iKon-XL 230

Andor’s NEW iKon-XL is a TE-cooled, very large area CCD camera platform, accommodating big field of view sensors that are ideally suited to long exposure astronomy applications. Patent-pending ColdSpace™ technology thermoelectrically cools a back-illuminated 16.8 Megapixel sensor (e2v) down to -100 °C, avoiding the requirement for liquid nitrogen or unreliable cryo coolers. The iKon-XL 230 model uses the e2v CCD230-84 back-illuminated sensor, offering a very large 61.4 x 61.4 mm imaging area from a 4096 x 4096 array format and 15 µm pixel size, ideal for applications such as Astronomy or X-ray/Neutron radiography.

  • – 100 °C TE cooled large area sensors
  • NO liquid nitrogen, NO cryo-cooler
  • Extended Dynamic Range (18-bit)
  • e2v CCD230-84 sensor
SPECIFICATIONS (PDF)

-100 °C TE Cooled, Very Large Area CCD

Andor’s iKon-XL is a thermoelectrically (TE) cooled, very large area CCD camera platform, accommodating large field of view sensors that are ideally suited to long exposure astronomy applications. Using the unique, patent-pending ColdSpace™ technology, the ultrasensitive iKon-XL is capable of TE cooling a 16.8 Megapixel sensor (e2v back-illuminated) down to -100 °C, avoiding the requirement for liquid nitrogen or unreliable cryo coolers. The iKon-XL also uses an exclusive Extended Dynamic Range technology, facilitating lowest noise and maximum well depth within one scan, complemented by up to 18-bit digitization capability. Flexible connectivity is standard through either USB 3.0 or a long distance direct fibre optic interface.

The iKon-XL 230 model uses the e2v CCD230-84 back-illuminated sensor, offering a very large 61.4 x 61.4 mm imaging area from a 4096 x 4112 array format and 15 µm pixel size

Key Specifications
Active Pixels 4096 x 4112
Sensor Size 61.4 x 61.4 mm
Pixel Size 15 x 15 µm
Read Noise As low as 4.5 e-
Active area pixel well depth (typical) 150,000 e-
Maximum Cooling -100°C
Max. Readout Rate 4 MHz
Features Benefits
Thermoelectric Cooling to -100°C (Liquid/Water) Patent-pending ColdSpace™ very large area TE cooling technology avoids need for liquid nitrogen or unreliable cryo coolers. Minimization of darkcurrent to below the zodiacal background.
61.4 x 61.4 mm sensor Very large field of view from 16.8 Megapixel, 15 µm pixel pitch sensor.
Extended Dynamic Range Unique method to achieve lowest noise and maximum well depth within one scan. Supplemented by up to 18-bit digitization.
Peak QE over 95% High photon collection efficiency for maximising SNR.
Low noise readout Intelligent low-noise electronics offer the most ‘silent’ system noise available from the 230-84 sensor.
UltraVac™ Critical for sustained vacuum integrity and to maintain unequalled cooling and QE performance, year after year.
‘Deep Cooled’ and ‘Compact’ versions ‘Deep Cooled’ for -100 °C water/liquid (no air cooling). ‘Compact’ for smaller form factor and combined -75 °C water liquid; -55 °C air cooled.
Fibre-optic or USB 3.0 interface flexibility Built-in robust plug and play interface options as standard. Fibre optic for long distance solution.
Balanced Quad-port readout Tracking stability to ensure all readout circuits experience same temperature and operating conditions, yielding well balanced quadrants. Optional (software selected) single port readout mode.
Multiple readout speeds, up to 4 MHz Slower readout for lowest noise, faster speeds for more rapid readout and focusing.
Field replaceable shutter No shutter is designed or specified for infinite usage! When it finally fails in a remote observing location, it can be easily replaced on site.
iRig-B GPS timestamp Image GPS timestamp with 10ms resolution for network integration.
Easy reference column access Easy and flexible software access to dark (shielded) reference columns
Windows, Linux & Labview Andor’s user-friendly SDK supports both Windows and Linux OS. LabView VI package available
Graphs and Drawings
QE Curve - Standard
 Dimensions - Front - Flexi Model
 
Dimensions - Side - Flexi Model
Connector Panel - Flexi Model
 
 Dimensions - Front - Deep Cooled Model
 
Dimensions - Side - Deep Cooled Model
Connector Panel - Deep Cooled Model
 
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Webinar iKon-XL Launch Webinar
Webinar State-Of-The-Art High Time Resolution Astronomy - From AO to Pulsars