Hamamatsu Photonics have developed a new sensor designed that combines the strengths of EMCCD and sCMOS sensors, the ORCA-Fusion. Recently, sCMOS cameras have developed into the dominant technology for imaging applications where high sensitivity and high speed are required, gradually replacing cameras based on CCD or EMCCD technology. The disadvantage of sCMOS in comparison with previous sensor technologies has always been the uniformity of the sensor in terms of gain, offset and readout noise. A broad distribution of readout noise limits the visual appearance and data quality of a camera, particularly in low-light conditions. Hamamatsu Photonics have used their experience in using offset and gain correction to improve the uniformity of sCMOS cameras and coupled this with a new sensor designed to limit noise distribution. The ORCA-Fusion is thus able to provide images and robust data at all light levels, especially in tough low-light conditions.
