JAI has announced the release of four new 3-CMOS prism color cameras designed for microscopy-based applications where maximum control over dust, lint, and other foreign object debris particles (FODs) in the optical path is essential. These advanced cameras are part of a new series called Apex, offering high-resolution imaging with enhanced durability against contaminants.

Key Features

High Performance Imaging

The Apex Series includes two main models:

  • AP-3200T-USB-LSX: A 3.2-megapixel camera operating at 38.3 fps featuring three Sony IMX265 CMOS imagers housed in prism mounts.
  • AP-1600T-USB-LSX: A compact 1.6-megapixel model with triple IMX273 CMOS sensors and a full-resolution frame rate of 79 fps.

Both models utilize USB3 Vision interfaces, which provide high bandwidth combined with easy plug-and-play functionality—making them ideal for microscopy systems requiring reliable data transfer without complex setup.

Extended Red Sensitivity

Two additional variants (AP-3200T-USB-NF-LSX and AP-1600T-USB-NF-LSX) are configured to operate without standard IR-cut filters, enabling extended red-channel response. These models support advanced life sciences applications where enhanced sensitivity to specific dyes or stains is critical—for example, in differentiating blood vessels from surrounding tissues—or for dual visible/NIR analysis in industrial settings like food inspection and materials science.

Spectral Response

Note: The spectral response chart demonstrates how these cameras extend beyond the standard IR cutoff point to capture more red light from common protein detection fluorophores.

Enhanced Dust/FOD Suppression

Unlike previous models, the new “LSX” series undergoes rigorous screening for dust and FOD suppression. This process mirrors industry standards used by sensor manufacturers to classify pixel defects but goes further by incorporating specialized anti-static seals and alumite-treated lens mounts to minimize contamination when lenses are attached.

Software Integration

The Apex Series cameras integrate seamlessly with two popular microscopy software solutions:

Image-Pro® from Media Cybernetics

This widely-used platform allows users to capture, process, measure, analyze, and share images easily. Custom drivers enable bidirectional control between the camera hardware and software environment for advanced system configurations.

µManager Open Source Software

Developed originally by Vale Lab at UCSF and now maintained by Open Imaging Inc., this free tool offers device adapters specifically designed for JAI cameras to interact fully with microscopy workflows without licensing fees.

Applications

The Apex Series cameras feature standard C-mount lens mounts compatible with most digital microscopes. Their 3-CMOS prism technology provides superior color differentiation compared to Bayer-patterned cameras in critical applications like brightfield imaging and fluorescence analysis or brightfield studies where subtle color variations must be accurately captured—for instance:

  • Brightfield and fluorescence microscopy requiring precise spatial precision, such as cell counting and classification tasks that rely on accurate color accuracy.

Target Use Cases:

Live Cell Imaging: Suitable for time-lapse microscopy due to high frame rates (38 fps or 79 fps) ideal for tracking cellular dynamics in live-cell imaging systems.

  • Pathology Analysis: Ideal for tissue slice analysis, stain characterization, cell counting and classification tasks requiring extreme color accuracy required in pathology workflows.
  • Fluorescence Microscopy: Extended red sensitivity supports applications including disease diagnosis across multiple fields such as bacteria counting or neuron signaling studies.
  • Materials Science: Supports advanced particle analysis on diverse materials like food samples or composite materials where accurate color data enables precise defect detection and classification.

Example Use Cases

Live Cell Imaging: With frame rates of 38 fps or 79 fps, these cameras excel in time-lapse microscopy for studying cellular dynamics.
Pathology applications benefit from exceptional color reproduction and tools like color enhancement to support tissue slice analysis, stain analysis, and cell counting.
Fluorescence studies leverage both excellent low-noise performance at different light wavelengths along with extended red sensitivity across multiple scientific domains including semiconductor wafer inspection systems where precise defect classification requires accurate color-based error detection.

These versatile cameras are designed for applications requiring extreme spatial resolution alongside exceptional color fidelity—for instance, in advanced particle analysis or spray/spot quality control inspections involving small-scale details. Other key advantages over Bayer sensors include:

  • Color binning support through the prism design increases sensitivity without sacrificing resolution—something typical Bayer cameras cannot achieve.
  • White balancing is achieved through precision shutter timing rather than gain adjustment to keep noise levels minimal.

Target Industries

These advanced imaging tools are suitable for various industries including life sciences, industrial inspection (wafer/metal defect detection), materials science covering food and composites analysis, digital pathology, brightfield and fluorescence microscopy studies, or particle/spray characterization systems where color-critical applications require precision.

For more information about integrating JAI’s Apex Series cameras into your imaging workflow, contact our technical team today.

Last Updated: 2025-09-05 02:46:17