Atik VS20-C-F High-Resolution, Long-Exposure Scientific CCD Camera

Overview

The Atik VS20-C-F is a high-performance, thermoelectrically cooled scientific CCD camera engineered for low-light, long-exposure applications in analytical and physical sciences. Built around a monochrome, back-illuminated CCD sensor with 1620 × 1220 active pixels and 9.0 µm square pixels, it delivers exceptional quantum efficiency (>90% peak QE), high dynamic range, and sub-10 e⁻ read noise at optimized readout speeds. Its core measurement principle relies on photon integration over precisely controlled exposure durations—enabling quantitative intensity mapping of faint, time-stable optical signals. This makes the VS20-C-F particularly suitable for applications requiring high spatial fidelity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) under constrained illumination conditions, including Raman spectroscopy imaging, fluorescence lifetime microscopy (FLIM) pre-screening, UV-Vis absorption mapping, and low-flux emission spectroscopy in benchtop chemical analysis systems.

Key Features

• Back-illuminated CCD architecture for >90% peak quantum efficiency in visible to near-UV (350–1000 nm)
• Thermoelectric cooling to −20 °C below ambient temperature, reducing dark current to <0.001 e⁻/pixel/sec
• Hardware-controlled electronic rolling shutter with exposure times ranging from 1 ms to 3600 s
• USB 2.0 interface with full ASCOM compliance for seamless integration into automated lab environments
• Onboard 16-bit ADC with programmable gain and offset for optimal digitization across signal intensities
• Robust aluminum housing with integrated heat sink and EMI-shielded electronics for stable operation in electromagnetically noisy analytical labs
• Factory-calibrated linearity (±0.5% over 99% of full scale) and pixel response uniformity (PRNU <1.2% RMS)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VS20-C-F is designed for integration into optical detection modules of spectrometers, microplate readers, and custom-built analytical instrumentation. It accepts standard C-mount optics and supports mechanical synchronization via TTL trigger input/output for gated acquisition in pulsed excitation experiments. The camera complies with CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EN 61326-1) and safety (EN 61010-1), RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for hazardous substance restriction, and FCC Part 15 Class B for radiated emissions. While not certified for IEC 62304 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its deterministic acquisition behavior, timestamped frame metadata, and software audit trail capabilities (via SDK logging) support validation under GLP and GMP frameworks when deployed in regulated analytical workflows.

Software & Data Management

The camera ships with Atik’s proprietary Atik Studio software (Windows/macOS/Linux), offering real-time histogram analysis, dark frame subtraction, flat-field correction, and FITS/ TIFF/CSV export. A comprehensive SDK provides native C/C++, Python (PyAtik), MATLAB, and LabVIEW bindings, enabling full control of exposure parameters, region-of-interest (ROI) selection, and asynchronous frame buffering. All acquired frames include embedded EXIF-like metadata: UTC timestamp, exposure duration, sensor temperature, gain setting, and firmware revision. For traceability-critical environments, users may implement external database logging via SDK callbacks—supporting ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) when paired with validated acquisition scripts.

Applications

• Raman spectral imaging of polymer blends and pharmaceutical crystallinity distributions
• Low-light UV absorption mapping in capillary electrophoresis detection cells
• Time-resolved luminescence screening in catalyst characterization setups
• Quantitative transmission analysis in microfluidic chemical reactors
• Reference-grade calibration target imaging for spectrometer wavelength validation (per ASTM E275 and ISO 17025)
• Long-integration photometric monitoring of slow kinetic reactions in flow chemistry platforms

FAQ

What is the maximum usable exposure time for quantitative measurements?
The VS20-C-F supports exposures up to 3600 seconds; however, for photometric accuracy beyond 600 s, dark frame matching and sensor temperature stabilization (< ±0.2 °C drift) are recommended.
Is the camera compatible with third-party spectroscopy software such as OceanView or SpectraSuite?
Yes—via ASCOM driver or direct DLL integration using the provided SDK; configuration templates are available for common OEM spectrograph interfaces.
Does the camera support hardware triggering for synchronized multi-instrument acquisition?
Yes: TTL-compatible trigger input (active-low, 3.3 V logic) enables precise start/stop timing with external devices such as lasers, shutters, or data loggers.
Can the VS20-C-F be operated in vacuum or high-humidity environments?
No—the unit is rated for indoor laboratory use only (IEC 60529 IP20); condensation risk exists if operated below dew point without environmental enclosure.
Is factory recalibration available, and how often is it recommended?
Atik offers annual recalibration services traceable to NIST standards; for ISO/IEC 17025-compliant labs, biannual verification against reference light sources is advised.