Highest definition images on a big usable area

The Imaging Plate reader micron reads with a pixel size of 15µm up to 50µm, (different instrument versions available) and can use the full area of 80x90mm resulting in images with up to 6000x5000 Pixel. Compared with CCD cameras that have pixel sizes in the same range, the detected area of the Imaging Plate is about the tenfold of the CCD. The definition of the images is excellent. This is shown with the Point Spread Function (PSF), that shows the coupling of neighboring pixels. With the Imaging Plate, the information is highly localized within the pixel. This results in a high Modulation Transfer Function (MTF). At highest transmission frequency (one pixel bright, next dark) the modulation is still as high as 40% (25.0µm device).l.

For your application this means high definition images with optimal contrast, where even small details are shown with best contrast.

High dynamic range

The response of the Imaging Plate is linear to the applied electron dose in a broad dynamic range. micron digitizes the image data with 16 bit or 20 bit allowing a contrast of over 6*104 or 106. Negative-film in comparison has only 1*102 linear range. Thus more information can be extracted from one exposition, there is no need for multiple exposures.
Diffraction patterns of a widely varying range of intensities can be observed in a single exposure and displayed in one image.

Unrivalled sensitivity

Imaging Plates do not need a minimum dose like negative-film, nor is there a significant readout noise like with CCDs. This makes the Imaging Plate the ideal detector for low dose imaging. Observing most beam sensitive specimens the electron dose can be far reduced, compared with negative-film (IP is about ten times more sensitive than negative-film). At even lower doses usable images can be obtained, only the quantum noise increases. So you expand the usable dose range for sensitive samples.

High DQE

The inherent amplification of the Imaging Plate and a newly designed detector system guarantees a high Detection Quantum Efficiency for electrons, even at lowest signals. This means, that a high percentage of the electrons that hit the plate are detected, resulting in high sensitivity and low noise of the device.

Variable Pixel Size

The micron vario features a selectable pixel size from 15 to 50µm in 8 steps. This allows to optimize the readout to your application, generating only as much data as you need and gives you flexibility for all your applications. There is also a fixed pixel size instrument available for 25µm.

Linearity

The luminescence signal emitted from the plate while reading is directly proportional to the exciting electron dose. Therefore the data is directly numerically quantifiable. For comparison: The EM negative-film has a sigmoid nonlinear characteristic that makes quantification difficult. Regarding the micron linear signal intensity quantifying the electron dose for diffraction patterns (EELS spectra and HREM images) is far more accurate than with negative-film.

Digital image data is instantly available

The DITABIS Imaging Technology is digital with no intermediate stages like chemical development. The data is digitized while reading and is available directly after readout. This gives you all advantages of the modern digital world: Visualization with zooming and contrast setting at the screen, printing on any PC printer, quantification and archiving on various media.

Economy

Imaging Plate Technology is an economical way to produce high quality images. As the plate is reusable for up to 1000 times the cost per shot is very low. No chemicals or other darkroom equipment is needed, reducing waste and labor. The proprietary Imaging Plate Technology eliminates time needed for film processing and enlargement, freeing more productive time for your research. The images are instantly digitally available on your computer for evaluation and further processing of the data.
As the reader is not directly linked to the TEM, one instrument can serve multiple different TEMs. Regardless of which TEM you use the Imaging Plate fits to ever.