User`s guide

TEMPERATURE CONTROL
SDK SECTION 8
Page 63
SECTION 8 - TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The Andor camera incorporates a CCD, which is fabricated using a process known as Multi-Pin Phasing
(MPP). As a result the dark current is reduced by a factor of approximately 100 compared to standard devices
at the same temperature. To reduce the dark current even further Andor SDK allows you to cool and monitor
the CCD temperature through a number of functions. The desired temperature is set via the SetTemperature
function whilst the actual cooling mechanism is switched On and Off via the CoolerON and CoolerOFF
functions.
The table below shows a typical example of temperatures attainable with the various systems available, with
and without the assistance of water-cooling. Please refer to the specification supplied with your particular
model for full details. The possible temperature range available to the SetTemperature function can be
obtained using the GetTemperatureRange function.
Moderate Cooling High Cooling Ultra-High Cooling
Air Water Air Water Air Water
-5°C -25°C -30°C -55°C -75°C -90°C
NOTES:
1. Because rapid cooling and heating can cause thermal stresses in the CCD the rate of cooling
and heating is regulated to be <10°
°°
°C per minute on some systems.
2. While the system is cooling, or heating, you can acquire data but the ‘Background Level’ WILL
change with temperature. The current temperature can be read using the GetTemperature
function. This function also returns the status of any cooling process including whether the
cooler is ON or OFF.
3. If the GetTemperature function returns the DRV_TEMP_STABILIZED status flag then the
temperature is within 3°
°°
°C of the set temperature and the microprocessor is no LONGER
regulating the cooling rate. At this point the temperature regulation is controlled via analog
electronics.