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| The ultrahigh-sensitivity HARP camera takes clear shots even in dim light, e.g., moonlight. Its applications have been extended beyond nighttime news reporting and location shoots for dramas to include advanced microvasculature X-ray diagnostic imaging, deep-sea exploration, analysis of protein molecules in a living cell, and security and safety surveillance. One of its latest applications in the field of medicine is a less-invasive endoscope that does not need strong lighting for fetal therapy in utero. |
The HARP camera tube's high sensitivity is due to the avalanche multiplication phenomenon in its photoconductive film (semiconductor film that converts light into an electric signal).
- It has extremely high sensitivity (approximately 50 times that of an ordinary CCD camera).
- It picks up vivid, high-quality images with low noise even in a dark environment.
- It can obtain clear pictures in a wide range of lighting environments, from dark to bright.
- It is very reliable. It is not damaged by intense spot lights.
A recent enhancement to the device attains higher picture quality. The photoelectric conversion efficiency for green light was increased to 1.5 times that of the conventional HARP camera tube. |
We will continue evaluating the durability of the new green-extended HARP camera tube. To construct smaller, lighter camera systems with improved operability, we will study HARP image sensors that use a field emitter array.
The research on the ultrahigh-sensitivity HARP camera is being jointly done with Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. and Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.
We are evaluating the feasibility of the less-invasive endoscope system in cooperation with National Center for Child Health and Development.
*1 : High-gain Avalanche Rushing amorphous Photoconductor (HARP).
*2 : Booth 18 presents a related exhibition.
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HARP camera tube operating principle
Shooting experiment using endoscope |
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