Using its proprietary camera design technology, Hamamatsu Photonics has been producing high-sensitivity, low-noise cameras since the 1980s. The company has also consistently contributed to advancing cutting-edge scientific and technological research.
The ORCA-Quest is a camera with a qCMOS image sensor created utilizing the most recent manufacturing methods and proprietary design technology. It is the first camera in the world to use photon number resolving to achieve the pinnacle of quantitative imaging.
With additional improvements like faster readout speeds in extremely low-noise scan mode and enhanced sensitivity in the ultraviolet spectrum, the ORCA-Quest 2 is a successor to the ORCA-Quest.
Evolution from ORCA-Quest
Faster Ultra Quiet Scan Mode
ORCA-Quest's ultra-low noise characteristic in ultra-quiet scan mode enables it to reach the point where photon number resolution is realized. However, because the ultra-low noise was only available when the camera was operating at 5 frames per second (in full resolution), users were restricted from using it.
Through sensor operation optimization, ORCA-Quest 2 has achieved a five-fold faster framerate with a comparable ultra-low noise characteristic. Most users now have access to the photon number resolving feature.
Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH
UV QE Improvement
In terms of quantum efficiency (QE), ORCA-Quest outperformed the majority of traditional scientific cameras in the UV region between 280 and 400 nm.
Motivated by market demands, ORCA-Quest 2 has optimized the AR coating of the sensor window to achieve even higher UV QE without altering the visible or near-infrared wavelength region. The QE enhancement increases the ORCA-Quest series' adaptability to various applications, including trapped ion quantum experiments.
Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH
Raw Data Output
This feature enables the user to estimate the number of photoelectrons from a raw digital signal using any algorithm.
Faster Edge Trigger Mode
With the new edge trigger mode, users can start exposure during rolling shutter readout by using an external trigger, which will increase the frame rate.
Four Key Features
Extreme Low-Noise Performance
From its structure to its electronics, ORCA-Quest 2 has been designed and optimized to detect weak light with a high signal-to-noise ratio. The most recent CMOS technology has been used to develop the camera and the custom sensor, with an incredibly low noise performance of 0.30 electrons.
Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH
Comparison of average 1 photon per pixel image (pseudo-color). Exposure time: 200 ms LUT: minimum to maximum value. Comparison area: 512 pixels × 512 pixels. Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH
Realization of Photon Number Resolving (PNR) Output
Light is made up of numerous photons. On the sensor, photons are transformed into electrons, which are known as photoelectrons. A technique for precisely measuring light by counting photoelectrons is called “photon number resolving.” Camera noise must be significantly less than the photoelectron signal to count these photoelectrons.
It is challenging to count photoelectrons because conventional sCMOS cameras produce a small readout noise that is still larger than the photoelectron signal. The ORCA-Quest 2 counts photoelectrons using cutting-edge camera technology. It provides an ultra-low readout noise of 0.27 electrons rms (@Ultra quiet scan), stability over time and temperature, individual calibration, and real-time correction of each pixel data.
Simulation data of photoelectron probability distribution (Average number of photoelectrons generated per pixel: 2 electrons). Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH
The ultimate in quantitative imaging by ORCA-Quest qCMOS camera
Video Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH
Back-illuminated Structure and High Resolution
High QE, which is attained by the back-illuminated structure, is necessary for high photon detection efficiency because there is no pixel separation in traditional back-illuminated sensors, crosstalk between pixels happens, and resolutions are typically lower than in front-illuminated sensors.
The ORCA-Quest 2 qCMOS sensor features a trench structure in one pixel at a time to reduce crosstalk and back-illuminated structure to achieve high quantum efficiency.
What is a Trench Structure?
Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH
Measurement Result of MTF
Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) is a type of resolution evaluation. It is the value of how accurately the contrast of an object can be reproduced. Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH
Realization of a Large Number of Pixels and High-Speed Readout
ORCA-Quest 2's 9.4 megapixels (4096 (H) × 2304 (V)) achieve extremely low noise. Compared to traditional scientific cameras such as Gen Ⅱ sCMOS and EM-CCD cameras, ORCA-Quest can capture more objects.
Furthermore, ORCA-Quest 2 performs exceptionally well in terms of readout speed. To compare scientific cameras, people use “data rate (number of pixels × frame rate)” to refer to the number of pixels a camera reads out in a second.
Compared to traditional sCMOS cameras, ORCA-Quest 2 with Standard scan achieves a higher data rate even with lower readout noise. Compared to single photon counting imaging by EM-CCD cameras, ORCA-Quest 2 with Ultraquiet scan achieves photon number resolving imaging with a tenfold faster data rate.
Comparison of Pixel
Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH
Comparison of Data Rate
Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH
Applications
Quantum Technology
Neutral Atom, Trapped Ion
Neutral atoms and ions are arranged in an array one after the other to be used as qubits in quantum computing. The fluorescence from each qubit state can be used to identify them. Fluorescence measurement must be completed quickly, and photodetectors with high speed and very low noise are required.
With extremely low noise characteristics and fast readout, ORCA-Quest 2 can diagnose the entire qubit array and detect each qubit's state. The QE covers a large wavelength range for the main species of atoms and ions.
Fluorescence imaging of Rb atom array with ORCA-Quest. Image Credit: Takashi Yamamoto and Asst. Prof. Toshiki Kobayashi, Osaka University
Quantum Optics
In quantum optics, single photon sources are used to exploit the single photon's quantum nature. Quantum optics research utilizes single-photon counting detectors, and there is a growing demand for photon-number-resolving detectors to differentiate the number of incoming photons. A photon-counting camera, an innovative advancement in camera technology, is anticipated to drive discoveries in this field.
Experimental setup of Quantum imaging with ORCA-Quest. Image Credit: Miles Padgett, University of Glasgow
Images of Quantum imaging with ORCA-Quest. Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH
Life Science
Super Resolution Microscopy
The term "super-resolution microscopy" describes a group of techniques for obtaining a microscope image with a spatial resolution greater than the diffraction limit. Scientific cameras that combine very low noise and small pixel sizes are necessary for super-resolution microscopy to achieve this higher resolution.
Super-resolution images from ORCA-Quest—qCMOS camera / 4.6 μm pixel size. Image Credit: Steven Coleman at Visitech International with the VT-iSIM, a high-speed super-resolution live cell imaging system.
Super-resolution images from ORCA-Fusion—Gen III sCMOS camera / 6.5 μm pixel size. Image Credit: Steven Coleman at Visitech International with the VT-iSIM, a high-speed super-resolution live cell imaging system.
Experimental setup with ORCA-Quest. Image Credit: Steven Coleman at Visitech international with their VT-iSIM, high speed super resolution live cell imaging system.
Bioluminescence
Due to its distinct advantages over traditional fluorescence microscopy, including the absence of excitation light, bioluminescence microscopy has been attracting more attention. The main flaw of bioluminescence is its extremely low light intensity, which leads to a lengthy exposure period and poor image quality. Even with extended exposure, bioluminescence research requires extremely sensitive cameras.
NanoLuc fusion protein ARRB2 and Venus fusion protein V2R are nearby and BRET is occurring. Image Credit: Dr. Masataka Yanagawa, Department of Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tohoku University
Overall image in the field of view (Objective: 20× / Exposure Time: 30 sec / Binning: 4×4).
Appearance of the microscope system. Image Credit: Dr.Masataka Yanagawa, Department of Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tohoku University
Delayed Fluorescence in Plants
Over time, a tiny percentage of the light energy plants absorb for photosynthesis is released as light. This phenomenon is called delayed fluorescence. By detecting this faint light, it is possible to observe how chemicals, pathogens, the environment, and other stressors affect plants.
Delayed fluorescence of ornamental plants (exposure for 10 seconds after 10 seconds of excitation light quenching). Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH
Astronomy
Lucky Imaging
The ability to take clear pictures of stars is significantly diminished when viewing them from the ground because atmospheric turbulence can cause the image to become blurry.
However, people can occasionally take crisp pictures if they have the proper atmospheric conditions and short exposures. Because of this, lucky imaging is a technique that involves gathering a lot of images and aligning and integrating only the clearest ones.
Orion Nebula (Color image with three wavelength filters). Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH
Imaging setup. Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH
Adaptive Optics
With adaptive optics, systems instantly adjust the incoming light's wavefront when atmospheric variations disrupt it. To perform wavefront correction in real-time and with high accuracy, a camera must capture high-speed and high spatial-resolution images. Furthermore, since wavefront correction is carried out in extremely dim lighting while measuring a laser guide star, the camera must also have a high sensitivity.
Wavefront correction by adaptive optics. Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH
Comparison of adaptive optics. Image Credit: Kodai Yamamoto, Ph.D., Department of Astronomy, Kyoto University
HEP/Synchrotron
A scintillator and scientific camera are frequently used to image X-rays and other high-energy particles. The imaging system must have low noise and high speed to detect transient phenomena.
X-ray phase-contrast CT image of mouse embryo from ORCA-Quest combined with high-resolution X-ray imaging system (M11427) Exposure time: 15 msec, Total measurement time: 6.5 min. Image Credit: SPring-8 BL20B2 beamline by Dr. Masato Hoshino, Senior researcher at Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI)
Experimental setup. Image Credit: SPring-8 BL20B2 beamline by Dr. Masato Hoshino, Senior researcher at Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI)
Camera setup. Image Credit: SPring-8 BL20B2 beamline by Dr. Masato Hoshino, Senior researcher at Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI)
Raman Spectroscopy
The scattering of light at a wavelength different from the incident light is known as the Raman effect, and Raman spectroscopy is a method for measuring this wavelength to determine the material's properties. Raman spectroscopy makes molecular-level structural analysis, which yields data on chemical bonding, crystallinity, etc., possible.
The below is a comparison of the Raman spectrum (single frame) in line scan type with an equal number of photons per pixel Raman imaging apparatus (@10 photon/pixel/frame, 532 nm laser excitation).
Raman Image. Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH
qCMOS. Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH
EM-CCD. Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH
PC Recommendation
Thanks to the ORCA-Quest, users can now stream 9.4-megapixel images to their computers at 120 frames per second. The PC Recommendations for ORCA-Quest guidelines can be used to meet the computer recommendations for this high data rate.
Software
The software offers an interface to all of the meticulously designed camera features, from merely adjusting exposure to coordinating intricate triggering for multi-dimensional experiments.
Specifications
Source: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe
| . |
. |
| Type number |
C15550-22UP |
| Imaging device |
qCMOS image sensor |
| Effective no. of pixels |
4096 (H) × 2304 (V) |
| Cell size |
4.6 μm (H) × 4.6 μm (V) |
| Effective area |
18.841 mm (H) × 10.598 mm (V) |
| Quantum efficiency |
85 % (peak QE) (typ.) |
| Full well capacity |
7000 electrons (typ.) |
| Readout speed |
Standard scan*1: 120 frames/s (At full resolution, CoaXPress), 17.6 frames/s (At full resolution, USB)
Ultra quiet scan, PNR, Raw *2: 25.4 frames/s (At full resolution, CoaXPress), 17.6 frames/s (At full resolution, USB) |
| Readout noise |
Standard scan: 0.43 electrons rms (typ.), 0.39 electrons median (typ.)
Ultra quiet scan: 0.30 electrons rms (typ.), 0.25 electrons median (typ.) |
| Exposure time |
Standard scan*1: 7.2 μs to 1800 s
Ultra quiet scan, PNR, Raw *2: 33.9 μs to 1800 s |
| Cooling temperature |
Forced-air cooled (Ambient temperature: +25 °C): -20 ℃
Water cooled (Water temperature: +25 °C)*3: -20 ℃
Water cooled (Max cooling; The water temperature is +20 ℃ and the ambient temperature is +20 ℃) *3: -35 ℃ (typ.) |
| Dark current |
Forced-air cooled (Ambient temperature: +25 °C): 0.016 electrons/pixels/s (typ.)
Water cooled (Water temperature: +25 °C): 0.016 electrons/pixels/s (typ.)
Water cooled (Max cooling; The water temperature is +20 ℃ and the ambient temperature is +20 ℃): 0.006 electrons/pixels/s (typ.) |
| Dynamic range |
23,000: 1 (rms) (typ.), 28,000: 1 (median) (typ.)*4 |
| External trigger mode |
Edge / Global reset edge / Level / Global reset level / Sync readout / Start |
| External trigger signal routing |
SMA |
| 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 |
| External signal output routing |
SMA |
| Image processing functions |
Defect pixel correction (ON or OFF, hot pixel correction 3 steps) |
| Emulation mode |
Available (ORCA-Quest, ORCA-Fusion) |
| Interface |
USB 3.1 Gen 1, CoaXPress (Quad CXP-6) |
| A/D converter |
16 bit, 12 bit, 8 bit |
| Lens mount |
C-mount*5 |
| Power supply |
AC100 V to AC240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz |
| Power consumption |
Approx. 155 VA |
| Ambient operating temperature |
0 °C to +40 °C |
| Ambient storage temperature |
－10 °C to 50 °C |
| Ambient operating humidity |
30 % to 80 % (With no condensation) |
| Ambient storage humidity |
90 % Max. (With no condensation) |
*1: Normal area readout mode only
*2: PNR mode and Raw mode can be switched via DCAM configurator. The PNR mode is selected by default.
*3: Water volume is 0.46 L/m.
*4: Calculated from the ratio of the full well capacity and the readout noise in ultra quiet scan
*5: A product for F-mount (C15550-22UP01) is also available. If you wish, please contact your local Hamamatsu representative or distributor. F-mount has a light leakage due to its structure and it might affect your measurements especially with longer exposure time.
Dimensions
Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe GmbH