High Speed & High Sensitivity Are Matched for Seamless Live Cell Research.

Nikon Instruments Inc., a leader in the development of advanced optical microscopy, today unveiled the Nikon EMCCD Monochrome Digital Camera (DQC-FS). The new camera is an ultra high-quality digital camera specifically designed for low-level fluorescence and is an excellent choice for high speed and high sensitivity
applications such as single molecule fluorescence, high speed calcium
imaging and live cell fluorescent protein imaging. The camera can also be
used with the LiveScan SFC confocal system and for micro spectroscopy.

The DQC-FS continues Nikon tradition of imaging innovation by
amplifying low-light-level signals above the CCD read noise by employing
unique electron multiplying CCD technology.

The camera offers researchers extremely high sensitivity through its
on- chip multiplication gain. By incorporating this technology, the DQC-FS
achieves, in an all solid-state sensor, the single-photon detection
sensitivity typical of intensified or electron-bombarded CCDs at much lower
cost and at a higher resolution than is characteristic of conventional
intensified CCDs.

"Nikon's DQC-FS is another example of Nikon's continuing focus on
advanced imaging through innovation," said Stan Schwartz, vice president,
Nikon Instruments. "Capturing images in low light situations has become a
priority in microscopy, and the demand for quality combined with multiple
functions increases every day. The DQC-FS provides microscopists with the
most sophisticated and light sensitive technology available for demanding
digital imaging applications."

Recent imaging applications in widefield fluorescence and confocal
microscopy have increasingly centered on the demanding requirements of
recording rapid transient dynamic processes that may be associated with a
very small photon signal and which often can only be studied in living
cells or tissues.

Technological advances in producing highly specific fluorescent labels
and antibodies, as well as dramatic improvements in camera, laser, and
computer hardware have contributed to many breakthrough research
accomplishments. Nikon's DQC-FS is capable of capturing even relatively
weak signals at very high rates. Incorporating a back-illuminated, frame
transferred CCD, the camera produces a frame rate of 30 full frames per
second at 10MHz to deliver an outstanding ability to record specimen data
at high temporal frequency and high dynamic range using a 16-bit digitizer.

Nikon has bundled NIS-ELEMENTS F software with the new DQC-FS. NIS-
Elements incorporates advanced acquisition control of the DQC-FS, including
changing the digitalization rate, full binning control, and full gain
controls that allow users to utilize all of the camera's features. The
software also features basic image capture capability for every Nikon
Instruments digital camera, automated microscope, and numerous third-party
devices. Optional NIS- Elements AR software extends the quantitative
analysis virtues of the DQC-FS camera.

About Nikon Instruments Inc.

Nikon Instruments Inc. is a global leader in the development of
advanced optical technology. Its product line includes microscopy
equipment, digital imaging, precision measuring and semiconductor
wafer-handling equipment. Nikon is committed to providing technologically
advanced instruments that offer optimal versatility, performance and
productivity. Nikon combines state-of- the-art capabilities with innovative
designs to produce optically superior, ergonomically friendly products for
cutting-edge scientific research, medical and industrial applications. For
more information visit the Nikon website at http://www.nikonusa.com.
Product related inquiries can be directed to Nikon Instruments at
800-52-NIKON



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Nikon Instruments Inc.
Web Site: http://www.nikonusa.com/