Detectors: Cameras and Performance

This lecture covers the fundamental characteristics of imaging cameras, including spatial resolution, spectral bandwidth, quantum efficiency, noise sources, temporal resolution, and dynamic range. The instructor explains how to choose the right camera for different applications, highlighting the advantages of CCD, EMCCD, CMOS, and scientific CMOS cameras. The importance of spatial resolution in microscopy is discussed, emphasizing the relationship between pixel size, magnification, and objective NA. The lecture also delves into quantum efficiency improvement techniques, noise sources in cameras, and factors affecting fluorescence collection efficiency. Additionally, it explores sub-arraying and binning options for faster image acquisition and dynamic range considerations for optimal image quality.