I believe everyone is familiar with microscopes. In modern medicine or science, it is an indispensable tool. According to relevant market research, the global microscope market size is expected to reach US$8.9 billion in 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.6%. Of course, this is not just the result of traditional microscopes. The observation method of traditional microscopes is often limited to visual observation, which makes it difficult to record, share and accurately analyze.
Nowadays, more high-performance USB camera modules are combined with microscopes. From studying circuits to studying cells, microscopes equipped with high-performance cameras play an important role in many medical fields such as dentistry and ophthalmology. The global medical microscope market size has reached US$1 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11.1% in 2028.
For medical microscopes, monochrome cameras are more efficient than color cameras. Because of their unique advantages, monochrome cameras have become a powerful tool for improving the image quality and analysis efficiency of medical microscopes. This article will explore why monochrome cameras are recommended for medical microscopes and how Muchvision's AR1335 USB monochrome camera has become an ideal solution for such equipment.
Imaging principles of traditional and modern microscopes
Before studying why monochrome cameras are more suitable for microscopes, we can first understand why microscopes need cameras. And what are the differences in the imaging principles of traditional and modern microscopes?
Traditional microscopes, also commonly called optical microscopes, are equipped with lenses to magnify sample images. Modern microscopes use digital cameras for detection. Digital microscopes using electronic image sensors have a depth of field that is nearly 20 times that of traditional microscopes! Therefore, they are more suitable for microbiology and pathology.
Modern microscopes are also usually equipped with cameras to record high-quality images of samples for detailed analysis of samples. After these images are processed, they can be analyzed in depth, making it convenient for laboratory technicians or doctors to view the data of cell samples on the monitor.
Why do modern microscopes use monochrome cameras?
In general, it is better to choose a color camera because it allows richer colors to be seen. However, in many medical microscopy applications, color information is not the most important, and a monochrome camera is more suitable. Monochrome cameras can perform well even in low light or high contrast environments due to their high sensitivity to light and excellent image quality.
The main difference between color cameras and monochrome cameras is that the latter do not have a color filter array. Color cameras have a layer of color filters that only pass certain wavelengths of light.
This is done to filter out color information from the incoming light. This process limits the number of photons that reach the sensor. However, since there is no color filter array, monochrome sensors allow all wavelengths of light to hit the sensor. This equates to a higher quantum efficiency because the sensor can detect a wider spectrum. This in turn means higher sensitivity. Therefore, even in low light conditions, the output quality of a monochrome camera is higher than that of a color camera.
Muchvision's AR1335 monochrome camera module: the first choice for medical microscopy
With over 14 years of experience and expertise in embedded vision, Muchvision has developed and designed a range of camera modules specifically for use in medical devices. One of the most popular products is the AR1335 13mp usb camera module designed for medical microscopy. This is a USB camera based on the 1/3.2-inch AR1335 CMOS image sensor, which uses advanced 1.1µm pixel BSI technology to output high-quality images regardless of lighting conditions.
We know that high resolution is an important parameter for medical microscopy that relies on accurate specimen analysis. It also determines the field of view of the object. But the spatial resolution limit of the sensor depends on the size of a single pixel. Monochrome cameras with smaller pixel size allow clinicians to better observe specimens or samples. The AR1335 13mp usb camera module has a resolution of 13 million pixels and a pixel size of 1.1 µm. This makes it possible to perform detailed imaging of tiny objects.
This 4K monochrome camera eliminates the need for a color filter array, allowing your application to achieve higher quantum efficiency in the visible and near-infrared regions. This helps capture images with less noise, so the AR1335 13mp usb camera module is definitely superior to cameras equipped with RGB color filters.
Typical applications of 13MP monochrome USB cameras in medical microscopes
- Pathological diagnosis: Clearly display microscopic lesions in tissue sections to assist in tumor grading and disease diagnosis.
- Cell biology research: Observe the dynamic processes of living cells, such as cell division, cell migration, and intracellular material transport.
- Microbiology: High-definition capture of microbial morphology such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites to assist in infection diagnosis.
- Fluorescence imaging: Its extremely high sensitivity makes it an ideal companion for fluorescence microscopy, capable of capturing weak fluorescence signals.
If you need help integrating a camera module into your medical device, please contact us
Muchvision offers a comprehensive customization service to ensure that the camera meets the specific needs of your medical microscope. We can help you select the right sensor, interface, optics, and processing platform to ensure your application meets the required performance standards. Muchvision also has a successful history of providing camera solutions for many medical customers.
Need help choosing the right camera for your medical microscope? Please feel free to contact us and our camera experts will be happy to help you.
FAQ
Q1: How do I connect a USB camera to a microscope?
A1: A C-mount adapter is usually required. First, fix the USB camera to the C-mount adapter; then, install the C-mount adapter to the microscope's eyepiece tube or dedicated trinocular port; finally, connect the camera to the computer via a USB cable, install the corresponding driver and software, and you can start using it.
Q2: What is the purpose of a USB digital microscope?
A2: A USB digital microscope, or a traditional microscope with a USB camera, is mainly used to display microscopic images on a computer screen in real time, and can capture (take photos), record, measure, annotate, and archive images. This greatly facilitates observation, analysis, teaching, remote collaboration, and report writing.
Q3: Can a camera be installed on a microscope?
A3: Yes. Most modern microscopes are designed with interfaces for installing cameras, the most common of which is the trinocular port on a trinocular microscope, where a camera can be directly installed. If you only have a binocular microscope, you can also install the camera on one of the eyepiece tubes through an adapter, but this usually affects daily observation.
