Andor Technology iXon3 Series Installation instructions

iXon3
Hardware Guide
www.andor.com © Andor Technology plc 2012

Page 1
iXon 3
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION TO IXON3 HARDWARE 7
1.1 TECHNICAL SUPPORT 7
Europe 7
USA 7
Asia-Pacic 7
China 7
1.2 COMPONENTS 8
1.2.1 Camera 8
1.2.2 Controller Cards 9
1.2.3 Controller Card Cables 9
1.2.4 Cooler Power Supply Block 10
1.2.5 Software 10
1.3 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS & MAINTENANCE 11
1.3.1 Care of the camera 11
1.3.2 Environmental conditions 11
1.3.3 Regular checks 12
1.3.4 Annual electrical safety checks 12
1.3.5 Replacement parts 12
1.3.6 Fuse replacement 12
1.3.7 Overheating 12
1.3.8 Working with electronics 13
1.3.9 Condensation 13

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iXon 3
Table of Contents
1.3.10 Dew Point graph 13
1.3.11 EM Gain ageing 14
1.3.12 Minimizing particulate contamination 14
SECTION 2 - INSTALLATION 15
2.1 INSTALLING THE HARDWARE 15
2.1.1 PC requirements 15
2.2 CONNECTORS 16
2.3 WATER PIPE CONNECTORS 17
2.4 CONNECTING THE SYSTEM 17
2.5 MOUNTING POSTS 17
2.6 INSTALLING PCI/PCIe DRIVER - WINDOWS O/S (2000/XP/VISTA) 18
2.6.1 Installing Linux driver 18
2.6.2 Software installation 18
SECTION 3 - FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY 19
3.1 - EMCCD OPERATION 19
3.1.1 Structure of an EMCCD 19
3.1.2 EM Gain & Read Noise 21
3.1.3 EM Gain ON vs EM Gain OFF 21
3.1.4 Multiplicative Noise Factor & Photon Counting 22
3.1.5 EM Gain dependence and stability 23
SECTION 1 (continued) Page

Page 3
iXon 3
Table of Contents
3.1.6 RealGainTM : Real and Linear gain 24
3.1.7 EM Gain Ageing: What causes it and how is it countered? 25
3.1.8 Gain & signal restrictions 25
3.1.9 EMCALTM 26
3.2 COOLING 26
3.2.1 Cooling options 27
3.2.2 Fan settings 27
3.3 SENSOR READOUT OPTIMIZATION 27
3.3.1 Sensor PreAmp options 28
3.3.2 Variable Horizontal Readout Rate 29
3.3.3 Variable Vertical Shift Speed 29
3.3.4 Output amplier selection 30
3.3.5 Baseline Optimization 30
3.3.5.1 Baseline Level and Baseline Offset 30
3.3.5.2 Baseline Clamp 31
3.3.6 Binning and Sub Image options 31
3.4 ACQUISITION OPTIONS 33
3.4.1 Capture Sequence in Frame Transfer Mode 33
3.4.1.1 Points to consider when using FT Mode 34
3.4.2 Capture Sequence in Non-Frame Transfer Mode with an FT CCD 35
3.4.2.1 Points to note about using an FT CCD as a standard CCD 36
3.4.3 Capture Sequence for Fast Kinetics with an FT CCD 37
SECTION 3 (continued) Page

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iXon 3
Table of Contents
3.4.3.1 Points to consider when using Fast Kinetics mode 37
3.4.4 Keep Clean Cycles 38
3.5 TRIGGERING OPTIONS 41
3.5.1 Triggering options in Frame Transfer (FT) mode 42
3.5.1.1 Internal (FT) 42
3.5.1.2 External (FT) 43
3.5.1.3 External Exposure (FT) 45
3.5.2 Triggering options in Non-Frame Transfer (NFT) mode 46
3.5.2.1 Internal (NFT) 46
3.5.2.2 External & Fast External (NFT) 47
3.5.2.3 External Exposure (NFT) 49
3.5.2.4 Software trigger (NFT) 50
3.5.3 Trigger options in Fast Kinetics (FK) mode 51
3.5.3.1 Internal (FK) 51
3.5.3.2 External (FK) 52
3.5.3.3 External Start (FK) 53
3.6 SHUTTERING 53
3.7 COUNT CONVERT 54
3.8 OptAcquire 55
3.8.1 OptAcquire modes 56
3.9 PUSHING FRAME RATES WITH CROPPED SENSOR MODE 57
3.9.1 Cropped Sensor Mode Frame Rates 58
3.10 ADVANCED PHOTON COUNTING IN EMCCDs 59
3.10.1 Photon Counting by Post-Processing 61
SECTION 3 (continued) Page

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iXon 3
Table of Contents
SECTION 4 - HARDWARE 62
4.1 EMCCD TECHNOLOGY 62
4.1.1 What is an Electron Multiplying CCD? 62
4.1.2 Does EMCCD technology eliminate Read Out Noise? 62
4.1.3 How sensitive are EMCCDs? 62
4.1.4 What applications are EMCCDs suitable for? 63
4.1.5 What is Andor Technology’s experience with EMCCDs? 63
4.2 EMCCD SENSOR 63
4.3 - VACUUM HOUSING 64
4.3.1 Thermoelectric cooler 65
4.4 OUTGASSING 65
4.5 CONTROLLER CARD PINOUTS 66
4.6 SMB SIGNAL DIAGRAMS 67
APPENDIX 68
A1.1. GLOSSARY 68
A1.1.1 Readout sequence of an EMCCD 68
A1.1.2 Accumulation 69
A1.1.3 Acquisition 69
A1.1.4 A/D Conversion 69
A1.1.5 Background 69
A1.1.6 Binning 69
A1.1.7 Counts 69
A1.1.8 Dark Signal 69
A1.1.9 Detection Limit 70

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Table of Contents
A1.1.10 Exposure Time 70
A1.1.11 Frame Transfer 70
A1.1.12 Noise 71
A1.1.12.1 Pixel Noise 71
A1.1.12.1.1 Readout Noise 71
A1.1.12.2 Fixed Pattern Noise 71
A1.1.13 Quantum Efciency/Spectral Response 71
A1.1.14 Readout 72
A1.1.15 Saturation 72
A1.1.16 Scans (Keep Clean & Acquired) 72
A1.1.17 Shift Register 72
A1.1.17 Shot Noise 73
A1.1.18 Signal To Noise Ratio 73
A1.2 MECHANICAL DIMENSIONS 74
A1.3 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 75
A1.4 TERMS & CONDITIONS 76
A1.5 STANDARD WARRANTY AND WARRANTY SERVICES 76
A1.6 THE WASTE ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
REGULATIONS 2006 (WEEE) 79
APPENDIX (continued) Page

Page 7
iXon 3
Introduction
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION TO iXon3 HARDWARE
Thank you for choosing the Andor iXon3. You are now in possession of a revolutionary new Electron Multiplying Charge
Coupled Device (EMCCD), designed for the most challenging low-light imaging applications. This manual contains useful
information and advice to ensure you get the optimum performance from your new system. If you have any questions
regarding your iXon3 system, please feel free to contact Andor directly, or via your local representative or supplier. You
can nd contact details below.
1.1 - TECHNICAL SUPPORT
If you have any questions regarding the use of this equipment, please contact the representative* from whom your
system was purchased, or:
Europe
Andor Technology plc
7 Millennium Way
Springvale Business Park
Belfast
BT12 7AL
Northern Ireland
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
www.andor.com/contact_us/support_request
Asia-Pacic
Andor Technology (Japan)
4F NE Sarugakucho Building
2-7-6 Sarugaku-Cho
Chiyoda-Ku
Tokyo 101-0064
Japan
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
www.andor.com/contact_us/support_request
USA
Andor Technology
425 Sullivan Avenue
Suite # 3
South Windsor
CT 06074
USA
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
www.andor.com/contact_us/support_request
China
Andor Technology
Room 1213, Building B
Luo Ke Time Square
No. 103 Huizhongli
Chaoyang District
Beijing,100101 P.R.
China
Tel: [phone]
Fax. [phone]
www.andor.com/contact_us/support_request
The latest contact details for your local representative can be found on our website via the following link:
http://www.andor.com/contact_us/Default.aspx

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iXon 3
Introduction
1.2 - COMPONENTS
The Andor iXon3 system comprises the following main items:
• Detectorhead(hereinafterreferredtoasa Camera - see gure 1 below)
• 2offBNC-SMBcables
• UsermanualsonCD
• Softwaredisk(SDKand/orSolisifordered)
• AndorProgrammerguidetoAndorBasic(ifordered)
• SoftwareDevelopmentKitmanual(ifSDKordered)
• Cameraspecicperformancebookletorsheet
• ESDwriststrap.NOTE: This must be worn at all times when handling the PCI card
• PCI/PCIecard(CCI-22,CCI-23orCCI-24,cameramodeldependent)
• PCI/PCIecontrollercardtocameracable
• Powersupplyblockandcorrectpowercableforthecountrywherethecameraistobeused
The following items are also available as optional accessories:
• MountingPosts(see page 21)
1.2.1 - Camera
Figure 1: iXon3 camera
Introduction

Page 9
iXon 3
Introduction
1.2.2 - Controller Cards
The Controller cards (CCI-22, CCI-23 or CCI-24) buffer data from the camera, before transfer to the computer memory,
via the PCI bus. The CCI-22 & CCI-23 require a PCI 2.2 slot; the CCI-24 requires a PCIe x1 slot.
All boards are well shielded against electrical interference.
Your iXon3 will be supplied with the controller card that is optimal for your camera model. Controller cards have a 26-pin
interface for connection via a cable to the PC and an auxiliary connector. The pin-outs for the cards are shown on page 79.
1.2.3 - Controller Card Cables
The controller cards require the following connecting cables for correct operation:
• ThecontrollercardconnectorcableisusedtoconnectthecameratothePCIcontrollercard.
• Thepowercableisconnectedwithinthecomputerbetweenanyavailable“Molex”connectorandthePCIcontroller
card. NOTE: The internal power cable is wired to leave a free connector for supplying power to other devices,
should it be required.
Figure 2: CCD-22
Figure 5:
PCI controller card
to camera cable
Figure 6:
Internal “Molex”
connector cable
Figure 3: CCD-23 Figure 4: CCD-24

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iXon 3
Introduction
1.2.4 - Cooler Power Supply Block
The iXon3 system is designed to be powered from a PS-20 external Power Supply Block (PSB) which is used to supply
power to the Thermoelectric cooler within the camera. The PSB requires an AC mains input between
90-264 V, 47-63 Hz and a maximum supply current of either 1A @ 115V or 0.5A @ 230V. The output of the
PS-20 is 7.5V DC at 4.0A maximum. The PS-20 is tted with a 3-pin IEC connector for the electrical supply input and the
wall socket must be connected to the building’s protective earth system. The connection to the iXon3 is made via a 2.1
mm jack connector.
NOTE:
1. Cooling is only available when the PSB is connected to the camera.
2. In the UK (or other countries using UK standard electrical systems), the mains input into the PS-20 must be
tted with a 240V 5A fuse.
1.2.5 - Software
Your iXon3 may have been supplied with Andor Solis or Andor iQ software, or with the Andor SDK. However it is also
compatible with a range of 3rd party software options offering optimized acquisition control and analysis functionality.
For further details of Andor software capabilities and software options, please go to the following page on our website:
http://www.andor.com/products/software/
POWER REQUIREMENTS
Voltage +7.5V ± 5%
Current 4A maximum at peak cooling
Ripple & Noise 1% maximum
Total Power 30 W maximum

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iXon 3
1.3 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS & MAINTENANCE
1.3.1 - Care of the camera
WARNINGS:
1. The camera is a precision scientic instrument containing fragile components. Always handle with the care
necessary for such instruments.
2. There are no user serviceable parts inside the camera. If the head is opened the warranty will be void.
3. The camera should be mounted so that the mains supply can be easily disconnected. In case of emergency,
the disconnecting device is the mains lead. This will either be the mains lead connected to the product, or in
the case of a cabinet-based system the mains lead to the cabinet.
4. To prevent accidental internal damage to the camera, objects small enough to enter the slots on the sides of
camera should be placed well away from these slots.
5. Ensure that a minimum clearance of approximately 100 mm (4”) is maintained in front of all ventilation slots
and the fan inlet. Cooling performance cannot be guaranteed unless these criteria are observed.
6. Only use a dry, clean, lint free cloth to clean all painted surfaces. If necessary, use a water diluted detergent
to lightly dampen the cloth - do not use Isopropyl alcohol, solvents or aerosols.
7. To clean the window, remove loose particulate matter with an air blower. If the component is still not clean, it
may be drag wiped using folded lint free, clean, soft white tissue dampened with pure methanol.
8. If the equipment is used in a manner not stated by Andor, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
1.3.2 - Environmental conditions
• Indooruseonly
• Altitudesupto2000m
• Operatingtemperature0°Cto40°C
• Maximumrelativehumidity<70%(non-condensing)
• Othervoltageuctuationsasstated
• Overvoltagecategory1:Thisisdesignedtowithstandthenormaltransientvoltagesexpectedatamainssocket
• Pollutiondegree2:Onlynon-conductivepollutionoccurs.Occasionally,temporaryconductivitycausedby
condensation is to be expected
• Electromagneticcompatibility:ThisisaClassAproduct.Inadomesticenvironmentthisproductmaycause
electromagnetic interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures
Introduction

Page 12
iXon 3
Introduction
1.3.3 - Regular checks
The state of the product should be checked regularly, especially the following:
• Theintegrityoftheenclosure
• Anywaterhosesused
• TheAC/DCExternalPowerSupply
• Themainscable
NOTE: Do not use equipment that is damaged.
1.3.4 - Annual electrical safety checks
It is advisable to check the integrity of the insulation and protective earth of the product on an annual basis, e.g. U.K.
PAT testing.
NOTE: Do not use equipment that is damaged
1.3.5 - Replacement parts
A PS-20 (see page 20), which is the only external power supply recommended for use with the iXon camera, has been
supplied to you. If this unit fails or is damaged, please contact Andor for a replacement. Depending on the Terms
and Conditions of your Warranty, you may be charged for this replacement.
1.3.6 - Fuse replacement
The camera itself does not have a fuse. However, if a U.K. (BS 1363) mains lead has been supplied, it contains a fuse,
whose characteristics are as follow:
• Rated Current: 5 A
• Rated Voltage: 240 Vac.
• Type: BS 1362
• Size: 0.25 × 1 inch
1.3.7 - Overheating
Careshouldbetakentoensurethatthecameradoesnotoverheat,asthiscancausesystemfailure.Overheatingmay
occur if either of the following situations arises:
• Theairventsonthesidesofthedetectorheadareaccidentallyblockedorthereisinsufcientornowaterow
• Theambientairtemperatureishigherthan30ºC
To protect the camera from overheating, a thermal switch has been attached to the heat sink. If the temperature of the
heat sink rises above predened limit, the power supply to the cooler will cut off and a buzzer will sound. The cut-out will
automatically reset once the head has cooled. It is not recommended that you operate in conditions that would cause
repeated cut-outs as the thermal switch has a limited number of operations.
NOTE: When using water cooling, always use water that is above the dew point of the ambient environment
otherwise condensation may occur (please see page 14).

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iXon 3
Introduction
1.3.8 - Working with electronics
ThecomputerequipmentthatistobeusedtooperatetheiXon3shouldbettedwithappropriatesurge/EMI/RFI
protection on all power lines. Dedicated power lines or line isolation may be required for some extremely noisy sites.
Appropriate static control procedures should be used during the installation of the system. Attention should be given
to grounding. All cables should be fastened securely into place in order to provide a reliable connection and to prevent
accidental disconnection.
The power supply to the computer system should be switched off when changing connections between the computer
and the camera. The computer manufacturer’s safety precautions should be followed when installing the PCI Controller
Card into the computer.
The circuits used in the camera head and the PCI controller card are extremely sensitive to static electricity and radiated
electromagneticeldsandthereforetheyshouldnotbeused(orstoredcloseto)EMI/RFIgenerators,electrostaticeld
generators, electromagnetic or radioactive devices, or other similar sources of high energy elds. Types of equipment
that can cause problems include Arc welders, Plasma sources, Pulsed-discharge optical sources, Radio frequency
generators and X-ray instruments.
1.3.9 - Condensation
You may see condensation on the outside of the camera body if the temperature of the cooling water is too low or if the
waterowistoogreat.Therstsignsofcondensationwillusuallybevisiblearoundtheconnectorswherethewater
tubes are attached. In such circumstances switch off the system and wipe the camera with a soft, dry cloth. It is likely
there will already be condensation on the cooling block and cooling ns inside the camera. Please also carry out the
following actions:
• Setthecameraasidetodryforseveralhoursbeforeyouattemptre-use
• Beforere-useblowdrygasthroughthecoolingslitsonthesideofthecameratoremoveanyresidualmoisture
• Usewarmerwaterorreducetheowofwaterwhenyoustartusingthedeviceagain
1.3.10 - Dew Point graph
The graph in gure 7 below plots the relationship between Relative Humidity and Dew Point at varying ambient
temperature. This can be used to calculate the minimum temperature the cooling water should be set to.
For example, when using an iXon3 897, you will
need10ºCcoolingwatertoguaranteeperformance
downto-100ºC.Intherelativelydryatmosphereof
anair-conditionedlab,coolingwaterat10ºCshould
not present any problems.
However, in humid conditions (such as exist in
some parts of the world) condensation may occur,
resulting in damage to the head. In such conditions
youwillhavetousewarmerwater(20ºCoreven
higher if it is very humid). The minimum CCD
temperature would then be limited to a higher value.
Figure 7: Dew point graph

Page 14
iXon 3
Introduction
1.3.11 - EM Gain ageing
It has been observed that some 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 this ageing effect applies to any
EMCCD camera manufacturer that incorporates L3Vision sensors into their cameras. In the Andor iXon3 range, this
refers to the 897, 888 & 860 models.
EMCCD cameras incorporating Impactron (EMCCD) sensors from Texas Instruments have shown rates of EMCCD
saturation-induced ageing that are orders of magnitude slower than those with E2V sensors, exposed to comparable
light intensity and gain. NOTE: 885 iXon3 models contain Impactron sensors from Texas Instruments, which do not
exhibit EM gain ageing (or at most exhibits it at a negligible level).
Atechnicalnoteentitled:“Longevity in EMCCD and ICCD”,whichfurtherexplainsthisphenomenon,canbe
downloaded from the following website: http://www.andor.com/library/publications/?app=543
If left unchecked, this ageing phenomenon has the potential to signicantly compromise the long-term quantitative
reliability of EMCCD cameras. Andor have recognized this ageing issue and have implemented innovative measures
to stabilize the EM gain on these sensors, ensuring that this ground-breaking ultra-sensitive technology can deliver a
prolonged quantitative service to the user and 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.
More details of this ageing effect and Andor’s solutions can be found on page 32, but listed below are some guidelines
to minimize the EM gain ageing process:
• Do not use EM gain values greater than necessary to overcome the read noise. A rule of thumb is that a gain of x4
or 5 the rms read noise (accessible from the spec sheet or performance sheet) is more than sufcient to render this
noise source negligible. In practice, this can always be achieved with EM Gain of less than x300 (often much less).
Pushing gain beyond this value would give little or no extra Signal to Noise benet and would only reduce dynamic
range
• OnlyselecttheextendedEMgainscaleofx1000forsingle photon counting applications and always ensure that
the signal falling onto the sensor is indeed within the regime of low numbers of photons per pixel.
• Turn down the gain when the camera is not acquiring
• Trynot to over-saturate the EMCCD sensor
1.3.12 - Minimizing particulate contamination
It is important that particulate contamination of the exterior of the camera window is kept to a minimum, such that
images are kept free of ‘shadowing’ particles directly in the focal path. The iXon3 range comes equipped with an internal
C-mount shutter. Whilst not being required for frame transfer operation (which is a shutter-free readout mode) it is good
practice to close the shutter when the camera is not in acquisition use for a reasonable period. It is also advisable to use
the software to close the shutter when exposing the camera to the ‘open environment’ (i.e. removed from a microscope
C-mountorfocusinglens)whilstpowerisstillowingtothecamera.
When the camera power is turned off, the C-mount shutter closes automatically and the camera can be moved freely.
We recommend that the C-mount opening is covered when the camera is not in use.
If there is evidence of particulate contamination on the front window it is possible to clean the window by blowing dry
air gently over the window surface. However, the shutter has to be kept open for this procedure, which means that the
camera has to be powered up. Therefore since light can access the EMCCD sensor during this time, we recommend that
EM Gain is turned off, (readily selectable through the software).

Page 15
iXon 3
2.1 - INSTALLING THE HARDWARE
2.1.1 - PC requirements
ThesystemrequiresaPCI/PCIecompatiblecomputer(PCI 2.2 for CCI-22 & CCI-23 cards or PCIe for the CCI-23
controller cards shown on page 9) and the minimum recommended PC specications are as follows:
• 3.0GHzsinglecoreor2.6GHzmulticoreprocessor
• 2GBRAM
• 100MBfreeharddisctoinstallsoftware(atleast1GBrecommendedfordataspooling)
• PCI2.2,PCI-X1.0orPCIeslot
• 10,000rpmSATAharddrivepreferredforextendedkineticseries-SATARAID0recommendedforiXon885
(e.g. Seagate Barracuda, Western Digital Caviar RE or VelociRaptor etc.)
• Windows(XP,Vistaand7)orLinux
In all cases, the operating system should be on a separate hard drive and the hardware controller should be on a
separate PCI bus.
1. Firmly press the connector into the chosen expansion slot, e.g.:
2. For maximum cooling, when the supplied PCI card has an Auxiliary Power connector
(“ylead”),thiscanbeconnectedtoasuitablepointonthepowersupplyofthePC,e.g.:
NOTE: Should any problems be experienced with this connection, please contact your nearest technical
representative.
3. Makingsurethatthecard’smountingbracketisushwithanyothermountingbracketsorllerbracketstoeither
side of it, secure the Controller Card in place.
4. Replace the cover of the computer and secure it with the mounting screws if applicable.
5. Reconnect any accessories you were using previously.
Installation
SECTION 2 - INSTALLATION

Page 16
iXon 3
Installation
2.2 - CONNECTORS
There are six connections points on the iXon3 as shown in gure 8 above. There are four industry-standard SMB (Sub
Miniature B) connectors, details as follows:
• Fire (please refer to pages 51 - 63)
• Shutter(seepage 64)
• Arm (please refer to pages 51 - 63)
• Ext.Trig(ExternalTriggerInput) (please refer to pages 51 - 63)
Theseareusedtosend/receiveTriggerandFiresignals.TheSMBoutputs(Fire&Shutter)areCMOScompatible&series
terminated at source (i.e. in the camera head) for a 50Ω cable.
NOTES:
1. The termination at the customer end should be high impedance (>1K) as an incorrect impedance match
could cause errors with timing and triggering.
2. The External Trigger Input SMB is TTL level & CMOS compatible and has 470 impedance.
3. Signal diagrams of these connections can be found on page 79.
There is an I2C connection point and the pin-outs for this are shown in Figure 9 below:
The connection for the 26 pin interface between the camera and the PCI controller card is made via an MDR 36
connector shown in gure 8 above.
The Cooler Power connection is for the Power Supply Block (PSB) described on page 11.
Figure 8: iXon3 connectors
PIN FUNCTION
1 I2C DATA
2 I2C
3 + 5V
4 GROUND
Figure 9: I2C connection (facing in) with pin-outs

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iXon 3
Section Title
2.3 - WATER PIPE CONNECTORS
Two connectors are tted to the camera in order to allow water cooling pipes to be connected, e.g.:
These can be connected to a water cooler or recirculator to improve cooling.
2.4 - CONNECTING THE SYSTEM
Connect the elements of your system as follows:
1. Wherever possible, plug your PC into the mains outlet to ensure grounding, but keep the power switched off.
2. Connect the Camera to the Controller Card using the Cable provided. It is important that this cable is securely
fastened to provide a good grounding between the camera and Controller Card.
3. Your system has been supplied with a PSB for cooling. The PSB connects to the camera via a 2.1mm Jack plug
and to the mains electricity supply with a standard plug for your location.
4. There is only one socket on the camera that the PSB can be connected to and this is labeled Cooler Power (please
see gure 8 on page 20).
5. For best performance the PSB should be plugged into the same power source as the computer.
2.5 - MOUNTING POSTS
• Mountingpostscanbettedonthreesidesofthecamera.ThesecanbeusedtomountthecameraiftheC-Mount
isnotused,and/ortomountaccessories.NOTE:.AbagcontainingtwoØ1/2”x80mmlongx1/4-20UNCpostsis
included with all kits
• Thereare3pairsofholesforthemountingposts,eachwith2.0”spacing.
Figure 10: Mounting post installation

Page 18
iXon 3
Installation
2.6 - INSTALLING PCI/PCIe DRIVER - WINDOWS O/S (2000/XP/VISTA)
DuringthestartupsequencetheoperatingsystemwilldetecttheAndorPCI/PCiecontrollercardandadialoguebox
will prompt you for the location of the device driver.
• InserttheCD containing the driver le. With Andor Solis or iQ software, this is located on the main application
CD. 3rd party software packages may supply a separate driver installation CD containing the Andor drivers.
Navigate to the Setup Information File (atmcd.inf).
• SelectthedevicedriverleandclickOK.
• RestartthePC.Thiscompletesthedevicedriverinstallation.
• TheAndor Technology PCI driver should now be shown in the Device Manager, e.g.:
2.6.1 - Installing Linux driver
TheAndorPCI/PCIecontrollercarddevicedriveriscompiledfromsourceandinstalledautomaticallyduringinstallation
of the Andor Linux SDK using the install_andor script.
2.6.2 - Software installation
For detailed instructions on how to install the program software, please refer to the software manual supplied with your
camera.

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iXon 3
3.1 - EMCCD OPERATION
3.1.1 - Structure of an EMCCD
Advances in sensor technology have led to the development of a new generation of ultra-sensitive, low light
Electron Multiplying Charged Coupled Devices (EMCCDs). At the heart of your iXon3 camera is the latest EMCCD, a
revolutionary technology, capable of single photon detection. An EMCCD is a silicon-based semiconductor chip bearing
a two-dimensional matrix of photo-sensors or pixels. This matrix is usually referred to as the image area. The pixels are
often described as being arranged in rows and columns, the rows running horizontally and the columns vertically. The
EMCCD in the camera is identical in structure to a conventional Charged Coupled Device (CCD) but with the shift
register extended to include an additional section, the Multiplication or Gain Register as shown in gure 11 below:
SECTION 3 - FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
Features & Functionality
Figure 11:
EMCCD structure