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 sensitivityand 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.

Sona 4.2B-11 Field of View Advantage: Sona 4.2B-11 with 2048 x 2048 array has a 62% larger field of viewthan a competing back-illuminated sCMOS camera with a 1608 x 1608 array. Captured using a Nikon Ti2 microscope with 60x objective and integrated 1.5x tube lens, accessing the full 2048 x 2048 array while preserving Nyquist resolving clarity. Note that the Andor Magnifying Coupler Unit (MCU) can also be use used to provide additional magnification across a wide range of microscope ports.

• Sona 4.2B-11(4.2 Megapixel, 11 µm pixel size) comes with F-mount attachment as standard, so that the full 32mm field of view is accessible. However for maximum flexibility Andor also offer an optional C-mount coupling that is readily exchangeable by the user, usable with ROI sizes up to 1400 x 1400 (2 Megapixel).
• Sona 2.0B-11 (2 Megapixel, 11 µm pixel size) is native C-mount and is adaptable to various microscope c-mount port diameters, up to 22 mm. The 1400 x 1400 full array size of this model is suited to modern 22 mm C-mount ports and maximizes the field of view available through this common mount type. However, pre-configured, centrally positioned ROIs are available, directly relating to various smaller microscope port sizes. This is the solution for those that want the benefits of the larger 11 µm pixel size- for example maximum sensitivity at higher magnifications e.g. 100x
• Sona 4.2B-6 (4.2 Megapixel, 6.5 µm pixel size) The Sona 4.2B-6 is the latest model in the Sona series and is ideal for those that need optimum resolution at 40x and 60x magnifications. This sensor format provides maximum flexibility and optimal imaging performance across a wide range of applications.

Sona is the only back-illuminated sCMOS platform with permanent vacuum sealed sensor enclosure! As well as affording superior minimization of the noise floor, the performance longevity benefits of Andor’s vacuum sensor enclosure should not be overlooked:

• Unless protected, back-illuminated silicon sensors are susceptible to attack from moisture, hydrocarbons and other gas contaminants. When under attack from such contaminants the performance of sensor will decline, including the QE.
• Andor’s proprietary UltraVac™ process uses a hermetic vacuum seal to eliminate such problems. The permanent seal prevents ingress of gas or moisture from the outside environment, avoiding moisture condensation on the sensor and the need to return to factory for service or repair.