This unit presents an overview of digital imaging hardware used in light microscopy. CMOS, CCD, and EMCCDs are the primary sensors used. The strengths and weaknesses of each define the primary applications for these sensors. Sensor architecture and formats are also reviewed. Color camera design strategies and sensor window cleaning are also described in the unit.

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy fluorescence— optical sectioning limiting the excitation volume to the close vicinity of the interface by sending the excitation light at an incident angle higher than the critical angle; usually implemented using a high numerical aperture (NA) objective. high signal-to-background for nearsurface structures monitoring plasma membrane proc...