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iXon 3

Features & Functionality

3.1.9 - EMCALTM

Andor have developed, in the iXon3, a unique and patented method of user-initiated EM gain self recalibration -

EMCALTM. This is available only in iXon3 cameras that contain L3 vision sensors from E2V, i.e. 897 and 888 models.

The 885 range of iXon3 cameras contain sensors from Texas Instruments that show negligible levels of gain ageing, and

thus the EMCALTM function is not required.

Thus for the L3Vision based cameras, even after exercising due care during usage and availing of the above internal

restrictions, the EM gain will gradually decrease over an extended period of time. This reduction in EM gain can be

rectied by using the EMCALTM self recalibration process which is very easily initiated by the user. Check on-line for the

latest EMCALTM routine.

ThisprocessusestheiXon3in-builttemperaturecompensatedlineargainscalestoresettheEMgaincalibrationtoreect

the true values requested on the software scale, in reality giving RealGain

values and thus markedly prolonging the

operational lifetime and quantitative reliability of the technology, and circumventing the need to return to the factory for

recalibration. To the user, this means optimal signal to noise ratio, maximum dynamic range and prolonged system longevity.

3.2 - COOLING

The EMCCD sensor is cooled using a Thermoelectric (TE) cooler. TE coolers are small electrically powered devices

with no moving parts, making them reliable and convenient. A TE cooler is actually a heat pump, i.e. it achieves

atemperaturedifferencebytransferringheatfromits“coldside”(theEMCCDsensor)toits“hotside”(thebuilt-in

heat sink). Therefore the minimum absolute operating temperature of the EMCCD depends on the temperature of

the heat sink. Andor’s vacuum design means that we can achieve minimum cooling temperatures unrivalled by other

manufacturers. The maximum temperature difference that a TE device can attain is dependent on the following factors:

• HeatloadcreatedbytheCCD

• NumberofcoolingstagesoftheTEcooler

• Operatingcurrent

Figure 19: Ageing prole of an Andor backlit

EMCCD. Test conditions: 24/7 operation; 30

frames/sec; x90,000 electrons per pixel through

gain register; ~ 200,000 pixels illuminated

Andor Technology iXon3 Series User Manual

Questions and Answers: