms, Total measurement time: 6.5 min
Experimental setup
Camera setup
Data courtesy of SPring-8 BL20B2 beamline by Dr. Masato Hoshino, Senior scientist in Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI)
Case study
The Raman effect is the scattering of light at a wavelength different from that of the incident light. Raman spectroscopy is a technique for determining material properties by measuring this wavelength. This type of spectroscopy enables structural analysis at the molecular level, which provides information on aspects such as chemical bonding and crystallinity.
Raman spectrum (single frame) comparison under conditions of equal photon number per pixel in a line scan type Raman imaging system
Raman Image
qCMOS camera
EM-CCD camera
@10 photon/pixel/frame, 532 nm laser excitation
Reference: Photon number resolving capability of qCMOS camera for Raman spectroscopy and imaging
PC recommendation
With the introduction of the ORCA-Quest, users are now able to stream 9.4 megapixel images to their computers 120 frames per second. The computer recommendations for this high data rate can be met by using the guidelines listed in the PC Recommendations for ORCA-Quest.
Software
Our software provides the interface to access all our carefully engineered camera features, from simply setting exposure to orchestrating complex triggering for multidimensional experiments.
Specifications
| Product number | C15550-23UP |
|---|---|
| Imaging device | qCMOS image sensor |
| Effective number of pixels | 4096 (H) × 2304 (V) |
| Pixel size | 4.6 μm (H) × 4.6 μm (V) |
| Effective area | 18.841 mm (H) × 10.598 mm (V) |
| Quantum efficiency (typ.) | 85 % (peak QE) |
| Full well capacity (typ.) | 7000 electrons |
| Readout noise (typ.) | Standard scan: 0.43 electrons (rms), 0.39 electrons (median) Ultra quiet scan: 0.30 electrons (rms), 0.25 electrons (median) |
| Dynamic range (typ.) *1 | 23 000 : 1 (rms), 28 000 : 1 (median) |
| Linearity error | 0.5 % |
| Cooling method (Peltier cooling) | Forced-air cooled (Ambient temperature: +25 °C): -10 ℃ Water cooled (Water temperature: +25 °C) *2: -10 ℃ Water cooled [max cooling (Water temperature: +20 ℃, Ambient temperature: +20 ℃)] *2: -25 ℃ (typ.) |
| Dark current (typ.) | Forced-air cooled (Ambient temperature: +25 °C): 0.032 electrons/pixels/s Water cooled (Water temperature: +25 °C) *2: 0.032 electrons/pixels/s Water cooled [max cooling (Water temperature: +20 ℃, Ambient temperature: +20 ℃)] *2: 0.012 electrons/pixels/s |
| Readout mode | Full resolution, Digital binning (2×2, 4×4), Sub-array |
| Frame rate at full resolution | Standard scan *3: 120 frames/s (CoaXPress), 28.7 frames/s (Full Configuration) *4, 7.19 frames/s (Base Configuration) *4 Ultra quiet scan: 25.4 frames/s (CoaXPress), 25.4 frames/s (Full Configuration) *4, 7.19 frames/s (Base Configuration) *4 |
| Exposure time | Standard scan *3: 7.2 μs to 1800 s Ultra quiet scan: 33.9 μs to 1800 s *5 |
| External trigger mode | Edge / Global reset edge / Level / Global reset level / Sync readout / Start |
| Trigger delay function | 0 s to 10 s in 1 μs steps |
| Trigger output | Global exposure timing output / Any-row exposure timing output / Trigger ready output / 3 programmable timing outputs / High output / Low output |
| Master pulse | Pulse mode: Free running / Start trigger / Burst Pulse interval: 5 μs to 10 s in 1 μs step Burst count: 1 to 65 535 |
| Digital output | 16 bit, 12 bit, 8 bit |
| Image processing function | Defect pixel correction (ON or OFF, hot pixel correction 3 steps) |
| Interface | USB 3.1 Gen 1 *6, CoaXPress (Quad CXP-6) |
| Image output dedicated Interface *7 | Camera Link (SDR-26): Base Configuration / Full Configuration |
| Trigger input connector | SMA |
| Trigger output connector | SMA |
| Lens mount | C-mount |
| Power supply | AC100 V to AC240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz |
| Power consumption | Approx. 155 VA |
| Ambient operating temperature | 0 °C to +35 °C |
| Ambient operating humidity | 30 % to 80 % (With no condensation) |
| Ambient storage temperature | －10 °C to +50 °C |
| Ambient storage humidity | 90 % Max. (With no condensation) |
*1: Calculated from the ratio of the full well capacity and the readout noise in Ultra quiet scan.
*2: Water volume is 0.46 L/m.
*3: Normal area readout mode only.
*4: When using the USB interface, images are output from both the USB and Camera Link interfaces simultaneously, and the sensor's operating rate is limited by the speed of the Camera Link interface. At full resolution, if the sensor's operating rate exceeds 17.6 frames/s, the frame of the image acquired via the USB interface may be lost.
*5: For both global reset edge trigger and global reset level trigger, the minimum exposure time is 67.8 μs.
*6: Equivalent to USB 3.0 Gen 1.
*7: Images are output from the Camera Link I/F only when the camera is controlled via the USB I/F. Camera control via the Camera Link I/F is not possible.
Spectral response
Dimensions
We publish case study articles of our ORCAⓇ-Quest customers.
Related documents
Instruction manual
Technical note (For the previous model, ORCA-Quest)
Camera lineup catalog
Special sites
This site provides information on scientific cameras.
Since there is a wide range of camera types and performance, it is important to select the best camera for each application.
It introduces technical information, simulation tools, and examples of actual applications to help you fully understand the performance of the camera and select the best one for your application.
Camera simulation lab
When using a camera for industrial or research applications, it is necessary to select a camera based on various conditions such as the wavelength and light intensity of the image to be captured. We offer the "Camera simulation lab", a tool that allows users to intuitively compare the differences in imaging results due to camera performance while checking the simulated images.
Camera application case study collection
Synchrotron radiation analysis "Ryugu" camera application case study
Asteroid Ryugu, is believed to still contain water and organic compounds from approximately 4.6 billion years ago, when our solar system is thought to have formed. We interviewed Mr. Uesugi of the Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI), who was responsible for analyzing the Ryugu samples, regarding the methods and results of the analysis, and its future prospects.
This case study includes an interview with Mr. Uesugi and features our lineup of cameras suitable for synchrotron radiation imaging.
Astronomy camera application case study
Astronomy is a field where research is conducted to discover and explore unknown celestial bodies and astronomical phenomena. This brochure introduces examples of such applications and idendifies which of our cameras are suitable for each application.
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