imec-snapscan-vnir-2021_51003146957_o

snapscan VNIR camera

snapscan-vnir-2019_48526593376_o

RBC vs WBC RGB rendering and spectrally classified HSI Snapscan image on a Leica Microscope

RGB rendering and classified image (red blood cells versus white blood cells) from a dataset of 150 spectral images of 7Mpx spatial resolution (snapscan VNIR camera was mounted onto a LEICA microscope for spectral imaging of a blood smear test

Snapscan VNIR Hyperspectral Imaging Camera

Features

High Spectral Resolution: 150 bands (10~15nm FWHM) from 470 – 900nm
High Spatial Resolution: up to 3600 x 2048 pixels
TE-cooled CMOS image sensor
High SNR: up to 200:1
Supports Hardware Triggering
Host Interface: USB3.0
C-Mount compatible: works with industry standard lenses and microscopes
Includes HSI Snapscan Software for acquisition of spectral image datacubes which are ENVI compatible
Includes HSI Studio Software for the interactive visualization of datacubes
Supported by a Full-featured API with both C and Python bindings

Typical Applications:

Microscopy: Brightfield & Fluorescence
Digital Pathology
Life Sciences Research
Physical Sciences
Characterization of minerals, plants and vegetation
Wound monitoring & diagnostics
General application research for hyperspectral imaging inside the lab
Art and Antiquities Analysis and Conservation
Counterfeit Detection
Forensics

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SNAPSCAN VNIR [150 bands, 470-900nm] Datasheet

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Snapscan VNIR cameras are used by researchers to spectrally inspect stationary samples by generating HyperSpectral image datacubes with high spectral resolution AND high spatial resolution. The image sensors used in these cameras employ imec’s proprietary technology in which 10~15nm FWHM Fabry-Perot band-pass spectral filters are deposited in a pattern on the photosensitive pixels of a VNIR (Visible + NIR) CMOS imager. In a snapscan VNIR camera, band-pass filters are deposited on the image sensor in a striped pattern of 150 filter bands, spanning the 470 – 900nm spectral range of the underlying VNIR imager.

The cameras are c-mount compatible, which allows their use in microscopy or with conventional camera lenses. See below for an animation that describes the operation of snapscan cameras.

Snapscan VNIR cameras generate HSI datacubes in seconds by translating the image sensor with its striped pattern of 150 filter bands through the image circle that is projected by the lens or microscope optics onto the focal plane. Pixel values are read out and can now be rearranged into HSI datacubes with each λ plane along the z-axis representing the (x,y) intensity values measured for a particular wavelength.

Since the scanning process is integrated within the camera, HSI datacubes of stationary samples can be efficiently created in seconds. Researchers do not have to configure translation stages, conveyor belts or other motion control. The systems are robust enough for lab operation as well as for use in the field.

Users who wish to set up VNIR H.S.I. systems for inspecting “macro” samples can select a lens with a focal length that allows them to achieve their Field-of-View requirements. To complete the system, users may add a Full Lab Setup kit that includes the following: (a) a mounting setup with vibration dampening on a breadboard with a sturdy metal frame (b) 2x Effilux Effi-Flex LED bars, with diffusers (c) a stabilized DC power supply (d) a 200mm x 200mm calibration tile with 95% reflectance (d) a Color checkerboard calibration card

Included with Snapscan VNIR cameras is HSI Snapscan software for the acquisition of spectral image datacubes which are ENVI compatible. HSI Snapscan is a powerful, user-friendly software that helps researchers discover spectrally significant information in the reflected light from their samples that is inaccessible via conventional imaging systems. Users may also interact with datacubes from HSI Studio, which is included with the camera. HSI Studio is a user-friendly tool for the interactive visualization of ENVI compatible datacubes.

Snapscan VNIR cameras are shipped as complete systems with a sturdy Pelicase in which the snapscan camera, all necessary cables and software are included.

Host Interface: USB3.0

Wavelength Range:

VNIR [scanning 150 bands in the 470 – 900nm range]
For SWIR [scanning 100 bands in the 1100 – 1700nm range] click here

Spatial resolution	up to 3600 x 2048px (7Mpx per band)
Spectral resolution	150 bands
Spectral range	470 – 900 nm (VNIR)
FWHM	~ 10 – 15 nm (collimated)
Acquisition speed	~ 2 – 20 seconds, depending on acquisition parameters, lighting and object
SNR	up to 200:1
Software	HSI Snapscan software for data acquisition, data pre-processing, hypercube visualization and classification & API for data acquisition and pre-processing in custom software
SW scanning modes	Digital TDI (x5 stages max)
		Digital binning (1x1 up to 20x20)
		Spectral ROI - Region of Interest
		Spatial ROI - Region of Interest
Dynamic range	10 bit
Optics	C-mount
Smile & keystone	Software corrected
Interface	USB3.0 + GPIO for triggering
Cooling	Passive & active cooling (fan based + TEC)
Operating Temperature	15°C to 45°C (operation), 5°C to 50°C (transport)
Mechanical	Integrated mechanical shutter for automatic dark-counts, Tripod mount+ side mounting M5 holes
Dimensions (LxWxH) Weight	10 x 7 x 7cm \| 3.9" x 2.76" x 2.76"
Weight	645 g (without optics)
Hyperspectral software compatibility	Output in standard ENVI hyperspectral data format

The system shown below includes a Snapscan VNIR camera, which was configured with a compatible C-mount lens {focal lengths of 20mm, 24mm, 35mm and 50mm are available, and may be selected based on the desired Field-of-View (contact us with your FOV requirements during the lens-selection process}.

Another useful and highly recommended accessory that is shown below is the Full Laboratory Setup which includes:

1x Mounting setup with vibration dampening (breadboard with metallic frame for lighting and camera fixation)
2x Effilux Effi-Flex LED bars, with diffusers
1x Tunable stabilized DC power supply
1x 200mm x 200mm Calibration tile with 95% reflectance tile
1x Calibration color checkerboard card

After a calibration step, a sequence of images is acquired within a few seconds over a user-selected portion of the VNIR (470 – 900nm) range. The acquisition of these images takes a few seconds; once it is complete a hyperspectral imaging datacube is available for analysis. Note that the datacube is compatible with ENVI, an industry leading software for spectral image processing and analysis. [ENVI is not included with this system, and may be purchased separately via regular channels].

As shown below, the user can freely interact with the datacube using the HSI software that is included with the camera. A photorealistic RGB image is shown in the viewing window. Users may also view the underlying spectral signature of different pixel (or areas) simply by clicking on them. The software also enables the spectral classification of different parts of the image based on the spectral content.

A screenshot showing how users can interact with Hyperspectral Imaging datacubes. By clicking on areas of the image, users can display the spectral content that underlies selected Spectral Regions of Interest. Images may also be classified, using the built-in SAM classifier or 3rd party classification tools such as perClass Mira.

A screenshot of HSI Image software, showing how Hyperspectral imaging datacubes may be viewed and analyzed

Hyperspectral Imaging in Cancer Screening

The system shown below includes a Snapscan VNIR camera, mounted on a modular microscope platform. Contact your Scientific Imaging representative to learn how such a system can be configured for your laboratory workflow.

As shown, the configuration includes:

imec Snapscan VNIR camera
CMOS Color Camera (used for focusing and to locate regions-of-interest on the slide)
Beamsplitter, to allow Dual Camera Operation
White LED and Condenser Optics
Objective: 20X\0.5NA (other options are available)
Tube Lens
Motorized X, Y and Focus Control
Quad Slide Holder

Configuration Sketch showing Snapscan VNIR camera & Color Camera in a Beamsplitter Configuration

Photograph of the System (beamsplitter and 2nd camera are not shown)

Close-up View of the Snapscan VNIR camera

After a calibration step, a sequence of images is acquired within a few seconds over a user-selected portion of the VNIR. For this sample, a range of 470 – 650nm was selected out of a total range of 470 – 900nm. In addition to the wavelength range, parameters such as Exposure, Gain and Binning are specified by the user. The acquisition of a Hyperspectral Image datacube takes a few seconds; once it is complete a hyperspectral imaging datacube is available for analysis. Note that the datacube is compatible with ENVI, an industry leading software for spectral image processing and analysis. [ENVI is not included with this system, and may be purchased separately via regular channels].

As shown above, users can can freely interact with the datacube using the HSI software that is included with the camera.
Step 1 of a typical workflow shows that a photorealistic RGB image may be Rendered from the acquired datacube. In Step 2 users may select Spectral Regions of Interest (SROI) that have useful data. Users may also view the underlying spectral signature of different pixel (or areas) simply by clicking on them. In Step 3, Image Classification can be accomplished with the built-in “SAM classifier” or a 3rd party tool such as perClass Mira. In this image, red areas of the image have been tagged with the user-selected false-color, in this case green. This means that the software was successful in identifying and then locating these areas for further analysis. Step 4 shows that the classified image may now be analyzed, based on the user’s requirements.

Using the method described in our Knowledge Base Article titled “How Diffraction Limits the Optical Resolution of a Microscope” one can estimate the performance of this camera when used in a microscope with commercially available microscope objectives. In the table below, it is assumed that the microscope is comprised of the objective and a tube lens with the correct focal length for the objective such that the nominal optical magnification of the microscope is the value that is specified for the objective.

SNAPSCAN VNIR Camera Parameters
Optical Format	#Megapixels	#H pixels	#V pixels	Pixel size (μm)	H size (mm)	V size (mm)	Diagonal (mm)
> 4/3"	7.4MP	3600	2048	5.5	19.8	11.26	22.78
Commercially Available Objectives
Objective: Mag/NA	1X\0.03NA	2X\0.1NA	4X\0.13NA	10X\0.26NA	20X\0.5NA	40X\0.75NA	60X\0.85NA	100X\1.4NA
Min. feature size (um)	11.18	3.36	2.58	1.29	0.67	0.45	0.39	0.24
Max pix size (um)	5.59	3.36	5.16	6.45	6.70	9.00	11.70	12.00
FN (mm)	22	22	22	22	22	22	22	22
WD (mm)	8	56.3	17.2	16	2.1	16	0.66	0.31-0.4
NA	0.03	0.1	0.13	0.26	0.5	0.75	0.85	1.4
Magnification	1	2	4	10	20	40	60	100
Estimated Performance of Camera and Objective Combinations
(*) Limiting Resolution (µm)	11.18	5.5	2.75	1.29	0.67	0.45	0.39	0.24
Vignetting?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
FOV (H x V) mm	19.8 x 11.26	9.9 x 5.63	4.95 x 2.82	1.98 x 1.13	0.99 x 0.56	0.5 x 0.28	0.33 x 0.19	0.2 x 0.11
FOV (diagonal) mm	22.78	11.39	5.7	2.28	1.14	0.57	0.38	0.23
Please contact our imaging experts for assistance in selecting a camera & objective combination that fulfils your FOV & resolution requirements at application-specific wavelengths.
1) The minimum feature size is estimated using the Rayleigh Criteria at λ = 550nm; it can be re-calculated for other wavelengths. R = 1.22*λ/(2NA)
2) The maximum pixel size is estimated by applying the Nyquist criteria to the minimum feature size as it appears on the imager plane. Maximum pixel size = R*magnification/2
3) Camera and Objective combinations which meet the Nyquist criteria and are therefore diffraction limited are indicated by showing the Limiting Resolution in green font. (*)
4) Values for Working Distance (WD) and Field Number (FN) are shown for reference only. Actual values may vary.
5) Vignetting, a darkening of the image at the corners, may be observed if the Imager Diagonal is larger than the Field Number of the Objective.

Please contact Scientific Imaging to select a suitable lens based on your Field-of-View requirements.

	Optical format > 4/3"	#H pixels	#V pixels	Pixel size (μm)	H size (mm)	V size (mm)	Diagonal (mm)
snapscan VNIR	7.4MP	3600	2048	5.5	19.8	11.26	22.78
In applications that require the best achievable optical resolution, it is desirable to use a lens with an optical resolution ≥ 91 lp/mm for an image sensor with a pixel size of 5.5μm. This will ensure that the optical resolution of the camera & lens combination is Nyquist-limited by the pixel-size of the camera, and not by the quality of the lens.

This camera has an optical format of >4/3″”, corresponding to an imager diagonal of 22.78mm. The lenses shown on the table below have an image circle of 24mm and therefore can be used without vignetting, since their projected image will slightly overfill the image sensor. For more on optical formats and vignetting, please check out our Knowledge Base article titled Camera Lens Fundamentals.

The lenses shown in the following table have a high optical resolution which exceeds the Nyquist limit imposed by the pixel size of this camera. Please check out our Knowledge Base Article for more details on why this is an important consideration for system designers.

Add to MyList	Lens P/N	Focal Length (mm)	WD (mm)	Optical Magnification	Diag FOV (mm)	H FOV (mm)	V FOV (mm)	(**) Min resolvable feature size (mm)	1mm feature =
+ My Quote Already in Quote View My Quote List	Apo-Xenoplan 2.0/20	20	500	0.040	569	495	282	0.28	7 pixels
+ My Quote Already in Quote View My Quote List	Apo-Xenoplan 2.0/24-0005	24	500	0.048	475	413	235	0.23	9 pixels
+ My Quote Already in Quote View My Quote List	Apo-Xenoplan 2.0/35	35	500	0.070	325	283	161	0.16	13 pixels
+ My Quote Already in Quote View My Quote List	Xenoplan 2.8/50	50	500	0.100	228	198	113	0.11	18 pixels

Notes:
The working distance (WD) is defined as the distance from the object plane to the front of the lens.
The above are theoretical estimates provided for reference, and are not a guarantee of performance. Actual FOVs and optical resolution are best determined by experiment.
The FOVs and smallest resolvable feature sizes are estimated with the object plane placed at the WD that is chosen for the purposes of example in this table. A similar calculation may be performed for the user-specified WDs. Please contact us for assistance: our specialists can help you identify a lens that meets your FOV requirements at a Working Distance that is convenient for your workflow.
Increasing the WD will result in larger FOVs, and lower optical resolution (an increase in the smallest resolvable feature size).
(**) Since the Nyquist limit imposed by the pixel size of the camera is comfortably exceeded by the lenses shown above, the optical resolution of the system is the estimated to be the distance on the sample plane that corresponds to two pixels in the image plane.