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.

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Watch this explanatory video to discover the principle.

HO1N1 cells with mitochondria RFP

Perks of Re-scan Confocal Microscopes

It is excellent for biological applications where a combination of super-resolution and high sensitivity is required.
No need for reconstruction software to increase the resolution. RCM achieves 170nm in the RAW image, which can be further improved to 120nm, using easy-to-use deconvolution software.
The clever design of RCM makes these products robust, versatile, and extremely easy to use.
Convert your existing widefield fluorescence microscope into a super-resolution and high sensitivity confocal 3D imaging system with RCM.

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Discover our solutions

Ingenious design for the best live cell imaging you can get

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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)