Open AccessA general method for improving spatial resolution by optimization of electron multiplication in CCD imaging
Author(s) -
PeiHsun Wu,
Natalie Nelson,
Yiider Tseng
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.18.005199
Subject(s) - optics , physics , image resolution , detector , electron , tracking (education) , multiplication (music) , signal (programming language) , signal to noise ratio (imaging) , photon counting , resolution (logic) , photon , noise (video) , charge coupled device , range (aeronautics) , computer science , materials science , image (mathematics) , artificial intelligence , psychology , pedagogy , composite material , quantum mechanics , acoustics , programming language
The electron-multiplying charge-coupled device (EMCCD) camera possesses an electron multiplying function that can effectively convert the weak incident photon signal to amplified electron output, thereby greatly enhancing the contrast of the acquired images. This device has become a popular photon detector in single-cell biophysical assays to enhance subcellular images. However, the quantitative relationship between the resolution in such measurements and the electron multiplication setting in the EMCCD camera is not well-understood. We therefore developed a method to characterize the exact dependence of the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) on EM gain settings over a full range of incident light intensity. This information was further used to evaluate the EMCCD performance in subcellular particle tracking. We conclude that there are optimal EM gain settings for achieving the best SNR and the best spatial resolution in these experiments. If it is not used optimally, electron multiplication can decrease the SNR and increases spatial error.