MultiCam products from Cairn Research

The MultiCam family of products from Cairn Research are emission image splitters that allow multiple cameras to record images simultaneously.  Images can be split based on different optical wavelengths, polarization states, focal planes, or other differentiated states.  They divide an image into separate, spatially identical components.  This allows for scientific imaging to happen with no temporal artifacts, and at full field-of-view.

Traditionally, multi-channel imaging is performed using an electronic filter changer.  The switching speed of an electronic filter changer is a major limitation to speed and science.  MultiCam products can be configured to capture two, three, four, or more images in parallel, with no time lost to switching filters.  They were first designed for quantitative fluorescence microscopy, but are suitable for use with any imaging where simultaneous and synchronous image capture is needed.

MultiCam products use custom optics and highly stable mounting to ensure excellent image registration. Cairn's proprietary lens design supports very large sensors; cameras with 22mm, 25mm, 29.4mm, and even 31.9mm FOV can be used to their fullest extent.  The large aperture design results in improved off-axis correction that maximizes image flatness and minimizes chromatic distortion to give enhanced performance with all sensors.  All optical surfaces feature AR coatings, 425nm to 875nm.

MultiCam products are ideal for many scientific applications, including:

• Simultaneous multi-fluorescent probe imaging
• Live cell and high speed imaging
• Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)
• Ratiometric calcium, voltage & pH imaging
• Polarization studies (anisotropy)
• Simultaneous fluorescence and transmitted/DIC/phase imaging
• Simultaneous multi Z depth imaging

MultiSplit products are simple to add to most microscopes, and are compatible with:

• Spinning disk confocal microscopy
• Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF)
  
• Light sheet and Single Plane Illumination Microscopy (SPIM)
• 3D super resolution PALM/STORM (using cylindrical lenses)

MultiCam products can be used with any software package that supports simultaneous capture from multiple cameras.  This includes most microscope software, as well as Micro-Manager, Nebula, VisiView, Inscoper, Slidebook, MetaMorph, and more.  Specific software modules may be required.  Camera TTL synchronization may be necessary for optimal results.

MutliCam products can be manufactured with many options, including:

• C-mount, F-mount, T-mount, or direct microscope couplings
• Support for up to 31.9mm FOV cameras, depending on options
• Built in magnification options: 1x, 1.3x, or 1.7x
• Integrated filter wheels
  
• Auxiliary paddles for fast filter switching
• Rectangular diaphragms
• Polarization optics
• Multifocal optics
  
• Support jacks
• Shutter plates
• Custom mechanical modifications

We are happy to help you design the perfect MultiSplit product to fit your microscopy.  Please contact us to discuss your application.