Adaptive Optics in Astronomy (Wavefront Sensing)

Adaptive Optics is an established technique that uses deformable mirrors to provide real time compensation of wavefronts that are distorted by turbulence in the upper atmosphere, thus affording considerable resolution enhancement from ground based telescopes.

Andor sCMOS can be used to address the high speed demands required of wavefront sensing, providing closed loop feedback at several hundred frames per second. Furthermore, Andor’s latest generation sCMOS physical science platform, Marana, is architected to minimize latency in AO set-ups, through transmitting pixel row data for real time analysis as soon as the information is available, thus avoiding the need to first assemble an entire image before it leaves the camera.

Fluid Dynamics using Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV)

Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) is an optical method of flow visualization used in research and industry to obtain velocity measurements and related properties in fluids. By taking two closely spaced images or ‘snapshots’ of the species, and using correlation algorithms, it is possible to build up 2D and 3D dynamic flow maps. The key to successful measurements is capturing short pulses of scattered light from the species (or tracers added to it) within a well-controlled timescale on the order of a few 100’s of nanoseconds to a few microseconds typically. 

Generally PIV requires a high sensitivity detector that offers accurate timing schemes in terms of triggering capability.

Andor offers sCMOS solutions for PIV both in our Zyla 5.5 and Neo 5.5 cameras, which offer global shutter snapshot exposure capability. Alternatively, the iStar sCMOS intensified sCMOS camera can be used for PIV, offering enhanced rejection of background photons through use of nanosecond exposure gating, synchronised to the laser pulses.

Dynamic X-Ray Imaging using Zyla HF

The need to acquire multiple images per second is becoming increasingly relevant in the field of X-ray imaging, for example, facilitating faster generation of high resolution 3D reconstructions in X-Ray Tomography or enabling real time imaging of fast processes in Engineered Materials Studies.

Andor offers a solution for fast X-ray imaging in our Zyla-HF [Link to Zyla-HF page] indirect detection camera, facilitating up to 100 fps at 5.5 Megapixel resolution. The outstanding design of Zyla-HF delivers the highest transmission and spatial resolution performance associated with state-of-the-art single fibre optic plate bonding, while also taking advantage of the very fast frame rate, ultra-low noise performance and exceptional field of view of sCMOS technology.

Its compact format, multiple mounting points and modular input configuration for scintillators or Beryllium filter integration allow ease of integration into laboratory setup or integrator (OEM) systems.</p.

Neutron Radiography & Tomography

Neutron imaging has wide industrial and scientific significance and can provide detailed information concerning the inner structure and composition of objects. The principle of neutron imaging is based on the attenuation, through both scattering and absorption, of a directional neutron beam by the matter through which it passes. Since different materials vary in their ability to attenuate neutrons, then both composition and structure can be probed. The technique is also non-destructive in nature, and has been effectively applied to artefacts of archaeological significance.

Traditionally CCD’s have been used as imaging cameras for neutron tomography, however, this presents a limitation for measuring dynamic processes in real time. For the faster framing requirements, or to perform faster 3D tomography (or even 4D: 3D + time), then Andor’s sCMOS portfolio provide wonderful options. The Marana 4.2B-11 back-illuminated sCMOS, with large field of view 32 mm sensor, 95% QE and frame rates up to 48 fps presents an ideal solution.

Cold Atoms and Bose Einstein Condensation

In the past few decades, ultra-cold matter has become a highly dynamic and fascinating field of study. Research around the world is establishing a high level of understanding of the underlying physics for applications, such as inertial guidance systems, atomic clocks, quantum computing and cryptography.

The high and broad QE profile of Andor sCMOS cameras provides excellent coverage of the visible / NIR wavelength range, often needed to image ultracold fermions at wavelengths of 670 nm and above, in both fluorescence and absorption type set-ups. The Marana 4.2B-11 with UV optimization also provides enhanced sensitivity for cold ion studies of magnesium (280 nm) and calcium (397 nm).

Quantum Optics

Quantum entanglement occurs when two particles remain connected, even over large distances, so that actions performed on one particle have an effect on the other. Understanding of quantum entanglement forms the basis of the growing fields of quantum computing and quantum cryptography.

Thanks to their single-photon sensitivity, EMCCDs have been the detectors of choice for many years in experiments involving quantum optics, but sensitive sCMOS cameras have also been successfully used in quantum optics experiments. Indeed, they are expected to become increasingly popular for imaging of qubit states and general validation of basic concepts.

Andor sCMOS cameras can combine large field of view, high speed and high resolution with an image intensifier option, to provide an adaptable solution for experiments involving single entangled photons, atoms or polaritons.