The heliCam™ C4 combines imaging and lock-in signal processing. It allows for massively parallel dual-phase demodulation of even weakly modulated optical signals – directly within the pixel.
The lock-in pixel signal processing developed and patented by Heliotis is the core of all our products. In our proprietary CMOS image sensor, phase-sensitive demodulation does not take place in the downstream signal path, but directly at each pixel. Each pixel performs a synchronous I/Q measurement and outputs a 10-bit In-Phase (I) and 10-bit Quadrature (Q) value (dual-phase demodulation). With I and Q, the amplitude and phase of the useful signal can be determined immediately – across the entire area, stably and reproducibly.
This pixel-parallel demodulation suppresses constant background, 1/f noise, and non-synchronous interference light right at the point of acquisition, so that even very small, modulated signals become reliably visible – without long averaging times. The platform is available in two resolutions: heliCam™ C4 (512 × 542 pixels) and the high-resolution heliCam™ C4M (1024 × 1102 pixels). Thus, the C4 platform opens the way to massively parallel lock-in imaging – the technological foundation of our camera family.
| Feature / Model | C4.0-S40 | C4.0-S40U | C4.0-S41U | C4M.2-S4M1U |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lock-in Pixel | 542×512 | 542×512 | 542×512 | 1024×1102 |
| Demodulation Frequency | 305 Hz – 134 kHz | 305 Hz – 134 kHz | 305 Hz – 134 kHz | 305 Hz – 50 kHz |
| Full Well Capacity (FWC) | 500 ke– | 500 ke– | 125 ke– | 140 ke– |
| Fill Factor | 21% | 55% | 55% | 55% |
| Dynamic Range for Signal | 2 × 10 bit (X, Y) | 2 × 10 bit (X, Y) | 2 × 10 bit (X, Y) | 2 × 10 bit (X, Y) |
| Common Mode Suppression | 21 bit equivalent | 21 bit equivalent | 21 bit equivalent | 18 bit equivalent |
The heliCam™ C4 is connected via the heliDriver™ D3 module, which powers the camera and serves as a synchronization interface. By feeding in external control signals, the heliCam™ can be precisely coupled with experiments, measurement sequences, or external clock signals.
Optionally, the heliDriver™ can also control the lighting of the LED accessory kit. This kit simplifies commissioning and initial tests with the heliCam™ by providing a stable, ready-to-use light source.
Heliotis AG