Optomask

Adjustable field mask aperture enabling ultra-fast imaging with iXon EMCCD

Optomask is a C-mount to C-mount relay device with precise aperture control which inserts easily between the microscope output and the camera. Optomask is used in combination with the Crop Mode software feature on iXon EMCCD cameras, resulting in significant increases in Region of Interest (ROI) frame rates. In order to enable Crop Mode it is necessary to accurately optically mask the area of the sensor outside the ROI.

Using the OptoMask, a sub-array can be readily defined through positioning of the masking blades, and a cropped area subsequently matched to this in software.

SPECIFCATIONS (PDF)

Optically Centred Crop Mode with Optomask

The Andor iXon Ultra comes with ‘Optically Centred Crop Mode’, which gives the user the option to break away from the corner tethered requirement of standard Crop Mode and select a number of pre-defined ROIs that are located in the centre of the image field. Optically centring of the ROI makes this mode extremely appealing to a number of microscopy techniques, including ‘pointillism’ live cell super-resolution microscopy.

Key Benefits

> 95 % transmission efficiency
Spectral range - 450 to 900 nm
Compact size (see dimensions for specific measurements)
Flexible optical masking of sensor
4 x adjustable blades
Fits easily onto microscope C-mount
Designed for Crop Mode
Instant changeover from cropped to full sensor mode
Range of magnification and demagnification
Ultra-fast frame rates

Frame rates available in Crop Mode (‘Optically Centred’ ROI speeds shown in brackets)

iXon Ultra 897

	Array Size
Binning	256x256	128x128	64x64	32x32
1x1	111 (174)	595 (569)	1433 (1492)	3532 (3024)
2x2	215 (329)	1085 (1014)	2433 (2329)	5325 (4054)
4x4	402 (594)	1802 (1662)	3577 (3237)	6579 (5252)

iXon Ultra 888

	Array Size
Binning	512x512	256x256	128x128	64x64
1x1	93 (78)	190 (251)	670 (897)	2053 (1319)
2x2	170 (143)	350 (426)	1150 (1019)	3123 (1646)
4x4	291 (245)	601 (653)	1772 (1504)	4109 (1857)

Frame Rate Performance Comparison

Above: Significant increases in frame rates may be achieved in Corner Tethered Mode and Optically Centred Crop Mode. Shown at selected ROIs for iXon Ultra 897 (left) and iXon Ultra 888 (right).

Key Applications

Live Cell Super-resolution Microscopy
Super-resolution & tracking
Single molecule Imaging
Vesicle Trafficking
Cell Motility
Calcium/Ion Signalling
Voltage sensitive dyes
High speed TIRF
High Speed Spinning Disk Confocal Microscopy
Adaptive Optics

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