Improved Quantum Efficiency with Gen III Image Intensifier for the LIFA

Leutingewolde, The Netherlands - January 9, 2007…The modulated image intensifier (II18MD) of the LIFA widefield FLIM system can be improved in detection efficiency when using the new Gen III intensifier instead of the GenII intensifier. The difference between both intensifiers is the photocathode: a multi-alkali photocathode in the Gen II (QE is 10%), versus the Gallium-Arsenide (GaAs) cathode in the Gen III (QE is 25%). The higher quantum efficiency results in a better signal to noise ratio (S/N) or a shorter exposure time at the same S/N.

The first II18MD unit incorporating the Gen III intensifier shows very promising results. A comparison between the two image intensifiers shows a decrease of 0.7 to 0.8 in the standard deviation of the fluorescence lifetime (both from phase and modulation). With similar signal-to-noise ratios, the exposure time is shorter for the Gen III than the Gen II intensified camera. The Gen III-based image intensifier will offer an advantage in fluorescence lifetime accuracy especially for weak samples.

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Tags: FLIM, fluorescence