ANDOR -EMCCD, sCMOS, CCD Cameras

With the single photon sensitive iXon Ultra EMCCD cameras, Andor have delivered a dedicated, truly high-end, yet accessible scientific camera platform, designed specifically to drive the absolute best from ultra-sensitive EMCCD technology across all critical performance specs and parameters.

• Single photon sensitivity
• Back-illuminated > 95% QE
• -100°C cooling for minimal dark noise
• Fast frame rates
• Quantum Imaging
• High Cadence Astronomy

Sona-6 Extreme: Extreme Sensitivity & Speed Sona is Andor’s latest high performance sCMOS camera series, specifically for life science imaging applications. Sona-6 Extreme features a back-illuminated sensor with 95% QE and a 6.5 μm pixel size. This sensor format provides a perfect balance of sensitivity, speed, and resolution. Exceptionally flexible, and ideally suited to 40x and 60x magnification and today’s microscope port sizes. Compatible with SRRF-Stream+ Super-resolution.

NEW & IMPROVED Capture the dynamics of life with Sona-6 Extreme

ZL41 Wave and ZL41 Cell is the next generation in the highly successful Zyla sCMOS series.

Sona-11: For the Widest Field of View

Sona-11 has the biggest sensor on the market with a full 32 mm sensor diagonal! Andor’s unique technology usefully accesses the entire 2048 x 2048 array offering 62% larger field of view than competing back illuminated cameras. The 95% QE and larger pixel size of 11 µm provides optimal photon collection, for the most light-starved applications. Study structures and processes within the cell in perfect resolution using techniques such as confocal, TIRF and Single Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM) See the full picture: With a 32 mm sensor diagonal Sona-11 has a field of view advantage: ✔️2.9x larger field of view vs typical sCMOS ✔️2.1x larger field of view vs 22 mm format sCMOS ✔️62% larger field of view vs competing back-illuminated sCMOS (1608x1608 array) ✔️Capture weak signals – 95% QE is complemented by large 11 µm pixel size for optimal photon collection ✔️SRRF-Stream+ Super-Resolution - Transform a standard microscope to super-resolution! ✔️NEW Python ready - Updated camera SDK integrates a Python wrapper for speedy integration Key Applications:

• Developmental biology
• Neuroimaging
• Super-resolution
• Transcriptomics
• Intracellular trafficking
• Plasma membrane studies

Sona is Andor’s latest high performance sCMOS camera platform, specifically for life science imaging applications. The NEW Sona 4.2B-6 model provides the perfect balance of sensitivity, speed and resolution for optimal imaging performance across many applications

Andor’s back-illuminated iKon M 912 camera offers the ultimate in dynamic range and photon sensitivity, by virtue of a large 24 μm, high well depth pixel architecture. The camera also offers a QEmax of 95% and exceptionally low readout noise. The iKon-M 912 benefits from negligible dark current with industry-leading thermoelectric cooling down to -100°C, enabling use of significantly longer exposure times than offered by any other camera on the market using this same sensor. The iKon-M platform offers Multi-Megahertz readout for more rapid acquisition or fast focusing, along with direct USB 2.0 connectivity to PC.

• 300,000 e- well depth
• TE cooling to -100°C
• QE max > 90 °C from back-illuminated sensor
• Ultra low noise readout
• Multi-Megahertz pixel readout
• UltraVac™

Andor’s iKon-M 934 series cameras are designed to offer the ultimate in high-sensitivity, low noise performance, ideal for demanding imaging applications. These high resolution 1024 x 1024 CCD cameras boast up to 95% QEmax, high dynamic range, 13 μm pixels and exceptionally low readout noise. The iKon-M benefits from negligible dark current with industry-leading thermoelectric cooling down to -100°C. The ‘Deep Depletion’ sensor option offers ultimate performance for NIR applications, the new Dual AR coating extends the QE performance significantly across the UV/visible region of the spectrum for the broadest possible spectral coverage from one sensor. Fringe Suppression Technology™ radically minimizes etaloning effects in the NIR. Rapid vertical shifts combined with fast kinetics acquisition mode, comprehensive trigger modes and custom coated wedge window options, render the deep Depletion models ideal for NIR optimized Bose Einstein Condensation applications.

Both the Andor Newton EMCCD spectroscopy detectors and Newton conventional CCD spectroscopy detector systems have been optimized for high performance spectroscopic applications. The Newton EMCCD employs Andor's pioneering electron multiplying CCD platform with exclusive sensor formats optimized for ultra-low light level spectroscopy applications. Andor Newton 920 spectroscopy CCD Camera has ability to acquire over 1600 spectra per second, with -100°C cooling and the widest range of sensor options, makes the Newton spectroscopic CCD the highest performing spectroscopy CCD on the market.  

• Peak QE up to 95%
• Extended range dual-AR option
• TE cooling down to -100ºC
• Ultravac™
• Multi-Megahertz Readout

Andor’s Apogee Camera Range presents a wide selection of full frame and interline cooled CCD options, offering superb medium to very high resolution imaging solutions. The range has long been the detection solution of choice for high resolution applications, including astronomy and gel applications. The Apogee Alta family has been a mainstay of high performance imaging for many years, offering a wide range of full frame and interline CCDs up to 16.8 Megapixel, ideally suited to both OEM and research markets. Cooling performance down to 50 °C below ambient offers low darkcurrent contribution, ensuring optimal signal to noise for long exposure applications such as astronomy or chemiluminescence detection. USB 2.0 interface offers the convenience of simple, robust connection to PC.

• Programmable cooling to 50°C below ambient
• Range of sensors up to 16.8 Megapixel
• 16-Bit digitization
• Subarray readout
• USB 2.0 interface

Solutions for Simultaneous Capture Andor’s TuCam is a new generation two-camera adapter for macro or microscopic imaging applications. Available in C- or CSUX-mount, TuCam features include large aperture, exceptional transmission, very low distortion and high precision alignment using kinematic cassettes. TuCam can be configured for simultaneous imaging from two similar cameras or as a switch between camera models with different imaging capabilities.  

sCMOS Camera for Astronomy and Physical Sciences Marana is Andor’s latest high performance sCMOS camera platform, ideal for diverse applications within the physical sciences such as astronomy, Bose Einstein Condensation, quantum optics, hyperspectral imaging, neutron tomography and fast spectroscopy. It launches with the large field of view Marana 4.2B-11 back-illuminated sCMOS model, featuring 95% Quantum Efficiency (QE), market-leadingvacuum cooling to -45 ^°C and 11 µm pixel for optimal photon collection. The large 32 mm diagonal sensor, coupled with rapid frame rate capability, renders the camera ideal for space debris tracking and Near Earth Object (NEO) detection. Andor’s unique capability to deliver the ultimate in sCMOS sensitivity means signal to noise can be optimized under light starved conditions, ideal for tracking smaller orbital objects, spectroscopic detection of trace concentrations and BEC fluorescence detection of discrete numbers of atoms/ions. Higher sensitivity also means that exposure times can be shortened, facilitating faster frame rate measurements of dynamic processes, complimented by 48 fps frame rate. Marana 4.2B-11 comes with a choice of QE profiles, the UV enhanced option (‘BU’) extending usefulness towards specific application requirements between 260nm and 400nm. The innovative ‘dual-amplifier’ approach to extended dynamic range is ideal for accurately visualizing and quantifying challenging scenes that have both extremely weak and bright regions, such as solar measurements and spectroscopic materials characterisations. Furthermore, to achieve best-in-class quantification accuracy, Andor have implemented enhanced on-head intelligence to deliver market-leading linearity of > 99.7% across the whole dynamic range, ideal for accurate photometry. Marana 4.2B-11 utilizes a unique Anti-Glow Technology approach that enables one to usefully access the entire 2048 x 2048 array, offering an impressive 32mm sensor diagonal, which in combination with fast frame rates renders the camera ideal for large sky scanning astronomy. It is also ideal for dense multi-fiber hyperspectral applications. The Marana platform can be readily adapted to Adaptive Optics wavefront sensing. Not only is it capable of producing hundreds of fps with ROIs, it is also specifically architected to minimize data transfer lag. Marana 4.2B-11 comes with F-mount attachment as standard, however for maximum flexibility Andor can also provide an optional C-mount adapter that is readily exchangeable by the user, usable with ROI sizes up to 1400 x 1400 (2 Megapixel).  For attachment to various low f/# professional telescope configurations, Andor’s Customer Special Request (CSR) service can provide custom mount faceplates tailored to your specific optical needs.

The Back-Illuminated sCMOS Microscopy Camera You've Been Waiting For..   Sona is Andor’s latest high performance sCMOS camera platform, specifically for fluorescence microscopy. It launches with Sona 4.2B-11 and Sona 2.0B-11, each featuring 95% Quantum Efficiency (QE) and market-leading vacuum cooling to -45 ^°C. Andor’s unique capability to deliver the ultimate in sCMOS sensitivity means signal to noise can be optimized in fluorescence microscopy under conditions of reduced excitation power, thus preserving living cells during extended measurement periods. The superior sensitivity of Sona also compliments reduction of fluorophore concentrations, thus minimally perturbing the cell’s physiology. Higher sensitivity means that exposure times can be shortened, facilitating faster frame rate measurements of dynamic processes, such as intracellular signalling mechanisms or cell motility.  The ‘dual-amplifier’ approach to extended dynamic range is ideal for accurately imaging and quantifying challenging samples such as neurons. Furthermore, to achieve best-in-class quantification accuracy, Andor have implemented enhanced on-head intelligence to deliver market-leading linearity of > 99.7% across the whole dynamic range. The flagship 4.2 Megapixel Sona 4.2B-11 model utilizes a unique technology approach that enables us to usefully access the entire 2048 x 2048 array, offering an impressive 32 mm sensor diagonal, harnessing the entire field of view available from the microscope. This is perfect for applications that require maximum information content, allowing large fields of cells, whole embryos or tissue samples to be captured with absolute clarity..   Sona 4.2B-11 Field of View Advantage: Sona 4.2B-11 with 2048 x 2048 array has a 62% larger field of viewthan a competing back-illuminated sCMOS camera with a 1608 x 1608 array. Captured using a Nikon Ti2 microscope with 60x objective and integrated 1.5x tube lens, accessing the full 2048 x 2048 array while preserving Nyquist resolving clarity. Note that the Andor Magnifying Coupler Unit (MCU) can also be use used to provide additional magnification across a wide range of microscope ports.

• Sona 4.2B-11 (4.2 Megapixel) comes with F-mount attachment as standard, however for maximum flexibility Andor also offer an optional C-mount coupling that is readily exchangeable by the user, usable with ROI sizes up to 1400 x 1400 (2 Megapixel).
• Sona 2.0B-11 (2 Megapixel) is native C-mount and is adaptable to various microscope c-mount port diameters, up to 22 mm. The 1400 x 1400 full array size of this model is suited to modern 22 mm C-mount ports and maximizes the field of view available through this common mount type. However, pre-configured, centrally positioned ROIs are available, directly relating to various smaller microscope port sizes

Sona is the only vacuum back-illuminated sCMOS platform. As well as affording superior minimization of the noise floor, the performance longevity benefits of Andor’s vacuum sensor enclosure should not be overlooked. Unless protected, back-illuminated silicon sensors are susceptible to attack from moisture, hydrocarbons and other gas contaminants, resulting in gradual performance decline, including QE decline. Andor’s proprietary UltraVac^TM process uses a hermetic vacuum seal, completely preventing any gas and moisture ingress from the outside environment, avoiding moisture condensation on the sensor and the need to return to factory for repair.

Zyla 4.2 PLUS is the latest sCMOS technology advancement from Andor. At its heart, Zyla 4.2 PLUS benefits from latest generation sCMOS sensor technology, delivering a further 10 % boost in QE, resulting in an unprecedented 82% QE_max. The broad QE profile provides excellent coverage of the visible/NIR wavelength range, highly optimized to a wide range of common fluorophores. Further innovation has also introduced industry-fastest USB 3.0 frame rates and industry-leading response linearityof 99.8% (> 99.9% for low light range), for unparalleled quantitative accuracy of measurement across the full dynamic range. Zyla 4.2 PLUS is ideal for applications such as Super-Resolution Microscopy, Ion Signalling Microscopy, LightSheet Microscopy, Line Scanning Confocal Microscopy and TIRF Microscopy.

• NEW 82% QE
• 4.2 Megapixel
• NEW 53 fps from USB 3.0; 100 fps Camera Link
• NEW 99.8% linearity (> 99.9% for low light range)
• NEW GPU Express
• LightScan PLUS

Andor Zyla 4.2 PLUS sCMOS Camera

The newest addition to the Andor sCMOS camera portfolio, Zyla 4.2 PLUS benefits from latest generation sCMOS sensor technology, delivering a further 10 % boost in QE, resulting in an unprecedented 82% QE_max. The broad QE profile provides excellent coverage of the visible/NIR wavelength range, highly optimized to a wide range of common fluorophores, the sensitivity boost permitting use of shorter exposure times, faster frame rates and reduced phototoxicity. Superior data transfer efficiency and Zyla’s unique 12-bit high speed mode combine to deliver an incredible 53 fps through the super-convenient USB 3.0 interface, 77% faster than competing sCMOS cameras. With this capability, speed is on tap to allow users to follow faster dynamic processes with improved temporal resolution. Opt for the Camera Link version to access up to a blistering 100 fps (full resolution). Zyla 4.2 PLUS also offers industry-leading linearity 99.8% (> 99.9% for low light range) for unparalleled quantitative accuracy of measurement across the full dynamic range. The Zyla 4.2 is ideal for applications that benefit from optimal sensitivity and speed, such as calcium imaging, light sheet microscopy and super-resolution microscopy, as well as numerous high speed applications within astronomy. Zyla 4.2 PLUS can also output data at a sustained 26,041 fps from a 2048(h) x 8(v) ROI, ideal for measuring diffusion coefficients in Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS). The ‘4T’ (4-transistor) design of the sensor pixel permits more photons to enter, driving Quantum Efficiency up to 82%. The 4T design also means that it is fundamentally a Rolling Shutter sensor. However, a feature called ‘Global Clear’ has been implemented, which allows for a simulated Global Exposure mode, which requires TTL communication between the camera and a pulsed light source, emulating the Global shutter exposure condition. The Andor GPU Express library has been created to simplify and optimize data transfers from camera to a CUDA-enabled NVidia Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) card to facilitate accelerated GPU processing as part of the acquisition pipeline.  

Zyla 5.5 is a large field of view, high resolution 5.5 megapixel sCMOS camera, ideal for research and OEM usage. Zyla 5.5 offers a 100 fps frame rate and ultra-low noise performance, in a light, compact design. A highly cost-effective USB 3.0 version is available, offering industry fastest speeds up to 40 fps (full frame), representing the ideal performance upgrade for your lab. NEW GPU Express works alongside SDK3 to enable simplified and optimized data transfers from camera to GPU for real time processing. True Global Exposure Zyla 5.5 CMOS camera uniquely offers both Rolling [see the video] and Global [see the video] Exposure modes - FIND OUT MORE

Andor’s iKon-XL is a thermoelectrically (TE) cooled, very large area CCD camera platform, accommodating large field of view sensors that are ideally suited to long exposure astronomy applications. Using the unique, patent-pending ColdSpace™ technology, the ultrasensitive iKon-XL is capable of TE cooling a 16.8 Megapixel sensor (e2v back-illuminated) down to -100 °C, avoiding the requirement for liquid nitrogen or unreliable cryo coolers. The iKon-XL also uses an exclusive Extended Dynamic Range technology, facilitating lowest noise and maximum well depth within one scan, complemented by up to 18-bit digitization capability. Flexible connectivity is standard through either USB 3.0 or a long distance direct fibre optic interface.    

Andor’s PV Inspector NIR Camera is designed to offer ultimate speed and sensitivity performance for in-line Electro- and Photoluminescence Inspection, delivering > 90% QE beyond 800 nm and incorporating Fringe Suppression Technology™ to minimize fringing effects in the NIR

• QE > 90% beyond 800 nm
• 5 MHz and 3 MHz readout speeds
• Dual Exposure Ring Mode
• Fringe Suppression Technology ™
• UltraVac™

Balor is Andor’s game-changing, very large area sCMOS camera platform for Astronomy. It launches with the Balor 17-12 model, featuring an enhanced FoV 16.9 Megapixel, 70mm diagonal sensor, coupled with fast, low noise readout capability. Balor is ideal for measuring photometric and astrometric variability from milliseconds to tens of seconds timescales. Balor is the largest commercially available sCMOS camera, designed for ‘dynamic astronomy’ applications such as Orbital Debris tracking, Solar Astronomy, Solar System Object detection, Exoplanet Discovery, Atmospheric Studies and Fast Time Resolution Astrophysics. Balor lends itself particularly well to the ‘atmospheric freezing’ techniques of Speckle/Lucky Imaging, enabling resolution enhancement of ground-based astronomy over a much larger field of view than is readily achievable through use of adaptive optics. Key Applications

• Orbital debris & asteroid tracking
• Large sky surveys
• Solar studies
• Exoplanet discovery
• Supernovae detection
• Atmospheric studies
• Speckle/lucky imaging

In a unique -40°C vacuum cooled platform, loaded with FPGA intelligence, Andor’s Neo sCMOS camera platform is designed exclusively to drive lowest possible dark noise from this exciting and innovative technology development. Zyla 5.5 is built around a superb, low noise, large field of view 5.5 megapixel sensor, capable of both Rolling and Global Shutter exposure modes

Andor Neo 5.5 sCMOS Cameras

Overview In a -40°C vacuum cooled platform, with 1 e- read noise, very low darkcurrent, Rolling and Global Shutter, and loaded with FPGA intelligence, Andor's Neo sCMOS camera is designed to drive optimal performance from this exciting and innovative new technology development. The Neo 5.5 model is based around a large 5.5 megapixel sensor with 6.5 µm pixels and a 22mm diameter, ideal for applications such as cell microscopy, astronomy, digital pathology and high content screening. The Neo 5.5 can deliver 30 fps sustained or up to 100 fps burst to internal 4GB memory. Extremely low darkcurrent means Neo 5.5 is suited to a range of exposure conditions. The Rolling and Global shutter flexibility further enhances application flexibility, Global shutter in particular offering an ideal means to simply and efficiently synchronize the Neo with other ‘moving’ devices such as stages or light switching sources and eliminating the possibility of spatial distortion when imaging fast moving objects. The Andor GPU Express library has been created to simplify and optimize data transfers from camera to a CUDA-enabled NVidia Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) card to facilitate accelerated GPU processing as part of the acquisition pipeline.