Lastek Principals

CMOS

Thorlabs' Polarization-Sensitive Kiralux® Camera features a 5.0 MP monochrome CMOS sensor with a polarizer array. The wire grid polarizer array is comprised of a repeating pattern of polarizers (0°, 45°, -45°, and 90° transmission axes) and is present on the sensor chip between the microlens array and the photodiodes. The integrated polarizer array and software image processing enable the creation of images that illustrate degree of linear polarization (DoLP), azimuth, and intensity at the pixel level. These features enable many advanced techniques using polarization, for example: stress-induced birefringence detection, surface reflection reduction, materials inspection. The housing features engraved references for the polarization azimuth for ease of alignment.

  • Polarization-Sensitive Monochrome CMOS Camera
  • On-Chip Wire Grid Polarizer Array
  • High Quantum Efficiency & Low <2.5 e- Read Noise
  • C-Mount Compatible with 2/3" Optical Format

ThorCam software showing the calculated azimuth / angle of linear polarization (AoLP) of plastic safety goggles using the CS505MUP1 camera and polarized light. The captured image has a pseudocolor effect applied as a visualization aid.

The camera also offers extremely low read noise and high sensitivity for demanding imaging applications. The global shutter captures the entire field of view simultaneously, allowing for imaging of fast moving objects. The compact housing has been engineered to provide passive thermal management for the sensor, reducing dark current without the need for a cooling fan or thermoelectric cooler.

The approximate axial position of the sensor is indicated by the engraved line on top of the camera body. Each CMOS camera includes a USB 3.0 interface for compatibility with most computers. Included with each camera is our ThorCam software for use with Windows 7, 10, and 11 operating systems. Developers can leverage our full-featured API and SDK. Visit the ThorCam software page to download the latest software, firmware, and programing interfaces.

The camera aperture has SM1 (1.035"-40) threading for compatibility with Ø1" Lens Tubes and SM1-Threaded Adapters; an adjustable C-Mount (1.000"-32) adapter is factory installed for out-of-the-box compatibility with many microscopes, machine vision camera lenses, and C-Mount extension tubes. A replacement C-Mount adapter, SM1A10A, is available separately below. 

Each monochrome camera features a protective window. This window can be removed and replaced with another Ø25 mm or Ø1" optic up to 1.27 mm thick when using the camera's C-mount adapter. Without this adapter, the maximum filter thickness is 4.4 mm.

Four 4-40 tapped holes provide direct compatibility with our 30 mm cage system, and Thorlabs also offers C-Mount-threaded dovetail adapters that can be used to quickly connect and disconnect the camera from a 30 mm cage or SM1 lens tube system. Two 1/4"-20 tapped holes on opposite sides of the housing are compatible with imperial Ø1" pedestal or pillar posts. The combination of flexible mounting options and compact size makes these CMOS cameras the ideal choice for integrating into custom-built imaging systems as well as those based on commercial microscopes.

This video of degree of linear polarization (DoLP, shown with false color) depicts the bending of a plastic handle imaged by our CS505MUP1 polarization camera and illuminated by polarized light. 16-bit images like the full-resolution image above may be viewed using ThorCam, ImageJ, or other scientific imaging software. They may not be displayed correctly in general-purpose image viewers.

Features

  • Monochrome 5.0 MP CMOS Sensor with Integrated 4-Directional Wire Grid Polarizer Array

  • High Quantum Efficiency: 72% from 525 to 580 nm (Typical)

  • 3.45 µm x 3.45 µm Pixel Size

  • Fan-Free, Passive Thermal Management Reduces Dark Current Without Vibration and Image Blur

  • <2.5 e- RMS Read Noise (Unprocessed Images)

  • Triggered and Bulb Exposure Modes

  • Global Shutter

  • USB 3.0 Interface

  • ThorCam™ Software for Windows® 7, 10, and 11 Operating Systems

  • Available Polarization Imaging Modes:

  • SDK and Programming Interface Support:

    • C, C++, C#, Python, and Visual Basic .NET APIs

    • LabVIEW, MATLAB, and µManager Third-Party Software

  • Azimuth Orientation Engraved on Housing

  • SM1-Threaded (1.035"-40) Aperture with Adapter for Standard C-Mount (1.000"-32)

  • Compatible with 30 mm Cage System

  • 1/4"-20 Tapped Holes for Post Mounting

Thorlabs Thorlabs cameras

Detection

Principals: Detection