Scientific Cameras

pco.edge sCMOS Cameras

by PCO Excelitas

PCO Excelitas
pco.edge sCMOS Cameras

PCO scientific cameras utilize advanced scientific CMOS (sCMOS) sensor technology, providing a powerful combination of high resolution, fast frame rates, and extremely low read noise. These cameras are widely used in scientific research laboratories, industrial inspection systems, and advanced imaging setups where accuracy and repeatability are essential.

The Excelitas PCO portfolio spans a broad performance range including:

•Sensor resolutions from 2 MP to over 10 MP

•Frame rates from approximately 40 fps to over 100 fps

•Quantum efficiency approaching 95%

•Dynamic range greater than 15,000:1

•Extremely low read noise, including sub-electron levels in cooled models

•Excellent linearity and signal stability

These capabilities enable precise imaging in both low-light environments and high-speed experimental setups, making PCO cameras a strong solution for many demanding imaging applications.

Download Datasheet

Technical Specifications

ParameterTypical Range
Sensor TechnologysCMOS / Back-illuminated sCMOS (bi models)
Resolution Range2048×1536 to 5120×5120 pixels
Pixel Size Range2.5×2.5 µm to 6.5×6.5 µm
Max Frame Rate @ Full ResUp to 150 fps (pco.edge 26 CLHS FOL)
Max Pixel RateUp to 3,932 MPixel/s
Typ. Readout Noise0.3 – 3.0 e⁻ (model dependent)
Peak Quantum EfficiencyUp to 95% @ 580 nm (pco.edge 4.2 bi)
Max Dynamic RangeUp to 37,500:1 (pco.edge 4.2 / 4.2 LT)
Shutter ModesRolling Shutter (RS), Global Reset (GR), Global Shutter (GS)
CoolingAir-cooled and/or external liquid cooling (model dependent)
InterfaceCLHS FOL, USB 3.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1 (model dependent)
Dimensions (H×W×L)76×70×99.5 mm to 95×90×109 mm

Key Specifications

  • •Series includes 10 models: pco.edge 3.1 through pco.edge 26
  • •Resolutions from 2048×1536 (pco.edge 3.1) to 5120×5120 pixels (pco.edge 26)
  • •Typical readout noise as low as 0.3 e⁻ (pco.edge 9.4 bi)
  • •Peak quantum efficiency up to 95% @ 580 nm (pco.edge 4.2 bi)
  • •Max dynamic range up to 37,500:1 (pco.edge 4.2 / 4.2 LT)
  • •Max frame rate 150 fps at full 5120×5120 resolution (pco.edge 26 CLHS FOL)
  • •Active cooling via air-forced fan and/or external liquid connection
  • •Interfaces: CLHS FOL with fiber-optic link, USB 3.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1

Key Features

  • •Temperature-stabilized sCMOS sensors for negligible dark current
  • •Low light mode with correlated multi-sampling for minimum readout noise
  • •Line scanning mode optimized for lightsheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM)
  • •Camera Link HS (CLHS) with fiber-optic link for long-distance high-speed data transfer
  • •Back-illuminated sensor variants for peak quantum efficiency up to 95%
  • •Double shutter mode for Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) on selected models
  • •Lens control feature for motorized aperture adjustment
  • •Vibration-isolated sensor cooling for unimpaired imaging performance

Applications

  • •Lightsheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM)
  • •Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)
  • •Scientific research and laboratory imaging
  • •Industrial inspection systems
  • •Low-light and high-sensitivity imaging
  • •High dynamic range scientific imaging