Photon Imager
A breakthrough for bioluminescence and fluorescence based in vivo small animal imaging
In vivo optical imaging of small animals in real time
Photon Imager is a modular system for the non-invasive detection, localization and quantification of dynamic optical signal - bioluminescence or fluorescence – from live animals. A unique photon counting technology makes it extremely sensitive from the very start of image acquisition and enables the unparalleled kinetic recording of dynamic processes without the need for setting acquisition time, or pixel binning prior to imaging. Photon Imager continuously displays the light distribution during an experiment and image acquisition can be stopped at any time. This is a key advantage for bioluminescence imaging and can open new horizons for fluorescence imaging. Unlike other Pre-Clinical Imaging systems, the real-time imaging capability of *the Photon Imager delivers impressive performance, whilst its modular design philosophy ensures that the systems capabilities can be extended, as further state-of-the-art imaging technologies become available.High sensitivity
Photon Imager intensified CCD. 1 -> Lenses
2 -> Photocathode
3 -> Multichannel plate
4 -> High voltages
5 -> Phosphor screen
The Photon Imager design incorporates an intensified CCD camera,
which makes it highly sensitive from the very first moments of image acquisition.
iCCD technology amplifies all light emitted from the specimen by a factor 106;
making the Photon Imager one of the most sensitive systems on the market for detection of low signal
levels.
The operating principle is described opposite: photons are focused by a series of lenses (1) and are converted to electrons when they reach the photocathode (2). These electrons are then amplified by the microchannel plate (3), and converted back to photons by a phosphorescent screen (5) and the resulting spot of light is then recorded by the CCD camera. By amplifying the signal in this way, thermal noise can easily be removed, since its intensity will always be much lower than the signal resulting from even a single photon amplified by the intensifier tube. As a direct result of this, the CCD camera is able to record and forward the signal at a rapid constant frame rate of 43 Hz. The excellent sensitivity and real time capabilities of the Photon Imager come directly from this design and help provide a unique solution for in vivo whole body optical imaging in small animals.
The operating principle is described opposite: photons are focused by a series of lenses (1) and are converted to electrons when they reach the photocathode (2). These electrons are then amplified by the microchannel plate (3), and converted back to photons by a phosphorescent screen (5) and the resulting spot of light is then recorded by the CCD camera. By amplifying the signal in this way, thermal noise can easily be removed, since its intensity will always be much lower than the signal resulting from even a single photon amplified by the intensifier tube. As a direct result of this, the CCD camera is able to record and forward the signal at a rapid constant frame rate of 43 Hz. The excellent sensitivity and real time capabilities of the Photon Imager come directly from this design and help provide a unique solution for in vivo whole body optical imaging in small animals.
Outstanding sensitivity and dynamic range
The Photon Imager design ensures signal intensification by a factor of 106 and as a consequence,
the Photon Imager is the most sensitive system on the market for detection of weak light signals.
Furthermore, users of the Photon Imager can rely on an unequalled linear dynamic range:
Luminescence expression in tissues can thereby be followed, quantified and compared;
from early detection of weak signal, through to later development of higher signal strength.
Unique features of the Photon Imager
- Unmatched performance with a unique photon counting technology
- Fast and easy automated fluorescence, user friendly hardware and software
- New imaging possibilities. The Photon Imager is the only in vivo whole body imaging instrument that provides fast kinetic results and acquire videos of non sedated, freely moving animals
Easy fluorescence
Continuous selection of the excitation wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 800 nm enables optimal excitation conditions. Autofluorescence is automatically suppressed.
No more guessing Acquisition time or pixel binning settings prior to imaging is not necessary.
The Photon Imager continuously displays the light distribution during the experiment
and can be stopped at any time.
Bias linked to reaction kinetics are suppressed.
Non anesthetized, non sedated and freely moving animals: In Actio imaging
Thanks to its very high sensitivity and 20 ms temporal resolution, the Photon Imager is
the only optical system that opens the way to new applications that require non anesthetized
and freely moving animals. The signal is acquired simulatneously
as a standard video of the animal.
>> More information on In Actio imaging
Biospace Lab’s Photon Imager may be used in a wide range of imaging applications including in vivo imaging in animals. However, in certain countries such as the United-States and Canada, certain applications may require a license from third parties. Biospace Lab’s sale or transfer of its Photon Imager does not convey any right or license under any third party patent.
In particular, Institut Pasteur from France believes that it owns or controls Patents with valid claims that cover certain aspects of in vivo imaging. Therefore, users of the Photon Imager in the United States and Canada should seek legal advice to determine whether they require a license under one or more of the following Patent Nos. US 6,800,492 and US 2007/0274923.
Also, in the United-States and Canada, Caliper Life Sciences, Inc believes that it owns or controls U.S. and Canadian patents with valid claims that cover specific aspects of in vivo imaging. Therefore, users of the Photon Imager in the United States and Canada should seek legal advice to determine whether they require a license under one or more of the following patents: U.S. Patent Nos. 5,650,135 ; 6,217,847 ; 7,198,774 ; 6,649,143 ; 6,939,533 ; 6,916,462 ; 6,923,951 ; 6,890,515 ; 6,908,605 ; 5,824,468 ; 6,638,752 ; 6,737,245 and 6,867,348; and Canadian Patents and Patent Applications Nos: CA2237983 ; CA2384496 ; CA2407141 ; CA2373747 ; CA2440560 ; CA2384496 ; CA2364017 and CA2355900.
