Hamamatsu's back-thinned TDI-CCDs feature:
- Very high sensitivity from UV to near IR
- High-speed continuous image acquisition
- Multiple ports for high-speed line rate
Applications
- Sequential imaging of high-speed moving samples
- Inspection tasks on electronic parts production line
- Semiconductor inspection
- Flow cytometery

The MPPC (Multi-Pixel Photon Counter) is a new type of photon-counting device made up of multiple APD (avalanche photodiode) pixels operated in Geiger mode. The sum of the output from each APD pixel forms the MPPC output. This allows the counting of single photons or the detection of pulses of multiple photons. The MPPC is used in diverse applications including fluorescence analysis, fluorescence lifetime measurement, flow cytometry, single molecule detection, neutrino detection, and PET (positron emission tomography).

The MPPC is essentially an opto-semiconductor device with excellent photon-counting capability and which also possesses great advantages.

Hamamatsu’s miniature spectrometers cover a wide spectral response range and also provide:
- High-precision measurements
- High throughput
- Ease of use
- Flexibility in measurement setups
- Compact size
- USB connectivity

Silicon photodiodes are semiconductor light sensors that generate a current or voltage when the P-N junction in the semiconductor is illuminated by light. These devices feature excellent linearity with respect to incident light, low internal noise, and a wide spectral response. They have a long life, and they are mechanically rugged, compact, and lightweight.

To learn more about them including sample circuits, consult the Photodiode Technical Guide. Suggested choices for silicon photodiodes can be found in the Selection Guide.

A Photo IC (integrated circuit) is a combination of a photodiode with signal processing electronics in an IC package. They simplify design, reduce space on the PCB and lower production costs. Photo ICs are used for ambient light detection, laser beam detection in printers, distance measurement, optical communications and photo interrupters operating in strong ambient light. Photoreflectors, photo interrupters and phototransistors are also available.

We offer a variety of sensors and modules for LCD color monitoring and simple color detection. These photosensors are color sensors using a 3-element (or 2-element) photodiode with color sensitivity assembled in one package. Modules for TFT-LCD monitor and evaluation circuits are also provided.

A Position Sensitive Detector (PSD) consists of a monolithic PIN photodiode with a uniform resistance in one or two dimensions. PSDs have many advantages, compared to discrete element detectors, including high position resolution, fast response speed and simple operating circuits. Position data is independent of the size of light spot on the detector. They can be used for non-contact distance measurement, laser beam alignment and optical tracking of an object. PSDs for tracking electrons or high energy particles are also available.

InGaAs PIN photodiodes are near infrared (NIR) detectors that, due to a small terminal capacitance, feature low noise, low dark current and high-speed response. When cooled with a thermoelectric cooler, InGaAs PIN photodiodes exhibit very low dark current and deliver higher D* (Detectivity). InGaAs detectors are used for NIR spectroscopy, optical communication and can be categorized into four types

Hamamatsu manufactures APD modules, which consist of an APD, low-noise amplifier, and bias power supply integrated in a compact package. Several types are available. Standard modules (part #: C5331 series) contain a near-infrared or a short-wavelength type APD. High-sensitivity modules (part #: C5460 series) have high gain for detection of low light. High-speed modules (part #: C5658 series) operate over a wide range of frequencies and have fast response for pulsed light detection. TE-cooled modules (part #: C4777 series) have high sensitivity for low-light-level detection and also offer greatly improved stability. Custom APD modules are also available.

Hamamatsu Photonics manufactures a wide variety of light emitter / receiver devices for short (850nm) or long (1310 nm and 1550nm) wavelength, for applications such as high speed LAN or broadcasting up to 10Gbps, our diodes have a high sensitivity (0.95 A/W). Hamamatsu also provides high performance products with sophisticated functions like our InGaAs linear image sensors incorporating our CMOS ICs, as well as Photo ICs that incorporate a Si PIN photodiode and high-speed signal processor on a single chip for use in factory / office automation and home or automotive networking. Hamamatsu specializes in the production of optoelectronic devices, which can incorporate a lens or flat window in the device package. In addition, Hamamatsu also develops and manufactures products with built in optical systems such as fiber pigtail, preamp, and fiber receptacle as well as photodiodes for power monitoring and wavelength monitoring.

The photomultiplier provides extremely high sensitivity and ultra-fast response. Photomultiplier tubes (PMT) have high bandwidth and noise-free gain on the order of a million. This makes them ideal for the detection of extremely low light or short pulses of light. Photomultipliers can be used to detect photons from 115nm to 1700nm. A typical Photomultiplier consists of a photoemissive cathode (photocathode) followed by an electron multiplier and an electron collector (anode).

Modules combine a photomultiplier tube with a high voltage supply and often signal processing electronics. This results in an easy to use package that has all of the advantages of a photomultiplier tube. They are perfect for a wide variety of applications from basic research to OEM applications where cost, consistency, delivery, and convenience are critical.

MCT (HgCdTe) photoconductive detectors have a decreasing resistance with increasing infrared light. The spectral response of HgCdTe can be changed by adjusting the stochiometry of the detector. Peak sensitivity can vary from 3.6 µm to 17 µm, while the cut-off wavelength can vary from 5.5 µm to 22 µm. The detectors can be cooled using either thermoelectric coolers, liquid nitrogen dewars and Stirling engine coolers. Custom devices are also available with different active areas and arrays with different number of elements.

Hamamatsu designs and manufactures various types of image sensors that cover a wide range of intensity levels and spectral response ranges. Devices operate from near infrared (NIR) at 2.6 µm, through visible and ultraviolet (UV) down to soft X-rays and hard X-rays at several hundred keV. Our image sensors are made from either silicon or InGaAs. The Si image sensors are available as a CCD array, CMOS linear array and NMOS linear array. Large 2D CMOS arrays are also available for area X-ray imaging. InGaAs and CCD arrays can be cooled with a built-in thermoelectric cooler. Detector heads and signal processing boards are available for most sensors. These devices are used in non-destructive testing, process monitoring, semiconductor tools, Raman spectroscopy, microscopy, optical communications, spectrophotometry, encoders and X-ray imaging.

At the core of each sensor unit is Hamamatsu’s advanced monolithic CMOS flat panel sensor, which produces seamless, high-quality images without any distortion. Four scintillator options are available, including GOS and directly deposited CsI:TI. Each sensor unit can be easily integrated into a PC-based X-ray imaging system through a frame grabber board or, in some cases, through a USB 2.0 interface. Various cable options are provided.

Hamamatsu offers high-quality image sensors for various types of digital dental x-ray imaging: intra-oral, panoramic, and cephalometric. Each sensor has the advantages of high resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio, and wide dynamic range. They are also durably constructed to ensure stable image quality over a long lifetime.
Intra-oral imaging devices are available as either a scintillator-coupled sensor or a sensor module that integrates sensor, support electronics, and cable into a complete package. The modules are adaptable to AC and DC x-ray sources, and can be used together with our USB interface box.

Hamamatsu offers silicon photodiodes suitable for detecting X-rays. These detectors are comprised of a silicon photodiode coupled to a scintillator (ceramic, CsI, or phosphor sheet). Ceramic scintillators have high sensitivity and offer high reliability. CsI scintillators also have high sensitivity and are less expensive. These X-ray detectors are used in industrial inspection and security.

Performing X-ray in-line inspection of objects for defects and contamination is a vital part of product quality control. Three types of X-ray detectors could be used: CCD cameras, flat panel sensors, and line scan cameras. A line scan camera, which has a one-line sensor, is the better choice for in-line inspection because it is faster. It also has a longer lifetime and simplifies cabinet design because it requires less X-ray radiation.

Hamamatsu manufactures a variety of X-ray line scan cameras that conveniently fit inside a conveyor belt. Different pixel sizes and line lengths are available. Additional features include high sensitivity and wide dynamic range.

Scintillators deposited on aluminum, amorphous carbon and fiber optic plates are used for X-ray imaging in both non-destructive testing and medical applications. Two types of scintillating materials are available cesium iodide (CsI) and GOS (Gd2O2S: Tb). The CSI scintillator can be grown with a needle like structure, resulting in superior resolution. Aluminum and amorphous carbon plates are available up to 440 x 440 mm.

The Microchannel Plate (MCP) consists of millions of very-thin, conductive glass capillaries (4 to 25 micro meters in diameter) fused together and sliced into a thin plate. Each capillary or channel works as an independent secondary-electron multiplier to form a two-dimensional secondary-electron multiplier. The MCP shows a high detection efficiency to electrons and ions. It is also sensitive to a wide range of other radiation including UV, VUV, soft X-ray photons and neutrons. The MCP offers many advantages over conventional detectors, compact, light weight, good timing properties due to short length, high gain, excellent pulse height distribution and two-dimensional imaging when used in conjunction with a phosphor screen. MCPs are used in mass spectroscopy, low light level imaging and all types of electron microscopes.

Image intensifiers (I.I.) are capable of detecting and amplifying low light level images and were primarily developed for night time viewing and surveillance under moonlight or starlight. They are used in industrial product inspection and scientific research, such as fluorescence microscopy. They are often combined with a CCD camera to produce an intensified CCD (ICCD). For very low light levels I.I.s with two or three microchannel plates can be used to create an image by detecting single photons. A high speed gate can be used with some image intensifiers to capture a fast event such as motion analysis of high-speed moving objects and fluorescence lifetime imaging.

Electron multipliers (EMT) are used for the detection and measurement of electrons, charged particles such as ions, VUV radiation and soft X-rays. Hamamatsu electron multipliers have high gain and low noise, making them suitable for the detection of very small or low energy particles. An EMT has CuBeO dynodes for producing gain via secondary emission. The dynodes are connected by a built-in voltage divider (1M ohm per stage) and are supplied in an evacuated glass bulb. The first dynode can be replaced by a photocathode of CsI or KBr for use in VUV photometry. Microchannel Plates (MCP) can also be used as electron multipliers. EMTs are used in applications such as mass spectroscopy, field ion microscopy, electron or VUV spectroscopy, Auger spectroscopy, AES and ESCA.

The UVtron® is an ultraviolet detector tube that uses the photoelectric effect of metal and the gas multiplication effect of electric current by means of discharge. It has a very narrow range of sensitivity from 185 nm to 300 nm and is completely insensitive to visible light. Because it uses the discharge phenomenon, its sensitivity is high and an adequate output voltage is obtained, making it possible to design a high-sensitivity, quick response ultraviolet detection system with simple circuitry.The UVtron® reliably detects faint ultraviolet emissions from flames, making it ideal for applications such as fire alarms, arson surveillance, and burner combustion monitor devices. The UVtron® can also detect discharges such as corona discharges from high-voltage power transmission lines.

Leveraging nearly 25 years of scientific digital and analog camera design with more recent high volume production capabilities Hamamatsu offers the most sensitive, quantitative and feature full industrial imaging devices available.
Led by our C8484 series of single piece 1394 and CameraLink digital cameras, our camera product line meets requirements for X-ray, EUV, UV, IR, low light, high speed and high dynamic range applications. In addition to our standard offerings our engineering staff can work with you to develop and specify the appropriate camera or board level system to match your needs.

Our cameras are developed for scientific applications in the biological, medical and industrial fields.
- Low-contrast specimens that formerly could not be observed without staining can now be seen clearly, along with fluorescence and emissions - too faint to be seen by the human eye
- the specifications and quality of our products meet the high demands of Diagnostic imaging systems
- the industrial community can benefit from the reliability and ruggedness of our broad product line

A full lineup of quality models covers such diverse needs as fluorescence imaging for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), ultra-low light imaging for gene expression, contrast enhancement for low-contrast samples which can not be seen by differential interference contrast microscopy alone, and just about any other video microscopy application imaginable. Hamamatsu also has systems that can handle tasks such as macro-genetic labeling and the tracking of circadian rhythms.

X-ray Imaging for the Non Destructive Testing (NDT) market. More and more factories and research labs, faced with even stricter demands of quality and safety in all types of food and industrial products, are finding that non-conduct, non-destructive X-ray inspection is extremely effective in upgrading quality and safety since it detects tiny product structural flaws and foreign object contaminations - with no product damage whatsoever. Hamamatsu Photonics has a full line of X-ray sources and cameras for X-ray inspection of electronic components, industrial products as well as for a wide range of fields to meet needs in food processing, medical treatment and security.

The rapid development of various technologies for photovoltaic detectors requires also to develop new measurement instruments for
- Analyzing and characterizing solar cells and panels
- Optimizing manufacturing processes
- Quality inspection

Hamamatsu has developed many systems to address the challenges in these applications. Imaging techniques and spectroscopic techniques are applied to analyze materials used for photovoltaic detectors as well as to characterize photovoltaic detectors themselves.

Hamamatsu provides photoemission (EMMI) and thermal emission microscopes, as well as thermal (OBIRCH) and photoelectrical (OBIC) laser stimulation systems for the failure analysis field and the design debug markets.

Our tools are suited for a wide variety of architecture: from the die or wafer level, to package or applications board level, up to probe card level and direct docking with tester environment. Using our tools, our customers observe parametric defects in static conditions and/or functional failures in dynamic conditions.

Hamamatsu Systems Division offers a wide array of unique instrumentation for the characterization of lasers, laser diodes, LEDs and fiber optics. The domains and parameters that can be characterized range are:
- spectrum
- spatial beam profile
- time and bandwidth
- differential mode delay

We offer a range of complete systems for the optical spectroscopy for scientific and industrial applications. These include:
- Ultra-fast picosecond fluorescence lifetime spectrometers (C4780) based on streak technology
- Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) using high quantum efficiency photomultiplier tube
- A dedicated plasma monitoring spectrometer (C10346) for the semiconductor industry Compact Spectrometers
- Compact multichannel spectrometers (PMA series) for a broad range of applications

Hamamatsu’s FDSS systems are reliable, imaging-based plate readers with built-in liquid handling for fast kinetic cell-based assays. It can detect fluorescence or luminescence. What can be done on FDSS product lines?
- GPCR calcium influx assays: All calcium wash or non-washing kits, Fluo-4, Fura-2, Premo™ Cameleon, Aequorin
- Ion channel assays: FMP, VSP, FluxOR™ for potassium channel, SBFI for sodium channel, YFP for chloride channel
- Enzymatic assays: Prolyl isomerase, and other very fast enzymatic assays
- Transporter assays
- Light-activated receptor or channel assays

This new add-on for the NanoZoomer 2.0 series improves the quality of digital images scanned from tissue samples stained with multiple fluorescence labels such as Qdots, fluorochromes, and fluorescent proteins. Whole slide scans of fluorescent slides allow you to review, examine and analyze all parts of the tissue without worrying about photo bleaching due to repeated searching of the glass slide trying to find areas of interest. In addition, the digital images of whole slides are easily shared over a network or the internet

In contrast to light sources used for illumination, light sources used for measurement applications must provide high stability, reliability and long life. Hamamatsu supplies a variety of stable light sources for chromatography, UV curing, microscopes, semiconductor tools and industrial inspection. Our light sources include xenon, mercury xenon, deuterium, hollow cathode, metal halide and xenon flash lamps. Complete light source packages including lamp, housing and power supply are available.

The X10468 series devices are a reflective type of pure phase Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs), based on Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) technology in which liquid crystal (LC) is controlled by a direct and accurate voltage, and can modulate a wavefront of light beam. The LCOS-SLMs are carefully designed to achieve high light utilization efficiency from various points of view, such as reflectivity, aperture ratio and diffraction noise due to the pixel structure. The X10468 series can be controlled via a PC using the Digital Video Interface (DVI), which is a standard interface for computer displays. The distortions in the LCOS chip, such as wavefront distortion and nonlinear response of the LC, are efficiently compensated by the controller.

Xenon short-arc lamps are point light sources providing high luminance and colour temperature. They emit a continuous spectrum of light, ranging from ultraviolet through visible to infrared. Conventional xenon short-arc lamps are inadequate light sources for precision photometry, since their light emissions are unstable due to arc point shift and fluctuation. Solving the problems of arc point shift and fluctuation is essential in order to use xenon short-arc lamps in photometric applications. Our super-quiet xenon lamps have completely solved these problems by using a highly durable cathode. This cathode exhibits virtually no shift and minimal fluctuation of the arc point for the lifetime of the lamp. Our super-quiet xenon lamps deliver unprecedented long service life. These lamps are ideal for use in microscopy, colourimetry, in- vitro diagnostics and analytical instruments.

For applications that do not require continuous illumination, xenon flash lamps are a convenient source of ultraviolet (UV) and visible light. These lamps are compact and generate a minimal amount of heat and are available in sizes ranging from 5 to 60 watts. The amount of output light, pulse width and repetition rate can be easily controlled. Socket assemblies and power supplies are optional. Complete lamp modules, consisting of xenon flash lamp and all of the electronics, are also available. They are used in microtiter plate readers, in-vitro diagnostics, spectrophotometers and factory automation.

A Mercury-Xenon Lamp is designed to provide high radiant energy in the ultraviolet region. These devices exhibit the best characteristics of both xenon lamps and high-pressure mercury lamps. Hence, the spectral distribution of a mercury-xenon Lamp includes a continuous spectrum from the ultraviolet to infrared and the strong mercury line spectrum. Compared to super-high-pressure mercury lamps, the radiant spectrum in the ultraviolet region is higher in intensity and sharper. The mercury-xenon lamp also features instantaneous starting and restarting.

Deuterium (D2) lamps emit UV light; the wavelength range depends on the lamp’s glass material. A key characteristic of Hamamatsu’s D2 lamps is their excellent stability. They show very small output variations from lamp to lamp, and individual lamps have low fluctuation and drift values. Such stability is due to the ceramic electrode structure, which ensures lamp stability even when the ambient temperature fluctuates. D2 lamps also have a long service life and high brightness, and Hamamatsu continues to develop D2 lamps with even higher brightness.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are opto-semiconductors that convert electrical power into light energy. Compared to semiconductor lasers (laser diodes or LD), LEDs offer advantages such as lower cost and longer service life. We offer a wide range of LEDs that enhance emission efficiency via a high output power LED chip mounted in a reflector (mirror) at the package base. Our LEDs have peak emission wavelengths that range from 660 nm to 940 nm and 1300 nm to 1650 nm, for applications such as camera auto focus and optical fiber communications.

Hamamatsu manufactures the Lightningcure™ series of UV LED light sources for UV adhesive curing and irradiation experiments. The Lightningcure™ series has several product lines.
- LC-L5: The unique design provides super-uniform UV irradiation over a wide range with minimal variations in light intensity.
- LC-L3: Its nine UV-LEDs provide monochromatic light at 365 nm or 385 nm.
- LC-L2: This modular UV-LED light source provides monochromatic light at 365 nm.
- LC-L1: Its UV-LED provides monochromatic light at 365 nm.

Hamamatsu manufactures the Lightningcure™ series of spot light sources for adhesive curing and irradiation experiments. The Lightningcure™ series has several product lines. Click here to view product information on the UV LED Light Source (LC-L1, LC-2, LC-3) Lightningcure™ products.

Since 1992 Hamamatsu has been developing microfocus X-ray sources (MFX) for nondestructive inspection tasks such as IC and PC inspection, mechanical parts inspection, X-ray CT (computed tomography), and others. Over the years our MFX product line has continued to grow due to our continued commitment to innovation. We offer both sealed X-ray sources and open X-ray sources in a range of tube voltages. Our MFX products provide sharp images even at high magnification, and they feature an RS-232C interface for external control. They also feature a unified design that combines the high voltage power supply and the X-ray head into one unit. This unified design eliminates problems such as additional noise and damage from discharge, and it makes the X-ray source easier to handle and set up.

Our range of continuous wave (CW) laser diodes, the L8933, L8446, L8763, L8828, L9777 series, feature high optical power of 0.5 to 5.0 W. These single element CW laser diodes have a small emitting area (50 µm to 200 µm x 1 µm) making it easy to focus on to a small spot with optics. They can be used for a variety of applications such as pumping of solid lasers, printers and medical instruments.

Pulsed laser diodes at 808, 860, and 870 nm are available with peak powers that range from 2 to 30 watts. These devices are used in:
- Laser radar
- Range finder
- Excitation light source
- Optical trigger
Higher powered laser bars are available in a variety of configurations including water cooled stacks. They can pump a solid state laser or be used directly for material processing and soldering.

The super luminescent diode (SLD) is an infrared emitter that has the advantages of both the laser diode and the LED, high radiant flux density and low coherence. The SLD was developed as a device that compensates for the disadvantages of laser diodes such as their coherent noise and is therefore ideal for applications where a higher S/N ratio is essential. A photodiode chip has also been mounted within the same package for monitoring the SLD output. They are used in fiber gyroscopes and optical coherence tomography (OCT).