Our Re-scan Confocal
Microscope systems

Camera-Based Confocal Technology

Re-scan Confocal Microscope: sharp and sensitive

Re-scan Confocal Microscopy (RCM) is a super-resolution technique based on a standard confocal extended with an optical re-scanning unit that projects the image directly on a CCD or sCMOS camera (Luca et al., 2013).

By using a sensitive camera as a detector, the quantum efficiency (QE) of RCM increases up to 95% in the visible range of light (VIS) and 67% in near-infrared (NIR) light. Traditional point scanning confocal systems use Photomultiplier Tubes (PMTs) as a detector. The sensitivity of a PMT is maximum 45%. RCM strongly increases sensitivity while maintaining the confocal sectioning capability. The re-scan technology allows the development of images with a 40% increase in resolution, without closing the pinhole. Therefore, more photons are captured, and the signal-to-noise ratio is four times higher in RCM than in standard PMT-based confocal microscopes. This results in 170 nm resolution images with an extremely high signal-to-noise ratio. Combining RCM with deconvolution, the resolution is further improved to 120 nm.

Discover the way RCM improves your imaging experience

Re scan Confocal microscope sharp and sensitive
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Watch this explanatory video to discover the principle.

Perks of Re scan confocal
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HO1N1 cells with mitochondria RFP

Perks of Re-scan Confocal Microscopes

Discover the way RCM improves your imaging experience

Discover our solutions

Ingenious design for the best live cell imaging you can get

Solutions RCM 1 Confocal

RCM1

RCM1 is a highly sensitive super-resolution confocal system. It’s capable of reaching a 120nm resolution after deconvolution (170nm raw). Study living cells in high detail with minimal phototoxicity and photobleaching.

Solutions RCM 2 Confocal

RCM2

RCM2 is, like the RCM1, a highly sensitive super-resolution confocal system. It uses digital scanning technology and bigger optics, which allows for brighter images and even lower laser power. Capture more biology with the same resolution.

Solutions RCM 2 Confocal

RCM2.5

RCM2.5 is our upgraded version of the RCM2, with a 5th additional laser. This version utilizes up to 5 lasers, extending over the Visible and Near-Infrared (NIR). Moreover, RCM2.5 enables you to use the latest advances in NIR dye development and look much deeper into your specimen. Experience complete experimental freedom and flexibility with our RCM2.5. 

NL5 innovation Confocal

NL5

NL5 is a fast line-scanning Confocal system with high sensitivity and resolution. It allows to quickly acquire multiple multicolor images, with minimal phototoxicity. 

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Discover the RCM system
that meets your needs

To explain the differences easily

RCM1
RCM2
NL5
Detector
Camera
Camera
Camera
Resolution
120 nm **
120 nm **
170 nm **
Sensitivity
up to 95% QE
up to 95% QE
up to 95% QE
FOV
130×130 um (60x, super-resolution)
220×220 um (40x, super-resolution)
330×330 um (40x, magnification)
Optimized for
100x, 60x (high NA)
100x, 60x, 40x (high NA)
40-100x
Scanner
Analog (open-loop)
Digital (closed-loop)
Digital (closed-loop)
Speed
1fps @ 512 x 512 pixels
2fps @ 512×512 pixels
25 fps full frame
Wavelength
VIS or NIR
VIS or VIS+NIR (RCM2.5)
VIS
Software
Micromanager, NIS Elements, Volocity
Micromanager, Volocity, NIS Elements, Zen, LAS X, Cellsens
Micromanager, Volocity, NIS Elements
Integration
API
Hardware – USB connection
API
PSF for deconvolution with
Microvolution, SVI Huygens
Microvolution, SVI Huygens
Microvolution
Bypass mode
Yes
Yes
Yes (motorized)

*still under investigation
** after deconvolution, raw image = 170nm

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