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Oxford Instruments Andor Ltd
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryScientific Imaging Equipment
Founded1989
FoundersHugh Cormican, Donal Denvir and Mike Pringle
Headquarters
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Productsscientific cameras, microscopy systems, spectrographs, software, accessories and hardware, OEM and Custom Solutions
Number of employees
400
ParentOxford Instruments
Websitehttps://andor.oxinst.com/

Oxford Instruments Andor Ltd is a global developer and manufacturer of high-performance scientific cameras, microscopy systems and spectrographs for academic, government, and industrial applications. Founded in 1989, the company's products play a central role in the advancement of research in the fields of life sciences, physical sciences, and industrial applications. Andor was purchased for £176 million in December 2013 by Oxford Instruments. The company is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland and now employs over 400 staff across the group at its offices in Belfast, Japan, China, Switzerland and the US.

Oxford Instruments Andor designs, manufactures, and sells scientific imaging equipment, including charge-coupled device (CCD), electron-multiplying CCD (EMCCD), scientific CMOS (sCMOS - an improved Active pixel sensor), and intensified charge-coupled device camera systems, spectroscopy instrumentation, laser-based and laser-free microscopy systems and software.

History

Oxford Instruments Andor was set up by its founders, Dr. Hugh Cormican, Dr. Donal Denvir, and Mr. Mike Pringle in the mid-1980s. While studying at Queen's University Belfast, they "used their physics know-how to build a highly sensitive digital camera...as a tool for their laser research." They subsequently set up Oxford Instruments Andor to develop it into a commercial product for use in scientific research.

Oxford Instruments Andor Ltd was established in 1989, as a spin out from Queen's University, Belfast.

In 2001, Andor introduced its first EMCCD camera, the DV 465, and the company was awarded The Photonics Circle of Excellence Awards from Laurin Publishing, which recognizes the 25 Most Technically Innovative New Products of the Year. EMCCD cameras are based on CCD chips that incorporate electron multiplication, or EMCCD technology. They are used in fields such as drug discovery, where scientists need to watch vats of chemicals in real-time, astrophysics, and oceanography.

In December 2004, the company became a PLC when it was listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange and raised €6.5 mln euro.[1]

Andor Technology PLC was delisted from the AIM stock market following the purchase of all shares for £176 million by Oxford Instruments in December 2013.

In 2016, Andor launched Dragonfly, a high-speed confocal imaging platform supporting multiple high-contrast imaging techniques that integrated Andor’s cameras with patented illumination technologies and optimised optical design, to deliver images characterised by low noise, wide dynamic range, high resolution, and high sensitivity.[2]

In January 2017, the company launched Spectroscopy Mode on its Zyla and iStar scientific CMOS (sCMOS) platforms.[3][4]

In February of the same year, Andor announced the launch of the ultrasensitive iXon Life Electron Multiplying CCD (EMCCD) camera platform for fluorescence microscopy which features single-photon sensitive, back-illuminated EMCCD technology.[5][6][7]

In July, the company launched a super-resolution microscopy technology, available on single photon sensitive iXon EMCCD cameras—SRRF-Stream—enabling real-time super-resolution fluorescence microscopy on most modern microscopes, using conventional fluorophores at low illumination intensities.[8][9]

In August 2017, Andor’s iKon-XL Astronomy CCD was deployed on Antarctica Bright Star Survey Telescope.[10][11] Also in August, scientists at Harvard University’s Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering have demonstrated Discrete Molecular Imaging, an optical resolution of less than five nanometres which was developed using ultra-sensitive Andor Zyla 4.2/iXon Ultra 897 camera to achieve the highest resolution in optical microscopy.[12][13][14][15]

In January 2018, Andor’s Dragonfly was recognized by the R&D 100 Awards as one of the most Technologically Significant New Analytical Products of the year.[16][17][18] In summer 2018 the company introduced ultrasensitive Sona back-illuminated camera platform for fluorescence microscopy,[19] as well as ultrasensitive Marana 4.2B-11 back-illuminated camera platform for physical sciences.[20]

In autumn 2019, Andor announced the launch of the ultra-sensitive Balor, a very large area sCMOS camera for ground-based astronomy applications, with the help of which the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) on the Haleakala, Hawaii, has produced the highest resolution observations of the Sun's surface ever taken.[21][22][23][24]

In April 2020, Andor introduced the Marana 4.2B-6 back-illuminated scientific camera that provides up to -45 °C for 95% quantum performance and vacuum cooling. For dynamic imaging or spectroscopic applications, it offers up to 74 fps, such as wavefront sensing, lucky / speckle imaging, quantum gas dynamics, or hyperspectral imaging. In September of the same year the company started a partnership with AWARE, a Depression Charity for Northern Ireland.[25]

In November 2020 Andor launched high sensitivity camera Marana-X platform for high energy physics, direct soft X-ray, and EUV imaging.[26]

In June 2021, the company held a virtual symposium on quantum technology, semiconductors, and power generation,[27] Andor also partnered with Akoya Biosciences to collaborate in Spatial Omics market.[28]

In November 2021, it introduced BC43, a compact benchtop confocal microscope. The microscope is designed to be simple to use and is based around a Spinning Disk Confocal approach. It incorporates an sCMOS camera and a 4-line laser engine. In August 2022, Andor’s benchtop confocal microscope (BC43) won Microscopy Today Innovation Award, run by the American top-tier publication Microscopy Today.[29]

In June 2022, Andor launched Marana-X-11 sCMOS for EUV & soft X-ray detection.[30][31] In August 2022, Andor’s benchtop confocal microscope won Microscopy Today Innovation Award.[32]

In January Andor released Imaris 10.0, a new version of its microscopy image analysis software.[33] In April 2023, the company launched the ZL41 Wave sCMOS camera platform for physical sciences,[34] followed by MicroPoint 4 photo-stimulation device. [35]

Products

Scientific cameras

Andor’s scientific cameras are used in bioimaging (including single molecule studies, live cell imaging, and other applications of microscopy), physical sciences (applications include astronomy, plasma research, etc.), and quantum research.[36][37][38]

  • EMCCD – due to their high sensitivity, allowing for the detection of faint signals, they are utilised in single-molecule detection, live cell imaging, and other microscopy applications and astronomy.
  • sCMOS – Scientific Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor cameras which are used in fluorescence microscopy, spectroscopy, and quantum research
  • ICCD – used in applications that require precise timing control, such as plasma studies or fluorescence lifetime imaging

Microscopy systems

Andor’s microscopy systems are used in life sciences (neuron imaging, stem cell research, developmental biology studies), bioimaging (like studying the dynamics of proteins within cells or observing cellular responses to drugs or stimuli) and in material sciences.[39][40]

  • Spinning disk confocal microscopes – for capturing high-speed live cell images
  • Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) – for studying cellular membranes and their associated molecules
  • Multi-photon microscopy systems – utilize two-photon excitation to capture images from thicker samples without causing excessive damage and are used for deep tissue imaging.

Confocal microscopy imaging systems

BC43 benchtop confocal microscope

The BC43 Benchtop Confocal Microscope from Andor facilitates both 2D and 3D imaging.

It's designed to be efficient, minimizing the need for extensive training and support. Despite its compact size, it delivers multidimensional imaging in confocal, widefield, and transmitted light modes, and uniquely, it can operate without a dedicated dark room.

Dragonfly confocal microscope system

The Dragonfly confocal microscopy system enhances the study of live samples and streamlines the imaging of larger specimens.

Dragonfly 200: Compact and adaptable for both inverted and upright microscopes, designed for deep, rapid, and gentle imaging.

Dragonfly 600: Builds on the capabilities of Dragonfly 200 by including proprietary B-TIRF imaging and 3D Single Molecule Localization Microscopy. Suitable for various imaging applications, including thick models.

Spectrographs

Andor offers modular spectroscopy platforms that cover a range from UV to SWIR and various scales from macro to nano. These platforms are capable of detecting fluxes as low as single photons and have a time-resolution reaching nanoseconds. They can be configured to suit applications in material science, biomedical research, chemical reactions, and plasma studies, using techniques such as Raman, Luminescence, Absorption, LIBS, among others.

High resolution spectrometers

The Kymera and Shamrock Czerny-Turner Spectrometer portfolio offers versatile platforms suitable for both basic and advanced research, featuring user-friendliness and adaptability for evolving detection requirements. The Mechelle platform has high-resolution and bandpass performance, especially in LIBS and Plasma Science.[41]

Spectroscopy cameras and detectors

Andor develops CCD, EMCCD, ICCD, sCMOS, and InGaAs detectors suitable for applications ranging from UV to SWIR. These detectors accommodate challenging photon fluxes, provide time resolution down to the nanosecond range, and can handle spectral rates up to the multi-kHz range. Additionally, they feature a high sensitivity, broad dynamic range, and support for extended multi-fiber spectroscopy.

Optical cryostats for spectroscopy

The Optistat series of optical cryostats are designed for spectroscopy applications with a temperature range from below 3k to 500k. These cryostats come in Dry/Cryofree, Liquid Nitrogen, and Helium variations and offer both top and bottom loading options. They feature quick sample changes and extended cryogen hold times.

Spectroscopy accessories

Andor develops spectroscopy accessories for different signal emission characteristics and experimental geometries. Among them are coupling interfaces for microscopes, cage systems, and both fiber-optic and free-space configurations to accommodate specific setup needs.

Software

Andor's software suite is used for controlling and analysing scientific data.

Imaris – 3D/4D Visualisation Software for Microscopy: This software focuses on 3D and 4D microscopic image analysis.

Solis – Camera and Spectroscopy Control Software: Solis controls cameras and spectrographs, and offers features like edge detection, filtering, and data analysis.

SDK Library – Data Acquisition Configuration Software: The Andor Software Development Kit (SDK) configures data acquisition for Andor's cameras and spectrographs and supports environments like C, C++, C#, Visual Basic, and LabVIEW.

GPU Express – Data Transfer Optimisation Software: GPU Express optimizes data transfers from Andor's cameras to CUDA-enabled Nvidia GPU cards, improving GPU processing during data acquisition.[42]

Other products

  • Cooling systems – to maintain the temperature of the cameras
  • Optical components – lenses, filters, or other elements
  • Mounting and holding equipment – equipment to mount cameras or spectrographs

References

  1. ^ Clerkin, David (4 December 2004). "Oxford Instruments Andor raise €6.5m after flotation". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  2. ^ "Andor unleashes Dragonfly". 2016.
  3. ^ "Ultrafast Spectroscopy Mode". www.photonics.com. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  4. ^ "Andor Launches Ultrafast Spectroscopy-Enabled sCMOS Detectors". 2017.
  5. ^ "Andor Launches iXon Life for Fluorescence Microscopy". analyticalscience.wiley.com. 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  6. ^ Carroll, James (17 February 2017). "EMCCD camera from Andor targets fluorescence microscopy at lower cost". Vision Systems Design. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  7. ^ Staff, L. F. W. (31 March 2017). "EMCCD camera from Oxford Instruments Andor has use in fluorescence microscopy". Laser Focus World. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  8. ^ "Andor SRRF-Stream". micro-manager.org. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  9. ^ "Andor's iXon SRRF-Stream: Super-Resolution Microscopy Camera". analyticalscience.wiley.com. 2017. doi:10.1002/imaging.5993 (inactive 31 January 2024). Retrieved 12 October 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of January 2024 (link)
  10. ^ "Andor CCD Deployed on Antarctica Bright Star Survey Telescope". www.photonics.com. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  11. ^ Overton, Gail (27 July 2017). "Andor ColdSpace-cooled CCD deployed on Antarctica Bright Star Survey Telescope". Laser Focus World. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  12. ^ Dai, Mingjie; Jungmann, Ralf; Yin, Peng (2016). "Optical imaging of individual biomolecules in densely packed clusters". Nature Nanotechnology. 11 (9): 798–807. doi:10.1038/nnano.2016.95. ISSN 1748-3395. PMC 5014615. PMID 27376244.
  13. ^ "Discrete Molecular Imaging: From Super-to Ultra Resolution Microscopy". analyticalscience.wiley.com. 2017. doi:10.1002/imaging.6029 (inactive 31 January 2024). Retrieved 12 October 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of January 2024 (link)
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  16. ^ "R&D 100 Award Winners Archive". Research & Development World. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
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  20. ^ "Andor Marana, sCMOS Camera for Astronomy and Physical Science". novuslight.com. 2018. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  21. ^ "NSF's newest solar telescope produces first images- All Images | NSF - National Science Foundation". www.nsf.gov. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  22. ^ Ben, Tishanna (29 January 2020). "First Image from NSF's Inouye Solar Telescope!". NSO - National Solar Observatory. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  23. ^ Overbye, Dennis (29 January 2020). "These Images Show the Sun's Surface in Greater Detail Than Ever Before". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  24. ^ "The sun as we've never seen it before - clearest and most detailed images of the Sun revealed". www.qub.ac.uk. 20 October 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  25. ^ Strong, Orlaith. "AWARE welcome global technology firm, Oxford Instruments Andor as new corporate partner". aware-ni.org. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  26. ^ "New Marana-X-11 sCMOS for EUV & Soft X-ray Detection". AZoOptics.com. 30 June 2022. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  27. ^ "Oxford Instruments: announces first Virtual Symposium on Quantum". marketscreener.com. 2021. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  28. ^ "Oxford Instruments: Andor and Akoya Bisciences to Collaborate in Spatial Omics Market". marketscreener.com. 2021. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  29. ^ "Awards & Scholarships - Microscopy Today Innovation Awards | Microscopy Society of America". 30 August 2023. Archived from the original on 30 August 2023. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
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  31. ^ Europe, Spectroscopy. "New sCMOS for EUV and soft X-ray detection". www.spectroscopyeurope.com. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  32. ^ Lyman, Charles (2022). "2022 Microscopy Today Innovation Awards". Microscopy Today. 30 (5): 10–14. doi:10.1017/S1551929522001067. ISSN 1551-9295. S2CID 252406932.
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  34. ^ admin (17 April 2023). "Andor Launches ZL41 Wave Workhorse sCMOS Camera – 4photonics" (in Swedish). Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  35. ^ "Oxford Instruments : MicroPoint 4 Launch". marketscreener.com. 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  36. ^ SelectScience. "Andor Congratulates Nobel Prize Winners | SelectScience". www.selectscience.net. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  37. ^ "Fast Imaging – Princeton Collaborative Low Temperature Plasma Research Facility". pcrf.princeton.edu. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  38. ^ Faust, A. J.; Sedwick, R. J. (April 2019). "Development of a helium collisional radiative model for a helicon thruster". Plasma Research Express. 1 (2): 025001. doi:10.1088/2516-1067/ab120e. ISSN 2516-1067. S2CID 128196887.
  39. ^ Nelson, Mark; Ledoux, Jonathan; Taylor, Mark; Bonev, Adrian; Hannah, Rachael; Solodushko, Viktoriya; Shui, Bo; Tallini, Yvonne; Kotlikoff, Michael (1 March 2010). "Spinning Disk Confocal Microscopy of Calcium Signalling in Blood Vessel Walls". Microscopy and Analysis (Americas Ed.). 24 (2): 5–8. ISSN 2043-0639. PMC 3324844. PMID 22506097.
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  41. ^ Varagnat, Antoine; Cairns, Gerald; Cooper, Justin T.; Oleske, Jeffrey B. (2019). "Microspectroscopy of nanomaterials, biological species, and live cells". In Soskind, Yakov G. (ed.). Photonic Instrumentation Engineering VI. p. 49. doi:10.1117/12.2510598. ISBN 9781510624924. S2CID 104392904. Retrieved 12 October 2023. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  42. ^ Bulletin, Laboratory News from Lab. "Oxford Instruments?- Andor has released?Imaris 10.0, the latest version of its market-leading microscopy image analysis software". www.labbulletin.com. Retrieved 17 October 2023.

External links

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andor_Technology