Andor Technology Zyla sCMOS 5.5 - 6.9 Condensation Effect Noticeable in Images

version 2.0 rev 18 Feb 2021
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6.9 CondensationEectNoticeableinImages
Forback-lled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
darkcurrent,thismoisturewouldthencondenseontothecooledsensor,aecting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-backlled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eect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 thatthe
camerabeturnedoimmediatelyinordernottoriskirreparabledamagetothesensor.PleasecontactAndor
Product Support to arrange a Zyla chamber service.
Please see Section 5.4 ‘Zyla Chamber Design and Service Guidance’ for further details.