who are we?
FIRST LIGHT IMAGING:
FROM RESEARCH TO SCIENCE
When astronomers and engineers design a new scientific instrument, there is a very special moment. It happens the first time the instrument is set on the telescope, looking at the sky. When light coming from the universe trickles down the system and ultimately falls on the detector. From this moment on, observations can begin, theories can be tested, science can be made.
We call this moment the First Light.
our vision
making the invisible visible
our mission
OFFER YOU THE MOST INNOVATIVE VISION SYSTEM TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS
First Light Imaging offers advanced imaging solutions for extremely low-light environment and real time applications to the world scientific and industrial communities
FROM THE INFINITELY LARGE TO THE MICROSCOPIC WORLD, FIRST LIGHT IMAGING WILL HELP YOU IMAGING SCIENCE, WHATEVER YOUR APPLICATION IS
ASTRONOMY
First Light Imaging cameras are optimized for astronomy and low light applications in visible and infrared spectra. Our cameras are the fastest photon counting cameras available on the market. First Light Imaging works with the most advanced research centers and astronomical observatories in the world.
Example of astronomy applications : Adaptive Optics, Exoplanets research, Laser communications, Astronomical observations, ground to ground transmissions, interferometry, Fringe tracking.
LIFE SCIENCES AND RESEARCH
Going beyond the visible wavelength is priceless for researchers in medical and biology. Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) imaging allows deeper, non-invasive, high-resolution detection of in vivo or ex vivo tissues, thanks to the very low reflectivity of skin in the SWIR, and to contrast agent or dyes.
The scope of applications is large, especially in cancer domain but not only. Example of life sciences applications: Small animal imaging in NIR II, Fluorescence microscopy, Tissue analysis, OCT imaging, Raman spectroscopy, Singlet oxygen imaging, Photodynamic therapy, Cellular imaging, biological sampling.
INDUSTRY
Imaging has long been used in industrial processes to measure, monitor, control or otherwise manage the production of goods. Short Wave imaging (SWIR) cameras can see through coatings that are opaque to the eye, and enables visualization of underlying features such as fill levels, or hidden moisture…
Whether for semiconductor inspection, food inspection or quality control, non destructive analysis, laser beam alignment or environmental monitoring, our cameras can be used in countless industrial fields.
SAFETY AND SURVEILLANCE
Our Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) cameras are able to image high contrast images through haze, mist, rain, fog and challenging atmospheric conditions. Even better performance is possible thanks to our High Dynamic Range feature.
Example of safety and surveillance applications: SWIR imaging for night vision, background contrast, cloud or smoke penetration, identification of objects.
ART INSPECTION
Surface pigments are typically transparent at wavelengths longer than 1100 nm, and our Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) cameras can be used as non-invasive detection instrument for painting inspection, such as identification of alterations, counterfeiting, copying, overpainting, or erased marking, providing information on hidden structures which are invisible to human eye.
REVEAL UNEXPLORED POSSIBILITIES : FROM SCIENCE TO INDUSTRY, OUR VISIBLE AND INFRARED CAMERAS WILL HELP YOU MAKE THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE
Our Cameras:
VISIBLE OR INFRARED (SWIR), TO SEE THE BIG PICTURE
OCAM²
Our OCAM² series for visible imaging is declined in 2 cameras:
OCAM²K
- 2067 Frames per second full frame,
- <1 e- RON
- Ultra low latency: 43µs
OCAM²S
- 2067 Frames per second full frame,
- <1 e- RON
- Ultra low latency: 43µs
- Embedded electronic shutter lower than 1 µs, mostly for pulsed laser applications
Developed by astronomers for astronomers for Visible imaging, with up to 95% quantum efficiency over a wide spectrum (from 400 to 900 nm), our Electron Multiplier Charge Coupled Device cameras are the fastest visible cameras with subelectron read out noise.
C-RED
Our C-RED series is declined in 3 cameras, for scientific or industrial infrared imaging
C-RED ONE
- 3500 Frames per second full frame,
- <1 e- RON + Dark
- Multiple Readout Modes
- High reliability autonomous cryocooling system (Pulse Tube)
Resulting from a three-years R&D program supported by the European Commission, ambitious and innovative, C-RED One is a revolutionary infrared camera base on a revolutionary 320×256 pixels MCT e-APD (Avalanche Photodiodes) sensor with noise-free signal multiplication, offering unprecedented performances in SWIR imaging (from 0.8 to 2.5 µm with 70% quantum efficiency).
C-RED One is also capable of multiple regions of interest (ROI) readout allowing faster image rate (10’s of KHz) while maintaining unprecedented subelectron readout noise, making the invisible visible.
The camera has been rewarded by a Prism Award for Photonics Innovation in 2016 and still owns the world record in speed and sensitivity for a e-APD camera.
C-RED 2
- Up to 600 Frames per second full frame
- <30 e- RON + ultra low dark
- Long exposure times optimisation
- 93 dB and true 16 bits High Dynamic Range
Based on the success of the C-RED One development program, C-RED 2 outperforms the capacities of its 640 x 512 15 μm pixels high resolution InGaAs sensor, revolutionizing SWIR imaging (from 0.9 to 1.7 µm, with 70% quantum efficiency).
C-RED 2 is able to offer a very high speed frame rate of 600 frames per seconds, with a very low RON + dark under 30 electrons.
The camera is also optimized for long exposure times up to 60 seconds, allowing new opportunities in low light infrared imaging.
It also offers a unique high dynamic range mode (HDR) providing 93dB dynamic range and true 16 bits linear response.
Automatically aircooled or liquid cooled, C-RED 2 can operate in any environment or complex situations, easy as plug and play.
C-RED 2 is supported by the “Investments for the future” program and the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur Region in France, in the frame of the CPER.
C-RED 3 is an uncooled short wave infrared (SWIR) camera optimized for low SWaP (Size, weight and power) and low cost. The camera is based on a tecless InGaAs sensor sensitive from 0.9 to 1.7 µm with more than 80% QE typical response. The camera offers up to 600 frames per second refresh rate with a readout noise of 30 electrons, and is declined in 2 versions with cameralink full or USB 3.0 interfaces. C-RED 3 supports a unique high dynamic range mode (HDR) providing 93dB dynamic range and true 16 bits linear response, which offers at the same time a low noise below 30 electrons and a full well capacity of more than 1 million electron. The camera can also work in AGC mode (automatic gain control) with standard dynamic range. C-RED 3 also exists in OEM module for easy integration in larger systems.
C-RED 3
- 600 Frames per second full frame
- <30 e- RON
- Adaptive BIAS
- 93 dB and true 16 bits High Dynamic Range
- Electronic shutter <5µs
- Uncooled and SWaP optimized
All our cameras are provided with our own Graphical User Interface (GUI) and our softwares allowing real time applications. They can be updated remotely.
We care about our products, so we carefully pack our cameras in strong Pelicases®.
Our packages are marked with shockwatch indicators, and we ship them all around the world with reliable forwarding partners.
First Light Imaging challenges physical laws by creating the most
innovative, fastest and sensitive scientific cameras, for science research.
our company
control all the manufacturing process to be the most performant
We design and manufacture ultra high-speed and sensitive scientific cameras for visible and infrared spectra.
Multiple award-winning, First Light Imaging is recognized for the high performance of its products, and works with world leading institutes and manufacturers.
This technical excellency is key to our goal : providing our customers with uncompromising performance and quality, with MADE IN FRANCE products.
OUR TECHNOLOGY
Constantly improving to use technology at its highest potential
First Light Imaging develops its cutting-edge cameras around state of the art scientific sensors. EMCCD, e-APD MCT or InGaAs, we integrate the most challenging, difficult to harness detectors in complex optics systems.
Our innovation and technology are already at the heart of the Adaptive Optics systems for the world’s biggest telescopes, looking at the universe and searching for planets, or in the sharpest laboratories, plugged on microscopes, looking at cells and searching for diseases.
From visible to Infrared (SWIR) wavelengths, with the lowest readout noise and the highest frame rates, high QE over a wide spectrum, wavefront sensing with integrated micro-lens arrays, nanoseconds accurate synchronization, electronic shutter… First Light Imaging offers state of the art products for high end applications, to make the invisible visible.
European Conformity
First Light Imaging is involved in CEM compliance.
Our cameras are exempted from the RoHS limitation.
Sustainable development
First Light Imaging is involved in sustainable development by recycling all its electronical and electrical wastes.
Personal data protection
First Light Imaging is also attentive to data protection, all information collected is protected by our private servers. Data is exclusively used in the execution of our business relationship with our customers and suppliers, and for marketing or information purposes.
our advantage:
made in france products
Our scientific cameras are MADE IN FRANCE.
They are dual-use products, following the export rules of the Council regulation (EC) No 428/2009 of 5 May 2009 modified by the Regulation (EU) No 388/2012 of the European parliament and of the Council of 19 April 2012.
No export licence is required within the EU.
First Light Imaging owns a General Export Licence for exports in the following countries: USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland.
For every other country, an individual export licence is required.
Our cameras are MADE IN FRANCE.
They are classified under category 6A003.b of the Dual-use products list from the European Union
(Equivalent to the Export Control Classification Number ECCN)
They are NOT subject to ITAR restrictions.
our partners and customers
the world is our playground
Today, observatories, research institutes, universities and industrials on 4 continents have given us their trust, and we are proud to count among our partners and customers:
