2025/10/29
Whole Slide Imaging (WSI), also known as a Digital Pathology Scanner, has become one of the most widely used high-throughput imaging platforms in medical and research fields today.
The technology originated from digital microscopy explorations in the late 1990s and gradually entered commercial use in the 2000s. Over the past two decades, digital pathology systems have evolved from basic brightfield imaging to multimodal solutions that integrate both brightfield and fluorescence imaging. With the advancement of artificial intelligence, the field is now entering a new stage characterized by higher throughput and greater intelligence.
Throughout this evolution, the camera—serving as the core module for digitizing optical signals—has also faced systemic challenges brought by increasing throughput demands. Balancing performance and cost has become a crucial factor in enabling the widespread adoption of such high-throughput instruments.
Libra 3405/3412 Series
As AI-assisted diagnostics and telepathology become mainstream, the demand for faster, higher-resolution, and more cost-efficient imaging solutions continues to rise.
Developed to meet the growing demand for high-throughput digital pathology, the Tucsen Libra 3405/3412 series delivers an ideal balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. It enables system integrators and researchers to achieve higher throughput and smarter imaging upgrades without compromising on core performance.
Core Imaging Innovations of the Libra 3405/3412 Series for Digital
1. Broad Spectrum & Enhanced NIR Sensitivity: Expanding Multichannel Imaging Potential
The Libra 3405/3412 series features a broad spectral range of 350–1100 nm, making it highly versatile for both standard four-channel fluorescence imaging (DAPI–FITC–Cy3–Cy5) and advanced applications involving near-infrared (NIR) channels.
Figure 1-1. QE Curve Fitting Chart
As shown in Figure 1-1, the monochrome versions of the Libra 3405/3412 cameras achieve quantum efficiency in both the visible and NIR ranges comparable to that of front-illuminated sCMOS sensors. Under identical exposure conditions (Figure 1-2), the fluorescence image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) captured by the Libra 3412M (67.4) closely matches that of the FSI sCMOS camera (77.6).
Figure 1-2. Image SNR Comparison: Libra 3412M vs. FSI sCMOS
At the critical 800 nm NIR wavelength, the Libra 3405/3412 monochrome models reach a quantum efficiency of up to 47%—approximately twice that of conventional CMOS cameras used in digital pathology—creating greater potential for six- to eight-channel imaging applications.
Figure 1-3. Near-Infrared Imaging Comparison: Libra 3412M vs. Conventional CMOS
Additionally, the GigE version of the Libra 3405/3412 series incorporates mild sensor cooling. This ensures exceptionally high SNR even during long-exposure imaging, providing comprehensive performance assurance for pathology system integration and extended imaging workflows.
2. 10 GigE + Global Shutter: Empowering High-Throughput and Intelligent Imaging Systems
Whole Slide Imaging (WSI) systems are designed for batch and automated scanning of pathology slides. The global shutter technology in the Libra 3405 / 3412 series enables high-speed image capture (“fly-by” scanning), improving scanning efficiency while ensuring precise multi-channel image alignment and minimizing artifacts or color crosstalk.
Figure 2. Frame Rate Comparison of Libra 3405/3412 Series
The 10 GigE interface version delivers frame rates of up to 98 fps at 12 MP and 164 fps at 5 MP—three times faster than the USB 3.0 models—significantly expanding the system’s throughput potential.
In addition, the GigE interface supports standard Ethernet protocols, offering superior network compatibility. This allows instrument manufacturers and users to implement efficient layouts for remote access, data sharing, and other smart imaging applications, paving the way for fully connected, high-performance pathology systems.
3. 3.4 μm High-Resolution Pixels: Optimized for Mainstream Optical Systems in Digital Pathology
In digital pathology, the smallest resolvable cellular or tissue structures typically range from 0.3 to 1.0 μm, with 10×, 20×, and 40× objectives commonly used for imaging.
Figure 3-1. Ideal Pixel Reference for 4–100X Optical System
According to the Nyquist sampling theorem, the ideal pixel size of a camera should be approximately one-half to one-third of the product of optical resolution and magnification. As illustrated in Figure 3-2, the Libra 3405/3412 series utilizes 3.4 μm pixels, which are optimally suited for sampling in optical systems below 40× magnification. Compared with larger pixels such as 6.5 μm, this finer pixel pitch enables more detailed imaging of cellular and tissue morphology, ensuring higher precision and clarity in digital pathology workflows.
Figure 3-2. Image Resolution Comparison (6.5 μm vs. 3.4 μm)
4. AI-Powered Color Correction: Exceptional True-to-Life Color
Brightfield pathology slides typically rely on staining techniques such as H&E for diagnosis and analysis, requiring extremely high color fidelity, particularly for closely related hues such as blue, purple, and pink.
Figure 4. Conventional Color Correction vs. AI-Based Color Correction
Left: produces overly saturated colors
Right: achieves colors closer to the true view through the eyepiece
The Libra 3405/3412 series incorporates a proprietary AI-based color restoration algorithm trained specifically for brightfield pathology imaging. It eliminates the need for manual white balance adjustments by automatically adapting to color temperature and sample characteristics, ensuring accurate, true-to-eye color reproduction consistent with what pathologists observe through the microscope.
5. Breaking the Barrier Between Cost and Performance: Comprehensive Lifecycle Support
Compared with sCMOS cameras, the Libra 3405/3412 series offers a significant cost advantage while maintaining strong imaging performance. The product line includes options with 5 MP or 12 MP resolution, color or monochrome sensors, and 10 GigE or USB 3.0 interfaces, providing flexible configurations to meet diverse application needs—from macro to micro imaging, from brightfield to fluorescence, and from single-camera to multi-camera system architectures.
OEM Integration and Full Lifecycle Support
1. Professional OEM Integration and Development Support
The Libra 3405/3412 series provides a comprehensive SDK (Software Development Kit) that enables rapid system integration and customized development.
Tucsen offers a well-established software compatibility ecosystem within the scientific research and medical imaging sectors, helping users simplify integration complexity and accelerate product development.
Our team of professional product and application engineers delivers tailored technical support and training, ensuring efficient resolution of integration and functionality challenges—minimizing development cycles and reducing manpower costs.
Figure 5. Tucsen Scientific Camera Production Line
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2. Full Lifecycle Product Maintenance
With nearly 20 years of OEM/ODM experience in scientific camera manufacturing, Tucsen Photonics supplies tens of thousands of cameras annually for applications in research, quality inspection, and medical imaging. Whether for new product development, system upgrades, or cost optimization, Tucsen provides proven, end-to-end solutions that ensure stability, scalability, and longevity across your product’s entire lifecycle.
About Tucsen Photonics
Tucsen Photonics is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance imaging solutions for scientific and industrial applications with operations in China, Singapore, UK, USA and Europe. With a commitment to innovation and quality, Tucsen Photonics continues to redefine the possibilities of digital imaging.
If you would like to obtain detailed product information or request a sample for testing and evaluation, please contact us. We’ll provide personalized application advice and integration support to help you bring your system to market quickly and efficiently.
Tucsen Photonics Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. When citing, please acknowledge the source: www.tucsen.com
