Condensation Effect Noticeable in Images

For back-filled designs, one expects a very low-level of moisture ingress into the sensor chamber over time, pervading through the O-ring seals. Furthermore, in cameras that thermoelectrically cool the sensor to reduce dark current, this moisture would then condense onto the cooled sensor, affecting image quality. To mitigate this, all such cameras utilise desiccant material in the sensor enclosure to absorb any moisture that has entered. However, eventually the desiccant may become saturated, indicating the need for the camera’s sensor chamber to be serviced, whereupon the chamber will be re-backfilled and the desiccant replaced.

Saturation of desiccant will result in condensation forming on the sensor or window when the sensor is thermoelectrically cooled under standard operation. This will typically manifest in images from the camera and can appear similar to the effect of rain drops on a window super-imposed onto the expected image.

If water vapour or ice forms inside the sensor chamber when the camera is operation, it is essential that the camera be turned off immediately in order not to risk irreparable damage to the sensor. Please contact Andor Product Support to arrange a Zyla chamber service.

Please see Section Zyla Chamber Design And Service Guidance for further details.