Neo and Zyla sCMOS cameras from Andor Technology

Scientific CMOS (sCMOS) is an important new sensor technology pioneered by Andor in 2010 with the introduction of the “Neo”. sCMOS cameras dramatically out perform interline CCDs across several key parameters. As such, the Andor sCMOS cameras Neo and the new Zyla can be considered the new gold standard cameras for microscopy as well as a wide range of applications in the physical sciences (electro-luminescence of solar cells, indirect imaging, ray and neutron tomography, particle tracking, Bose-Einstein condensation, adaptive optics). Neo is the only commercially available vacuum-cooled sCMOS camera and can be considered the lowest noise sCMOS camera on the market. The enhanced cooling serves to reduce not only bulk dark noise, but also the amount of hot pixels that must be filtered. The vacuum architecture also brings additional reassurance of enhanced longevity (reflected by a 5-year vacuum warranty).

Zyla has been designed with a more cost-effective back-filled sensor enclosure. Especially the 3-tap, 30 fps model is a viable replacement for the mid-range interline workhorse camera. Presently, Zyla is the only Andor model to offer a 10-tap Camera Link interface, thus carrying a distinct benefit for those interested in pushing the sustained full frame rate to greater than 30 fps.

ccd@lot-oriel.com