Sona is Andor’s latest high performance sCMOS camera platform, specifically for life science imaging applications. The NEW Sona 4.2B-6 model provides the perfect balance of sensitivity, speed and resolution for optimal imaging performance
across many applications. The 4.2 Megapixel format with 6.5 µm pixels
is ideally suited to the widely used 40x and 60x magnifications. The
flagship model, the Sona 4.2B-11, is the ultimate solution for sensitivity and field of view, offering a stunning 32 mm field of view. All Sona models feature the latest back-illuminated sCMOS technology with 95% Quantum Efficiency (QE).
Andor’s unique capability to deliver the ultimate in sCMOS sensitivity
means signal to noise can be optimized in fluorescence microscopy under
conditions of reduced excitation power, thus preserving living cells
during extended measurement periods. The superior sensitivity of Sona
also compliments reduction of fluorophore concentrations, thus minimally
perturbing the cell’s physiology. Higher sensitivity means that
exposure times can be shortened, facilitating faster frame rate
measurements of dynamic processes, such as intracellular signalling
mechanisms or cell motility. The ‘dual-amplifier’ approach to extended
dynamic range is ideal for accurately imaging and quantifying
challenging samples such as neurons. Furthermore, to achieve best-in-class quantification accuracy,
Andor have implemented enhanced on-head intelligence to deliver
market-leading linearity of > 99.7% across the whole dynamic range.
The latest model, the Sona 4.2B-6, has a
back-illuminated 4.2 Megapixel sensor with 6.5 µm pixels. This format
matches perfectly with modern microscope port sizes, and provides
optimal resolution for the widely used 40x and 60x magnifications. A QE
of 95% maximizes signal collection, which when combined with
thermoelectric cooling to -45°C, results in the lowest noise floor, to
allow the highest possible sensitivity for demanding low-light
applications. Sona 4.2B-6 is also capable of up to 74 fps in full-frame
in full-range 16-bit making it also suited for imaging dynamic cellular
processes. Sensitivity and speed are complemented by Andor’s UltraVac™
sensor enclosure and our advanced FPGA processing for market leading
quantitative accuracy and noise reduction technologies. With these
capabilities, Sona 4.2B-6 is sure to provide exceptional performance
under even the most demanding imaging application.
The flagship 4.2 Megapixel Sona 4.2B-11 model utilizes a unique technology approach that enables us to usefully access the entire 2048 x 2048 array, offering an impressive 32 mm sensor diagonal,
harnessing the entire field of view available from the microscope. This
is perfect for applications that require maximum information content,
allowing large fields of cells, whole embryos or tissue samples to be
captured with absolute clarity.