It has been observed that EMCCD sensors, more notably in cameras that incorporate L3Vision sensors from E2V, are susceptible to EM gain fall-off over a period of time.
It is important to note that the ageing effect applies to any EMCCD camera, by any manufacturer, that incorporates these L3Vision sensors. As such, at time of writing, any camera on the market that offers back-illuminated EMCCD technology will be subject to a gain ageing effect which has bearings on the long term quantitative reproducibility of data.If left unchecked, this ageing phenomenon has the potential to significantly compromise the long-term quantitative reliability of EMCCD cameras. Fortunately, if these highly sensitive sensors are used with due care and attention, ageing can be minimized and should not present any real problem to the user.
An E2V technical note has been written on this phenomenon, entitled: ‘An Overview of the Ageing Characteristics of L3VisionTM Sensors’.This can be downloaded from the E2V website.
Andor have developed a unique and patented method of user-initiated EM gain self-recalibration. Even after exercising due care during usage and availing of the above internal restrictions, the EM gain may deplete over an extended period of time. The EMCALTM self-recalibration process is very easily initiated by the user. At the touch of a button, a routine is triggered that measures EM gain and uses the iXonEM+ in-built temperature compensated linear gain scales to reset the EM gain calibration (if required), to deliver the true values requested on the software scale.EMCALTM aims to markedly prolonged operational lifetime and quantitative reliability of the technology, and circumvent the need to return to the factory for recalibration.
For the vast majority of low-light applications and taking due care and attention to stay within recommended operating conditions, applying EMCALTM as required, the gain ageing phenomenon is not considered to ever impose a restriction on the quantitative reliability of your Andor iXonEM+ camera.
This has been substantiated by an extensive EMCCD longevity test performed on an Andor iXonEM+ back-illuminated DU-897 camera. Full details of test conditions and EM Gain decay can be viewed in this tech note download:
Download Tech Note - 'Longevity in EMCCDs'Download Tech Note - 'EMCCD Gain and the Ageing Solution - RealGain™, Anti-Ageing & EMCAL™'
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