sCMOS Cameras for Physical Science & Astronomy

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. Andor's latest generation back-illuminated sCMOS Marana 4.2B-6 provides up to 135 fps and 6.5µm pixel pitch. The NEW CB2 platform yields 283 fps when 2x2 binned to 5.48µm pixel pitch. Much faster speeds are available through ROI. Furthermore, these platforms are architected to minimize data transfer latency in AO feedback loops.

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 in the ZL41 Wave 5.5 and the high resolution NEW CB2 24B, which have 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

Faster generation of high resolution, high contrast 3D X-Ray tomographic reconstruction and real time imaging of fast processes are of increasing importance at beamtime-limited synchrotrons and lab-based high energy sources facilities, benefiting applications spanning from Material Science, Biology & Medical, Energy (including fuel cells/batteries/engines) to Fluid Dynamics.

Hard X-ray energy range - Andor's Zyla-HF fibre-coupled and ZL41 lens coupled sCMOS platforms provide simultaneously low noise and fast acquisition rates up to kHz suitable for low and high X-ray photons flux applications, as well as modular interfaces to a wide range of scintillators and low-energy filters.

ZL41 Wave offers the greatest photon collection from the scintillator (state-of-the-art fibre-optic coupled version), greatest spatial resolution (lens-coupled version) with 6.5 µm pixels, as well as ease-of-integration due to its compact form factor.

Neutron Radiography & Tomography

Neutron imaging has wide industrial and scientific significance and can provide detailed information on the inner structure and composition of objects through thick or high-Z material. Neutron imaging relies on the attenuation difference of sample structures, through both scattering and absorption, of a directional neutron beam. It is a complementary technique to X-Ray Radiography. The technique is also non-destructive in nature, and has been effectively applied to the study of Engineered materials and systems (fuel cells & batteries, concrete, aircraft/engine parts), artefacts of archaeological significance or in the field of geology.

Andor's lens-coupled sCMOS portfolio offers a range of options for the faster framing requirements or to perform faster 3D tomography (or even 4D: 3D + time) that cannot be addressed by traditional CCD-based detectors.

The Marana back-illuminated sCMOS models feature 95% QE for maximum photon collection from the scintillator, and 4.2 Megapixel array readout down to 7.5 milliseconds for fast tomographic sample screening or imaging of fast processes such as fuel flow.

Cold Ions/Atoms and Quantum Computing

In the past few decades, ultra-cold matter has become a highly dynamic and fascinating field of study. Cutting edge global research is establishing a deep understanding of the underlying physics, feeding into application in areas 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 models provides enhanced sensitivity for cold ion studies of magnesium (280 nm) and calcium (397 nm). Furthermore, Marana 4.2B-6 offers up to 135 fps (faster with ROIs), excellent for imaging fast dynamics of Quantum Gases. NEW CB2 24B can also be readily used for imaging arrays of ultracold trapped ions or neutral atoms in quantum computing systems, offering low noise, good blue wavelength response and rapid frame rates, ideal for fast and continuous dynamic studies of trapped species. Global shutter ensures fast purging of unwanted ‘pre-acquisition' signal and low latency data transfer compliments feedback loop systems.

Solar Astronomy

The Sun is the most important celestial object, providing humans with indispensable light and heat, yet we truly know very little about how it works. Solar flares are a regular occurrence whereby magnetic reconnection in the upper solar atmosphere can cause ejection of plasma at over 1,000,000˚C producing the well-known aurorae. However, flares also cause radio blackouts, disrupt flights and satellite communication, and can even knock out electricity supplies on a continental scale.

On the contrary, there have been times where the Sun has not been active. The so-called Maunder Minimum was a period where solar activity seemed to diminish without forewarning. The caused the river Thames to freeze over. Markets were regularly held on the frozen river, while the cold temperatures caused trees to become extremely dense. This wood is the source of all Stradivarius violins!

Such extremes of weather can have a huge impact on mankind. As such, it is vital we attempt to understand the underlying processes behind our nearest star! The NEW CB2 24B sCMOS camera is a cost-effective solution for solar imaging, offering 24 megapixel resolution, rapid frame rates and global shutter imaging in a compact platform. Astronomers will to be able to study the nuances of dynamic events such as magnetic reconnection with stunning accuracy.