Lei-Tech LK-CAM2YG Dual-Sensor Fluorescence Microscopy Camera
| Brand | Lei-Tech |
|---|---|
| Origin | Tianjin, China |
| Manufacturer Type | OEM/ODM Manufacturer |
| Model | LK-CAM2YG |
| Configuration Options | Color+Color or Color+Monochrome |
| Sensor 1 (Brightfield) | Sony IMX147, 20.0 MP, 1/2.3", 1.2 µm × 1.2 µm, 380–650 nm |
| Sensor 2 (Fluorescence) | IMX482 (Color, 2.0 MP, 1/1.2", 5.8 µm × 5.8 µm, 400–800 nm) or IMX174 (Monochrome, 2.3 MP, 1/1.2", 5.86 µm × 5.86 µm, broadband transmission) |
| Exposure Modes | Rolling Shutter (BF & FL-color), Global Shutter (FL-mono) |
| Max Preview | 5184×3888@10 fps / 1920×1200@60 fps |
| Read Noise | 1.5–12.9 e⁻ (IMX482), 3.5–6 e⁻ (IMX174) |
| QE Peak | 85% (IMX482), 100% (IMX174) |
| Cooling | Two-stage thermoelectric cooler, stable at 0 ± 2 °C across 0–40 °C ambient |
| Output Interfaces | USB 3.0, 5G WiFi (IEEE 802.11ac), Gigabit Ethernet (USB and WiFi mutually exclusive) |
| Bit Depth | 12-bit (BF), 10-bit (IMX482), 12-bit (IMX174) |
| Compliance | CE, FCC, RoHS |
Overview
The Lei-Tech LK-CAM2YG is a dual-sensor digital microscopy camera engineered for simultaneous high-fidelity brightfield and fluorescence imaging in life science and clinical pathology applications. Unlike conventional single-sensor solutions, the LK-CAM2YG integrates two independently optimized CMOS sensors on a single optical platform: one dedicated to high-resolution color brightfield imaging (Sony IMX147, 20.0 MP), and a second sensor—selectable as either a high-quantum-efficiency color (IMX482) or back-illuminated monochrome (IMX174) unit—optimized for low-noise, wide-spectrum fluorescence detection. The system employs a precision optomechanical beam-splitting architecture that preserves native microscope light path integrity without requiring intermediate relay optics or compromising Köhler illumination. This design enables true multi-modal correlation—where morphological context (brightfield) and molecular localization (fluorescence) are captured concurrently under identical optical conditions, minimizing registration error and enabling pixel-accurate overlay analysis.
Key Features
- Dual-sensor architecture with zero-path-loss coupling: Proprietary mechanical interface supports standardized C-mount and M42 mount microscopes; accommodates variable trinocular port geometries via interchangeable tailstock adapters—no modification to existing optical train required.
- Thermally stabilized fluorescence acquisition: Two-stage Peltier cooling maintains sensor temperature at 0 ± 2 °C across ambient temperatures from 0 to 40 °C, suppressing dark current drift during long-exposure acquisitions (up to 9.5 s for IMX482, 7 s for IMX174 at reduced frame rate).
- Adaptive spectral response: Monochrome variant (IMX174) delivers >95% quantum efficiency across 400–800 nm with broadband transmission—ideal for Cy3, Cy5, Cy7, and DAPI/Cy5.5 multiplexing; color variant (IMX482) features enhanced red-channel sensitivity (550–650 nm) and calibrated Bayer demosaicing for quantitative RGB fluorescence ratio analysis.
- H.264 dual-stream real-time output: Simultaneous high-resolution preview (e.g., 3840×2160@15 fps) and full-frame capture (5184×3888) over USB 3.0; hardware-accelerated encoding ensures minimal CPU load during live acquisition and time-lapse recording.
- Microscope- and stain-aware imaging modes: Preconfigured profiles for Olympus BX, Nikon Eclipse, Zeiss Axio, and Leica DM series; embedded lookup tables for common fluorophore combinations (e.g., FITC/TRITC, DAPI/Cy3/Cy5) automate white balance, gamma correction, and channel gain balancing.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LK-CAM2YG supports standard glass slide-mounted specimens (1–3 mm thickness), frozen sections, live-cell culture dishes (35 mm, 60 mm), and whole-mount tissue preparations. Its 1/1.2″ format sensors provide optimal field-of-view scaling for 10×–100× objective lenses (NA 0.25–1.4). All configurations comply with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions), IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity), and ISO 13485:2016 (medical device quality management). Firmware implements audit-trail logging per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including user login timestamps, exposure parameter history, and image metadata immutability upon save. CE marking confirms conformity with the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR 2017/745) Annex II for Class I non-invasive diagnostic accessories.
Software & Data Management
The bundled Lei-Tech Vision Suite v4.2 provides cross-platform (Windows/macOS/Linux) acquisition, annotation, and export functionality. Raw data is saved in TIFF (12-bit linear) or HDF5 format with embedded EXIF-compatible metadata (objective magnification, filter set ID, exposure time, sensor temperature, binning mode). Batch processing supports batch-stitching of tiled Z-stacks, automated background subtraction using rolling-ball algorithm, and intensity normalization across multi-channel acquisitions. Export modules include DICOM-SR for PACS integration and OME-TIFF for compatibility with QuPath, ImageJ/Fiji, and CellProfiler. Remote operation is supported via RESTful API over Ethernet or encrypted 5G WiFi—enabling integration into automated slide scanning workflows and GLP-compliant laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
Applications
- Immunofluorescence quantification: Co-localization analysis of nuclear (DAPI), cytoplasmic (FITC), and membrane (Cy5) markers in fixed human tissue sections; validated for USP environmental monitoring compliance reporting.
- Live-cell dynamics: High-temporal-resolution tracking of GFP-tagged proteins using IMX174 global shutter mode (no motion artifact at ≥30 fps); thermal stability ensures consistent SNR across 60-min timelapse sessions.
- Digital pathology archival: 20-MP brightfield capture meets CAP/Accreditation Canada requirements for primary diagnostic review; integrated color calibration targets ensure inter-system consistency across multi-site deployments.
- Teaching & remote collaboration: Real-time 5G WiFi streaming enables synchronized viewing by distributed research teams; annotation layer supports collaborative markup of mitotic figures or rare cell phenotypes.
FAQ
Does the LK-CAM2YG support hardware triggering for synchronized multi-camera setups?
Yes—TTL trigger input/output ports enable precise synchronization with external light sources (e.g., LED shutters) or auxiliary cameras in multi-angle acquisition rigs.
Can the monochrome and color sensors be used simultaneously in split-screen mode?
Yes—the Vision Suite supports real-time side-by-side display with independent exposure control, white balance, and ROI selection for each sensor.
Is the cooling system field-serviceable?
The thermoelectric module and heatsink assembly are sealed and warrantied for 36 months; replacement requires factory recalibration of thermal feedback loop and dark frame library.
What is the maximum sustained data throughput over USB 3.0?
Full-resolution 12-bit streaming achieves 320 MB/s sustained bandwidth; system reserves 20% headroom for metadata embedding and lossless compression overhead.
Are firmware updates provided free of charge post-purchase?
Yes—Lei-Tech offers lifetime firmware updates including new microscope profiles, spectral calibration patches, and security patches aligned with NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5 controls.
