4411-0106
Version 2.C
July 2, 2013
*4411-0106*
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Table of Contents
eXcelon® ............................................................................................................................. 9
Advanced Design................................................................................................................ 9
Grounding and Safety....................................................................................................... 10
UV Coating....................................................................................................................... 10
Cleaning............................................................................................................................ 11
PIXIS Camera................................................................................................................... 14
Power Supply (Air-cooled and CoolCUBEII Liquid-cooled systems)................................... 15
User Manuals.................................................................................................................... 16
Chapter 3 Initial System Verification............................................................... 19
Chapter 4 System Setup................................................................................... 23
Software Installation......................................................................................................... 26
Entering the Default Camera System Parameters............................................................. 29
Readout............................................................................................................................. 59
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Chapter 6 Advanced Topics............................................................................. 67
Fast and Safe Modes......................................................................................................... 74
Custom Modes.................................................................................................................. 80
Camera Stops Working..................................................................................................... 84
Camera1 (or similar name) in Camera Name field........................................................... 85
Controller Is Not Responding........................................................................................... 86
CoolCUBEII: Low Coolant (Air in the Hoses).................................................................. 86
Cooling Troubleshooting.................................................................................................. 87
Data Overrun Has Occurred message............................................................................... 89
Device Is Not Found......................................................................................................... 89
Camera.............................................................................................................................. 94
CoolCUBEII Circulator with PIXIS-compatible Hoses (PN 7567-0002) ................................ 96
PIXIS Camera: C-mount (Air-Cooled)............................................................................. 97
PIXIS Camera: F-mount (Liquid-Cooled)...................................................................... 102
PIXIS Camera: 2048 F-mount (Liquid-Cooled)............................................................. 104
PIXIS Camera: Spectroscopy mount (Liquid-Cooled)................................................... 106
CoolCUBEII Circulator................................................................................................... 108
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Table of Contents
v
Acton Series Spectrograph (PIXIS with Flange)............................................................ 114
WinX-to-LightField........................................................................................................ 121
LightField-to-WinX........................................................................................................ 123
Contact Information........................................................................................................ 132
Index................................................................................................................. 133
Figures
Figure 1. Typical System Components............................................................................ 13
CoolCUBEII) ................................................................................................. 21
CoolCUBEII) ................................................................................................. 21
Figure 6. WinView Installation: Select Installation Type dialog..................................... 26
Figure 7. LightField Installation Wizard dialog .............................................................. 27
Figure 8. Camera Detection Wizard - Welcome dialog................................................... 29
Figure 9. LightField Experiment Workspace................................................................... 30
Figure 11. Acton Series Spectrograph Entrance Slit Mount............................................ 33
Figure 12. Block Diagram of PIXIS System .................................................................. 35
Figure 13. Available Devices Area.................................................................................. 45
Figure 14. Experiment Devices Area............................................................................... 46
Figure 15. View Area....................................................................................................... 47
Figure 16. View Area Displaying an Image .................................................................... 47
Figure 17. Available Devices Area.................................................................................. 49
Figure 18. Experiment Devices Area............................................................................... 50
Figure 19. View Area....................................................................................................... 52
Figure 22. Exposure of the CCD with Shutter Compensation......................................... 56
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PIXIS System Manual
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Figure 23. WinX Detector Temperature dialog .............................................................. 57
Figure 25. Full Frame at Full Resolution......................................................................... 60
Figure 26. 2 × 2 Binning.................................................................................................. 61
Figure 27. Binning and Array Orientation....................................................................... 63
Figure 29. Free Run {No Response} Timing Diagram.................................................... 69
Figure 32. Continuous Cleans {Clean Until Trigger} Flowchart .................................... 72
Figure 33. WinX Continuous Cleans Timing Diagram ................................................... 73
Figure 35. Rear of PIXIS Camera.................................................................................... 73
Figure 36. Chart of Safe and Fast Mode Operation......................................................... 75
Figure 38. Kinetics Readout ............................................................................................ 77
Figure 39. Hardware Setup dialog................................................................................... 78
Figure 40. Experiment Setup dialog ................................................................................ 78
Figure 42. Shutter and Trigger expanders: No Response ............................................... 78
Figure 43. Free Run Timing Diagram.............................................................................. 79
Figure 44. Single Trigger Timing Diagram..................................................................... 79
Figure 45. Multiple Trigger Timing Diagram.................................................................. 80
Figure 46. WinX: Custom Chip tab................................................................................. 81
Figure 47. LightField: Custom Sensor pane .................................................................... 81
Figure 48. LightField: Custom Timing............................................................................ 82
Figure 49. WinX: Vertical Shift ...................................................................................... 82
Figure 50. Acquisition Display........................................................................................ 84
Figure 51. Camera1 in Camera Name Field .................................................................... 85
Figure 52. Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict dialog............................................. 88
Figure 53. Devices Missing dialog .................................................................................. 89
Figure 54. Occupied Device icon .................................................................................... 90
Figure 55. Error Creating Controller dialog .................................................................... 90
Figure 56. Program Error dialog...................................................................................... 91
Figure 57. Serial Violations Have Occurred dialog......................................................... 92
Figure 58. Adjustable C-Mount: Internal Shutter (Air-cooled)....................................... 97
Figure 59. Fixed C-Mount: Internal Shutter (Air-cooled) ............................................... 98
Figure 60. Adjustable C-Mount: Internal Shutter (Liquid-cooled).................................. 99
Figure 61. Fixed C-Mount: Internal Shutter (Liquid-cooled)........................................ 100
Figure 62. F-Mount: Internal Shutter (Air-cooled)........................................................ 101
Figure 63. F-Mount: Internal Shutter (Liquid-cooled) .................................................. 102
Figure 64. F-Mount: 2048x2048, Internal Shutter (Air-cooled).................................... 103
Figure 69. CoolCUBEII Circulator................................................................................. 108
Figure 70. F-mount Adjustment..................................................................................... 110
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Table of Contents
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Tables
Table 1. USB Driver Files and Locations........................................................................ 26
Table 3. Camera Timing Modes ...................................................................................... 68
Table 4. Focal Plane Distances........................................................................................ 93
Table 5. Typical Deepest Operating Temperature........................................................... 95
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Chapter 1
Introduction
PIXIS
Thank you for purchasing a PIXIS camera system
from Princeton Instruments. For over two decades
Princeton Instruments has been the legendary name
behind the most revolutionary spectroscopy and
imaging products for cutting edge research.
PIXIS represents the most advanced camera design and utilizes years
of experience and expertise in low-light detection. Whether your
application involves Raman spectroscopy in the near infrared or
semiconductor imaging in the ultraviolet, PIXIS has everything you need to tackle the
most demanding applications.
Among the many state of the art features are its maintenance-free permanent vacuum,
integrated controller, deep thermoelectric air-cooling, and compact design. Currently the
platform supports several imaging and spectroscopy CCDs, including eXcelon® enabled
current list of supported CCDs.
eXcelon®
eXcelon is a new CCD/EMCCD sensor technology jointly developed by Princeton
Instruments, e2v, and Photometrics. Spectroscopy CCDs using this technology provide
three significant benefits:
Improved sensitivity – improved QE over broader wavelength region compared
to back-illuminated sensors,
Reduced etaloning – up to 10 times lower etaloning or unwanted fringes in near
infrared (NIR) region compared to standard back-illuminated CCDs,
Lower dark current – similar to back-illuminated CCDs or 100 times lower
than the deep depletion CCDs.
Advanced Design
PIXIS is a fully integrated camera system. The camera contains all of the electronics
necessary to read out and control the CCD device. For instance, it houses precision analog-
to-digital converters (ADCs) positioned close to the CCD for lowest noise and has USB 2.0
electronics to interface with the host computer.
The easy-to-use PIXIS camera system offers all basic CCD camera functions such as
region-of-interest (ROI) selection and binning --- all under software control. It also
provides advanced triggered operation as well as programmable TTL output.
To utilize the full potential of the PIXIS camera system, please read the manual completely.
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PIXIS System Manual
Version 2.C
Grounding and Safety
Before turning on the power supply (air-cooled system or liquid-cooled system with a
CoolCUBEII circulator), the ground prong of the power cord plug must be properly
connected to the ground connector of the wall outlet. The wall outlet must have a third
prong, or must be properly connected to an adapter that complies with these safety
requirements.
WARNING!
If the equipment is damaged, the protective grounding could be disconnected. Do not use
damaged equipment until its safety has been verified by authorized personnel.
Disconnecting the protective earth terminal, inside or outside the apparatus, or any
tampering with its operation is also prohibited.
Inspect the supplied power cord. If it is not compatible with the power socket, replace the
cord with one that has suitable connectors on both ends.
WARNING!
Replacement power cords or power plugs must have the same polarity and power rating
as that of the original ones to avoid hazard due to electrical shock.
Precautions
To prevent permanently damaging the system, please observe the following precautions:
The CCD array is very sensitive to static electricity. Touching the CCD can
destroy it. Operations requiring contact with the device can only be performed at
the factory.
If you are using high-voltage equipment (such as an arc lamp) with your camera
system, be sure to turn the camera power ON LAST and turn the camera power
OFF FIRST.
Use caution when triggering high-current switching devices (such as an arc lamp)
near your system. The CCD can be permanently damaged by transient voltage
spikes. If electrically noisy devices are present, an isolated, conditioned power
line or dedicated isolation transformer is highly recommended.
Do not block air vents on the camera. Preventing the free flow of air overheats
the camera and may damage it.
If the PIXIS camera system is used in a manner not specified by Princeton
Instruments, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
UV Coating
Caution
If you have a camera with a UV (Lumogen or Unichrome) coated CCD, protect it from
unnecessary exposure to UV radiation. This radiation slowly bleaches the coating,
reducing sensitivity.
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Chapter 1
Introduction
11
Cleaning
WARNING!
Turn off all power to the equipment and secure all covers before cleaning the units.
Otherwise, damage to the equipment or injury to you could occur.
Camera
Although there is no periodic maintenance that needs to be performed on a PIXIS
camera, users are advised to wipe it down with a clean damp cloth from time to time.
This operation should only be done on the external surfaces and with all covers secured.
In dampening the cloth, use clean water only. No soap, solvents or abrasives should be
used. Not only are they not required, but they could damage the finish of the surfaces on
which they are used.
Optical Surfaces
As a good practice, the camera must be closed/capped off with the supplied dust cover or
lens cap when not in use. Should a need to clean the optical window arise due to the
accumulation of atmospheric dust, we advise that the drag-wipe technique be used. This
involves dipping a clean cellulose lens tissue into clean anhydrous methanol, and then
dragging the dampened tissue over the optical surface to be cleaned. Do not allow any
other material to touch the optical surfaces.
Repairs
Because the PIXIS camera system contains no user-serviceable parts, repairs must be
performed by Princeton Instruments. Should your system need repair, contact Princeton
Instruments customer support for instructions. For contact information, refer to page 132
of this manual.
Save the original packing materials and use them whenever shipping the system or
system components.
About this Manual
Manual Organization
This manual provides the user with all the information needed to install a PIXIS camera
and place it in operation. Topics covered include detailed description of the cameras in
the PIXIS family, installation, applications, cleaning, specifications and more.
Notes:
1. "WinX" is a generic term for WinView/32, WinSpec/32, and WinXTest application
software.
2. In many instances, WinX and LightField® use different terms for the same functions
or parameters. Unless the topic is specifically for WinX or LightField, curly brackets
{ } are used to denote a LightField term or location. When the topic applies to both
application programs, the WinX term will be followed by the {LightField term}: for
example, when Continuous Cleans is used, it will be followed by {Clean Until
Trigger}. This convention is also used when a location for setting a parameter is
mentioned: for example, Exposure Time is set on the Experiment Setup|Main tab
{Common Acquisition Settings expander}.
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PIXIS System Manual
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Chapter 1, Introduction provides an overview of the PIXIS cameras.
Chapter 2, System Component Descriptions provides information about the
camera, interface card, cables and application software.
Chapter 3, Installation Overview cross-references system setup actions with the
relevant manuals and/or manual pages. It also contains system layout diagrams.
Chapter 4, System Setup provides detailed directions for setting up the camera
for imaging or spectroscopic applications and presents over-exposure protection
considerations.
Chapter 5, Operation includes a step-by-step procedure for verifying system
operation and discusses operational considerations associated with exposure,
readout, and digitization.
Chapter 6, Advanced Topics discusses standard timing {Trigger Response}
modes (Free Run {No Response}, External Sync {Readout Per Trigger}, and
Continuous Cleans {Clean Until Trigger}), Fast and Safe modes, Logic Output
control, and Kinetics mode.
Chapter 7, Troubleshooting provides courses of action to take if you should
have problems with your system.
Appendix A, Basic Specifications includes camera and CoolCUBEII
specifications.
Appendix B, Outline Drawings includes outline drawings of C-mount and
Spectroscopy-mount cameras.
Appendix C, Adapter Adjustment and Focusing Procedures discusses
focusing of an F-mount adapter and focusing of F-mount and C-mount lenses.
Appendix D, Spectrograph Adapters provides mounting instructions for the
spectrograph adapters available for PIXIS cameras.
Appendix E, Cross-Referencing of WinX and LightField Terms includes
two alphabetically sorted tables (WinX to LightField and LightField to WinX)
that cross reference terms used in the two applications.
Declaration of Conformity contains the Declarations of Conformity for the Small
Format PIXIS System and the Large Format PIXIS System
Warranty & Service contains the warranty and customer support contact information.
Safety Related Symbols Used in this Manual
Caution! The use of this symbol on equipment indicates that one or
more nearby items should not be operated without first consulting the
manual. The same symbol appears in the manual adjacent to the text
that discusses the hardware item(s) in question.
Warning! Risk of electric shock! The use of this symbol on
equipment indicates that one or more nearby items pose an electric
shock hazard and should be regarded as potentially dangerous. This
same symbol appears in the manual adjacent to the text that discusses
the hardware item(s) in question.
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Chapter 2
System Component Descriptions
System Components
Standard Components
A typical air-cooled PIXIS system consists of the camera with a Certificate of
Performance, a power supply, a USB 2.0 interface cable for your computer system, MCX
to BNC adapter cables, and the user manual. A typical liquid-cooled PIXIS system
consists of the camera with a Certificate of Performance, a CoolCUBEII circulator with
hoses, a USB 2.0 interface cable for your computer system, MCX to BNC adapter cables,
and the user manual.
Figure 1. Typical System Components
Optional System Components
Optional items include the WinX application software and manual, LightField®
application software and manual, Scientific Imaging ToolKit™ (SITK™) for
LabVIEW®, internal 25 or 45 mm shutter (dependent on CCD array size), an F-mount
adapter, an adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-mount kinetics adapter, and a fiber optic
extender kit.
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PIXIS System Manual
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PIXIS Camera
CCD Array: The PIXIS camera system offers both front- and back-
illuminated CCDs in a variety of array sizes that allow you to precisely
match the sensor to your application. Only scientific-grade devices are
used in order to ensure the highest image fidelity, resolution, and
acquisition flexibility required for scientific imaging. Princeton Instruments has
developed exclusive CCDs with unmatched quantum efficiency and low noise to offer the
utmost in sensitivity. Large full wells, square pixels, and 100% fill factors provide high
dynamic range and excellent spatial resolution. Unichrome (exclusive Princeton
Instruments technology) and other UV-enhancement coatings can be used to further
improve the quantum efficiency of these CCDs in the ultraviolet. Your choice of CCD is
already installed in the camera that you received and has been individually tested.
Cooling: Dark current is reduced in PIXIS camera systems through thermoelectric
cooling of the CCD arrays. Cooling by this method uses a four-stage Peltier cooler in
combination with circulating air or coolant. To prevent condensation and contamination
from occurring, cameras cooled this way are evacuated. Due to CCD size/packaging
differences, the lowest achievable temperature can vary from one PIXIS model to the
next. Please refer to the specific system’s data sheet for cooling performance.
Connectors:
USB 2.0: Control signals and data are transmitted between
the camera and the host computer via the USB port located on
the rear of the camera. As of this printing, you can hot plug
the PIXIS camera whenever the WinX application is not
running (i.e., connect or disconnect from the camera or the
host computer while the camera is powered ON). In the
case of cameras built before November 1, 2005, you must
exit the WinX application and turn the camera power OFF
before connecting the USB cable to or disconnecting it from the camera or host
computer.
®
Shutter: LEMO connector provides the shutter drive pulses for driving a Princeton
Instruments-supplied external shutter (for example, a shutter at the entrance slit of a
spectrograph). Camera power must be OFF before connecting to or disconnecting
from this connector.
Note: When there is an installed internal shutter, this connector cannot drive an
external shutter.
LOGIC OUT: 0 to +3.3V programmable logic level output (TTL-compatible). The
output of this connector can be programmed and can also be inverted via the
application software. For detailed information about each output signal, please see
EXT SYNC: 0-+3.3V logic level input (TTL-compatible) that has a 10 k pullup
resistor. Allows data acquisition and readout to be synchronized with external events.
Through software, positive or negative (default) edge triggering can be selected.
Power: 12 VDC (6.6A max) input from power supply.
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Chapter 2
System Component Descriptions
15
Fan: Air-cooled cameras contain an internal fan. Its purpose is:
to remove heat from the Peltier device that cools the CCD array and
to cool the electronics.
An internal Peltier device directly cools the cold finger on which the CCD is mounted.
The air drawn into the camera by the internal fan through the back slots on the side
panels and exhausted through the front slots on the side panels then removes the heat
produced by the Peltier device. The fan is always in operation and air-cooling of both
the Peltier and the internal electronics takes place continuously. The fan is designed
for low-vibration and does not adversely affect the image. For the fan to function
properly, free circulation must be maintained between the sides of the camera and the
laboratory atmosphere.
Coolant Ports: Liquid-cooled cameras have internal hoses that can be connected to the
CoolCUBEII circulator via the coolant ports on the side of the camera (either port can be
the input). As is the case with circulating air (see above), circulating coolant removes the
heat produced by the Peltier device. This means of heat removal is designed for
vibration-free data acquisition. For the circulating coolant to function properly, free air
circulation must be maintained between the sides of the CoolCUBEII and the laboratory
atmosphere.
Use only the hoses and circulator shipped with your system. Attaching any other hoses or
circulator voids the warranty.
WARNING!
Power Supply (Air-cooled and CoolCUBEII Liquid-cooled systems)
The receptacle on the power supply should be compatible with the line-voltage line cords in
common use in the region to which the system is shipped. If the power supply receptacle is
incompatible, a compatible adapter should be installed on the line cord, taking care to
maintain the proper polarity to protect the equipment and assure user safety.
Small Format PIXIS
Maximum Power Output: 80 W
Large Format PIXIS
Maximum Power Output: 150 W
Input: 100-240 VAC, 47-63 Hz, 1.9A
Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 2A
Output: 12 VDC at 6.6 A maximum
Output: 12 VDC at 12.5 A maximum
Coolant Hoses (Liquid-cooled systems)
Quick-disconnects that mate to the PIXIS’s coolant ports have been installed on one end
of each hose. Refer to your coolant circulator’s specifications regarding circulator-
compatible hose fittings. If a Princeton Instruments CoolCUBEII circulator is ordered
with the camera, hoses are supplied with appropriate connectors on both ends.
Note: Part numbers for the hose, PIXIS fittings, and CoolCUBEII fitting are:
McMaster# MCM 5238K748 (3/8 ID, 5/8 OD tubing);
CPC# MCD1004 (1/4 NPT Valved Coupling Body) and McMaster# MCM 5346K35
(barbed hose fitting adapter for 3/8" hose ID X 1/4" NPTF female pipe) at PIXIS end;
and
CPC# NS6D17006 (3/8 hose barb valved in-line coupling body) at CoolCUBEII end.
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PIXIS System Manual
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Cables
USB 2.0 Cable: The standard 16.4' (5 m) cable (6050-0494) has USB connectors that
interconnect the "USB 2.0" connector on the rear of the PIXIS with a USB card installed
in the host computer.
MCX to BNC Adapter Cables: Two MCX to BNC adapter cables are provided with
the PIXIS system. These mount to the EXT SYNC and the LOGIC OUT connectors on
the rear of the PIXIS.
Certificate of Performance
Each PIXIS camera has a Certificate of Performance. This certificate states that the
camera system was assembled and tested according to approved Princeton Instruments
procedures. It documents the camera performance data as measured during the testing of
your PIXIS and lists the Sales Order, Purchase Order, and Camera Serial numbers (useful
if you ever need to contact Princeton Instruments Customer Support).
User Manuals
PIXIS System User Manual: This manual describes how to install and use the PIXIS
system components.
WinView/32 or WinSpec/32 User Manual: This manual describes how to install and
use the application program. A PDF version of this manual is provided on the installation
CD. Additional information is available in the program's on-line help.
LightField® User Manual: This manual describes how to install and use the LightField
application program (for 64-bit Windows Vista® and Windows® 7 operating systems).
The manual is provided in PDF version on the installation CD and will be installed in the
Princeton Instruments/LightField/Documents subdirectory. Acrobat 7.0 or higher is
required. Additional information is available in the program's on-line help.
Note: You can download current versions of Princeton Instruments manuals at
current versions of Acton manuals are located at
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Chapter 2
System Component Descriptions
17
Optional Components
Application Software
WinX: The PIXIS camera can be operated by using either WinView/32 or
WinSpec/32, Princeton Instrument's 32-bit Windows® software packages designed
specifically for high-end imaging and spectroscopy, respectively. The Princeton
Instruments' software provides comprehensive image/spectral capture and display
functions. The package also facilitates snap-ins to permit advanced operation. Using
the optional built-in macro record function, you can also create and edit your own
macros to automate a variety of operations. WinView and WinSpec take full advantage
of the versatility of the PIXIS camera and even enhance it by making integration of the
detection system into larger experiments or instruments an easy, straightforward
endeavor.
PVCAM®: The standard software interface for cooled CCD cameras from Princeton
Instruments. It is a library of functions that can be used to control and acquire data
from the camera when a custom application is being written. For example, in the case
of Windows, PVCAM is a dynamic link library (DLL). Also, it should be understood
that PVCAM is solely for camera control and image acquisition, not for image
processing. PVCAM places acquired images into a buffer, where they can then be
manipulated using either custom written code or by extensions to other commercially
available image processing packages.
Scientific Imaging ToolKit™: SITK™ is a collection of LabVIEW® VIs for scientific
cameras and spectrographs. This third party software can be purchased from Princeton
Instruments.
LightField®: The PIXIS can be operated using LightField, Princeton Instrument’s
64-bit Windows Vista® and Windows® 7 compatible software package. LightField
combines complete control over Princeton Instruments’ cameras and spectrographs
with easy-to-use tools for experimental setup, data acquisition and post-processing.
LightField makes data integrity priority #1 via automatic saving to disk, time stamping
and retention of both raw and corrected data with full experimental details saved in
each file. LightField works seamlessly in multi-user facilities, remembering each user’s
hardware and software configurations and tailoring options and features accordingly.
The optional, patent-pending IntelliCal™ package is the highest-performance
wavelength calibration software available, providing up to 10X greater accuracy across
the entire focal plane than competing routines.
PICam™: The standard 64-bit software interface for cooled CCD cameras from
Princeton Instruments. PICam is an ANSI C library of camera control and data
acquisition functions. Currently, the interface supports Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Note: PIXIS may also be operated by several other third-party software packages.
Please check with the providers of the packages for compatibility and support
information.
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PIXIS System Manual
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Internal Shutter
Optional 25 or 45 mm internal shutter (dependent on CCD array size). Shutters are
mechanical devices with a finite lifetime, typically of the order of a million cycles,
although some individual shutters may last a good deal longer. How long a shutter lasts in
terms of experimental time will, of course, be strongly dependent on the operating
parameters. High repetition rates and short exposure times will rapidly increase the
number of shutter cycles and hasten the time when the shutter will have to be replaced.
F-Mount Adapter
An F-mount adapter (7050-0009) is available for modifying a spectroscopy-mount PIXIS
with internal shutter (see Figure 68, page 107).
Adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-Mount Kinetics Adapter
An adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-mount kinetics adapter is available for modifying a C-
mount PIXIS for mounting to an Acton spectrograph. The adapter allows you to move the
camera vertically at the exit plane of an Acton Series spectrograph in order to align
kinetics rows at the middle of the focal plane for the best spectral quality. Two versions
are available: Model 7050-0104 for SP-2350 and SP-2550 spectrographs and
Model 7050-0107 for SP-2150 and SP-2750 spectrographs.
Fiber Optic Extender Kit
The specially designed fiber optic data interface kit allows the computer and the USB2.0
camera head to be separated by up to 500 meters without the loss of data. The kit consists
of two compact, high speed transceivers (interface modules) for completely transparent
operation between the host computer and the camera. The FO kit is ideal for hazardous or
high EMI environments. This optional kit supports PIXIS, Spec-10, VersArray and
PI-MAX family of products as well Acton Series spectrographs with USB2.0 data
interface.
CoolCUBEII with PIXIS-compatible Hoses (PN 7567-0002)
Liquid-cooled PIXIS cameras can cool to a lower temperature (typically -35 C) than air
cooling. Instead of using a fan to remove heat, these cameras incorporate a closed loop
system of circulating fluid. The CoolCUBEII circulator unit continuously pumps the
50:50 mixture of room temperature (23ºC) water and ethylene glycol. To prevent voiding
the warranty, use only the circulator and hoses shipped with your system.
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Chapter 3
Initial System Verification
The list and diagrams below briefly describe the sequence of actions required to
install your system and prepare to gather data. Refer to the indicated references for
more detailed information.
Action
Reference
1. If the system components have not already been unpacked, unpack
them and inspect their carton(s) and the system components for
in-transit damage.
Chapter 4 System Setup,
page 23
2. Verify that all system components have been received.
Chapter 4 System Setup,
page 24
3. If the components show no signs of damage, verify that the
appropriate power cord has been supplied with the power supply.
Chapter 4 System Setup,
page 24
4. If the application software is not already installed in the host
computer, install it.
Chapter 4 System Setup,
5. If a USB 2 interface card is not already installed in the host
computer, install it. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Depending on application, attach lens to the camera or mount the
camera to a spectrograph.
Chapter 4 System Setup,
page 29
7. With the power supply disconnected from the camera, connect the USB
cable to the USB port at the rear of the camera and to the USB port at
the computer.
8. Air-Cooled System: Plug the power supply into the rear of the
camera and plug the power supply into the power source.
Liquid-Cooled System: Plug the power supply into the rear of the
camera and plug the power supply into the power source. Make the
hose connections to the camera. Plug the circulator into the power
source. Add coolant if necessary. Turn on the circulator.
Chapter 4 System Setup,
page 27
9. Turn the camera ON.
10. Turn on the computer and begin running the application software.
Software manual
11. Enter the hardware setup information or load the defaults from the
camera.
Chapter 5 Operation,
page 29
12. Set the target array temperature.
Chapter 5 Operation,
page 57
13. When the system reaches temperature lock, wait an additional 20
minutes and then begin acquiring data in focus mode.
Chapter 5 Operation,
19
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PIXIS System Manual
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Action
Reference
14. Adjust the focus for the best image or spectral lines. If you are using Chapter 5 Operation,
WinSpec/32, you may want to use the Focus Helper function for
spectroscopy applications. If you are using LightField, you may
want to use the Align Spectrometer function.
Figure 2. Typical Imaging Experiment Layout (Air-cooled Camera)
Figure 3. Typical Spectroscopy Experiment Layout (Air-cooled Camera)
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Chapter 4
System Setup
To minimize risk to users or to system equipment, turn the system OFF before any cables
are connected or disconnected.
Introduction
A PIXIS camera system consists of three hardware components:
Camera head
Power supply
Cables
All of the components and cables required for your configuration are included with your
shipment. Your PIXIS system has been specially configured and calibrated to match the
camera options specified at the time of purchase. The CCD and coating you ordered have
been installed in the camera head.
Keep all of the original packing materials so you can safely ship the PIXIS system to
another location or return it for service if necessary. If you have any difficulty with any
step of the instructions, call Princeton Instruments Customer Support. For contact
information, refer to page 132.
Hardware installation may consist of:
Installing an interface card, if the appropriate card is not already resident.
Attaching a lens to a C-mount on the camera or to an F-mount adapter.
Connecting the camera to an external shutter, if one is required.
Mounting the camera to a spectrograph.
Software installation depends on the application software you will be using to run the
system. Refer to the manual supplied with the software for information about installing
and setting it up.
Unpacking the System
During the unpacking, check the system components for possible signs of shipping
damage. If there are any, notify Princeton Instruments immediately and file a claim with
the carrier. If damage is not apparent but the camera cannot be operated, internal damage
may have occurred in shipment. After unpacking the system, save the original packing
materials so you can safely ship the camera system to another location or return it to
Princeton Instruments for repairs if necessary.
23
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Checking the Equipment and Parts Inventory
Confirm that you have all of the equipment and parts required to set up the PIXIS system.
A complete system consists of:
Standard System:
Camera and Power Supply
CoolCUBEII Circulator and hoses (for liquid-cooled system)
Host Computer: Can be purchased from Princeton Instruments or provided by
user. For enhanced performance, a fast hard drive (10,000 rpm) and 2GB RAM is
recommended.
Operating System:
WinView/32 or WinSpec/32: Windows® XP (32-bit, SP3 or later), Vista ®
(32-bit), or Windows® 7 (32-bit).
LightField: Windows® Vista (64-bit) or Windows® 7 (64-bit)
USB cable: Five (5) meter cable (6050-0494) is standard.
PIXIS System User Manual
Options:
F-mount adapter
Adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-mount kinetics adapter
25 mm or 45 mm Internal Shutter (as appropriate for the CCD size)
Application Software:
WinView/32 or WinSpec32 (Ver. 2.5.25 or later) CD-ROM (optional)
LightField CD-ROM (optional)
Software User Manual (provided with application software)
Fiber Optic Extender Kit
System Requirements
Environmental Requirements
Storage temperature: 55°C
Operating environment temperature: +5ºC to +30ºC; the environment temperature
range over which system specifications can be guaranteed is +18ºC to +23ºC
Relative humidity 50%; non-condensing
Note: The cooling performance may degrade if the room temperature is above
+23°C.
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Chapter 4
System Setup
25
Ventilation: Allow at least one inch clearance for the side air vents. Where the camera
is inside an enclosure, > 30 cfm air circulation and heat dissipation of 100W is required.
Power: The PIXIS camera receives its power from the supplied power supply which in
turn plugs into an AC power source.
Host Computer
Note: Computers and operating systems all undergo frequent revision. The following
information is only intended to give minimum computer requirements. Please contact the
factory to determine your specific needs.
WinX Requirements
Windows® XP (32-bit with SP3 or later), Vista® (32-bit), or Windows® 7 (32-bit)
2 GHz Pentium® 4 (or greater).
Native USB 2.0 support on the mother board or USB 2.0 Interface Card (Orange
Micro 70USB90011 USB2.0 PCI is recommended for desktop; SIIG, Inc. USB
2.0 PC Card, Model US2246 for laptop)
Minimum of 1 GB RAM (or greater).
CD-ROM drive.
Hard disk with a minimum of 1 Gbyte available. A complete installation of the
program files takes about 17-50 Mbytes and the remainder is required for data
storage, depending on the number and size of images/spectra collected. Disk level
compression programs are not recommended. Drive speed of 10,000 RPM
recommended.
Super VGA monitor and graphics card supporting at least 65,535 colors with at
least 128 Mbyte of memory. Memory requirement is dependent on desired
display resolution.
Mouse or other pointing device.
LightField Requirements
Windows Vista® (64-bit) or Windows® 7 (64-bit)
2 GHz dual core processor
4 GB RAM (or greater)
CD-ROM drive
Super VGA monitor and graphics card supporting at least 65535 colors with at
least 128 Mbyte of memory. Memory requirement is dependent on desired
display resolution.
Hard disk with a minimum of 1 Gbyte available for installation. Additional space
is required for data storage: the amount of space required depends on the number
and size of images/spectra collected. Disk level compression programs are not
recommended. Drive speed of 10,000 RPM recommended.
Mouse or other pointing device.
Note: The above requirements are the minimum for operating a PIXIS camera. A
faster computer with 5GB or larger memory (RAM) will greatly enhance the
software performance during live mode operations.
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Software Installation
WinX
Notes:
1. Before proceeding, please check to see if your computer supports USB 2.0. If it does
not, install a USB 2.0 interface card. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Leave the USB cable disconnected from the camera until you have installed
WinView/32 or WinSpec/32.
The following installation is performed via the WinView/32 or WinSpec/32 software
installation CD.
1. On the Select Installation Type
Typical radio button to install the
required drivers and the most
commonly installed program files.
Select the Custom radio button if
you would like to choose among the
available program files or do not want
to install the drivers. Complete
installs all of the application features.
The required INF, DLL, and USB
driver files will be placed in the
appropriate "Windows" directories
Figure 6. WinView Installation:
Select Installation Type dialog
2. Make sure the camera is connected to the host computer and that the camera power
supply is turned on.
3. Reboot the computer.
4. At bootup, Windows will detect the Princeton Instruments USB2 Interface hardware
in the PIXIS. You may be prompted to enter the directory path(s) for the
apausbprop.dll and/or the apausb.sys file(s), either by keyboard entry or by using the
browse function.
Windows Version USB INF Filename USB Properties DLL
USB Device Driver Name
Located in
Located in
"Windows"/INF
directory*
Located in
"Windows"/System3 "Windows"/System32/Drivers
2 directory
directory
Windows® XP,
Vista (32-bit),
rsusb2k.inf (in
WINDOWS/INF,
for example)
apausbprop.dll (in
WINDOWS/System3 System32/Drivers, for
2, for example) example)
apausb.sys (in WINDOWS/
Windows 7 (32-bit)
* The INF directory may be hidden.
Table 1. USB Driver Files and Locations
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Chapter 4
System Setup
27
LightField
The following installation is performed via the LightField software installation CD.
1. Before starting the installation:
Verify that the computer operating system is Windows Vista (64-bit) or
Windows 7 (64-bit).
Confirm that your computer supports USB 2.0. If it does not, please refer to the
manufacturer’s instructions for installing a USB 2.0 interface card.
Verify that your computer is connected to the Internet. Internet connection is
required for product activation.
2. Insert the CD and follow the installation wizard prompts.
Figure 7. LightField Installation Wizard dialog
3. After the installation finishes, reboot the computer.
4. Connect the PIXIS system components to your computer and power them on.
5. Start LightField, activate it, and begin setting up your experiment.
Making the Camera-Circulator Connections for a CoolCUBEII
For liquid-cooled cameras, the CoolCUBEII circulator provides a
vibration-free method of heat removal.
1. Make sure the camera and the circulator power switches are
turned off.
2. Make sure the circulator is 6 inches (150 mm) or more
below the camera. The vertical distance should not exceed 10
feet (3 m). Typically, the camera is at table height and the circulator is on the floor.
3. Make the coolant connections between the circulator and the camera. It does not
matter which hose from the circulator is plugged into a coolant port on the camera.
4. It is recommended that hoses be secured to the camera hose barbs with the clamp
supplied.
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Notes:
1. Make sure that there are no kinks in the hoses that impede the coolant flow. Lack
of sufficient flow can seriously harm the detector and any resulting damage is not
covered under warranty.
2. Damage caused by water leaking into the PIXIS voids the warranty.
5. Unscrew the reservoir cap (on top of the CoolCUBEII) and make
sure that the coolant reservoir contains coolant. If additional
coolant is required, fill with a 50:50 mixture of water and ethylene
glycol.
6. Screw the reservoir cap back in.
7. Plug the circulator into a 100-240 VAC, 47-63 Hz power source.
8. Turn the circulator on. Make sure there are no leaks or air bubbles in the hoses.
Note: Small air bubbles (about the size of bubbles in soda) are common in the
CoolCUBEII especially at start up and do not prevent proper operation.
If there are no problems, continue to Step 9.
If there are leaks or air bubbles, turn the circulator off and correct the problem(s)
by securing the hoses or adding more coolant to the reservoir. Turn the circulator
back on. Recheck and if there are no problems, continue to Step 9.
9. Turn the camera on.
10. Start the application software.
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Chapter 4
System Setup
29
Entering the Default Camera System Parameters
The following instructions assume that you have performed the compute r interface
installation.
WinX
1. Make sure the PIXIS is connected to the host computer and that it is turned on.
2. Run the WinX application. The Camera Detection wizard will automatically run if
this is the first time you have installed a Princeton Instruments WinX application
(WinView/32, WinSpec/32, or WinXTest/32) and a supported camera. Otherwise, if
you installing a new camera type, click on the Launch Camera Detection
Wizard… button on the Controller/CCD tab to start the wizard.
3. On the Welcome dialog (Figure 8), leave the checkbox unselected and click on
Next.
Figure 8. Camera Detection Wizard - Welcome dialog
4. Follow the instructions on the dialogs to perform the initial hardware setup: this
wizard enters default parameters on the Hardware Setup dialog tabs and gives you an
opportunity to acquire a test image to confirm the system is working.
Note: For a step-by-step procedure on basic system operation (Imaging and
Spectroscopy), refer to the appropriate "First Light" sections: for Imaging
LightField
1. Make sure the PIXIS (and spectrograph, if this is a spectroscopy system) is
connected to the host computer and that the camera (and spectrograph) power
supply is turned on.
2. Start LightField.
3. While LightField is starting up, it will detect the available device(s) and load the
appropriate icons into the Available Devices area in the Experiment workspace.
4. When you drag an icon into the Experiment Devices area, the appropriate
expanders will be loaded into the Experiment Settings stack on the lefthand side
of the window.
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Figure 9. LightField Experiment Workspace
5. Because this is a new experiment, the default settings will automatically be
entered for the experiment device(s). These settings will allow you to begin
previewing (Run button) or acquiring (Acquire button) data.
Note: For a step-by-step procedure on basic system operation, refer to the appropriate
applications (page 48).
Attaching Lenses to C- and F-Mount Adapters
Caution
Overexposure protection: Cameras that are exposed to room light or other continuous
light sources will quickly become saturated. Set the lens to the smallest aperture (highest f-
number) and cover the lens with a lens cap to prevent overexposure.
PIXIS cameras for imaging applications incorporate an integral C-mount adapter, an
adjustable C-mount adapter, or an integral F-mount adapter. Other mounts may be available.
Information on accessing the Princeton Instruments Customer Support Dept.
Attaching to a C-Mount Adapter
C-mount lenses simply screw into the front of these cameras. Tighten the lens by hand
only. An optional C-to-F-mount adapter, which uses the Nikon bayonet format, can be
ordered. For information about adjusting the focal distance for an adjustable C-mount
adapter, refer to the instructions on page 109.
Note: C-mount cameras are shipped with a dust cover lens installed. Although this lens
is capable of providing surprisingly good images, its throughput is low and the image
quality is not as good as can be obtained with a high-quality camera lens. Users should
replace the dust-cover lens with their own high-quality laboratory lens before making
measurements.
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Chapter 4
System Setup
31
Attaching to an F-Mount Adapter
F-mount adapters use the Nikon bayonet format. To mount the lens on the camera:
1. Locate the large indicator dot on the side of the lens.
2. Note the corresponding dot on the front side of the adapter.
3. Line up the dots and slide the lens into the adapter.
4. Turn the lens counterclockwise until a click is heard. The lens is now locked in place.
In addition to the focusing ring of the lens, there is provision for focusing the adapter
itself. That adjustment is secured by setscrews on the side of the adapter's adjustment
Mounting the Adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-Mount Kinetics
Adapter
The adjustable spectroscopy-mount kinetics adapter allows you to move the camera
vertically at the exit plane of an Acton Series spectrograph in order to align the kinetics
rows at the middle of the focal plane for the best spectral quality. The adapter is mounted
to the front of a PIXIS camera and is secured to the camera by a threaded insert screwed
camera.
Tools Required:
0.050” Hex key
3/32” hex key
Flat screwdriver
Spanner wrench (1.17”/29.7 mm between 0.094”/2.38 mm diameter holes)
Equipment:
Acton Series Spectrograph with light source at entrance port
Kinetics Adapter
SP-2150 and SP-2750 Spectrographs: Use the Model 7050-0107 adapter
SP-2350 and SP-2550 Spectrographs: Use the Model 7050-0104 adapter
Camera with C-mount nose
Procedure:
1. If a light baffle is mounted to the front of the adapter, remove the two 2-56
screws securing it and set the baffle aside.
spanner wrench or equivalent (distance between holes is 1.17” [29.7 mm]),
tighten the threaded insert into the C-mount opening on the camera.
3. If you are using a light baffle, mount the light baffle to the front of the adapter.
4. Rotate the sliding tube as you gently insert it into the spectrograph’s exit port.
5. With the spectrograph, camera, and light source powered on and connected to the
computer (as required), start the application software. Refer to the appropriate
“First Light” instructions in this manual when focusing and rotationally aligning
the camera to the spectrograph optics.
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6. When you have finished with focusing and rotational alignment, secure the
sliding tube in place with the spectrograph setscrews.
7. If they have already been installed, loosen the adapter’s two recessed locking
setscrews (use a 0.050 hex key). If they have not been installed, insert the
setscrews into the holes at the sides of the adapter and screw them in a couple of
turns.
8. When the camera opening is centered within the sliding tube, you can adjust the
camera up or down .4” (4.06 mm) by tightening or loosening the vertical
adjustment setscrew (use a 3/32” hex key).
9. After you have completed the adjustment, tighten the recessed locking setscrews
in the adapter flange to lock the position.
Figure 10. Adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-Mount Kinetics Adapter
Mounting the Camera to a Spectrograph
The camera must be properly mounted to the spectrograph to focus. Additional
precautions must also be taken to prevent overexposure of the camera.
The distance to the focal plane from the front of the mechanical assembly depends on the
Spectrograph Adapter
may be available. Consult the factory for specific information relating to your needs.
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Chapter 4
System Setup
33
Connecting an External Shutter
WARNING!
Disconnecting or connecting the shutter cable to the camera while the camera is ON can destroy
the shutter or the shutter driver in the camera!
Introduction
Typically, PIXIS cameras for imaging applications are shipped with an internal shutter.
The 25 or 45 mm internal shutter (depending on the CCD array size) is housed in the
main body. Typically, cameras for spectroscopy applications do not incorporate internal
shutter. However, for cameras without an internal shutter, there is provision for
connecting an external 25 or 45 mm shutter (supplied by Princeton Instruments) at the
Shutter connector on the rear of the PIXIS.
Cautions
1. DO NOT connect a Princeton Instruments-supplied external shutter when there is an
installed internal shutter. Permanent damage to the shutter driver may occur.
2. Electromechanical shutters typically have a lifetime of about a million cycles. Avoid
running the shutter unnecessarily.
3. A shutter can become overheated when short, rapidly repeated exposures are used or if
the shutter is held open for an extended period of time. Newer versions of the
WinView/WinSpec software and camera hardware monitor the temperature of 45 mm
internal shutters to prevent overheating conditions. The temperature of external
shutters is NOT monitored!
External Shutter
A Princeton Instruments-supplied external shutter may be used with a PIXIS camera that does
not have an internal shutter. In most cases, the external shutter will be mounted on the
entrance slit of a spectrograph. The shutter mount used with all Acton Series spectrographs
requires no disassembly. Mount it to the spectrograph as shown in Figure 11. In the case of
the IsoPlane SCT-320 spectrograph, the shutter assembly is mounted internally: refer to the
instructions provided in the IsoPlane manual.
Shutter Cable Connection
1. Verify that the PIXIS camera is turned OFF (i.e., the
power supply is switched OFF).
2. Verify that there is no internal shutter.
If the camera is equipped with an internal shutter, DO
NOT USE the Shutter connector to drive an external
(second) shutter. Such a configuration will result in
under-powering both shutters and may cause damage to
the system.
Caution
3. Connect the shutter cable to the LEMO® connector at
the rear of the camera.
4. Power the PIXIS camera ON.
Figure 11. Acton Series Spectrograph
Entrance Slit Mount
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Overexposure Protection
Cameras that are exposed to room light or other continuous light sources will quickly
become saturated. This most often occurs when operating without a shutter. If the camera
is mounted to a spectrograph, close the entrance slit of the spectrograph to reduce the
incident light.
Note: If the CCD is cooled to low temperatures (below -50°C), exposure to ambient
light will over-saturate it. This may increase dark charge significantly. If the camera
remains saturated after all light sources are removed, you may have to bring the camera
back to room temperature to restore dark charge to its original level.
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Chapter 5
Operation
Introduction
Once the PIXIS camera has been installed as explained in
the preceding chapters, operation of the camera is
straightforward. In most applications you simply establish
optimum performance using the Focus mode (in WinX,
for example), set the target camera temperature, wait until
the temperature has stabilized, and then do actual data
acquisition in the Acquire mode. Additional
considerations regarding experiment setup and equipment
configuration are addressed in the software manual.
During data acquisition, the CCD array is exposed to a
source and charge accumulates in the pixels. After the
defined exposure time, the accumulated signal is readout
of the array, digitized, and then transferred to the host
computer. Upon data transfer, the data is displayed and/or
stored via the application software. This sequence is
illustrated by the block diagram shown in Figure 12.
Whether or not the data is displayed and/or stored depends
on the data collection operation that has been selected in
the application software.
In WinX and LightField, the data collection operations
use the Experiment Setup parameters to establish the
exposure time (the period when signal of interest is
Figure 12. Block Diagram of
PIXIS System
allowed to accumulate on the CCD). Focus {Preview} is more likely to be used in
setting up the system (see the "First Light" discussions) and Acquire is then used for the
collection and storage of data. Briefly:
In Focus {Preview} mode, the number of frames is ignored. A single frame is
acquired and displayed, another frame is acquired and overwrites the currently
displayed data, and so on until Stop is selected. In WinX, the last frame acquired
before Stop is selected can be stored; in LightField, this frame cannot be stored.
Focus {Preview} mode is particularly convenient for familiarization and setting up.
For ease in focusing, the screen refresh rate should be as rapid as possible, achieved
by operating with axes and cross-sections off, and with Zoom 1:1 selected.
In Acquire mode, every frame of data collected can be automatically stored (the
completed dataset may include multiple frames with one or more accumulations).
This mode would ordinarily be selected during actual data collection. One limitation
of Acquire mode operation is that if data acquisition continues at too fast a rate for it
to be stored, data overflow may occur. In WinX, this could only happen in Fast Mode
operation.
35
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The remainder of this chapter provides "First Light" procedures (these provide step-by-
step instruction on how to initially verify system operation) and discusses factors that
affect exposure, readout, and digitization of the incoming signal. By understanding the
exposure, readout, and digitization factors and making adjustments to software settings
you can maximize signal-to-noise ratio. For information about synchronizing data
acquisition with external devices, please refer to Chapter 6, Advanced Topics.
System On/Off Sequences
For WinView/32 and WinSpec/32, the following on/off sequences must be followed to
establish and maintain the communication link between the camera and the host
computer:
1. The PIXIS camera must be powered ON before the WinX application is opened to
ensure communication between the camera and the computer. If the WinX
application is opened and the PIXIS is not powered ON, many of the functions will
be disabled and you will only be able to retrieve and examine previously acquired
and stored data. You must close the WinX application, power the camera ON, and
reopen the application before you can set up experiments and acquire new data.
2. The WinX application must be closed before powering the camera OFF. If you
power the camera OFF before closing the application, the communication link with
the camera will be broken. You can operate the program in a playback mode (i.e.,
examine previously acquired data) but will be unable to acquire new data until you
have closed the application, powered the camera ON, and then re-opened the
application.
WinX First Light Instructions
Imaging
This section provides step-by-step instructions for acquiring an imaging measurement for
the first time. The intent of this procedure is to help you gain basic familiarity with the
operation of your system and to show that it is functioning properly. Once basic familiarity
has been established, then operation with other operating configurations, ones with more
complex timing modes, can be performed.
Assumptions
The following procedure assumes that
1. You have already set up your system in accordance with the instructions in
Chapter 4.
2. You have read the previous sections of this chapter.
3. You are familiar with the application software.
4. The system is being operated in imaging mode.
5. The target is a sharp image, text, or a drawing that can be used to verify that the
camera is "seeing" and can be used to maximize focus.
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Chapter 5
Operation
37
Getting Started
1. Mount a test target in front of the camera.
2. Power ON the camera (i.e., switch the power supply ON).
Note: The camera must be turned on before WinX is opened, and WinX must be
closed before the camera is turned off.
3. Turn on the computer power.
4. Start the application software.
Setting the Parameters
Note: The following procedure is based on WinView/32: you will need to modify it
if you are using a different application. Basic familiarity with the WinView/32
software is assumed. If this is not the case, you may want to review the software
manual or have it available while performing this procedure.
Set the software parameters as follows:
Environment dialog (Setup|Environment): Check the DMA Buffer size.
Large arrays (2048x2048, for example) require a buffer size on the order of
32 Mbytes. If you change the buffer size, you will have to reboot the
computer for this memory allocation to be activated, and then restart
WinView.
Controller|Camera tab (Setup|Hardware): These parameters should be set
automatically to the proper values for your system.
Controller type: This information is read from the camera.
Camera type: This information is read from the camera.
Shutter type: None or Small (System dependent).
Readout mode: Available modes are read from the camera. Select Full
frame.
Detector Temperature (Setup|Detector Temperature…): The default
temperature setting is read from the camera. When the array temperature
reaches the set temperature, the Detector Temperature dialog will report
that the temperature is LOCKED. Note that some overshoot may occur. This
could cause temperature lock to be briefly lost and then quickly re-
established. If you are reading the actual temperature reported by the
application software, there may be a small difference between the set and
reported temperature when lock is established. This is normal and does not
indicate a system malfunction. Once lock is established, the temperature will
be stable to within ±0.05°C.
Note: The Detector Temperature dialog will not display temperature
information while you are acquiring data.
Cleans and Skips tab (Setup|Hardware): Click on Load Default Values
and click on Yes.
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Experiment Setup Main tab (Acquisition|Experiment Setup…):
Exposure Time: 100 ms
Accumulations & Number of Images: 1
Experiment Setup ROI tab (Acquisition|Experiment Setup…): Use this
function to define the region of interest (ROI).
Imaging Mode: Select this mode if you are running WinSpec.
Clicking on Full loads the full size of the chip into the edit boxes.
Experiment Setup Timing tab (Acquisition|Experiment Setup…):
Timing Mode: Free Run
Shutter Control: Normal
Safe Mode vs. Fast Mode: Fast
Confirming the Setup
1. If you are using WinView/32 and the computer monitor for focusing, select
Focus from the Acquisition menu. Successive images will be sent to the
monitor as quickly as they are acquired.
2. Adjust the lens aperture, intensity scaling, and focus for the best image as
viewed on the computer monitor. Some imaging tips follow:
Begin with the lens blocked off and then set the lens at the smallest
possible aperture (largest f-stop number).
Make sure there is a suitable target in front of the lens. An object with
text or graphics works best.
Adjust the intensity scaling (by clicking the 5%-95% button at the
bottom left corner of the data window) and adjust the lens aperture until
a suitable setting is found. Once you’ve determined that the image is
present, select a lower setting for better contrast. Check the brightest
regions of the image to determine if the A/D converter is at full-scale. A
16-bit A/D is at full scale when the brightest parts of the image reach an
intensity of 65535. Adjust the aperture to where it is just slightly smaller
(higher f-stop) than the setting where maximum brightness on any part of
the image occurs.
Set the focus adjustment of the lens for maximum sharpness in the
viewed image.
In the case of a camera with an F-mount, the camera lens adapter itself
also has a focus adjustment. If necessary, this focus can be changed to
bring the image into range of the lens focus adjustment. See “F-Mount
3. After you have focused the camera, you can stop Focus mode, continue
Focus mode, begin Acquire mode, or wait for the CCD to reach the
operating temperature before going to Acquire mode.
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Chapter 5
Operation
39
Spectroscopy
The following paragraphs provide step-by-step instructions for operating PIXIS in a
spectroscopy setup for the first time. The intent of this simple procedure is to help you gain
basic familiarity with the operation of your system and to show that it is functioning
properly. Once basic familiarity has been established, then operation with other operating
configurations, ones with more complex timing modes, can be performed. An underlying
assumption for the procedure is that the camera is to be operated with a spectrograph (such
as an Acton Series 2300 spectrograph) on which it has been properly installed (refer to
Appendix D for instructions for mounting a spectrograph adapter to the PIXIS). A
suitable light source, such as a mercury pen-ray lamp, should be mounted in front of the
entrance slit of the spectrograph. Any light source with line output can be used. Standard
fluorescent overhead lamps have good calibration lines as well. If there are no "line"
sources available, it is possible to use a broadband source such as tungsten for the
alignment. If this is the case, use a wavelength setting of 0.0 nm for alignment purposes.
Assumptions
The following procedure assumes that
1. You have already set up your system in accordance with the instructions in
Chapter 4.
2. You have read the previous sections of this chapter.
3. You are familiar with the application software.
4. The system is being operated in spectroscopy mode.
5. The PIXIS does not have an internal shutter.
6. The spectrograph has an entrance slit shutter that is being controlled by the
PIXIS via the Shutter connector.
Caution
If the PIXIS has an internal shutter, DO NOT USE the Shutter connector to
drive a spectrograph entrance slit shutter. If both the camera and the spectrograph
have shutters, the entrance slit shutter will have to be removed or a Princeton
Instruments SHC-EXT Shutter Control Box may be used to control the opening
and closing of the entrance slit shutter. See the spectrograph manual.
Getting Started
1. Set the spectrograph entrance slit width to minimum (10 µm if possible).
2. Power ON the spectrograph (i.e., switch the power supply ON).
3. Mount a light source at the spectrograph entrance slit.
4. Mount the camera to the spectrograph exit port.
5. Connect the shutter cable between the entrance slit shutter and the PIXIS Shutter
connector.
External Slit Shutter: A shutter assembly mounted externally to the
spectrograph has shutter cable that plugs into the Shutter connector.
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Internal Slit Shutter: A shutter mounted internally has an external shutter
connector in the sidewall of the spectrograph. Connect a shutter cable from
the PIXIS Shutter connector to that connector.
6. Power ON the camera (i.e., switch the power supply ON).
Note: With USB 2.0, the camera must be turned on before WinX is opened, and
WinX must be closed before the camera is turned off.
7. Turn on the computer power.
8. Start the application software.
Setting the Camera Parameters
Note: The following procedure is based on WinSpec/32: you will need to modify it
if you are using a different application. Basic familiarity with the WinSpec/32
software is assumed. If this is not the case, you may want to review the software
manual or have it available while performing this procedure.
Set the software parameters as follows:
Environment dialog (Setup|Environment): Check the DMA Buffer size.
Large arrays (2048x2048, for example) require a buffer size on the order of
32 Mbytes. If you change the buffer size, you will have to reboot the computer
for this memory allocation to be activated, and then restart WinSpec.
Controller|Camera tab (Setup|Hardware): These parameters should be set
automatically to the proper values for your system.
Controller type: This information is read from the camera.
Camera type: This information is read from the camera.
Shutter type: Remote (entrance slit shutter). You would select None if the
camera had no shutter and was not controlling an entrance slit shutter.
Readout mode: Available modes are read from the camera. Select Full
frame.
Detector Temperature (Setup|Detector Temperature…): The default
temperature setting is read from the camera. When the array temperature
reaches the set temperature, the Detector Temperature dialog will report
that the temperature is LOCKED. Note that some overshoot may occur. This
could cause temperature lock to be briefly lost and then quickly re-
established. If you are reading the actual temperature reported by the
application software, there may be a small difference between the set and
reported temperature when lock is established. This is normal and does not
indicate a system malfunction. Once lock is established, the temperature will
be stable to within ±0.05°C.
Note: The Detector Temperature dialog will not display temperature
information while you are acquiring data.
Cleans and Skips tab (Setup|Hardware): Click on Load Default Values
and click on Yes.
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Chapter 5
Operation
41
Experiment Setup Main tab (Acquisition|Experiment Setup…):
Exposure Time: 100 ms
Accumulations & Number of Images: 1
Experiment Setup ROI tab (Acquisition|Experiment Setup…): Use this
function to define the region of interest (ROI).
Spectroscopy Mode: Selected
Clicking on Full loads the full size of the chip into the edit boxes.
Experiment Setup Timing tab (Acquisition|Experiment Setup…):
Timing Mode: Free Run
Shutter Control: Normal
Safe Mode vs. Fast Mode: Fast
Setting the Spectrograph Parameters
1. Define Spectrograph dialog (Spectrograph|Define): Click on
Install/Remove Spectrograph, highlight the appropriate spectrograph name in the
Supported Spectrographs list (for example, Acton SP-300i for an Acton
SP-2300i or Acton SCT320 for an IsoPlane), and click on Install Selected
Spectrograph.
2. Move Spectrograph dialog: Choose the grating to be move, and then set it to
500 nm if using a mercury lamp or to 0.0 nm if using a broadband source.
Confirming the Setup
1. Turn on the light source at the spectrograph entrance slit.
2. In WinSpec, select Focus (on the Acquisition menu or on the Experiment Setup
dialog) to begin data accumulation. Depending on the display settings, you should
see either a spectral band (image) or a graph. Background noise will decrease as the
camera cools to its default temperature.
3. Turn off the light source. The data displayed should change to a background noise
pattern or low intensity graph. If this occurs, you have confirmed that light entering
the spectrograph is being seen by the camera. Skip Steps 4-5 and continue to the
4. If there is no difference between the data displayed when the light source is on or off:
a. Verify that the light source has power and is turned on.
b. Verify that the entrance slit is open at least 10 µm.
c. Check the Exposure Time (Experiment Setup Timing tab).
d. Confirm that Shutter Control is set to Normal (Experiment Setup Timing tab).
e. Check the shutter cable connections.
f. Verify shutter operation. You should hear the shutter open and close while
running in Focus mode.
If you hear a shutter operating and you have done Steps a-e, turn the light source
on, wait a minute and then turn the light off while you view the data display. If
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the problem is fixed, stop acquisition or continue to the “Focusing” topic on
If you do not hear a shutter operating and you have done Steps a-e, stop data
acquisition and continue to Step g.
g. Make sure the spectrograph has an entrance slit shutter. An externally mounted
shutter is easily confirmed. Verifying an internally mounted shutter requires
access to the inside of the spectrograph: refer to the spectrograph manual for
instructions.
h. Check to see if the PIXIS has a shutter. Loosen and remove the camera from the
spectrograph. If you see the CCD when you look into the front of the camera, the
camera does not have an internal shutter. Re-mount the camera to the spectrograph.
i. If the camera and spectrograph both have shutters, permanent damage to the
shutter driver may occur. You can either disconnect and remove the entrance slit
shutter or control it via a Princeton Instruments SHC-EXT Control Box. To
disconnect and remove an entrance slit shutter:
External Slit Shutter: Disconnect the shutter cable and remove the shutter
assembly from the spectrograph entrance port.
Internal Slit Shutter: Disconnect the shutter cable. Removing an internally
mounted shutter requires access to the inside of the spectrograph: refer to the
spectrograph manual for removal instructions.
information.
Focusing
The mounting hardware provides two degrees of freedom, focus and rotation. In this
context, focus means to physically move the camera back and forth through the focal
plane of the spectrograph. The approach taken is to slowly move the camera in and out of
focus and adjust for optimum while watching a live display on the monitor, followed by
rotating the camera and again adjusting for optimum. The following procedure, which
describes the focusing operation with an Acton SP-2300i spectrograph, can be easily
adapted to other spectrographs. For IsoPlane SCT-320 related focusing information, see
Caution
If the PIXIS has an internal shutter, DO NOT USE the Shutter connector to drive a
spectrograph entrance slit shutter. If both the camera and the spectrograph have
shutters, the entrance slit shutter will have to be removed or a Princeton Instruments
SHC-EXT Shutter Control Box may be used to control the opening and closing of the
entrance slit shutter. See the spectrograph manual.
Acton Series Spectrograph
1. Mount a light source such as a mercury pen-ray type in front of the entrance slit of
the spectrograph. Any light source with line output can be used. Standard fluorescent
overhead lamps have good calibration lines as well. If there are no "line" sources
available, it is possible to use a broadband source such as tungsten for the alignment.
If this is the case, use a wavelength setting of 0.0 nm for alignment purposes.
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Chapter 5
Operation
43
2. With the spectrograph properly connected to the camera, turn the power on, wait for
the spectrograph to initialize.
3. Select Define from the Spectrograph menu, click on Install/Remove
Spectrograph, highlight the appropriate spectrograph name (for example, Acton
SP300i for an Acton SP-2300i spectrograph) in the Supported Spectrographs list,
and click on Install Selected Spectrograph.
4. Select Move from the Spectrograph menu, choose the grating to be move, and then
set it to 500 nm if using a mercury lamp or to 0.0 nm if using a broadband source.
Hint: Overhead fluorescent lights produce a mercury spectrum. Use a white card
tilted at 45 degrees in front of the entrance slit to reflect overhead light into the
spectrograph. Select 500 nm as the spectral line.
5. Set the slit to 10 µm at a minimum. If necessary, adjust the Exposure Time to
maintain optimum (near full-scale) signal intensity.
6. Wait until the detector temperature locks at its default temperature.
7. In WinSpec, select Focus (on the Acquisition menu or on the Experiment Setup
dialog) to begin data accumulation. Data will be continuously acquired and displayed but
will not be stored until you stop acquisition and use the Save function on the File menu.
8. Slowly move the camera in and out of focus. You should see the spectral line go from
broad to narrow and back to broad. Leave the camera set for the narrowest achievable
line. You may want to use the Focus Helper function (Process|Focus Helper…)
to determine the narrowest line width: it can automatically locate peaks and generate
a report on peak characteristics during live data acquisition (see the WinSpec/32
on-line help for more information).
Note that the way focusing is accomplished depends on the spectrograph, as follows:
Long focal-length spectrographs such as the Acton SP-2300: The
mounting adapter includes a tube that slides inside another tube to move the
camera in or out as required to achieve optimum focus.
Short focal-length spectrographs: There is generally a focusing
mechanism on the spectrograph itself which, when adjusted, will move the optics
as required to achieve proper focus.
No focusing adjustment: If there is no focusing adjustment, either provided
by the spectrograph or by the mounting hardware, then the only recourse will be
to adjust the spectrograph’s focusing mirror.
9. Next adjust the rotation. You can do this by rotating the camera while watching a live
display of the line (you may need to loosen two setscrews securing the spectrograph
adapter). Choose a peak to monitor during the rotational alignment. This peak will go
from broad to narrow and back to broad. Leave the camera rotation set for the
narrowest achievable peak.
Alternatively, take an image, display the horizontal and vertical cursor bars, and
compare the vertical bar to the line shape on the screen. Rotate the camera until the
line shape on the screen is parallel with the vertical bar.
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Note: When aligning other accessories, such as fibers, lenses, optical fiber adapters, first
align the spectrograph to the slit. Then align the accessory without disturbing the camera
position. The procedure is identical to that used to focus the spectrograph (i.e., do the
focus and alignment operations while watching a live image).
10. Tighten the spectrograph set screws to secure the spectrograph adapter. Then stop
data acquisition.
IsoPlane SCT-320 Spectrograph
Because the PIXIS is mounted directly to the mounting plate on the IsoPlane, focusing
and alignment is different from the way that focusing and alignment are performed for an
Acton Series spectrograph. The following information assumes that you are familiar with
the locations of the mounting plate, Micrometer Compartment, and the locking set screw.
If not, refer to the IsoPlane manual supplied with the spectrograph.
1. Mount an Acton light source such as the dual HG/NeAr source in front of the
entrance slit of the spectrograph.
2. With the spectrograph properly connected to the computer, turn the power on, wait
for the spectrograph to initialize.
3. With the PIXIS mounted to the spectrograph and connected to the computer, turn on
the power and wait for the detector to initialize.
4. Boot the WinSpec software. Select Define from the Spectrograph menu, click on
Install/Remove Spectrograph, highlight “Acton SCT320” in the Supported
Spectrographs list, and click on Install Selected Spectrograph.
5. Select Move from the Spectrograph menu, choose the grating to be move, and then
set it to 500 nm if using a mercury lamp or to 0.0 nm if using a broadband source.
6. Set the slit to 10 µm at a minimum. If necessary, adjust the Exposure Time to
maintain optimum (near full-scale) signal intensity.
7. Wait until the detector temperature locks at its default temperature.
8. Remove the cover from the Micrometer Compartment.
9. Using a 3/32” hex wrench, loosen the locking set screw.
10. Turn on Focus mode.
11. While continuously acquiring data, adjust the micrometer until you maximize the
intensity level of a selected peak or peaks.
12. Tighten down the locking set screw.
13. Place the Micrometer Cover on the spectrograph. Replace and tighten all of the cover
screws.
14. Next adjust the rotation. First, use a 9/64” hex wrench to loosen the four screws at the
corners of the detector mounting plate. While watching a live display of the
spectrum, select a peak to monitor and then rotate the detector (up to 4 degrees of
rotation are possible). The peak will go from broad to narrow and back to broad.
Leave the detector rotation set for the narrowest achievable peak.
Alternatively, take an image, display the horizontal and vertical cursor bars, and
compare the vertical bar to the line shape on the screen. Rotate the detector until the
line shape on the screen is parallel with the vertical bar.
15. After completing the rotational alignment, re-tighten the four mounting plate screws.
Then stop acquisition.
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Chapter 5
Operation
45
LightField First Light Instructions
Imaging
This section provides step-by-step instructions for acquiring an imaging measurement in
LightField for the first time. The intent of this procedure is to help you gain basic
familiarity with the operation of your system and to show that it is functioning properly.
Once basic familiarity has been established, then operation with other operating
configurations, ones with more complex timing modes, can be performed.
Assumptions
The following procedure assumes that
1. You have already set up your system in accordance with the instructions in the
previous chapters.
2. You have read the previous sections of this chapter.
3. You are familiar with the application software.
4. The system is being operated in imaging mode.
5. The target is a sharp image, text, or a drawing that can be used to verify that the
camera is "seeing" and can be used to maximize focus.
Getting Started
1. Mount a test target in front of the camera.
2. Power ON the camera (the power switch is on the back of the power supply).
3. Turn on the computer power.
4. Start the application software.
Setting the Parameters
Note: The following procedure is based on LightField. Basic familiarity with the
LightField software is assumed. If this is not the case, you may want to review the
software manual or have it available while performing this procedure.
Figure 13. Available Devices Area
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PIXIS System Manual
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1. After LightField opens, you should see an icon representing your camera in the
Available Devices area. In the figure above, the camera is a PIXIS:512B
eXcelon®.
2. Drag the icon into the Experiment Devices area.
Figure 14. Experiment Devices Area
3. Note that the Experiment Settings stack on the left now displays several
expanders. Because this is a new experiment, the default settings for the camera
will be active. The Status bar (at the bottom of the window) displays an icon for
temperature status.
Temperature status reports the current temperature and whether the set
temperature has been reached. Clicking on the icon, opens the Sensor expander
which is where the set temperature can be changed.
Confirming the Setup
1. Click on the View tab, just above Experiment Devices, to change to the display
area.
2. Wait until the camera locks at its default temperature.
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Chapter 5
Operation
47
Figure 15. View Area
3. Click on the Run button
to start Preview mode. In this mode, images will
be continuously acquired and displayed.
Figure 16. View Area Displaying an Image
4. Adjust the lens aperture, intensity scaling, and focus for the best image as viewed
on the computer monitor. Some imaging tips follow:
Begin with the lens blocked off and then set the lens at the smallest possible
aperture (largest f-stop number).
Make sure there is a suitable target in front of the lens. An object with text or
graphics works best.
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Check the brightest regions of the image to determine if the A/D converter is at
full-scale. A 16-bit A/D is at full scale when the brightest parts of the image
reach an intensity of 65535. Adjust the aperture to where it is just slightly
smaller (higher f-stop) than the setting where maximum brightness on any part
of the image occurs.
Set the focus adjustment of the lens for maximum sharpness in the viewed
image.
5. After you have focused the camera, you can stop Preview mode, continue
Preview mode, or begin Acquire mode.
Spectroscopy
The following paragraphs provide step-by-step instructions for operating a PIXIS in a
spectroscopy setup in LightField for the first time. The intent of this simple procedure is
to help you gain basic familiarity with the operation of your system and to show that it is
functioning properly. Once basic familiarity has been established, then operation with
other operating configurations, ones with more complex timing modes, can be performed.
An underlying assumption for the procedure is that the camera is to be operated with a
spectrograph (such as an Acton Series 2300 spectrograph) on which it has been properly
installed (refer to Appendix D for instructions for mounting a spectrograph adapter to the
PIXIS). A suitable light source, such as a mercury pen-ray lamp, should be mounted in
front of the entrance slit of the spectrograph. Any light source with line output can be
used. Standard fluorescent overhead lamps have good calibration lines as well. If there
are no "line" sources available, it is possible to use a broadband source such as tungsten
for the alignment. If this is the case, use a wavelength setting of 0.0 nm for alignment
purposes.
Caution
Overexposure Protection: Cameras that are exposed to room light or other
continuous light sources will quickly become saturated. If the camera is mounted to a
spectrograph, close the entrance slit of the spectrograph to reduce the incident light.
Assumptions
The following procedure assumes that
1. You have already set up your system in accordance with the instructions in
Chapter 4.
2. You have read the previous sections of this chapter.
3. You are familiar with the application software.
4. The system is being operated in spectroscopy mode.
5. The PIXIS does not have an internal shutter.
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Chapter 5
Operation
49
6. The spectrograph has an entrance slit shutter that is being controlled by the
PIXIS via the Shutter connector.
Caution
If the PIXIS has an internal shutter, DO NOT USE the Shutter connector to drive a
spectrograph entrance slit shutter. If both the camera and the spectrograph have
shutters, the entrance slit shutter will have to be removed or a Princeton Instruments
SHC-EXT Shutter Control Box may be used to control the opening and closing of the
entrance slit shutter. See the spectrograph manual.
Getting Started
1. Set the spectrograph entrance slit width to minimum (10 µm if possible).
2. Power ON the spectrograph (i.e., switch the power supply ON).
3. Mount a light source at the spectrograph entrance slit.
4. Mount the camera to the spectrograph exit port.
5. Connect the shutter cable between the entrance slit shutter and the PIXIS Shutter
connector.
External Slit Shutter: A shutter assembly mounted externally to the
spectrograph has shutter cable that plugs into the Shutter connector.
Internal Slit Shutter: A shutter mounted internally has an external shutter
connector in the sidewall of the spectrograph. Connect a shutter cable from
the PIXIS Shutter connector to that connector.
6. Power ON the camera (i.e., switch the power supply ON).
7. Turn on the computer power.
8. Start the application software.
Setting the Parameters
Figure 17. Available Devices Area
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PIXIS System Manual
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1. After LightField opens, you should see icons representing your camera and the
spectrograph in the Available Devices area. In the figure above, the camera is a
PIXIS:400BR eXcelon® and the spectrograph is an SP-2356.
2. Drag the icons into the Experiment Devices area.
Figure 18. Experiment Devices Area
3. Note that the Experiment Settings stack on the left now displays several
expanders. Because this is a new experiment, the default settings for the camera
will be active. The Status bar (at the bottom of the window) displays an icon for
temperature status.
Temperature status reports the current temperature and whether the set
temperature has been reached. Clicking on the icon opens the Sensor expander
where the set temperature can be changed.
4. On the Shutter expander, select Shutter Mode: Normal.
5. Open the Spectrometer expander, select the appropriate grating. In this case,
the 300g/mm (Blaze: 750) grating was selected and the center wavelength was
set to 500 nm for a mercury lamp. Use 0.0 nm if using a broadband source.
Hint: Overhead fluorescent lights produce a mercury spectrum. Use a white card
tilted at 45 degrees in front of the entrance slit to reflect overhead light into the
spectrograph. Select 500 nm as the spectral line.
6. Open the Spectrometer expander, select the appropriate grating. In this case,
the 300g/mm (Blaze: 750) grating was selected and the center wavelength was
set to 500 nm for a mercury lamp. Use 0.0 nm if using a broadband source.
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Chapter 5
Operation
51
Confirming the Setup
1. Turn on the light source at the spectrograph entrance slit.
2. Click on Run to begin previewing the data. Depending on the display settings,
you should see either a spectral band (image) or a graph. Background noise will
decrease as the camera cools to its default temperature.
3. Turn off the light source. The data display should change to a background noise
pattern or low intensity graph. If this occurs you have confirmed that light
entering the spectrograph is being seen by the camera. Skip Steps 4-5 and
4. If there is little or no difference between the data displayed when the light source
is on or off:
a. Verify that the light source has power and is turned on.
b. Verify that the entrance slit is open at least 10 µm.
c. Check the Exposure Time (Common Acquisition Settings expander).
d. Confirm that Shutter Mode is set to Normal (Shutter expander).
e. Check the shutter cable connections.
f. Verify shutter operation. You should hear the shutter open and close while
Run is active.
If you hear a shutter operating and you have done Steps a-e, turn the light
source on, wait a minute and then turn the light off while you view the
data display. If the problem is fixed, stop acquisition or continue to the
continue to Step g.
If you do not hear a shutter operating and you have done Steps a-e, stop
data acquisition and continue to Step g.
g. Make sure the spectrograph has an entrance slit shutter. An externally
mounted shutter is easily confirmed. Verifying an internally mounted shutter
requires access to the inside of the spectrograph: refer to the spectrograph
manual for instructions.
h. Check to see if the PIXIS has a shutter. Loosen and remove the camera from the
spectrograph. If you see the CCD when you look into the front of the camera, the
camera does not have an internal shutter. Re-mount the camera to the
spectrograph.
i. If the camera and spectrograph both have shutters, permanent damage to the
shutter driver may occur. You can either disconnect and remove the entrance
slit shutter or control it via a Princeton Instruments SHC-EXT Control Box.
To disconnect and remove an entrance slit shutter:
External Slit Shutter: Disconnect the shutter cable and remove the
shutter assembly from the spectrograph entrance port.
Internal Slit Shutter: Disconnect the shutter cable. Removing an
internally mounted shutter requires access to the inside of the
spectrograph: refer to the spectrograph manual for removal instructions.
information.
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PIXIS System Manual
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Focusing
The detector mounting hardware provides two degrees of freedom: focus and rotation.
In this context, focus means to physically move the detector back and forth through the
focal plane of the spectrograph. The approach taken is to slowly move the detector in and
out of focus and adjusting for optimum while watching a live display on the monitor,
followed by rotating the detector and again adjusting for optimum. The following
procedure, which describes the focusing operation with an Acton SP-2300i spectrograph,
can be easily adapted to other spectrographs. For IsoPlane SCT-320 related focusing
Acton Series Spectrograph
1. Click on the View tab, just above Experiment Devices, to change to the display
area.
Figure 19. View Area
2. Mount a light source such as a mercury pen-ray type in front of the entrance slit
of the spectrograph. Any light source with line output can be used. Standard
fluorescent overhead lamps have good calibration lines as well. If there are no
"line" sources available, it is possible to use a broadband source such as tungsten
for the alignment. If this is the case, use a wavelength setting of 0.0 nm for
alignment purposes.
3. Open the Spectrometer expander, select the grating and set the center
wavelength to 500 nm if using a mercury lamp or to 0.0 nm if using a broadband
source.
Hint: Overhead fluorescent lights produce a mercury spectrum. Use a white card
tilted at 45 degrees in front of the entrance slit to reflect overhead light into the
spectrograph. Select 500 nm as the spectral line.
4. Set the slit to 10 µm. If necessary, adjust the Exposure Time to maintain optimum
(near full-scale) signal intensity.
5. Wait until the detector temperature locks at its default temperature.
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Chapter 5
Operation
53
6. Make sure that the spectroscopy-mount adapter moves freely at the spectrograph.
7. Select Align Spectrometer… from the Experiment Options menu. Review
the displayed information and then click on the Begin button. Typically, this
feature creates three 1-row high ROIs (one near the top of the array, one in the
middle, and one near the bottom) and begins data acquisition. Data will be
continuously acquired and displayed but will not be stored.
Figure 20. Spectrometer Alignment: Before Rotational Alignment
8. Slowly move the camera in and out of focus. You should see the spectral line go
from broad to narrow and back to broad. Leave the camera set for the narrowest
achievable line. Note that the Peak Finding function is active for the center graph
to allow you to monitor the FWHM information to achieve the narrowest line
width.
The way focusing is accomplished depends on the spectrograph, as follows:
Long focal-length spectrographs such as the Acton SP-2300: The
mounting adapter includes a tube that slides inside another tube to move the
camera in or out as required to achieve optimum focus.
Short focal-length spectrographs: There is generally a focusing
mechanism on the spectrograph itself which, when adjusted, will move the
optics as required to achieve proper focus.
No focusing adjustment: If there is no focusing adjustment, either
provided by the spectrograph or by the mounting hardware, then the only
recourse will be to adjust the spectrograph’s focusing mirror.
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PIXIS System Manual
Version 2.C
9. Next adjust the rotation. You can do this by rotating the camera while watching a
live display of the line (you may need to loosen two setscrews securing the
spectrograph adapter). Click on the peak you want to monitor during the
rotational alignment. This positions the large cursor to provide a vertical
reference line across all of the ROIs.
10. Rotate the camera while watching the live display of the lines until the selected
peak is aligned horizontally in all of the ROIs. Tighten the setscrews securing the
spectrograph adapter at the spectrograph.
Figure 21. Spectrometer Alignment: After Rotational Alignment
Alternatively, take an image, display the horizontal and vertical cursor bars, and
compare the vertical bar to the line shape on the screen. Rotate the detector until
the line shape on the screen is parallel with the vertical bar.
Note: When aligning other accessories, such as fibers, lenses, optical fiber adapters,
first align the spectrograph to the slit. Then align the accessory without disturbing the
camera position. The procedure is identical to that used to focus the spectrograph
(i.e., do the focus and alignment operations while watching a live image).
11. Tighten the spectrograph set screws to secure the spectrograph adapter and stop
data acquisition.
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Chapter 5
Operation
55
IsoPlane SCT-320 Spectrograph
Because the PIXIS is mounted directly to the mounting plate on the IsoPlane, focusing
and alignment is different from the way that focusing and alignment are performed for an
Acton Series spectrograph. The following information assumes that you are familiar with
the locations of the mounting plate, Micrometer Compartment, and the locking set screw.
If not, refer to the IsoPlane manual supplied with the spectrograph.
Note: If the PIXIS has an internal shutter, DO NOT USE the Shutter connector to drive
a shutter internal to an IsoPlane. If both the camera and spectrograph have shutters, the
IsoPlane shutter will have to be removed or a Princeton Instruments SHC-EXT Shutter
Control Box can be used to control the opening and closing of the IsoPlane’s internal
shutter. See the IsoPlane SCT 320 manual for more information.
1. Mount an Acton light source such as the dual HG/NeAr source in front of the
entrance slit of the spectrograph.
2. With the IsoPlane properly connected to the computer, turn the power on, wait for the
spectrograph to initialize.
3. With the PIXIS mounted to the spectrograph and connected to the computer, turn on
the power and wait for the detector to initialize.
4. Start the application software. Because you are using LightField, you will need to drag
the icons for the PIXIS and the IsoPlane into the Experiment Devices area.
5. Set the spectrograph to 500 nm if using a mercury source or to 0.0 nm if using a
broadband source.
6. Remove the cover from the Micrometer Compartment.
7. Using a 3/32” hex wrench, loosen the locking set screw.
8. Wait until the detector temperature locks at its default temperature.
9. Click on Run and while continuously acquiring data, adjust the micrometer until you
maximize the intensity level of a selected peak or peaks.
10. Tighten down the locking set screw.
11. Place the Micrometer Cover on the spectrograph. Replace and tighten all of the cover
screws.
12. Next adjust the rotation. First, use a 9/64” hex wrench to loosen the four screws at the
corners of the detector mounting plate. While watching a live display of the
spectrum, choose a peak to monitor and then rotate the detector (up to 4 degrees of
rotation are possible). The peak will go from broad to narrow and back to broad.
Leave the detector rotation set for the narrowest achievable peak.
Note: With LightField, you can use the Align Spectrometer function.
Alternatively, you can acquire an image, display the horizontal and vertical cursor
bars, and compare the vertical bar to the line shape on the screen. Rotate the detector
until the line shape on the screen is parallel with the vertical bar.
13. After completing the rotational alignment, re-tighten the four mounting plate screws
and stop acquisition.
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Exposure and Signal
Introduction
The following topics address factors that can affect the signal acquired on the CCD array.
These factors include array architecture, exposure time, CCD temperature, dark charge,
and saturation.
CCD Array Architecture
Charge coupled devices (CCDs) can be roughly thought of as a two-dimensional grid of
individual photodiodes (called pixels), each connected to its own charge storage “well.”
Each pixel senses the intensity of light falling on its collection area, and stores a
proportional amount of charge in its associated “well.” Once charge accumulates for the
specified exposure time (set in the software), the pixels are read out serially.
CCD arrays perform three essential functions: photons are transduced to electrons,
integrated and stored, and finally read out. CCDs are very compact and rugged and can
withstand direct exposure to relatively high light levels, magnetic fields, and RF
radiation. They are easily cooled and can be precisely thermostated to within a few tens
of millidegrees.
Exposure with a Mechanical Shutter
For some CCD arrays, the PIXIS uses a mechanical shutter to control exposure of the
CCD. The diagram in Figure 22 shows how the exposure period is measured. The NOT
SCAN {Not Reading Out} signal at the LOGIC OUT connector on the back of the PIXIS
can be used to monitor the exposure and readout cycle (tR). This signal is also shown in
Figure 22. The value of t is shutter type dependent, and will be configured automatically
c
for PIXIS cameras shipped with an internal shutter.
Figure 22. Exposure of the CCD with Shutter Compensation
Note that NOT SCAN {Not Reading Out} is low during readout, high during exposure,
and high during shutter compensation time.
Since most shutters behave like an iris, the opening and closing of the shutter will cause
the center of the CCD to be exposed slightly longer than the edges. It is important to
realize this physical limitation, particularly when using short exposures.
Caution
A shutter can become overheated when short, rapidly repeated exposures are used or if the
shutter is held open for an extended period of time. Newer versions of the WinView/WinSpec
software and camera hardware monitor the temperature of 45 mm internal shutters to
prevent overheating conditions. The temperature of external shutters is NOT monitored!
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Chapter 5
Operation
57
Continuous Exposure (No Shuttering)
For full-frame imaging CCDs, the standard PIXIS camera for imaging is equipped with
an integral shutter. However, inasmuch as it is possible to order the camera without a
shutter, the following general discussion of unshuttered operation is provided.
Slow scan scientific cameras require a shutter to prevent "smearing" of features during
readout. This is because during readout, charge is moved horizontally or vertically across
the surface of the CCD. If light is falling on the CCD during readout then charge will
continue to accumulate, blurring the image along one direction only.
Because spectroscopy CCDs typically have their parallel shifting aligned vertically
(perpendicular to the spectrum), smearing does not affect the spectral resolution, only the
intensity level of the spectral features. When vertically binned, the readout generally
takes a few milliseconds to tens of milliseconds. In experiments where the exposure time
is much larger than the readout time, the smearing due to readout is insignificant, and the
CCD can be operated without a shutter with very little loss of performance.
If the CCD is set up for imaging mode (the WinSpec Imaging option has been installed
and is selected on the Experiment Setup|ROI Setup tab), smearing may be more of a
factor. In this case, controlling the light source so no light falls on the CCD during
readout would minimize any smearing. If the light source can be controlled electronically
via the output of the LOGIC OUT connector, the CCD can be read out in darkness.
Exposure Time
Exposure time, which is set on the Experiment Setup|Main tab {Common
Acquisition Settings expander}, is the time between start acquisition and stop
acquisition commands sent by the application software to the camera. In combination
with triggers, these commands control when continuous cleaning of the CCD stops and
when the accumulated signal will be readout. The continuous cleaning prevents buildup
of dark current and unwanted signal before the start of the exposure time. At the end of
the exposure time, the CCD is readout and cleaning starts again.
Because some PIXIS cameras do not incorporate an internal shutter, some signal may
accumulate on the array while it is being readout. This continuous exposure of the array
during readout may result in some smearing. However, exposures that are significantly
longer than the readout time can be performed without a shutter, as the amount of
smearing will be low.
If smearing or other factors require a shutter, the NOT SCAN {Not Reading Out} or the
SHUTTER {Shutter Open}signal at the LOGIC OUT connector (on the rear of the PIXIS)
can be used to control a customer-supplied external shutter. By using one of the signals to
synchronize the shutter operation with exposure, the CCD can be read out in darkness.
CCD Temperature
As stated before, lowering the temperature of the CCD
will generally enhance the quality of the acquired
signal. When WinX is the controlling software,
temperature control is done via the Detector
Temperature dialog (see Figure 23) accessed from the
Setup menu. When LightField is being used,
temperature control is done on the Sensor
Figure 23. WinX
Detector Temperature dialog
expander.
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Once the target array temperature {Temperature Setpoint} has been set, the software
controls the camera's cooling circuits to reach set array temperature. On reaching that
temperature, the control loop locks to that temperature for stable and reproducible
performance. When temperature lock has been reached (temperature within 0.05°C of set
value), the current temperature is Locked. The on-screen indication allows easy
verification of temperature lock.
The time required to achieve lock can vary over a considerable range, depending on such
factors as the camera type, CCD array type, ambient temperature, etc. Once lock occurs,
it is okay to begin focusing. However, you should wait an additional twenty minutes
before taking quantitative data so that the system has time to achieve optimum thermal
stability.
The deepest operating temperature for a system depends on the CCD array size and
Note: In WinX, the Detector Temperature dialog will not display temperature
information while you are acquiring data.
Dark Charge
Dark charge (or dark current) is the thermally induced buildup of charge in the CCD over
time. The statistical noise associated with this charge is known as dark noise. Dark charge
values vary widely from one CCD array to another and are exponentially temperature
dependent. In the case of cameras with MPP type arrays, the average dark charge is
extremely small. However, the dark-charge distribution is such that a significant number
of pixels may exhibit a much higher dark charge, limiting the maximum practical
exposure. Dark charge effect is more pronounced in the case of cameras having a non-
MPP array (such as deep-depletion devices).
With the light into the camera completely blocked, the CCD will collect a dark charge
pattern, dependent on the exposure time and camera temperature. The longer the
exposure time and the warmer the camera, the larger and less uniform this background
will appear. Thus, to minimize dark-charge effects, you should operate with the lowest
CCD temperature possible.
Note: Do not be concerned about either the DC level of this background. What you see
is not noise. It is a fully subtractable bias pattern. Simply acquire and save a dark charge
"background image" under conditions identical to those used to acquire the "actual"
image. Subtracting the background image from the actual image will significantly reduce
dark-charge effects.
WARNING!
If you observe a sudden change in the baseline signal, there may be excessive humidity in
the camera vacuum enclosure. Turn off the camera and contact Princeton Instruments
Saturation
When signal levels in some part of the image are very high, charge generated in one pixel
may exceed the "well capacity" of the pixel, spilling over into adjacent pixels in a process
called "blooming." In this case a shorter exposure is advisable, with signal averaging to
enhance S/N (Signal-to-Noise ratio) accomplished through the software.
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Chapter 5
Operation
59
For signal levels low enough to be readout-noise limited, longer exposure times, and
therefore longer signal accumulation in the CCD, will improve the S/N ratio
approximately linearly with the length of exposure time. There is, however, a maximum
time limit for on-chip accumulation, determined by either the saturation of the CCD by
the signal or the loss of dynamic range due to the buildup of dark charge in the pixels.
Readout
Introduction
After the exposure time has
elapsed, the charge
accumulated in the array pixels
needs to be read out of the
array, converted from electrons
to digital format, and
transmitted to the application
software where it can be
displayed and/or stored.
Readout begins by moving
charge from the CCD image
area to the shift register. The
Figure 24. Array Terms for a CCD with a
charge in the shift register
pixels, which typically have
Dual Output Amplifier
twice the capacity of the image
pixels, is then shifted into the output node and then to the output amplifier where the
electrons are grouped as electrons/count. This result leaves the CCD and goes to the
preamplifier where gain is applied.
WinX and LightField allow you to specify the type of readout (full frame or binned), the
output amplifier, and the gain (the number of electrons required to generate an ADU).
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Full Frame Readout
The upper left drawing in Figure 25
represents a CCD after exposure but
before the beginning of readout. The
capital letters represent different
amounts of charge, including both
signal and dark charge. This section
explains readout at full resolution,
where every pixel is digitized
separately.
Note: With PIXIS cameras you have
a choice of amplifier (low noise or
high capacity). Depending on the
selected amplifier, the shift register
may be read out to the right or to the
left. For simplicity this drawing
shows the readout to the left.
Readout of the CCD begins with the
simultaneous shifting of all pixels
one row toward the "shift register,"
in this case the row on the top. The
shift register is a single line of
pixels along the edge of the CCD,
not sensitive to light and used for
Figure 25. Full Frame at Full Resolution
readout only. Typically the shift register pixels hold twice as much charge as the pixels in
the imaging area of the CCD.
After the first row is moved into the shift register, the charge now in the shift register is
shifted toward the output node, located at one end of the shift register. As each value is
"emptied" into this node it is digitized. Only after all pixels in the first row are digitized is
the second row moved into the shift register. The order of shifting in our example is
therefore A1, B1, C1, D1, A2, B2, C2, D2, A3....
After charge is shifted out of each pixel the remaining charge is zero, meaning that the
array is immediately ready for the next exposure.
Below are the equations that determine the rate at which the CCD is read out.
The time needed to take a full frame at full resolution is:
tR texp tc
(1)
where
t is the CCD readout time,
R
t
is the exposure time, and
exp
t is the shutter compensation time.
c
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Chapter 5
Operation
61
The readout time is approximately given by:
x
y
N t
R
sr
v
x
i
t
N
t
N
t
(2)
where
N is the smaller dimension of the CCD
x
N is the larger dimension of the CCD
y
t is the time needed to shift one pixel out of the shift register
sr
t is the time needed to digitize a pixel
v
t is the time needed to shift one line into the shift register
i
A subsection of the CCD can be read out at full resolution, sometimes dramatically
increasing the readout rate while retaining the highest resolution in the region of interest
(ROI). To approximate the readout rate of an ROI, in Equation 2 substitute the x and y
dimensions of the ROI in place of the dimensions of the full CCD. Some overhead time,
however, is required to read out and discard the unwanted pixels.
Binning
Binning is the process of adding the data from adjacent pixels together to form a single
pixel (sometimes called a super pixel), and it can be accomplished in either hardware or
software. Rectangular groups of pixels of any size may be binned together, subject to
some hardware and software limitations.
Hardware Binning
Hardware binning is
performed on the CCD
array before the signal is
read out of the output
amplifier. For signal levels
that are readout noise
limited this method
improves S/N ratio linearly
with the number of pixels
grouped together. For
signals large enough to
render the camera photon
shot noise limited, the S/N
ratio improvement is
roughly proportional to the
square-root of the number
of pixels binned.
Binning also reduces
readout time and the
burden on computer
memory, but at the
expense of resolution.
Since shift register pixels
typically hold only twice
as much charge as image
Figure 26. 2 × 2 Binning
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pixels, the binning of large sections may result in saturation and “blooming”, or spilling
of charge back into the image area.
Figure 26 shows an example of 2 2 binning. Each pixel of the image displayed by the
software represents 4 pixels of the CCD array. Rectangular bins of any size are possible.
Binning also reduces readout time and the burden on computer memory, but at the
expense of resolution. Since shift register pixels typically hold only twice as much charge
as image pixels, the binning of large sections may result in saturation and "blooming", or
spilling of charge back into the image area.
The readout rate for n n binning is approximated using a more general version of the
full resolution equation. The modified equation is:
tsr tv
(3)
tR
Nx
Ny
Nx
ti
n
n2
Software Binning
One limitation of hardware binning is that the shift register pixels and the output node are
typically only 2-3 times the size of imaging pixels. Consequently, if the total charge binned
together exceeds the capacity of the shift register or output node, the data will be corrupted.
This restriction strongly limits the number of pixels that may be binned in cases where there
is a small signal superimposed on a large background, such as signals with a large
fluorescence. Ideally, one would like to bin many pixels to increase the S/N ratio of the weak
peaks but this cannot be done because the fluorescence would quickly saturate the CCD.
The solution is to perform the binning in software. Limited hardware binning may be used
when reading out the CCD. Additional binning is accomplished in software, producing a
result that represents many more photons than was possible using hardware binning.
Software averaging can improve the S/N ratio by as much as the square-root of the
number of scans. Unfortunately, with a high number of scans, i.e., above 100, camera 1/f
noise may reduce the actual S/N ratio to slightly below this theoretical value. Also, if the
light source used is photon-flicker limited rather than photon shot-noise limited, this
theoretical signal improvement cannot be fully realized. Again, background subtraction
from the raw data is necessary.
This technique is also useful in high light level experiments, where the camera is again
photon shot-noise limited. Summing multiple pixels in software corresponds to collecting
more photons, and results in a better S/N ratio in the measurement.
Array Orientation
For square format CCDs (for example, 512 × 512B or 1024 × 1024F/B) you may orient
the CCD to achieve binning along either direction of the CCD.
Binning along columns provides maximum scan rate.
Binning along the rows minimizes crosstalk and is therefore better for multi-
spectral applications.
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Chapter 5
Operation
63
Figure 27. Binning and Array Orientation
Note: You can easily switch between these orientations by rotating the camera 90° and
changing the binning parameters in the application software.
Output Amplifier {Quality} Selection
The output amplifier amplifies the collected charge from the output node and outputs it as
electrons/count. Although Figure 24 shows an array with dual output nodes and
amplifiers (one set at each end of the shift register), some PIXIS systems are available
with a single output node and amplifier. If your system has dual output amplifiers, you
can choose the output amplifier to be used (High Capacity or Low Noise) via the
Acquisition|Experiment Setup…|ADC tab {Quality on the Analog to Digital
Conversion expander}:
High Capacity amplifier: Provides a spectrometric well capacity that is
approximately 3 times the well capacity for the Low Noise amplifier selection.
High Capacity is suitable when you have intense light signals or signals with
high dynamic range.
Low Noise amplifier: Provides the highest sensitivity performance and is
suitable when you have weak signals.
Note: The choice of output amplifier {Quality} and controller gain {Analog Gain}
setting should be considered together for the best signal capture. Examples of the
interaction of output amplifier and controller gain selections are shown in Table 2.
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Controller Gain
Controller gain (a function of the preamplifier) is software-selectable and is used to
change the relationship between the number of electrons acquired on the CCD and the
Analog-to-Digital Units (ADUs or counts) generated. Selecting the amount of gain is
done on the Acquisition|Experiment Setup…|ADC tab {Analog to Digital
Conversion expander}. The choices are 1 {Low}, 2 {Medium}, and 3 {High}. Users
who measure high-level signals may wish to select Low to allow digitization of larger
signals. Medium is suitable for experiments within the mid-level intensity range. Users
who consistently measure low-level signals may wish to select High, which requires
fewer electrons to generate an ADU and reduces some sources of noise.
The "Certificate of Performance" supplied with the camera lists the measured gain values
at all settings.
Example: The following descriptions assume the Low Noise Readout Port has been
selected and that the actual incoming light level is identical in all three instances. The
numbers used illustrate the effect of changing a controller gain setting and may not
reflect actual performance: gain at the 1, 2, and 3 settings depends on the CCD
installed.
Readout Port
{Quality}
Controller Gain {Analog Gain} Selection
1 {Low}
2 {Medium}
3 {High}
Low Noise
4 e-/count
2 e-/count
1 e-/count
High Capacity
16 e-/count
8 e-/count
4 e-/count
Table 2. Example of Controller Gain {Analog Gain} vs. Readout Port
1 {Low} requires four electrons to generate one ADU. Strong signals can be acquired
without flooding the CCD array. If the gain is set to Low and the images or spectra
appear weak, you may want to change the gain setting to Medium or High.
2 {Medium} requires two electrons to generate one ADU. If the gain is set to
Medium and the images or spectra do not appear to take up the full dynamic range of
the CCD array, you may want to change the gain setting to High. If the CCD array
appears to be flooded with light, you may want to change the setting to Low.
3 {High} requires one electron to generate one ADU and some noise sources are
reduced. Because fewer electrons are needed to generate an ADU, weaker signals can
be more readily detected. Lower noise further enhances the ability to acquire weak
signals. If the CCD array appears to be flooded with light, you may want to change
the setting to Medium or Low.
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Chapter 5
Operation
65
Digitization (Rate)
Introduction
After gain has been applied to the signal, the Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)
converts that analog information (continuous amplitudes) into a digital data (quantified,
discrete steps) that can be read, displayed, and stored by the application software. The
number of bits per pixel is based on both the hardware and the settings programmed into
Factors associated with digitization include the digitization rate and baseline offset. The
speed at which digitization occurs is software-selectable but baseline offset is factory-set.
These factors are discussed in the following paragraphs.
Digitization Rate {Speed}
PIXIS cameras incorporate dual digitization (100 kHz/2 MHz), which means that you
have a choice of how quickly the data will be digitized. Dual digitization provides
optimum signal-to-noise ratios at both readout speeds. Because the readout noise of CCD
arrays increases with the readout rate, it is sometimes necessary to trade off readout speed
for high dynamic range. The 2 MHz conversion speed is used for the fastest possible data
collection and the 100 kHz conversion speed is used where noise performance is the
paramount concern. Switching between the conversion speeds is completely under
software control for total experiment automation.
Note: In WinX, the ADC rate can be changed on the Experiment Setup|ADC tab. In
LightField, the speed is changed on the Analog-Digital Conversion expander.
ADC Offset (Bias)
With the camera completely blocked, the CCD will collect a dark charge pattern,
dependent on the exposure time and camera temperature. The longer the exposure time
and the warmer the camera, the larger this background will appear. To minimize the
amount of this signal that gets digitized, the baseline has been offset by adding a voltage
to the signal to bring the A/D output to a non-zero value, typically 500-600 counts. This
offset value ensures that all the true variation in the signal can really be seen and not lost
below the A/D “0” value. Since the offset is added to the signal, these counts only
minimally reduce the range of the signal from 65535 (16-bit A/D) to a value in the range
of 500-600 counts lower.
Notes:
1. It is important to note that the bias level is not noise. It is a fully subtractable readout
pattern. Every device has been thoroughly tested to ensure its compliance with
Princeton Instruments' demanding specifications.
2. The ADC Offset is pre-set at the factory and is not user-changeable.
WARNING!
If you observe a sudden change in the baseline signal, there may be excessive humidity in
the camera vacuum enclosure. Turn off the camera and contact Princeton Instruments
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Chapter 6
Advanced Topics
Introduction
Previous chapters have discussed setting up the hardware and the software for basic
operation. This chapter discusses topics associated with experiment synchronization.
Synchronization is set up on the Experiment Setup|Timing tab in WinX and on the
Shutter and Trigger expanders in LightField. With the exception of Edge Trigger,
the topics are addressed in order of their appearance on the Timing tab.
“Timing Modes”, the first topic, discusses Timing Modes {Trigger Response}, Shutter
Control {Shutter Mode}, and Edge Trigger. Also included under this topic is a discussion
of the EXT SYNC connector, the input connector for a trigger pulse.
“Fast and Safe Modes”, the second topic, discusses the Fast and the Safe modes. Fast is
used for real-time data acquisition. Safe is used in WinX when coordinating acquisition
with external devices or when the computer speed is not fast enough to keep pace with
the acquisition rate.
“Logic Out Control” discusses the EXT SYNC and LOGIC OUT output connectors on
the rear of the PIXIS. The levels at this connector can be used to monitor camera
operation or synchronize external equipment.
“Kinetics Mode” describes how to set up and acquire data with the Kinetics Mode (a WinX
option, standard with LightField), which allows full-frame CCDs to take time-resolved
images/spectra. Note that full-frame CCDs require mechanical or optical masking of the
CCD array.
“Custom Modes”, the final topic, discusses Custom Chip {Custom Sensor} and Custom
Timing modes. These modes allow you to specify an active sub-area of the CCD array
and/or a faster vertical shift rate for the purpose of increased frame rate (pixels outside of
the area are not read). Custom Chip {Custom Sensor} mode requires mechanical or
optical masking of the array to prevent smearing.
67
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Timing Modes
Overview
The basic PIXIS timing modes are Free Run {No Response}, External Sync {Readout
Per Trigger}, and External Sync {Readout Per Trigger} with Continuous Cleans {Clean
Until Trigger}. These timing modes are combined with the Shutter options to provide the
widest variety of timing modes for precision experiment synchronization.
Mode
Shutter Condition
Free Run {No Response}
Normal
External Sync {Readout Per Trigger}
External Sync{Readout Per Trigger}
Normal
PreOpen {Open Before Trigger}
External Sync {Readout Per Trigger} with Continuous
Cleans {Clean Until Trigger}
Normal
External Sync {Readout Per Trigger} with Continuous
Cleans {Clean Until Trigger}
PreOpen {Open Before Trigger}
Table 3. Camera Timing Modes
The shutter options available include Normal, PreOpen {Open Before Trigger}, Disable
Opened {Always Open} or Disable Closed {Always Closed}. Disable simply means that
the shutter will not operate during the experiment. Disable closed {Always Closed} is
useful for making dark charge measurements. PreOpen {Open Before Trigger}, available
in the External Sync {Readout Per Trigger} and External Sync {Readout Per Trigger}
with Continuous Cleans {Clean Until Trigger} modes, opens the shutter as soon as the
PIXIS is ready to receive an External Sync pulse. This is required if the time between the
External Sync pulse and the event is less than a few milliseconds, the time it takes the
shutter to open.
The shutter timing is shown in the timing diagrams that follow. Except for Free Run,
where the modes of shutter operation are identical, both Normal and PreOpen lines are
shown in the timing diagrams and flow chart.
The timing diagrams are labeled indicating the exposure time (texp), shutter compensation
time (tc), and readout time (tR). These parameters are discussed in more detail in
Chapter 5. Note that if there is no shutter selected in the software, the shutter
compensation time (the time required to close a mechanical shutter) will be
approximately 0 ms.
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Chapter 6
Advanced Topics
69
Free Run {No Response}
In the Free Run {No Response} mode the
camera does not synchronize with the
experiment in any way. The shutter opens as
soon as the previous readout is complete, and
remains open for the exposure time, texp. Any
External Sync signals are ignored. This mode
is useful for experiments with a constant light
source, such as a CW laser or a DC lamp.
Other experiments that can utilize this mode
are high repetition studies, where the number
of shots that occur during a single shutter
cycle is so large that it appears to be
continuous illumination.
Other experimental equipment can be
synchronized to the camera by using the
software-selectable output signal SHUTTER
{Shutter Open} or NOT SCAN {Not Reading
Out} on the Hardware Setup|Controller
Camera tab {Trigger expander } from the
LOGIC OUT connector. Shutter operation and
the NOT SCAN {Not Reading Out} output
signal are shown in Figure 29.
Figure 28. Free Run {No Response} Timing
Chart, part of the chart in Figure 36
Figure 29. Free Run {No Response} Timing Diagram
External Sync {Readout Per Trigger}
In this mode all exposures are synchronized to an external source. As shown in the flow
chart, Figure 30, this mode can be used in combination with Normal or PreOpen {Open
Before Trigger} shutter operation. In Normal Shutter {Normal} mode, the camera waits
for an External Sync pulse and then opens the shutter for the programmed exposure
period. As soon as the exposure is complete, the shutter closes and the CCD array is read
out. The shutter requires up to 8 ms or more to open completely, depending on the shutter
model.
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External synchronization depends on an edge trigger (negative- or positive-going) which
must be supplied to the EXT SYNC connector on the back of the camera. The type of
edge must be identified in the application software to ensure that the shutter opening is
initiated by the correct edge (in WinX, this is done on the Experiment Setup|Timing
tab, in LightField on the Trigger expander). Since the shutter requires at least 8 ms to
fully open, the External Sync pulse provided by the experiment must precede the actual
signal by at least that much time. If not, the shutter will not be open for the duration of
the entire signal, or the signal may be missed completely.
Also, since the amount of time from initialization of the experiment to the first External
Sync pulse is not fixed, an accurate background subtraction may not be possible for the
first readout. In multiple-shot experiments this is easily overcome by simply discarding
the first frame.
In the PreOpen Shutter {Open Before Trigger} mode, on the other hand, shutter operation
is only partially synchronized to the experiment. As soon as the camera is ready to collect
data, the shutter opens. Upon arrival of the first External Sync pulse at the EXT SYNC
connector, the shutter remains open for the specified exposure period, closes, and the
CCD is read out. As soon as readout is complete, the shutter reopens and waits for the
next frame.
Figure 30. Chart Showing Two External Sync Timing Options
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The PreOpen {Open Before Trigger} mode is useful in cases where an External Sync
pulse cannot be provided 8 ms or ~ 20 ms (the length of time the 25 mm or 45 mm
mechanical shutter takes to open) before the actual signal occurs. Its main drawback is
that the CCD is exposed to any ambient light while the shutter is open between frames. If
this ambient light is constant, and the triggers occur at regular intervals, this background
can also be subtracted, providing that it does not saturate the CCD. As with the Normal
Shutter {Normal} mode, accurate background subtraction may not be possible for the
first frame.
Also note that, in addition to signal from ambient light, dark charge accumulates during
the "wait" time (tw). Any variation in the external sync frequency also affects the amount
of dark charge, even if light is not falling on the CCD during this time.
Figure 31. Timing Diagram for External Sync Mode (+ edge trigger)
External Sync with Continuous Cleans {Clean Until Trigger}Timing
Another timing mode available with the PIXIS is called Continuous Cleans {Clean Until
Trigger}. In addition to the standard "cleaning" of the array, which occurs after the
camera is enabled, this mode will remove any charge from the array until the moment the
External Sync pulse is received.
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Figure 32. Continuous Cleans {Clean Until Trigger} Flowchart
Once the External Sync pulse is received, cleaning of the array stops as soon as the
current row is shifted, and frame collection begins. With Normal Shutter {Normal}
operation the shutter is opened for the set exposure time. With PreOpen Shutter {Open
Before Trigger} operation the shutter is open during the Continuous Cleaning {Clean
Until Trigger}, and once the External Sync pulse is received the shutter remains open for
the set exposure time, then closes. If the vertical rows are shifted midway when the
External Sync pulse arrives, the pulse is saved until the row shifting is completed, to
prevent the CCD from getting "out of step." As expected, the response latency is on the
order of one vertical shift time, from 1-30 s depending on the array. This latency does
not prevent the incoming signal from being detected, since photo generated electrons are
still collected over the entire active area. However, if the signal arrival is coincident with
the vertical shifting, image smearing of up to one pixel is possible. The amount of
smearing is a function of the signal duration compared to the single vertical shift time.
end of the readout, the hardware may interpret this as a second sync pulse, and so on.
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Figure 33. WinX Continuous Cleans Timing Diagram
Figure 34. LightField Clean Until Trigger (CUT) Timing Diagram
EXT SYNC Trigger Input
The selected Timing Mode {Trigger
Response} determines how the camera will
respond to an External Sync pulse that is input
at the EXT SYNC connector on the rear of
the camera. Things to keep in mind when
setting up the External Sync pulse input are:
Pulse Height: 0 to +3.3V logic levels
(TTL-compatible).
Pulse Width (trigger edge frequency):
The time between trigger edges.
EXT SYNC Connector Impedance:
High impedance.
Figure 35. Rear of PIXIS Camera
Trigger Edge {Polarity}: Positive or negative
polarity must be indicated on the Experiment Setup|Timing tab {Trigger
expander}.
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Fast and Safe Modes
Introduction
The PIXIS has been designed to allow the greatest possible flexibility when
synchronizing data collection with an experiment. The fundamental difference between
the Fast and Safe modes is how often the acquisition start and acquisition stop commands
are sent by the computer for a data collection sequence. With Safe Mode, the computer
sends a start and a stop command for each frame of a data sequence. With Fast Mode,
the computer sends only one start and one stop command for each data sequence. Once
the start command is sent, the selected timing mode and the shutter condition determine
when charge will be allowed to fall on the CCD array.
In WinX, the choice of Fast or the Safe data collection is made on the Experiment
Setup|Timing tab. The flowcharts in Figure 36 show the differences between the two
modes. In LightField, Fast data collection is always used.
Fast Mode (WinX and LightField)
In Fast operation, the PIXIS runs according to the timing of the experiment, with no
interruptions from the computer. Fast operation is primarily for collecting "real-time"
sequences of experimental data, where timing is critical and events cannot be missed.
Once the PIXIS is sent the start command by the computer, all frames are collected
without further intervention from the computer. The advantage of this timing mode is that
timing is controlled completely through hardware. A drawback to this mode is that the
computer will only display frames when it is not performing other tasks. Image display
has a lower priority, so the image on the screen may lag several images behind. A second
drawback is that a data overrun may occur if the number of images collected exceeds the
amount of allocated RAM or if the computer cannot keep up with the data rate.
Note: LightField always uses Fast Mode.
Safe Mode (WinX)
Safe Mode operation is useful when the camera is operated from a slower computer that
cannot process the incoming data fast enough. It is also useful when data collection must
be coordinated with external devices such as external shutters and filter wheels. As seen
in Figure 36, in Safe Mode operation, the computer controls when each frame is taken.
After each frame is received, the camera sends the Stop Acquisition command to the
camera, instructing it to stop acquisition. Once that frame is completely processed and
displayed, another Start Acquisition command is sent from the computer to the camera,
allowing it to take the next frame. Display is therefore, at most, only one frame behind
the actual data collection. One disadvantage of the Safe mode is that events may be
missed during the experiment, since the PIXIS is disabled for a short time after each
frame.
Note: When running WinX, Safe Mode must be used whenever the system is set up for
information about this type of image acquisition and readout.
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LOGIC OUT Control
The TTL-compatible logic level output (0 to +3.3 V) from the LOGIC OUT connector
on the rear panel can be used to monitor camera status and control external devices. By
default, the logic output level is high while the action is occurring. The timing of the
level changes depends on the output type selected on the Hardware
Setup|Controller/Camera tab {Trigger expander}:
NOT SCAN {Not Reading Out}: It is at a logic low when CCD is being read;
otherwise high.
SHUTTER {Shutter Open}: Logic high when the shutter is open. The output
precisely brackets shutter-open time (exclusive of shutter compensation, tc) and
can be used to control an external shutter or to inhibit a pulser or timing
generator.
NOT READY {Busy}: After a start acquisition command, this output changes
state on completion of the array cleaning cycles that precede the first exposure.
Initially high, it goes low to mark the beginning of the first exposure. In free run
operation it remains low until the system is halted. If a specific number of frames
have been programmed, it remains low until all have been taken and then returns
high. Figure 37 assumes 3 frames have been programmed.
LOGIC 0 {Always Low}: The level at the connector is low.
LOGIC 1{Always High}: The level at the connector is high.
Figure 37. Comparison of NOT SCAN {Not Reading Out}, SHUTTER {Shutter Open}, and NOT
READY {Busy} Logic Output Levels
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Kinetics Mode
In the past, Kinetics Mode was a purchased option for WinView/32. Kinetics Mode
is now included in the standard LightField and WinX applications.
Introduction
Kinetics mode uses the CCD to expose and store a limited number of images in rapid
succession. The time it takes to shift each line (or row) on the CCD is as short as a few
hundred nanoseconds to few microseconds, depending on the CCD. Therefore the time
between images can be as short as a few microseconds. Kinetics mode allows full
frame CCDs to take time-resolved images/spectra. Optical or mechanical masking of
the array is required.
Note: In WinX, if the Kinetics option has been installed in the PIXIS, this readout mode
will be made available when you select the appropriate camera type on the Hardware
Setup dialog.
Below is a simplified illustration of kinetics mode. Returning to our 4 × 6 CCD example,
in this case 2/3 of the array is masked, either mechanically or optically. The shutter opens
to expose a 4 × 2 region. While the shutter remains open, charge is quickly shifted just
under the mask, and the exposure is repeated. After a third image is collected the shutter
is closed and the CCD is read out. Since the CCD can be read out slowly, very high
dynamic range is achieved. Shifting and readout are shown in Figure 38.
Figure 38. Kinetics Readout
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Kinetic Timing Modes and Shutter Control
Kinetics mode operates with three timing modes: Free Run {No Response}, Single
Trigger {Readout Per Trigger}, and Multiple Trigger {Shift Per Trigger}. Free run {No
Response} mode is used for experiments that do not require any synchronization with the
experiments. The other two modes (single trigger and multiple trigger) require that an
external TTL pulse be applied to the camera via the EXT SYNC connector on the rear of
the camera.
Figure 39. Hardware Setup dialog
Figure 40. Experiment Setup dialog
Figure 41. Sensor Readout expander:
Kinetics Readout Mode
Figure 42. Shutter and Trigger expanders:
No Response
Free Run (Non-Triggered Mode)
In the Free Run {No Response} kinetics mode, the PIXIS takes a series of images, each with
the Exposure time set through the software (in WinX, the exposure time is set on the
Experiment Setup|Main tab; in LightField on the Common Acquisition Settings
expander). The time between image frames, which may be as short as a few microseconds, is
limited by the time required to shift an image under the mask: this interimage time equals the
Vertical Shift rate (specified in ns/row) multiplied by the Window Size (the number of rows
allocated for an image frame). The exact number of frames depends on the selected Window
Size and is equal to the number of pixels perpendicular to the shift register divided by the
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Window Size. Integrate signals (SHUTTER {Shutter Open}) or Readout signals (NOT
SCAN {Not Reading Out}) are provided at the LOGIC OUT connector for timing
measurements.
Example: Referring to the readout shown in Figure 38, there are 6 pixels perpendicular to
the shift register and the Window Size is 2 pixels high. The number of frames is 3. If the
Vertical Shift rate for the CCD is 1600 ns/row, the Shift time will be 3200 ns per frame.
Figure 43. Free Run Timing Diagram
Triggered Modes
In single trigger mode, the camera requires only one trigger to initiate an entire series of
“exposure-shift” cycles as shown in the timing diagram below. When Acquire or Focus
{Run} is clicked, the shutter is opened and the camera uses the exposure time as entered
in the software. The trigger is applied at the Ext Sync connector on the rear of the
PIXIS. After the series is complete the shutter closes and the CCD is read out at normal
speeds. Once the readout is complete the camera is ready for the next series of exposures.
a burst of 6 frames.
Figure 44. Single Trigger Timing Diagram
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In multiple trigger mode, the shutter is opened when Acquire or Focus {Run} is clicked
and each “exposure-shift” cycle in the acquisition is triggered independently by a pulse
applied at the EXT SYNC connector. This mode is useful when each subframe needs to
be synchronized with a pulsed external light source such as a laser. Once the series is
complete, the shutter closes and readout begins. Since the shutter is open during the entire
series of images, irregularly spaced external pulses will result in exposures of different
lengths. Once the series has been read out, the camera is ready for the next series. This
timing is shown in Figure 45, where a series of 6 frames is collected with 6 External Sync
pulses.
Figure 45. Multiple Trigger Timing Diagram
Custom Modes
Introduction
Custom Chip and Custom Timing modes are available as an option for the WinX
applications; {Custom Sensor} and Custom Timing are standard (sensor and readout
mode-dependent) in LightField. These modes are intended to allow data acquisition at the
fastest possible rates for your camera. Custom Chip {Custom Sensor} allows you to
reduce the apparent size of the CCD array and Custom Timing allows you to select a
faster vertical shift time.
Custom Chip
Introduction
In addition to Binning and ROI (previously discussed in the manual), there is a third way
to reduce Readout Time – Custom Chip {Custom Sensor}. This feature allows you to
redefine the size of the CCD’s active area via software. Unlike setting a smaller region of
interest (ROI), which also involves reading out fewer pixels, this mode does not incur
overhead from discarding or skipping the rest of the rows. And, unlike both Binning and
ROI, Custom Chip {Custom Sensor} also relies on some form of array masking to ensure
that no light falls outside the currently set active area.
Note: Custom Chip is a WinX option. Custom Sensor is standard with LightField:
availability is sensor-dependent.
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Software Settings
Princeton Instruments does not encourage users to change these parameter settings. For
most applications, the default settings will give the best results. We strongly advise
contacting the factory for guidance before customizing the chip definition.
In WinX, if Custom Chip has
been installed, selecting Show
Custom Chip check box on
the Controller/Camera tab
adds the Custom Chip tab to
the Hardware Setup dialog.
The Custom Chip parameters
default values conform to the
physical layout of the CCD
array and are optimum for most
measurements.
In LightField, the Custom
accessed by opening the Sensor
expander and clicking on the
Custom Sensor button.
By changing the values in the
Active fields, you can increase
image acquisition speed by
Figure 46. WinX: Custom Chip tab
reducing the size of the active
area in the definition. The result
will be faster but lower
resolution data acquisition.
Operating in this mode would
ordinarily require that the chip be
masked so that only the reduced
active area is exposed. This will
prevent unwanted charge from
spilling into the active area or
being transferred to the shift
register.
By default, if there are no Pre-
Figure 47. LightField: Custom Sensor pane
Dummy rows, the serial register
will be cleared before rows are
shifted. If the Skip Serial
Register Clean box is selected in WinX when there are no Pre-Dummy rows, the register
cleanout will be skipped and the chip readout will be faster.
Note: In LightField, the Clean Serial Register function only appears in the Sensor
Cleaning pane when the Inactive Area Top Margin is 0 rows. Deselect the check box
to deactivate the serial register cleaning.
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Custom Timing
Notes:
1. This mode is standard with LightField for full frame CCD cameras.
2. This option is fully supported by WinX Version 2.5.18.1 (and higher).
3. This option is not supported by WinX for 5 MHz systems..
In LightField, Custom Timing is accessed via the Custom Sensor button on the
Sensor expander. In the Custom Timing panel, you can select from among the listed
one row into the serial register. The smaller the value, the faster charge will be shifted up
one row at a time toward the serial register. In WinX, if the Custom Timing option is
present and selected, the equivalent function is located on the Custom Timing tab on
Figure 48. LightField: Custom Timing
Figure 49. WinX: Vertical Shift
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Chapter 7
Troubleshooting
Do not attach or remove any cables while the camera system is powered on.
WARNING!
Introduction
The following issues have corresponding troubleshooting sections in this chapter.
Acquisition Started but Viewer Contents Do Not Update
Baseline Signal Suddenly Changes
Camera Stops Working
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Camera1 (or similar name) in Camera Name field
Controller Is Not Responding
CoolCUBEII: Low Coolant (Air in the Hoses)
Cooling Troubleshooting
Data Loss or Serial Violation
Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict message
Data Overrun Has Occurred Message
Device Is Not Found
Device is Occupied
Error Creating Controller message
Overexposed or Smeared Images
Program Error message
Serial violations have occurred. Check interface cable.
Shutter Failure
83
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Acquisition Started but Viewer Contents Do Not Update
In LightField, live data is normally displayed in the Experiment workspace viewer as it is
being acquired (Preview or Acquire mode). If the viewer is not being updated and
acquisition is occurring, check to see if there is a filename in the top row of the viewer: in
the figure below, the filename 2010 May 11 13_13_49.raw is displayed. If there is a
filename, click on the camera icon. The file data will be cleared from the viewer and the
live data will then be displayed.
Figure 50. Acquisition Display
Baseline Signal Suddenly Changes
A change in the baseline signal is normal if the temperature, gain, or speed setting has
been changed. If this occurs when none of these settings have been changed, there may
be excessive humidity in the camera vacuum enclosure. Turn off the camera and contact
Camera Stops Working
Problems with the host computer system or software may have side effects that appear to
be hardware problems. If you are sure the problem is in the camera system hardware,
begin with these simple checks:
Turn off all AC power.
Verify that all cables are securely fastened.
Turn the system on.
If the camera has an internal shutter and you hear 2 clicks separated by 1 second
(shutter opening then closing), the shutter is working. Call Princeton Instruments
Customer Support for further instructions.
If the system still does not respond, contact Princeton Instruments Customer Support.
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Camera1 (or similar name) in Camera Name field
Figure 51. Camera1 in Camera Name Field
When the Camera Detection Wizard installs a new camera, the camera is automatically
named “Camera#” (where # = 1, 2 , or 3.., depending on the number of cameras detected)
This name will appear in the Hardware Setup title bar and as the active camera on the
Hardware Setup|Controller/Camera tab. If you would prefer a more specific name,
you can edit PVCAM.INI (located in the Windows directory) and rename the camera.
The new name will then be used by the system until the Camera Detection Wizard is run
again.
To change the default Camera Name:
1. Close the application program if it is running.
2. Using Notepad.exe, open PVCAM.INI from the Windows directory.
3. Edit the Name.
4. Save the edited file.
5. The next time you start the WinX application, the new name will be displayed on the
Hardware Setup dialog.
6. If you later re-run the Camera Detection Wizard, the name will be changed back to
the default name (i.e., Camera1).
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Controller Is Not Responding
If this message pops up when you click on OK after selecting the "Interface Type" during
Hardware Setup (under the WinX Setup menu), the system has not been able to
communicate with the camera. Check to see if camera has been turned ON and if the
USB 2.0 interface card, its driver, and the USB cable have been installed.
If the camera is ON, the problem may be with the USB 2 card, its driver, or the
cable connections.
If the interface card is not installed, close the WinX application and turn the
camera OFF. Follow the interface card installation instructions in provided with
your interface card, and cable the card to the USB 2 port on the rear of the
camera. Then do a "Custom" installation of the WinX application with the
appropriate interface component selected. Be sure to deselect the interface
component that does not apply to your system.
If the interface card is installed in the computer and is cabled to the USB 2 port
on the rear of the camera, close the application and turn the camera OFF. Check
the cable connections.
If the interface card was installed after the application program was installed,
close the application program and do a "Custom" installation of the WinX
application with the appropriate interface component selected. Be sure to deselect
the interface component that does not apply to your system.
CoolCUBEII: Low Coolant (Air in the Hoses)
WARNING!
If more than two inches (50.8 mm) of the coolant line is filled with air, the pump will
stop working and may be damaged. If flow stops while the pump is on, turn off the
CoolCUBEII and add coolant.
1. Unscrew the reservoir cap (on top of the CoolCUBEII) and make sure that the coolant
reservoir contains coolant. If additional coolant is required, fill with a 50:50 mixture
of water and ethylene glycol.
2. Screw the reservoir cap back in.
3. Make sure the power switch is turned off before plugging the circulator in.
4. Plug the circulator into a 100-240 VAC, 47-63 Hz power source.
5. Turn the circulator on. Make sure there are no leaks or air bubbles in the hoses.
Note: Small air bubbles (about the size of bubbles in soda) are common in the
CoolCUBEII especially at start up and do not prevent proper operation.
If there are no problems, continue to Step 6.
If there are leaks or air bubbles, turn the circulator off and correct the problem(s)
by securing the hoses or adding more coolant to the reservoir. Turn the circulator
back on. Recheck and if there are no problems, continue to Step 6.
6. Turn the camera on.
7. Start the application software.
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Cooling Troubleshooting
Temperature Lock Cannot be Achieved or Maintained.
Possible causes for not being able to achieve or maintain lock could include:
Ambient temperature greater than +23°C. This condition affects TE-cooled
cameras. If ambient is greater than +23°C, you will need to cool the camera
environment or raise the set temperature.
Airflow through the camera and/or circulator is obstructed. The camera needs to
have approximately two (2) inches (50 mm) clearance around the vented covers.
If there is an enclosure involved, the enclosure needs to have unrestricted flow to
an open environment. The camera vents its heat out the vents near the nose. The
air intake is near the rear of the camera.
A hose is kinked. Unkink the hose.
Coolant level is low. Add coolant. See “CoolCUBEII: Low Coolant (Air in Hoses)”
on page 86.
There may be air in the hoses. Add coolant. See “CoolCUBEII: Low Coolant
Circulator pump is not working. If you do not hear the pump running when the
CoolCUBEII is powered on, turn off the circulator and contact Customer Support.
The circulator is higher than the camera. Reposition the circulator so that it is 6
inches (150 mm) or more below the camera. The vertical distance should not exceed
10 feet (3 m). Typically, the camera is at table height and the circulator is on the
floor.
The camera vacuum has deteriorated and needs to be refreshed. Contact
Customer Support.
The target array temperature is not appropriate for your particular camera and CCD
array.
For a TE-cooled camera, the camera's internal temperature may be too high, such as
might occur if the operating environment is particularly warm or if you are
attempting to operate at a temperature colder than the specified limit. TE-cooled
cameras are equipped with a thermal-protection switch that shuts the cooler circuits
down if the internal temperature exceeds a preset limit. Typically, camera operation
is restored automatically in about ten minutes. Although the thermo-protection
switch will protect the camera, you are nevertheless advised to power down and
correct the operating conditions that caused the thermal-overload to occur.
Camera loses Temperature Lock
The internal temperature of the camera is too high. This might occur if the operating
environment is particularly warm or if you are trying to operate at a temperature colder than
the specified limit. If this happens, an internal thermal overload switch will disable the
cooler circuits to protect them. Typically, camera operation is restored in about ten minutes.
Although the thermal overload switch will protect the camera, users are advised to power
down and correct the operating conditions that caused the thermal overload to occur.
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Gradual Deterioration of Cooling Capability
While unlikely with the PIXIS camera (guaranteed permanent vacuum for the life of the
camera), if you see a gradual deterioration of the cooling capability, there may be a
gradual deterioration of the camera’s vacuum. This can affect temperature performance
such that it may be impossible to achieve temperature lock at the lowest temperatures. In
the kind of applications for which cooled CCD cameras are so well suited, it is highly
desirable to maintain the system’s lowest temperature performance because lower
temperatures result in lower thermal noise and better the signal-to-noise ratio. Contact the
factory to make arrangements for returning the camera to the support facility.
Data Loss or Serial Violation
You may experience either or both of these conditions if the host computer has been set
up with Power Saving features enabled. This is particularly true for power saving with
regard to the hard drive. Make sure that Power Saving features are disabled while you are
running the WinX application.
Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict message
Figure 52. Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict dialog
If this dialog appears when you try to acquire a test image, acquire data, or run in focus
mode, check the CCD array size and then check the DMA buffer size. A large array (for
example, a 2048x2048 array), requires a larger DMA buffer larger setting than that for a
smaller array (for example, a 512x512 array).
To change the DMA buffer setting:
1. Note the array size (on the Setup|Hardware|Controller/CCD tab or the
Acquisition|Experiment Setup|Main tab Full Chip dimensions).
2. Open Setup|Environment|Environment dialog.
3. Increase the DMA buffer size to a minimum of 32 Mb (64 Mb if it is currently
32 Mb or 128 Mb if it is currently 64 Mb), click on OK, and close the WinX
application.
4. Reboot your computer.
5. Restart the WinX application and begin acquiring data or focusing. If you see
the message again, increase the DMA buffer size.
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Chapter 7
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Data Overrun Has Occurred message
Because of memory constraints and the way that USB transfers data, a "Data overrun has
occurred" message may be displayed during data acquisition. If this message is displayed,
take one or more of the following actions:
1. Minimize the number of programs running in the background while you are
acquiring data with the WinX application.
2. Run data acquisition in Safe Mode.
3. Add memory.
4. Use binning.
5. Increase the exposure time.
6. Defragment the hard disk.
7. Update the USB2 driver.
If the problem persists, your application may be USB 2.0 bus limited. Since the host
computer controls the USB 2.0 bus, there may be situations where the host computer
interrupts the USB 2.0 port. In most cases, the interrupt will go unnoticed by the user.
However, there are some instances when the data overrun cannot be overcome because
USB 2.0 bus limitations combined with long data acquisition times and/or large data sets
increase the possibility of an interrupt while data is being acquired. If your experiment
requirements include long data acquisition times and/or large data sets, your application may
not be suitable for the USB 2.0 interface. If this is not the case and data overruns continue to
Device Is Not Found
When LightField is started, it looks for devices (cameras, spectrographs, and filters) that
are powered on and connected via a communications interface to the host computer. If it
cannot find a device that was used in the last experiment, it will continue to look for it.
Figure 53. Devices Missing dialog
Make sure the device is connected and powered on. If the device is connected but
turned off, switch it on. LightField should now find the device. If it does not,
cancel the load and restart LightField.
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Cancel the load. Cancelling a load means that the last used experiment will not be
loaded automatically when LightField opens. However, you can load the experiment
after all the devices are available, you can start a new experiment design, or you can
load a different experiment that matches the devices you are using.
Device is Occupied
Multiple instances of LightField can be running at the same time.
However, a device currently being used by one instance of LightField
will be shown in the Available Devices area as “Occupied” for all other
instances of LightField. To make a device available to the current
instance of LightField, either remove it from the Experiment Devices
area in the other instance or close the instance that is using the device.
Figure 54. Occupied
Device icon
Error Creating Controller message
Figure 55. Error Creating Controller dialog
This message may appear if the PVCAM.INI file has become corrupted or if the camera
was not turned on before you started the WinX application and began running the Camera
Detection wizard. If one of these dialogs pops up:
2. Run the Camera Detection Wizard.
Overexposed or Smeared Images
If the camera has an internal shutter, check to see that the shutter is opening and closing
correctly. Possible shutter problems include complete failure, in which the shutter no
longer operates at all: the shutter may stick or open (causing overexposed or smeared
images) or stick closed (resulting in no images). It may even happen that one leaf of the
shutter will break and no longer actuate. High repetition rates and short exposure times
will rapidly increase the number of shutter cycles and hasten the time when the shutter
will have to be replaced.
Shutter replacement is usually done at the factory. If you find that the shutter on your
camera is malfunctioning, contact the factory to arrange for a shutter-replacement repair.
Shutters are not covered by the warranty.
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Chapter 7
Troubleshooting
91
Program Error message
Figure 56. Program Error dialog
This dialog may appear if you have tried to acquire a test image, acquire data, or run in
focusing mode and the DMA buffer size is too small.
To correct the problem:
1. Click on OK.
2. Reboot the WinX application.
3. Note the array size (on the Setup|Hardware|Controller/CCD tab or the
Acquisition|Experiment Setup|Main tab Full Chip dimensions). If your
camera contains a large array (such as a 2048x2048 array), and the DMA buffer
size is too small, there will not be enough space in memory for the data set.
4. Open Setup|Environment|Environment dialog.
5. Increase the DMA buffer size to a minimum of 32 Mb (64 Mb if it is currently 32
Mb or 128 Mb if it is currently 64 Mb), click on OK, and close the WinX
application.
6. Reboot your computer.
7. Restart the WinX application and begin acquiring data or focusing. If you see the
message again, increase the DMA buffer size.
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Serial violations have occurred. Check interface cable.
Figure 57. Serial Violations Have Occurred dialog
This error message dialog will appear if you try to acquire an image or focus the camera
and either (or both) of the following conditions exists:
The camera system is not turned ON.
There is no communication between the camera and the host computer.
To correct the problem:
1. Turn OFF the camera system (if it is not already OFF).
2. Make sure the computer interface cable is secured at both ends.
3. After making sure that the cable is connected, turn the camera system power ON.
4. Click OK on the error message dialog and retry acquiring an image or running in
focus mode.
Note: This error message will also be displayed if you turn the camera system OFF or a
cable comes loose while the WinX application software is running in Focus mode.
Shutter Failure
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Appendix A
Basic Specifications
Note: This appendix provides some of the basic specifications of a PIXIS system. If the
information you are looking for is not here, it may be available in Appendix B, "Outline
Drawings" or on the appropriate data sheet. Data sheets can be downloaded from the
Window
SI-UV fused-silica quartz (.125"/3.17 mm thick)
CCD Arrays
Princeton Instruments offers a wide-variety of CCDs for scientific imaging and
up-to-date list of arrays supported by the PIXIS.
Mounts
C-mount: Standard threaded video mount. Optional adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-mount
kinetics adapter
F-mount: Standard Nikon® bayonet mount.
Spectroscopy mount: 3.60" (91.44 mm) or 3.88" (98.55 mm) bolt circle. Optional
Spectroscopy-to-F mount adapter
Focal Distance (Optical)
The distance to the focal plane from the front of the mechanical assembly depends on the
specific configuration as follows. Note that neither set of reference points includes an adapter.
Application Type
Adapter Type
C-Mount
Reference Points
Distance
Imaging
Face of Camera to
Focal Plane
0.690" /17.53 mm
(optical)
F-Mount
Face of Camera to
Focal Plane
1.83"/46.48 mm
(optical)
Spectroscopy
Spec-Mount
(3.60" bolt circle, flange) Focal Plane
Mounting Flange to
0.600"/15.24 mm
(optical)
Spec-Mount
(3.60"/3.88" bolt circle)
Mounting Flange to
Focal Plane
0.886"/22.50 mm
(optical)
Table 4. Focal Plane Distances
93
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Shutter
Typically, PIXIS cameras for imaging applications are shipped with an internal shutter.
PIXIS:512/1024: Internal, windowless, 1 in (25 mm) aperture, 8 ms open time, 8 ms
close time
PIXIS:2048: Internal, windowless, 1.8 in (45 mm) aperture, ~ 20 ms open time, ~48 ms
close time
Typically, PIXIS cameras for spectroscopy applications do not have an installed internal
shutter. An optional Princeton Instruments-supplied 25 or 45 mm external shutter can be
ordered if the camera has no internal shutter.
Camera
Cooling: Thermoelectric; air or circulating coolant
Coolant Ports: The inlet/outlet ports on the side of the camera allow you to connect the
camera to a CoolCUBEII with PIXIS-compatible hoses (PN 7567-0002). Use only the
hoses and circulator shipped with your system. Attaching any other hoses or
circulator voids the warranty
Gain: Software-selectable (high, medium, low)
Dimensions: See Appendix B.
Connectors:
EXT SYNC (MCX): 0 to +3.3 V logic level input to allow data acquisition to be
synchronized with external events. Trigger edge can be positive- or negative-
going as set in software. Synchronization and Timing Modes are discussed in
Chapter 6. MCX-to-BNC adapter cable supplied with system.
LOGIC OUT (MCX): 0 to +3.3 V logic level output for monitoring camera status.
Logic output is software-selectable as NOT SCAN, SHUTTER, NOT READY,
LOGIC 0, or LOGIC 1. Logic Out Control is discussed in Chapter 6. MCX-to-
BNC adapter cable supplied with system.
NOT SCAN {Not Reading Out}: Logic low when CCD is being read;
otherwise high.
SHUTTER {Shutter Open}: The output precisely brackets shutter-open
time (exclusive of shutter compensation) and can be used to control an
external shutter or to inhibit a pulser or timing generator.
NOT READY {Busy}: The output changes state on completion of the array
cleaning cycles that precede the first exposure. Initially high, it goes low to
mark the beginning of the first exposure. In free run operation, it remains low
until the system in halted. If a specific number of frames have been
programmed, it remains low until all have been taken, then returns high.
LOGIC 0 {Always Low) and LOGIC 1 {Always High}: Logic low and
logic high, respectively.
Shutter (LEMO): Optional. Used for connecting to a Princeton Instruments-supplied
external shutter. Cable not supplied.
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Appendix A
Basic Specifications
95
USB 2.0 (USB B Female): Data link to computer via USB cable inserted at this
connector. Cable length of 5 meters is standard. Other lengths may be available.
Contact Customer Support for more information. USB A/B cable supplied with
system.
Power (DIN): 12 VDC (6.6A max) input from power supply.
Pin 3, 5: 12 VDC
Pin 1, 2, 4: Return
Shell: Ground
Fan: (Air-cooled systems only) 24 CFM fan capacity at full power.
Coolant Ports: (Liquid-cooled systems only) Two interchangeable 1/4" CPC valved
quick disconnect fittings for connection to the CoolCUBEII circulator hoses.
Deepest Operating Temperature:
CCD Size
512x512
Typical
-70°C
-70°C
-65°C
-80°C
-75°C
1024x1024
2048x2048
1340x100
1340x400
Table 5. Typical Deepest Operating Temperature
Temperature Stability: ±0.05°C; closed-loop stabilized-temperature control
Power Input: Small Format PIXIS: 100-240 VAC; 47 to 63 Hz, 1.9A. DC power to
camera is provided by the self-switching power supply.
Large Format PIXIS: 100-240 VAC; 50/60 Hz, 2A. DC power to camera
is provided by the self-switching power supply.
Tripod Mount: 1/4-20 x .25" mounting hole at bottom of camera. M6 threaded adapter
supplied with system.
A/D Converters: Dual digitizers with 100 kHz/2 MHz readout rates. Software-
selectable. Low-speed operation gives better noise performance; high-speed
operation allows faster data acquisition.
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CoolCUBEII Circulator with PIXIS-compatible Hoses (PN 7567-0002)
Closed loop system
Hoses: CoolCUBEII and PIXIS-Compatible 3/8" ID, with no-drip quick disconnects at
the circulator ends and 1/4” CPC quick disconnects at the camera ends.
Coolant: 50:50 ethylene glycol and water at 23°C (DI water recommended).
Minimum Flow Rate: 2.5 liters per minute.
Maximum Pressure: 22 PSI.
Power Input: 100 V/240 V, 3 A.
Operating Environment: +5°C to 30°C, non-condensing.
Circulator Weight (Filled): 6.0 lbs (2.7 kg).
Hose Weight (Filled): 3.0 lbs (1.4 kg) per hose.
Options
A partial listing of options includes: internal 25 mm shutter, internal 45 mm shutter, C-to-
F-mount adapter, adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-mount kinetics adapter, and a fiber optic
extender kit. Contact the factory for more information regarding options available for
your system.
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Appendix C
Adapter Adjustment and Focusing
Procedures
Adjustable C-Mount Adapter
PIXIS cameras are now available with an adjustable C-mount adapter. The camera is
adjusted at the factory for standard C-mount focusing distance. However, you may want
to adjust the focusing distance for your application.
Tools Required
Spanner (supplied)
Small flat blade screwdriver
Procedure
1. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, loosen the
lock screws.
2. Use the spanner to rotate the C-mount adapter the
desired distance.
3. Tighten the lock screws to lock the C-mount
adapter in place.
Note: To tighten down the screws, the face of the
adapter should be no further than .06" (1.5 mm)
out from the front surface of the camera nose.
Caution
The C-mount lens thread-depth should be .21" (5.3 mm) or less. Otherwise, depending on
the adapter in-out location, the lens could bottom out and damage the shutter, if there is
one installed. If you are not certain of the thread depth, remove the adapter from the
camera, thread the lens into the adapter until the lens threads are flush with the back
surface of the adapter. Note the depth at the front surface, remove the lens, and then re-
insert the adapter into the camera nose.
109
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F-Mount Adapter Focusing Procedure
Note: This procedure sets the focus for the F-mount adapter, not the lens. Once set, it
should not need to be disturbed again.
1. The lens should be mounted to the camera as described in Chapter 4.
2. The F-mount adapter is in two sections: the adapter body (into which the lens is
mounted) and the adapter adjustment ring that is secured to the front of the camera.
Try rotating the adapter body. If it doesn’t rotate, you will have to loosen the securing
setscrew(s) in the side of the adapter adjustment ring. To change the
focus setting, proceed as follows.
Loosen the setscrew(s) with a 0.050 hex key*. Do not
remove the screw(s); loosen just enough to allow the
adapter body to be adjusted.
Set the lens focus adjustment to the target distance.
3. Block off the lens and set it to the smallest possible aperture
(largest F-stop number).
Figure 70. F-mount Adjustment
4. Mount a suitable target at a known distance in front of
the lens. Typically, a photo resolution chart is used. However, even a page of small
print will generally serve quite well for this purpose.
5. Verify that all cables and connectors are secured.
6. Turn on the system and start the WinView/32 software.
7. Set the software to the FreeRun and Safe modes (consult the software manual if
you are unfamiliar with these modes). Choose a fast exposure (.1 ms) and begin data
collection by selecting Focus.
8. Slowly uncover the lens. If the image becomes washed out, recover the lens, choose a
shorter exposure, and uncover the lens again. If it is too dark, choose a longer
exposure.
9. Double check to be sure the lens focus is set to the target distance and readjust if
necessary.
10. Taking care not to disturb the lens focus, rotate the adapter body for maximum
sharpness in the observed image and tighten the setscrews to secure the adapter
body's position.
This completes the procedure for adjusting the F-mount adapter. It should not be
necessary to disturb the adjustment again. In actual measurements with real subjects, the
focusing will be done entirely with the lens focus adjustment.
*
The screws are #4-40 setscrews. A 0.050 hex key is required to loosen or tighten them.
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Appendix C
Adapter Adjustment and Focusing Procedures
111
Lens Focusing Procedure
Except for the lens mount focus procedure that applies to F-mount lenses as described
above, there is no difference between focusing considerations for an F-mount lens and a
C-mount lens. Simply use the focusing ring on the lens to produce the sharpest image at
full aperture. Then stop the lens down to its sharpest aperture (probably at a mid-range
aperture setting) and adjust the Exposure Time for the best possible image as observed at
the monitor.
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Appendix D
Spectrograph Adapters
Princeton Instruments offers a variety of spectrograph adapters for PIXIS systems. The
mounting instructions for these adapters are organized by spectrograph model, detector
type, and adapter kit number. The table below cross-references these items with the page
number for the appropriate instruction set.
Spectrograph
Adapter Kit No.
Page
Acton Series (PIXIS with Flange)
Acton Series (PIXIS with 3.60/3.88" Bolt
Circles)
Acton Series (PIXIS with C-Mount)
Acton SP-2350/SP-2550 (PIXIS with
adjustable C- to spectroscopy-mount
kinetics adapter)
7050-0104
7050-0107
Acton SP-2150/SP-2750 (PIXIS with
adjustable C- to spectroscopy-mount
kinetics adapter)
IsoPlane SCT-320 (PIXIS with Flange)
113
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Acton Series Spectrograph (PIXIS with Flange)
Qty
P/N
Description
1.
3
2826-0120
Screw, 10-32 1/2, Hex Head, Stainless Steel
Assembly Instructions
1. Make sure that the shipping cover has been removed from the detector port on the
spectrograph.
2. If the spacer plate has been removed, reinstall it on the sliding tube.
3. Leaving 1/4" of thread exposed, mount the three (3) hex head screws to the sliding
tube.
4. Mount the detector flange on the sliding tube assembly and rotate the detector so the
screw heads are over the narrow end of the slots.
5. Tighten the screws.
Note: Adapter parts are machined to provide a tight fit. If you need to remove the sliding
tube from the spectrograph, first loosen the two setscrews that secure it, and then rotate the
tube as you pull it out. If you have removed the sliding tube from the spectrograph, rotate the
sliding tube as you re-insert it, and tighten the setscrews afterwards to secure it. Forcing the
tube into the spectrograph could permanently damage the tube and the spectrograph opening.
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Appendix D
Spectrograph Adapters
115
Acton Series Spectrograph (PIXIS with 3.60/3.88 Bolt Circles)
Qty
P/N
Description
Screw, 10-32 1/4, Button Head Allen Hex, Stainless Steel
1.
3
2826-0127
Assembly Instructions
1. Make sure that the shipping cover has been removed from the detector port on the
spectrograph.
2. Loosen the setscrews holding the sliding tube in the spectrograph.
3. Rotate the sliding tube as you remove it from the spectrograph.
4. Remove the spacer plate from the sliding tube by removing the three (3) socket head
screws.
5. Mount the sliding tube to the detector nose with the three (3) 1/4" long button head
screws.
6. Rotate the sliding tube as you gently insert it into the spectrograph.
7. Secure the sliding tube with the setscrews.
Note: Adapter parts are machined to provide a tight fit. If you need to remove the sliding
tube from the spectrograph, first loosen the two setscrews that secure it, and then rotate the
tube as you pull it out. If you have removed the sliding tube from the spectrograph, rotate the
sliding tube as you re-insert it, and tighten the setscrews afterwards to secure it. Forcing the
tube into the spectrograph could permanently damage the tube and the spectrograph opening.
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Acton Series Spectrograph (PIXIS with C-Mount)
Qty
1
P/N
Description
1.
2.
3.
8401-071-01
8401-071-02
2826-0127
Adapter Plate
1
Threaded C-Mount Adapter
3
Screw, 10-32 1/4, Button Head Allen Hex, Stainless Steel
Assembly Instructions
1. Make sure that the shipping cover has been removed from the detector port on the
spectrograph.
2. Loosen the setscrews holding the sliding tube in the spectrograph.
3. Rotate the sliding tube as you remove it from the spectrograph.
4. If there is a spacer plate installed on the sliding tube, remove it.
5. Place the flat side of the adapter plate against the face of the detector.
6. Insert the threaded C-mount adapter through the center hole in the plate and screw
the adapter into the detector’s C-mount.
7. Using three (3) 1/4" long button head screws, secure the sliding tube to the adapter
plate.
8. Rotate the sliding tube as you gently insert it into the spectrograph.
9. Secure the sliding tube with the setscrews.
Note: Adapter parts are machined to provide a tight fit. If you need to remove the sliding
tube from the spectrograph, first loosen the two setscrews that secure it, and then rotate the
tube as you pull it out. If you have removed the sliding tube from the spectrograph, rotate the
sliding tube as you re-insert it, and tighten the setscrews afterwards to secure it. Forcing the
tube into the spectrograph could permanently damage the tube and the spectrograph opening.
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Appendix D
Spectrograph Adapters
117
Acton SP-2350/SP-2550 Adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-Mount
Adapter (Adapter Kit 7050-0104)
Qty
1
P/N
Description
1.
2.
Adapter Plate
1
2518-1284
1.25”-32 Threaded Insert
Assembly Instructions
1. Make sure that the shipping cover has been removed from the detector port on the
spectrograph.
2. Place the flat side of the adapter plate against the face of the detector.
3. Insert the threaded insert through the center hole in the plate and screw the adapter
into the detector’s C-mount.
4. Rotate the sliding tube as you gently insert it into the spectrograph,
5. Secure the sliding tube with the setscrews.
Note: Adapter parts are machined to provide a tight fit. If you need to remove the sliding
tube from the spectrograph, first loosen the two setscrews that secure it, and then rotate the
tube as you pull it out. If you have removed the sliding tube from the spectrograph, rotate the
sliding tube as you re-insert it, and tighten the setscrews afterwards to secure it. Forcing the
tube into the spectrograph could permanently damage the tube and the spectrograph opening.
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Acton SP-2150/SP-2750 Adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-Mount
Adapter (Adapter Kit 7050-0107)
Qty
1
P/N
Description
1.
2.
Adapter Plate
1
2518-1284 1.25”-32 Threaded Insert
Assembly Instructions
1. Make sure that the shipping cover has been removed from the detector port on the
spectrograph.
2. Place the flat side of the adapter plate against the face of the detector.
3. Insert the threaded insert through the center hole in the plate and screw the adapter
into the detector’s C-mount.
4. Rotate the sliding tube as you gently insert it into the spectrograph.
5. Secure the sliding tube with the setscrews.
Note: Adapter parts are machined to provide a tight fit. If you need to remove the sliding
tube from the spectrograph, first loosen the two setscrews that secure it, and then rotate the
tube as you pull it out. If you have removed the sliding tube from the spectrograph, rotate the
sliding tube as you re-insert it, and tighten the setscrews afterwards to secure it. Forcing the
tube into the spectrograph could permanently damage the tube and the spectrograph opening.
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Appendix D
Spectrograph Adapters
119
IsoPlane SCT-320 (PIXIS with Flange)
Qty
P/N
Description
1.
3
2826-0120
Screw, 10-32 1/2, Hex Head, Stainless Steel
Assembly Instructions
1. Make sure that the shipping cover has been removed from the detector mounting
plate on the IsoPlane.
2. Leaving 1/4" of thread exposed, screw the three (3) hex head screws into the
mounting plate.
3. Mount the detector to the mounting plate: the text should be right-reading on the back
of the detector.
4. Tighten the three screws with a 5/16” open end wrench.
Notes:
1. Rotational alignment of the detector to the spectrograph optics is done by loosening
and subsequently retightening the screws at the mounting plate corners. The holes are
slotted to allow about 4° of rotation.
2. If the IsoPlane was ordered with an internal shutter at the entrance slit, the PIXIS,
when connected to the Shutter input on the IsoPlane, can control that shutter. If the
PIXIS is using its own internal shutter, the IsoPlane shutter will need to be removed.
See the IsoPlane SCT 320 manual for shutter removal instructions.
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Appendix E
Cross-Referencing of WinX and
LightField Terms
WinX-to-LightField
WinX
Active Rows Parallel to Shift Register
Active Shift Register Columns
ADC Rate
LightField
Active Height
Active Width
Speed
ADC Resolution
Bit Depth
Continuous Cleans
Controller Gain
Clean Until Trigger
Analog Gain
Custom Sensor
Custom Timing
N/A
Custom Chip
Custom Timing
Disable Pixel Bias Correction (PBC)
Disabled Closed (Shutter)
Disabled Open (Shutter)
Easy Bin
Always Closed (Shutter)
Always Open (Shutter)
Sensor Readout Region expander functions
Trigger Determined By
Readout Per Trigger
Edge Trigger
External Sync
F.T. Dummies or Frame Transfer Dummies
Focus
Active Area: Top Margin
Preview or Run
Free Run
No Response
Free Run (Kinetics)
Logic Out
No Response
Output Signal
Logic Out: Logic 0
Logic Out: Logic 1
Logic Out: Not Ready
Logic Out: Not Scan
Logic Out: Shutter
Output Signal: Always Low
Output Signal: Always High
Output Signal: Busy
Output Signal: Not Reading Out
Output Signal: Shutter Open
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WinX
LightField
Final Section Height
Minimum Block Size
Multiple Trigger (Kinetics)
Normal Shutter
Shift Per Trigger (Kinetics)
Normal (Shutter)
Number of Blocks
Final Section Count
Number of Clean Cycles
Clean Cycle Height
Active Area: Bottom Margin
Active Area: Right Margin
Active Area: Top Margin
Active Area: Left Margin
Open Before Trigger (Shutter)
Quality
Number of Cleans
Number of Strips per Clean
Post-Dummy Rows Parallel to Shift Register
Post-Dummy Shift Register Columns
Pre-Dummy Rows Parallel to Shift Register
Pre-Dummy Shift Register Columns
PreOpen (Shutter)
Readout Port
Shutter Close Compensation Time
Shutter Control
Closing Delay
Shutter Mode
Single Trigger (Kinetics)
Skip Serial Register Clean (deselected)
Target Temperature
Readout Per Trigger
Clean Serial Register
Temperature Setpoint
Trigger Response
Timing Mode
Window Size
Kinetics Window Height
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Appendix E
Cross-Referencing of WinX and LightField Terms
123
LightField-to-WinX
LightField
WinX
Post-Dummy Rows Parallel to Shift Register
Pre-Dummy Shift Register Columns
Post-Dummy Shift Register Columns
F.T. Dummies or Frame Transfer Dummies
Pre-Dummy Rows Parallel to Shift Register
Active Rows Parallel to Shift Register
Active Shift Register Columns
Disabled Closed (Shutter)
Disabled Open (Shutter)
Controller Gain
Active Area: Bottom Margin
Active Area: Left Margin
Active Area: Right Margin
Active Area: Top Margin
Active Area: Top Margin
Active Height
Active Width
Always Closed (Shutter)
Always Open (Shutter)
Analog Gain
Bit Depth
ADC Resolution
Clean Cycle Height
Clean Serial Register
Clean Until Trigger
Closing Delay
Number of Strips per Clean
Skip Serial Register Clean (deselected)
Continuous Cleans
Shutter Close Compensation Time
Custom Chip
Custom Sensor
Custom Timing
Custom Timing
Final Section Count
Final Section Height
Kinetics Window Height
N/A
Number of Blocks
Minimum Block Size
Window Size
Disable Pixel Bias Correction (PBC)
Free Run
No Response
No Response (Kinetics)
Normal (Shutter)
Free Run (Kinetics)
Normal Shutter
Number of Clean Cycles
Open Before Trigger (Shutter)
Output Signal
Number of Cleans
PreOpen (Shutter)
Logic Out
Output Signal: Always High
Output Signal: Always Low
Output Signal: Busy
Logic Out: Logic 1
Logic Out: Logic 0
Logic Out: Not Ready
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LightField
WinX
Output Signal: Not Reading Out
Output Signal: Shutter Open
Preview
Logic Out: Not Scan
Logic Out: Shutter
Focus
Quality
Readout Port
External Sync
Readout Per Trigger
Readout Per Trigger (Kinetics)
Sensor Readout Region expander functions
Shift Per Trigger (Kinetics)
Shutter Mode
Single Trigger (Kinetics)
Easy Bin
Multiple Trigger (Kinetics)
Shutter Control
ADC Rate
Speed
Temperature Setpoint
Trigger Determined By
Trigger Response
Target Temperature
Edge Trigger
Timing Mode
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Declaration of Conformity
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Warranty & Service
Limited Warranty
Princeton Instruments, a division of Roper Scientific, Inc. ("Princeton Instruments", "us",
"we", "our") makes the following limited warranties. These limited warranties extend to
the original purchaser ("You", "you") only and no other purchaser or transferee. We have
complete control over all warranties and may alter or terminate any or all warranties at
any time we deem necessary.
Basic Limited One (1) Year Warranty
Princeton Instruments warrants this product against substantial defects in materials and /
or workmanship for a period of up to one (1) year after shipment. During this period,
Princeton Instruments will repair the product or, at its sole option, repair or replace any
defective part without charge to you. You must deliver the entire product to the Princeton
Instruments factory or, at our option, to a factory-authorized service center. You are
responsible for the shipping costs to return the product. International customers should
contact their local Princeton Instruments authorized representative/distributor for repair
information and assistance, or visit our technical support page at
Limited One (1) Year Warranty on Refurbished or Discontinued
Products
Princeton Instruments warrants, with the exception of the CCD imaging device (which
carries NO WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED), this product against defects in
materials or workmanship for a period of up to one (1) year after shipment. During this
period, Princeton Instruments will repair or replace, at its sole option, any defective parts,
without charge to you. You must deliver the entire product to the Princeton Instruments
factory or, at our option, a factory-authorized service center. You are responsible for the
shipping costs to return the product to Princeton Instruments. International customers
should contact their local Princeton Instruments representative/distributor for repair
information and assistance or visit our technical support page at
XP Vacuum Chamber Limited Lifetime Warranty
Princeton Instruments warrants that the cooling performance of the system will meet our
specifications over the lifetime of an XP style detector (has all metal seals) or Princeton
Instruments will, at its sole option, repair or replace any vacuum chamber components
necessary to restore the cooling performance back to the original specifications at no cost
to the original purchaser. Any failure to "cool to spec" beyond our Basic (1) year limited
warranty from date of shipment, due to a non-vacuum-related component failure (e.g.,
any components that are electrical/electronic) is NOT covered and carries NO
WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. Responsibility for shipping charges is as
described above under our Basic Limited One (1) Year Warranty.
129
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PIXIS System Manual
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Sealed Chamber Integrity Limited 12 Month Warranty
Princeton Instruments warrants the sealed chamber integrity of all our products for a
period of twelve (12) months after shipment. If, at anytime within twelve (12) months
from the date of delivery, the detector should experience a sealed chamber failure, all
parts and labor needed to restore the chamber seal will be covered by us. Open chamber
products carry NO WARRANTY TO THE CCD IMAGING DEVICE, EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED. Responsibility for shipping charges is as described above under our Basic
Limited One (1) Year Warranty.
Vacuum Integrity Limited 12 Month Warranty
Princeton Instruments warrants the vacuum integrity of “Non-XP” style detectors (do not
have all metal seals) for a period of up to twelve (12) months from the date of shipment.
We warrant that the detector head will maintain the factory-set operating temperature
without the requirement for customer pumping. Should the detector experience a Vacuum
Integrity failure at anytime within twelve (12) months from the date of delivery all parts
and labor needed to restore the vacuum integrity will be covered by us. Responsibility for
shipping charges is as described above under our Basic Limited One (1) Year Warranty.
Image Intensifier Detector Limited One Year Warranty
All image intensifier products are inherently susceptible to Phosphor and/or Photocathode
burn (physical damage) when exposed to high intensity light. Princeton Instruments
warrants, with the exception of image intensifier products that are found to have
Phosphor and/or Photocathode burn damage (which carry NO WARRANTIES
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED), all image intensifier products for a period of one (1) year
after shipment. See additional Limited One (1) year Warranty terms and conditions
above, which apply to this warranty. Responsibility for shipping charges is as described
above under our Basic Limited One (1) Year Warranty.
X-Ray Detector Limited One Year Warranty
Princeton Instruments warrants, with the exception of CCD imaging device and fiber
optic assembly damage due to X-rays (which carry NO WARRANTIES EXPRESSED
OR IMPLIED), all X-ray products for one (1) year after shipment. See additional Basic
Limited One (1) year Warranty terms and conditions above, which apply to this
warranty. Responsibility for shipping charges is as described above under our Basic
Limited One (1) Year Warranty.
Software Limited Warranty
Princeton Instruments warrants all of our manufactured software discs to be free from
substantial defects in materials and / or workmanship under normal use for a period of
one (1) year from shipment. Princeton Instruments does not warrant that the function of
the software will meet your requirements or that operation will be uninterrupted or error
free. You assume responsibility for selecting the software to achieve your intended
results and for the use and results obtained from the software. In addition, during the one
(1) year limited warranty. The original purchaser is entitled to receive free version
upgrades. Version upgrades supplied free of charge will be in the form of a download
from the Internet. Those customers who do not have access to the Internet may obtain the
version upgrades on a CD-ROM from our factory for an incidental shipping and handling
charge. See Item 12 in the following section of this warranty ("Your Responsibility") for
more information.
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Warranty & Service
131
Owner's Manual and Troubleshooting
You should read the owner’s manual thoroughly before operating this product. In the
unlikely event that you should encounter difficulty operating this product, the owner’s
manual should be consulted before contacting the Princeton Instruments technical support
staff or authorized service representative for assistance. If you have consulted the owner's
manual and the problem still persists, please contact the Princeton Instruments technical
support staff or our authorized service representative. See Item 12 in the following section
of this warranty ("Your Responsibility") for more information.
Your Responsibility
The above Limited Warranties are subject to the following terms and conditions:
1. You must retain your bill of sale (invoice) and present it upon request for service
and repairs or provide other proof of purchase satisfactory to Princeton
Instruments.
2. You must notify the Princeton Instruments factory service center within (30)
days after you have taken delivery of a product or part that you believe to be
defective. With the exception of customers who claim a "technical issue" with the
operation of the product or part, all invoices must be paid in full in accordance
with the terms of sale. Failure to pay invoices when due may result in the
interruption and/or cancellation of your one (1) year limited warranty and/or any
other warranty, expressed or implied.
3. All warranty service must be made by the Princeton Instruments factory or, at our
option, an authorized service center.
4. Before products or parts can be returned for service you must contact the
Princeton Instruments factory and receive a return authorization number (RMA).
Products or parts returned for service without a return authorization evidenced by
an RMA will be sent back freight collect.
5. These warranties are effective only if purchased from the Princeton Instruments
factory or one of our authorized manufacturer's representatives or distributors.
6. Unless specified in the original purchase agreement, Princeton Instruments is not
responsible for installation, setup, or disassembly at the customer’s location.
7. Warranties extend only to defects in materials or workmanship as limited above
and do not extend to any product or part which:
has been lost or discarded by you;
has been damaged as a result of misuse, improper installation, faulty or
inadequate maintenance or failure to follow instructions furnished by us;
has had serial numbers removed, altered, defaced, or rendered illegible;
has been subjected to improper or unauthorized repair;
has been damaged due to fire, flood, radiation, or other "acts of God" or other
contingencies beyond the control of Princeton Instruments; or
is a shutter which is a normal wear item and as such carries a onetime only
replacement due to a failure within the original 1 year Manufacturer
warranty.
8. After the warranty period has expired, you may contact the Princeton Instruments
factory or a Princeton Instruments-authorized representative for repair
information and/or extended warranty plans.
9. Physically damaged units or units that have been modified are not acceptable for
repair in or out of warranty and will be returned as received.
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PIXIS System Manual
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10. All warranties implied by state law or non-U.S. laws, including the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are expressly
limited to the duration of the limited warranties set forth above. With the exception
of any warranties implied by state law or non-U.S. laws, as hereby limited, the
forgoing warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties, guarantees,
agreements, and similar obligations of manufacturer or seller with respect to the
repair or replacement of any parts. In no event shall Princeton Instruments' liability
exceed the cost of the repair or replacement of the defective product or part.
11. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other
rights that may vary from state to state and from country to country. Some states
and countries do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts,
when an action may be brought, or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above provisions may not apply to you.
12. When contacting us for technical support or service assistance, please refer to the
Princeton Instruments factory of purchase, contact your authorized Princeton
Instruments representative or reseller, or visit our Support page at
Contact Information
Roper Scientific's manufacturing facility for this product is located at the following
address:
Princeton Instruments
3660 Quakerbridge Road
Trenton, NJ 08619 (USA)
Tel: 1-800-874-9789 / 1-609-587-9797
Fax: 1-609-587-1970
For immediate support in your area, please call the following locations directly:
North America 1-800- 899-1144 (toll free) or 1-609-587-9797
France
+33 (1) 60 86 03 65
+49 (0) 89 660 7793
+81 (3) 5639 2741
+44 (0) 1628 472 346
+65 6408 6240
Germany
Japan
UK & Ireland
Singapore
China
+86 10 659 16460
An up-to-date list of addresses and telephone numbers is posted on the
www.princetoninstruments.com/Support page. In addition, links on this
page to support topics allow you to send e-mail based requests to the
Customer Support group.
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Index
Binning (cont.)
resolution loss
software
A-B
61, 62
62
A/D converters
65, 95
25
44, 54
AC power requirements
Accessories, alignment of
Acquisition started, viewer contents do not update 84
Adapter instructions 114, 115, 116
effect on S/N ratio
62
62
62
62
58
76
high light level measurements
shot-noise limited measurements
well capacity
Acton Series spectrographs 114, 115, 116, 117, 118
adjustable C- to spectroscopy-mount
Blooming
Busy output level
7050-0104
7050-0107
117
118
119
C
IsoPlane SCT-320 spectrograph
Adapters
adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-mount kinetics adapter
C- to Spectroscopy-mount kinetics adapter
7050-0104
31
117
118
7050-0107
Cables
MCX to BNC adapter
USB 2.0
Calibration
7050-0104
7050-0107
117
118
65
16
16
ADC offset
Adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-mount kinetics
adapter
Adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-mount kinetics
adapter
Adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-mount kinetics
adapter
18
31
spectroscopy
suitable light sources
Calibration, spectrometer
suitable light sources
Camera Detection wizard
Cautions
excessive humidity in CCD chamber
scintillator & UV
CCD array
44, 55
42, 52
29
7050-0104
117
Adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-mount kinetics
adapter
58, 65
10
7050-0107
118
30, 109
15
Adjustable C-mount adapter
Air-circulation requirement
Always High output level
Always Low output level
Analog gain
ANSI C library
Background DC level
Background subtraction
Baseline
offset
signal
troubleshooting
Baseline signal
Binning
blooming
58
58
56
58
60
60
dark charge effects
functions performed
maximum on-chip integration
readout theory
76
76
See Controller gain
17
58
70
shift register
signal-to-noise ratio vs on chip integration time 59
square format
theory of operation
well capacity
62
56
58
16
71
65
58, 65
84
Certificate of Performance
Clean Until Trigger
Cleaning
detector
optical surfaces
C-mount
adapters
adjustable
lens installation/removal
Compensation time, shutter
58
11
11
along columns
along rows
array orientation
computer memory burden
hardware
62
62
62
30, 109
109
30
61, 62
61
61
61, 62
on-chip
readout time
56
133
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PIXIS System Manual
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Connectors
External Sync
See Also Readout Per Trigger
EXT SYNC
external shutter
LEMO
LOGIC OUT
power
14
14, 94
14
background subtraction
70
dark charge accumulation
EXT SYNC connector
input pulse
pulse characteristics
shutter synchronization
timing mode
71
73
69
73
70
69
73
14
14, 95
14, 95
94
132
71
USB
Connectors LOGIC OUT
Contact information
Continuous Cleans
Controller gain
CoolCUBEII
trigger input
External synchronization See External Sync and EXT
63, 64
18
SYNC connector
hose connections
outline drawing
specifications
27
108
96
15
18
F-K
Fast mode
74
74
75
74
Cooling
data acquisition
flowchart
coolant mixture
Cooling and vacuum
Custom Chip option
Custom Sensor
Custom Timing
Customer support
88
image update lag
Fiber optic extender kit
First light
F-mount adapter
Focal plane
80, 81
80, 81
82
18
36, 39, 45, 48
18
93
132
Focusing
D-E
alignment
F-mount adapter
lens
42
110
111
52
Dark charge
definition of
dynamic range
pattern
34, 71
58
59
58
58
58
spectrograph
Freerun
typical values
Dark current
Data loss
experiments best suited for
timing
69
88
diagram
flowchart
69
69
69
60
61
63
27
Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict message 88
Data overrun message
Detector, rotation of
Detectors, rotation of
Device is not found
Device is Occupied
Digitization rate
DMA buffer
Dual A/D converters
Dynamic range
Environmental conditions
Environmental requirements
Error Creating Controller message
eXcelon
89
43, 54
44, 55
89
mode of data synchronization
Full frame readout
Hardware binning
High capacity amplifier
Hose connections
Installation
PCI drivers
software
IntelliCal
Interface card
driver installation
Internal shutter
IsoPlane SCT-320 spectrograph adapter instructions
119
Kinetics
multiple trigger
single trigger
Kinetics adapter
7050-0104
90
65
88
65
59
24
24
90
9
56
56
68
35
57
14
73
26, 27
26, 27
17
26, 27
18
Exposure
shutter
time
80
79
31
117
118
Exposure and Readout
Exposure time
EXT SYNC connector
pulse characteristics
specifications
7050-0107
94
trigger input
73
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Index
135
L-N
R-S
LEMO connector
Lenses, mounting
LightField
14
31
17
Readout
binning
61
61
hardware
LOGIC 0 output level
LOGIC 1 output level
Logic Out levels
Always High
76, 94
76, 94
software
subsection of array
time
62
61
68
76
76
Readout Per Trigger
Readout rate
69, See also External Sync
Always Low
Busy
LOGIC 0
LOGIC 1
Not Reading Out
NOT READY
NOT SCAN
SHUTTER
Shutter Open
76
control of
65
65
76, 94
76, 94
76
76, 94
76, 94
76, 94
76
precision vs speed tradeoff
Requirements
environmental
ventilation
Resolution, loss of with binning
S/N ratio
24
15
61, 62
58, 62
Safe mode
Low noise amplifier
Maintenance
MCX to BNC adapter cables
Mercury spectrum, fluorescent lights
Mounting
C- to Spectroscopy-mount kinetics adapter
spectrograph
Multiple Trigger mode
Not Reading Out
output level
63
11
16
as used for setting up
fast image update
flowchart
74
74
75
74
12
58
88
92
60
43, 50, 52
missed events
Safety related symbols used in manual
Saturation
Serial violation
Serial Violations message
Shift register
31
32
80
69
76
Shutter
NOT READY output level
NOT SCAN
76, 94
compensation time
effect on exposure
exposure
external shutter connector
lifetime
56
56
56
output level
timing
76, 94
56
14
18, 33
modes
Disable
Normal
Preopen
68
68
68, 70
90
O-P
Operating temperature
Option
95
signs of failure
Shutter mode
Custom Chip
80
82
97
Custom Timing
Outline drawings
Output amplifier
dual
High Capacity
Low Noise
Overexposure protection
Performance certificate
PICam
Open Before Trigger
PreOpen
71
71
76
Shutter Open output level
SHUTTER output level
Signal-to-noise ratio
on-chip integration
Single Trigger mode
Smearing
59, 63
76, 94
63
63
58
79
57
62
30, 34, 48
16
17
15
25
70
Software binning
Specifications
Power cord
Power requirements
Preopen Shutter mode
Procedures
CoolCUBEII
operating temperature
PIXIS
96
95
94
C-mount adjustment
F-mount focusing
lens focusing
109
110
111
113
Spectrographs
adapter instructions
focusing and alignment
mounting detector
113
52
32
spectrograph adapter installation
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PIXIS System Manual
Version 2.C
Troubleshooting (cont.)
T
temperature lock
vacuum deterioration
88
88
Technical support
Temperature
132
control problems
operating
specifications
87
95
95
87
57
88
58
87
74
68
U-Z
thermal cutout switch
Temperature control
effect of vacuum deterioration
Temperature lock
Thermal cutout switch
Timing control
USB 2.0
cable
16
89
88
15
82
data overrun
Vacuum deterioration
Ventilation requirements
Vertical shift rate
Warnings
Timing modes
Trigger modes
cleaning
11
10
10
10
multiple trigger (Kinetics)
single trigger (Kinetics)
Troubleshooting
80
79
protective grounding
replacement power cord
touching the CCD array
Warranties
acquisition start but viewer contents do not update 84
baseline change
84
84
86
image intensifier detector
one year
one year on refurbished/discontinued products 129
owner's manual and troubleshooting
sealed chamber
software
vacuum integrity
XP vacuum chamber
x-ray detector
130
129
camera stops working
controller not responding
CoolCUBEII
air in hoses
low coolant
data loss
data overrun (hardware conflict)
data overrun message
Device is not found message
Device is Occupied
DMA buffer size
Error Creating Controller message
serial violation
Serial Violations message
shutter failure
131
130
130
130
129
130
131
132
58
58
62
58
29
86
86
88
88
89
89
90
88
90
88
92
90
your responsibility
Website
Well capacity
blooming
restrictions on hardware binning
saturation
Wizard, Camera Detection
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