Leica’s DFC345 FX digital camera can detect and document low light fluorescence signals in live cell experiments. In addition to combining high sensitivity with high resolution, the camera features a fast image capture rate and a broad dynamic range, making it suited for multidimensional live cell observation under low light conditions. The two-megapixel CCD sensor (4.4-µm pixel size) guarantees optimal resolution of detail. The high dynamic range allows acquisition of multicolor images in one shot without time-consuming overlay. Users can choose between a 40-MHz pixel clock rate for fast image readout or 20-MHz pixel clock rate that ensures low noise for high picture quality. Additioanl features include one-stage Peltier cooling for effective suppression of background noise. Combined with the high resolution of detail, this produces brilliant images rich in contrast. The FireWire-B interface allows simple and reliable transfer of data to the computer without an additional power supply. The camera is fully integrated into proprietary software platforms: the modular Leica Application Suite (LAS) for simple fluorescence documentation and image archiving; the LAS AF for sophisticated, high-speed fluorescence applications; and the Leica MM AF (powered by MetaMorph) for demanding analysis.
Michelle LongoAsst. Managing Editor
Striving Toward Secondary GoalsLate last month, Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich stunned most everyone when he declared his promise that "by the end of my second term, we will have the first permanent base on the moon." While I don’t fault Gingrich for dreaming and trying to set high standards and goals, I can’t help but think of the enormous amount of known and unknown variables that significantly deter this accomplishment...continue
