Balor-X sCMOSSolutions for High Energy Physics
Key Specifications

Key Applications

P 16.9 MP – very large field of view
P Up to 54 fps, 18.5 ms readout
P Low noise sCMOS – high dynamic range
P 12 µm pixels – high resolution & well depth
P UltravacTM – maintenance-free
P Extended dynamic range
P > 99.7% Linearity

P Hard x-ray & neutron tomography
P Hard x-ray microscopy
P X-ray diffraction & crystallography
P X-ray scattering - SAXS & WAXSP Engineered material science
P Fuel cells
P Geological & archaeological artefacts

andor.oxinst.comIntroducing Balor-X
For X-ray and Neutron “indirect” Detection
Many challenges in modern X-ray and neutron detection
require not only high resolution, large field of view and superb
sensitivity, but also to capture high quality data faster andmake the best use of valuable experimental / beam time.
However, large area CCD technology is performance-limitedin this regard. Even the fastest CCDs lack frame rates required
for fast radiographic imaging applications including computed
tomography or dynamic in situ, in operando processes.
The NEW Balor sCMOS platform is the perfect instrument toaddress this fundamental challenge!

Exceptionally fast 54 fps at full frame with a 16.9 Megapixel camera.
Acquire complex datasets and advance your research!
A revolutionary, very large field of view, fast readout sCMOS detector for indirect X-ray
and neutron detection. Balor-X, utilizes a sensor that is unique to Andor and is capable ofripping along at up to 54 frames per second at full 16.9 MP resolution, whilst remarkably,
maintaining an exceptionally low < 3 electrons read noise. The 12 µm pixels offer deep welldepth and an on-chip multi-amplifier design means a large 16 bit dynamic range can becaptured within a single image, ideal for analyzing high-intensity signals and/or samples
with wide range absorbances.
With a 70 mm sensor diagonal, Balor-X is the largest commercially available sCMOS
camera for indirect neutron & hard X-ray applications including radiographic imaging andcomputed tomography, scattering (SAXS, WAXS) and diffraction (X-ray crystallography)
imaging. It enables the rapid acquisition of high contrast imaging of larger samples in thefield of material science, structural engineering, biology, energy research, fluid dynamics,archaeology and mineralogy.

Balor-X is the perfect solution for imaging
large samples, complex inner structures anddynamic behaviour at high speeds. Its fast
54 fps can be cropped to further increase
frame rate. A 0.5 Megapixel image can becaptured at 1,600 Hz!

2

Balor in Irish Mythology
Long ago, in ancient times, supernatural beings called
the Fomorians ruled over Ireland. Balor, the deadliest
and most feared of the Fomorian kings, wreaked
destruction on anything that dared to cross his deadly
gaze. But in the battle of Mag Tuired, Balor fell when aspear was cast through his eye. Face down, his bodyburned a hole in the earth, which filled with water tobecome Loch na Súl: The lake of the eye.
As a new day dawns, the great Balor has been
resurrected to help physicists fight a different battle.
A battle of exploration beyond the boundaries of thefrontiers of science.

Features & Benefits Summary
Feature49.5 x 49.2 mm sensor

Benefit
Very large field of view from 16.9 Megapixel, 12 mm pixel pitch sensor.

18.5 millisecond readout

Readout a 4k x 4k sensor 2,500x faster than a CCD. More data throughput
less downtime!!

Up to 54 fps

Unique solution for a range of high time-resolution observing challenges,
without compromising noise or FOV.

Extended Dynamic Range
and > 99.7% Linearity

Superb quantitative accuracy across a wide range of magnitudes within asingle image.

Readout noise ~ 2.9 eNo inter-pixel “dead area”

80 000 e- well depth

UltraVacTM •1
CoaXPress as standard
Rolling and Global shutter
supported

Exceptionally low noise, even at max frame rate, suited to short exposure, low
light observational challenges.
No discontinuities in images that could contribute to loss of information.
Deep well depth, provides high dynamic range (high contrast) images thanks
to sCMOS low noise floor. Enables the acquisition of long images without
oversaturation of the pixels to record even the weakest signals.
Critical for sustained vacuum integrity and to maintain unequalled coolingand QE performance, year after year.
4 Lane CXP-6 interface enabling the highest frame rates over distances up to30 m.
Maximum exposure and readout flexibility across all applications. Global
Shutter for snapshot capture of fast moving/changing events.

3Key Features
Very Large Field of View
70 mm sensor diagonal enables larger sample
imaging at higher resolutions and magnifications whilst
improving data contrast and resolution.

Fast Sensor Readout
Taking only 18.5 milliseconds per full frame
readout, Balor-X can rapidly obtain data
across small time scales, including ultra-fastcomputed tomography and in situ studies of
rapidly evolving transient environments. It is also
possible to minimise signal to noise by using
longer exposures (10 - 60 s) and still achieve
frame cycle times much faster than CCDs - ideal
for low intensity imaging applications such aslaboratory-based X-ray sources!

Extended Dynamic Range
Large pixel well-depth and an on-chip multi-amplifier
design means a wide range of absorption and phaseintensities can be collected, from the noise floor up
to the saturation limit, within one image. The wide
dynamic range is complemented by enhanced onhead intelligence to deliver linearity > 99.7%, for
unparalleled quantitative accuracy of measurement
across the full signal range ideal for determining
scattering and diffraction intensities of single crystal
and powdered samples.

Low NoiseThe parallel readout architecture and innovative
pixel design enables Balor to drive very low readnoise performance, < 3 e-, while still achieving
maximum readout speed. Ideal for detecting
weak signal from low intensity applications suchas X-ray and neutron scattering and diffraction.

4NTYRACVsCMOS cameras from other manufacturers use O-ring
sealed, back-filled sensor enclosures, susceptible tomoisture ingress and routine factory maintenance. Andor
is the only manufacturer of vacuum enclosed sCMOScameras, based on our proven UltraVacTM process,offering superior cooling and ultimate sensor protection.
Expect the vacuum to hold firm, year after year.

RAYEA

Vacuum Sensor Enclosure

OR sCMO
ALS

B

Key FeaturesU U M WA R

No Mechanical Shutter
Applications that involve frequent cycling ofmechanical shutters, such as tomography studies,require routine shutter replacements and lead tounproductive periods of down time. Balor offers
on-sensor Rolling and Global Shutter options,thus, overcomes the need for mechanical shutters.
Furthermore, this avoids the exposure gradient effects
also associated with mechanical shutters.

High Resolution Images
Balor-X’s 12 µm pixels, coupled to appropriate
scintillators, provide superior image resolution
compared to direct hard X-ray detectors
with pixels 10’s of microns large. Unlike
these detectors, Balor’s pixel configuration
also leads to images with no discontinuities,
capturing more information from samples
with minimum image artefacts and need forintensive post processing.

BalorHybrid

Versatility and Modularity
Versatility Reliability MODularity

The Balor-X accommodates a large range of lenscoupling and scintillator configurations:
P Provide detection capabilities up to 100’s of keV.
P Allow optimisation of spatial resolution for agiven energy range.
P Offers the best detector lifetime - achieve
consistent results year after year!
5Application Focus
Neutron & X-ray Radiography
Balor’s low noise and high dynamic range allow it tocapture the finest sample details in high and low flux
environments at both short and long exposure times.
Furthermore, the 70 mm, 16.9 MP sensor enables it
to capture a large field of view making it not only agreat choice for large samples X-ray and Neutron
Absorption and Phase Contrast Imaging, but also forvarious other X-ray microscopy applications such as
full-field X-ray Diffraction and Ptychography.

Computed Tomography (CT)Image courtesy of Prof. S.J. Lee & Dr. Ha, Pohang Universityof Science and Technology (POSTECH), Republic of Korea.

The significantly faster read speeds of theBalor-X compared to traditional CCD cameras(x2500 faster) and extremely fast frame rates(54 fps at a full 16.9 MP frames) allows it tocapture extensive datasets and better sample
dynamic phenomena in time. Coupled with low
read noise and dark current, the Balor’s highsensitivity makes it ideal for rapid tomography
in low flux laboratory-based environments. The
high dynamic range and pixel well depth of theBalor also enables it to capitalise on high flux
environments such as beamline applications tomaximise data collection rates and maximise
beamline usage efficiency.

Scattering & Diffraction
Balor’s high sensitivity, low read and dark noise
floor allows to resolve weak scattering signals.
Its compact design and small pixels enable it
to get closer to samples increasing resolution,and substantially reducing experimental setup
size. Furthermore, it provides no discontinuity inthe acquired image (no potential loss of criticalinformation) for applications based on SAXS, WAXS
or X-ray crystallography. The high frame rate of theBalor and the ability to crop and bin pixels allows tobetter address time resolved crystallography or insitu X-ray powder diffraction challenges.

6Application Focus
In situ dynamic X-ray & Neutron Imaging
The high frame rate of the Balor makes it ideal for in situ neutron and X-ray imaging
applications. Its large 16.9 MP sCMOS sensor and high sensitivity enables it to resolve eventhe finest compositional and microstructural changes within a material at extremely fast
frame rates. The Balor’s binning modes can also be utilized to meet particularly high frame
requirements in experiments. Additionally, pixel binning, can be used to increase image
intensity without sacrificing acquisition rate.

In situ neutron radiography of high entropy alloy mixing at increasing temperatures. Image reproduced from, Derimow, N.; Santodonato, L.J.;
MacDonald, B.E.; Le, B.; Lavernia, E.J.; Abbaschian, R. In-Situ Imaging of Molten High-Entropy Alloys Using Cold Neutrons. J. Imaging 2019, 5,29.

7

Technical Data
System Specifications •2
Large area, Front-illuminated sCMOS

Sensor Type
Array Size

4128 (W) x 4104 (H)Pixel Size

12 x 12 mm
49.5 mm x 49.2 mm (69.9 mm diagonal)

Image Area

Rolling Shutter and Global Shutter

Readout Modes

AR coated UV grade fused silica window (>98% transmission)

System window type

CoaXPress (4 Lane CXP-6)

Interface

Fire Row1, Fire Row N, Fire All, Fire Any, Arm, Shutter, Ext Trigger

I/OInternal, External, External Start, External Exposure, Software

Trigger Modes

Advanced Performance Specifications •2

Dark Current•4

Read Noise (e-) median

Rolling Shutter

Global Shutter

0.35 e-/pix/sec (@ 0ºC)
0.08 e-/pix/sec (@-10ºC)
0.03 e-/pix/sec (@-30ºC)

0.5 e-/pix/sec (@ 0ºC)
0.15 e-/pix/sec (@-10ºC)
0.065 e-/pix/sec (@-30ºC)

2.9 e-4.3 e80 000 e-

Active area pixel well depth

61% (@ ~ 600 nm)

Peak QE •5< 0.5% (@ half well depth)

Photon response non-uniformity (PRNU)

User-definable, 1 pixel granularity

Region of Interest
Linearity •6> 99.7%

Data Range

16-bitf-number

0.35 (Cone Angle 110o)

Cooling Options and Specifications •3
Balor-X is avaliable as a Flexi Cooled model. Flexi offers both air and liquid cooling capability, with a liquid
cooling temperature of -30oC. During air cooling, the user must be aware of the ambient air temperature andaltitude at which the camera is operated as both will have an impact on the extent of sensor cooling. The
table below offers a guide to selecting the available sensor cooling set points under different environmental
conditions. The table also shows the recommended liquid temperature with minimum flow rate of 2 L·min-1 inorder to achieve -30oC sensor temperature.
Sensor Temperature (Cooling Method)-30°C (Liquid)-10°C (Air)

Liquid cooling(recommended coolant temperature)
16°C

80°C (Air)

Air Cooling(maximum ambient air temperature)
25°C

30°C

QE Curve and Scintillator Peak Emission
80LuAG:Ce70

Peak emission~ 535 nm

CsI:TI & YAG:CePeak emission~ 550 nm

Quantum efficiency / %60
5040302010

6
Li-basedscintillators

390-450 nm

0300

400

500

600
700
800
Wavelength / nm

9001000 1100

Frame Rates
Imaging ROI: Rolling Shutter [Global Shutter]
Max Frame Rate (fps)ROI Size (W x H)

16-bit (100% Duty Cycle•7)

16-bit4128 x 4104

54 [34]44 [34]2048 x 2048

108 [68]

88 [68]1920 x 1080

205 [126]

167 [127]

1024 x 1024216 [132]176 [134]

431 [252]
512x 512
Note: Allframerates assume internal trigger.

350 [258]

128 x 128

1684 [785]1337 [840]Flexible Connectivity
1WW

CoaXPress
CoaXPress (4 lane) offers the highest speed data interfaceP

2 I/O (TTL / Logic)

Connector type: D-type, provided with SMB - BNC cable
Fire (Output), External Trigger (Input), Shutter (Output), Aux Out 1*,
Aux Out 2* and ARM*. * Requires optional 7-way cable.

2W Water Cooling

Connection to recirculator or other water/liquid cooling system

P PowerPConnection to PSUs refer to power requirements on page 12
Notes: Ensure 100 mm clearance around camera vents (Flexi modelonly) and power supply vents.

19Creating the Optimum Product for You
BLR- F401 - F

Step 1.

Choose the sensor type option

Step 2.

Choose the cooling option

There is one sensor type available for theBalor-X 17F-12:Sensor
Type
Step 3.

Software

Step 4.

Description

Code

16.9 Megapixel Front-illuminated
sCMOS camera

F401

Cooling

Description

Code

Flexi Cooling model (liquid or air)(cooling -30ºC with liquid coolant;cooling -10ºC with air cooling)F

Select the required software
Balor-X 17F-12 requires at least one of the following software options:
Solis for Imaging 64-bit enabled application for Windows (8, 8.1 and 10), offering complete functionality for dataacquisition and processing. AndorBasic provides macro language control of data acquisition, processing, display andexport.
Andor SDK Andor SDK3 A software development kit that allows you to control the Andor sCMOS cameras from yourown application. Available as 64-bit libraries for Windows (8, 8.1 and 10) and Linux. Compatible with C/C++, LabView andMatlab.
Linux: Linux CentOS 7.5 64-bit (with kernel version no higher than 4.6)

Select accessories
Description

Order Code

*Trigger cable, D-type to BNC, 7-way multi I/O timing interface cable gives access to all I/O functions.

ACC-ACZ-05612*CoaXPress cable: 25 m (4x cable composite)

ACC-ASE-14327*CoaXPress cables: 30 m cables (set of 4x individual cables supplied)

ACC-ASE-14330

Accessories
CSR*Please contact your local sales representative regarding other options such as different cable lengths, mounting types,
camera window options or other customizations you may require for system integration or your specific application.

Have you found what you are looking for?
Need more sensitivity? (a) Back-illuminated CCD iKon-L or large area iKon-XL offer large field of view, 95% QE at ~550
nm and low read noise ideal for maximising signal-to-noise in low photon fluxes scenarios. (b) The Marana 4.2-11 backilluminated sCMOS also provides 95% QE at ~550 nm and low read noise but is better suited to faster transient phenomena
or tomography analysis.
Need a larger dynamic range? (a) The iKon-XL 231 with CCD 231-84 sensor offers down to 2 e- read noise and 350,000
e- well depth. (b) For high dynamic range at faster frame rates, the Marana sCMOS can measure small image contrasts
across a wide range of signal magnitude typically found in Absorption Imaging.
Need higher spatial resolution? The Marana-X-6 and ZL41 Wave sCMOS cameras offer sensors with 6.5 μm pixel pitch..

10Mechanical Drawings
Dimensions in mm [inches]
Pixel 4128, 4104

ReadoutDirection

Weight (approx):Flexi Cooled: ~9 kgAbbreviation

MeaningCOG

Centre of Gravity

PCD

Pitch Circle Diameter

UNC

Unified National Coarse
Thread Standard11Order Today
Need more information? At Andor we are committed to finding the correct
solution for you. With a dedicated team of technical advisors, we are able tooffer you one-to-one guidance and technical support on all Andor products.
For a full listing of our local sales offices, please see:andor.oxinst.com/contact

Our regional headquarters are:Europe					Japan
Belfast, Northern Ireland 			Tokyo
Phone +44 (28) 9023 7126			
Phone +81 (0) 4510 3528
Fax +44 (28) 9031 0792			
Fax +81 (0) 4510 3518
North America				China
Concord, MA, USA 				Beijing
Phone +1 (860) 290 9211			
Phone +86 (10) 5884 7900
Fax +1 (860) 290 9566			
Fax +86 (10) 5884 7901

Items shipped with your camera

Footnotes

1x Cyton-CXP card
1x CoaXPress cable (3 m)
1x Trigger cable (BNC to SMB: 2 m)
1x Trigger cable (3-way, D-type to BNC: 1.5 m)
2x Country specific power cords
2x PSU (15 V: 1.5 m, 24 V:1.2 m)
1x User manuals in electronic format
1x Quickstart guide
1x Individual system performance booklet

1. Assembled in a state-of-the-art facility, Andor’s UltraVac™ vacuum process combines apermanent hermetic vacuum seal (no O-rings), with a stringent protocol and proprietary materials
to minimize outgassing. Outgassing is the release of trapped gases that would otherwise degrade
cooling performance and potentially cause sensor failure.
2. Figures are typical and target specifications and therefore subject to change.
3. Specified minimum temperature with coolant assumes coolant temperature of 16°C at a flow rateof 2 litres per minute, measured at the camera head. Air cooling performance is at the ambient
temperature listed. Note that cooling performance may be affected by the distance between
camera head and coolant system.
4. Dark current are typical median values, measurement is averaged over the sensor area excluding
any regions of blemishes.
5. Quantum efficiency as supplied by the sensor manufacturer.
6. Linearity is measured from a plot of Signal vs. Exposure Time as per EMVA 3.0.
7. 100% duty cycle, after each row is read out, the next exposure is immediate.

Minimum Computer Requirements:

Operating & Storage Conditions:• 3.0 GHz quad core processor or equivalent• 16 GB RAM• Hard drive: 3 GB/sec or greater write speed
recommended for the data rate associatedwith the max. frame rates. 200 MB free harddisc to install software• x8 PCIe Gen 2 slot
• Windows (8, 8.1 and 10) or Linux 64-bit OS• Operating Temperature: -30°C to +30°Cambient• Operating Altitude: up to 6000 m• Relative Humidity: <70% (non-condensing)• Storage Temperature: -30°C to 50°C

Power Requirements:• 100 - 240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz• Power Consumption: 236 W max

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Labview is a registered trademark of National Instruments.
Matlab is a registered trademark of The MathWorks Inc.
BALORX SS 0324 R1