Page 1 PI-MAX4 Camera System 4411-0139 Issue July 3, 2018...
Page 2 Windows and Windows Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. The information in this publication is believed to be accurate as of the publication release date. However, Princeton Instruments does not assume any responsibility for any consequences including any damages resulting from the use thereof. The information contained...
Page 3 • Added Section A.5, CCD Specifications. Issue 2 July 24, 2013 Issue 2 of this document incorporates the following changes: • Added Chapter 14, PI-MAX4: EM Family, and other EM-supporting information throughout the document; • Updated the Declarations of Conformity. Issue 1.B February 11, 2013 Issue 1.B of this document incorporates the following changes:...
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Page 5: Table Of Contents
PI-MAX4 System Components ........19 Summary of PI-MAX4 Data Acquisition ....... . .21 Safety Related Symbols Used in This Manual .
Page 6 ® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Chapter 4: First Light ..........47 Required Equipment and Cables .
Page 7 Table of Contents 5.14 LightField Experiment Setup ......... .90 5.14.1 Common Acquisition Settings Expander .
Page 8 ® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Chapter 8: Timing Generator........153 Pulse Set .
Page 9 13.2 Advantages of PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF ........196...
Page 10 Logic Out..........253 16.2.10 Mon RF Out [PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF only] ..... . . 253 16.2.11 Monitor .
Page 11 PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF Power Supply ........285...
Page 12: List Of Figures
Major Components of the Intensifier-CCD ..... . 21 Figure 2-1: Typical PI-MAX4 System Diagram......31 Figure 2-2: Typical PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF System Diagram .
Page 13 Timing Diagram: MCP Bracket Pulsing ......103 Figure 6-3: Typical PI-MAX4 Experiments.......104 Figure 6-4: Block/Timing Diagram: Swept Gate Experiment .
Page 14 Timing Diagram: MCP Bracket Pulsing ..... . . 131 Figure 7-3: Typical PI-MAX4 Experiments ......132 Figure 7-4: Block/Timing Diagram: Swept Gate Experiment .
Page 15 Figure 13-12: Typical Sort Phases Dialog: SPE File Specified ....211 Figure 13-13: PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF Rear Panel ......212...
Page 16 Figure 16-1: PI-MAX4 Rear Panel ........
Page 17: List Of Tables
Magnetic Screwdriver with Reversible Flat and Phillips Bit ..305 Figure G-2: Standard PI-MAX4 Mount Adapters......306 Figure G-3: Standard, IVUV, and NVUV Spectroscopy Mounts .
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Page 19: Chapter 1: Introduction
A number of different arrays are available to match the PI-MAX4 to the widest possible range of experimental requirements. In operation, data acquired by the camera is routed to the computer for processing and display.
Page 20 Issue 9 The following items are standard with all PI-MAX4 systems: • Camera The PI-MAX4 camera houses the CCD and intensifier and it supplies all of the high voltages needed to operate the intensifier (refer to Chapter 3, System Setup, for more information.)
Page 21: Summary Of Pi-Max4 Data Acquisition
600 V - 900 V 4411-0139_0001 In the PI-MAX4 camera, the input image is focused onto the photocathode of an image intensifier tube. The tube electronically amplifies the image and outputs it, much brighter, as gray-scaled green light. That light is then coupled to the CCD using a fused fiber-optic bundle from the output of the image intensifier to the front side of the CCD.
Page 22: Safety Related Symbols Used In This Manual
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 When the electrons exit the channels they are further accelerated by a constant high voltage (5-6 kV) and strike the phosphor coating on the fluorescent screen causing it to release photons. Because of the MCP gain, there are now many photons for each photon that struck the photocathode surface.
Page 23: Grounding And Safety
Introduction Grounding and Safety The PI-MAX4 and power supply are of Class I category as defined in IEC Publication 348 (Safety Requirements for Electronic Measuring Apparatus.) They are designed for indoor operation only. Before turning on the power supply, the ground prong of the power cord plug must be properly connected to the ground connector of the wall outlet.
Page 24: Intensifier Modes And Safety
1.4.2 Audible Alarm To reduce the risk of camera damage, the PI-MAX4 camera is equipped with an audible alarm in the camera, activated when the intensity of light falling on the image intensifier exceeds a preset threshold. While the alarm is sounding, the photocathode is disabled.
Page 25: High Intensity Light Damage
Always switch off and unplug the PI-MAX4 power supply before changing your system configuration in any way. Whenever you turn the PI-MAX4 power supply OFF, be sure to leave it OFF for at • least 30 seconds before switching it back ON. If you switch it ON too soon, a fault logic state is established that causes the overload alarm to sound continuously.
Page 26: Cleaning And Maintenance
4 System Manual Issue 9 Cleaning and Maintenance Although there is no periodic maintenance that is required to be performed on the PI-MAX4 camera, users are advised to wipe it down with a clean dust collecting cloth from time to time.
Page 27: About This Manual
1.8.2 Manual Organization This manual provides the user with all the information needed to install a PI-MAX4 Intensified CCD camera and place it in operation. Topics covered include a detailed description of the camera, installation and setup, first time data acquisition, tips and tricks, microscopy applications, temperature control and more.
Page 28 • Appendix D, Extender Bracket Kit, explains how to use this kit to mount the PI-MAX4 to any laboratory table with either 25 mm or 1 inch hole spacing. Appendix E, C- and F-Mount Information, discusses focusing of an F-mount •...
Page 29: Chapter 2: System Installation
6. With the PI-MAX4 power supply and computer power turned OFF, connect the Ethernet cable (GigE) to the PI-MAX4 and the interface card in the host computer. 7. Make the following connections based upon the type of system being setup: •...
Page 30 ® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Table 2-1: PI-MAX4 System Installation Procedure (Sheet 2 of 2) For additional information, refer Action to… 10. Turn on the computer and launch either LightField or WinX. Section 3.8, Configure Default Camera System Parameters, on page 44 When the computer boots, it may prompt for the location of interface drivers.
Page 31: System Configuration Diagrams
AUX I/O Cable Power Supply CoolCUBE II 100-240 Coolant Circulator* * Spectrograph, coolant circulator, and dry nitrogen tank connections are optional. 4411-0097_0003 Figure 2-2: Typical PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF System Diagram Computer GiGE Trigger In POWER Power 100-240 Supply PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF POWER...
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Page 33: Chapter 3: System Setup
During unpacking, check the system components for possible signs of shipping damage. If there are any, notify Princeton Instruments and file a claim with the carrier. Be sure to save the shipping carton for inspection by the carrier. If damage is not apparent but system specifications cannot be achieved, internal damage may have occurred in shipment.
Page 34: Checking The Equipment And Parts Inventory
PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Checking the Equipment and Parts Inventory Verify that all equipment and parts required to set up the PI-MAX4 system have been delivered. A typical system consists of: (Gen II or Filmless Gen III.) •...
Page 35: General System Requirements And Information
3.4.2 Power Specifications Camera: The PI-MAX4 camera receives its power from the self-switching power supply which in turn plugs into a source of AC power. Power Supply: The plug on the power cord supplied with the system should be compatible with the line-voltage outlets in common use in the region to which the system is shipped.
Page 36: Host Computer Specifications
Contact the factory to confirm specific requirements. The specifications listed are the MINIMUM required for a PI-MAX4 camera. A faster computer with 2 GB (or more) RAM and a fast hard drive (e.g., 10,000 rpm,) will greatly improve system performance during live mode operations.
Page 37: Lightfield Host Computer Requirements
Chapter 3 System Setup 3.4.3.2 LightField Host Computer Requirements When running LightField data acquisition software, the host computer must meet, or exceed, the following specifications: Operating System • 64-bit ® Windows Vista — ® Windows 7, 8.1, or 10. — ®...
Page 38: Mounting The Camera
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Mounting the Camera This section provides information necessary to mount PI-MAX4 camera for various applications. 3.5.1 Imaging Applications The camera is supplied with the lens mount specified when the system was ordered, normally either a screw-type C-mount lens or a bayonet type F-mount lens, allowing a lens of the corresponding type to be mounted quickly and easily.
Page 39: Spectroscopy Applications
In the correct orientation, the text on the back of the camera should be right side up. Take care not to block the ventilation openings. REFERENCES: For additional information, refer to: • Quick Start: Mounting a PI-MAX3 or PI-MAX4 (3.60 3-hole Slotted) to an Acton SpectraPro Series Spectrograph; • Quick Start: Princeton Instruments Camera with Slotted Flange to an IsoPlane SCT-320 Spectrograph;...
Page 40: Figure 3-1: Typical Winview/32 Setup Dialog
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure 3-1: Typical WinView/32 Setup Dialog 4411-0139_0005 Click N to continue with the installation, and continue to follow on-screen ext > prompts. Once the installation has been completed, connect the camera to the host computer and turn on the camera’s power supply.
Page 41: Lightfield Applications
Figure 3-2: Typical LightField InstallShield Wizard Dialog 4411-0139_0006 After the installation has been completed, reboot the computer. Connect the PI-MAX4 system components to the host computer and apply power. Launch LightField, activate it, and begin setting up your experiment. REFERENCES: For additional information, refer to Section 4.5, LightField...
Page 42: Connect The Circulator [Liquid-Cooled Cameras Only]
Reservoir Cap Coolant Ports 4411-0139_0007 Perform the following procedure to connect a PI-MAX4 to a CoolCUBE circulator: Make sure the camera and the circulator power switches are turned off. 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...
Page 43 Chapter 3 System Setup Plug the circulator into an appropriate power source (i.e., 100-240 V , 47-63 Hz.) 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 CoolCUBE particularly following start up and do not prevent proper operation.
Page 44: Configure Default Camera System Parameters
3.8.1 WinX (Versions 2.5.25.X or higher) Perform the following procedure to configure default WinX system parameters: Make sure the PI-MAX4 is connected to the host computer and that its power supply is turned ON. Launch the WinX application. will automatically run if this is the first time a •...
Page 45: Lightfield
System Setup 3.8.2 LightField Perform the following procedure to configure default LightField system parameters: Verify that PI-MAX4 is connected to the host computer, and that its power supply is turned on. NOTE: If configuring a spectroscopy system, the spectrograph must also be connected and turned on.
Page 46: Pi-Max ® 4 System Manual Issue
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 This page is intentionally blank.
Page 47: First Light
Gate Mode are addressed in the appropriate chapters. Required Equipment and Cables The equipment and cables listed below are required to set up and run the PI-MAX4 camera system in accordance with the procedures described in this chapter. Princeton Instruments PI-MAX4 camera with C-mount adapter;...
Page 48: Before Turning On The System
WARNING! Always begin with the lens stopped all the way down (largest f/ stop number) to minimize the risk of overloading the intensifier. Perform the following procedure to turn on a PI-MAX4 system: Turn on the PI-MAX4 power supply. NOTE: The PI-MAX4 overload alarm may sound briefly and then stop.
Page 49: Lightfield First Light Instructions
Chapter 4 First Light LightField First Light Instructions 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 gain basic familiarity with the operation of the system and to determine that it is functioning properly. Once basic familiarity has been established, operation with other operating configurations, ones with more complex timing modes, may be performed.
Page 50: Parameter Configuration
Once LightField has launched, an icon representing the camera should be visible within area. For example, in Figure 4-1, a PI-MAX4:1024i is shown. Available Devices Figure 4-1: LightField Desktop: Available Devices...
Page 51: Figure 4-2: Camera Icon In Experiment Devices Area
Chapter 4 First Light Drag the desired camera icon into the Experiment Devices area of the desktop. See Figure 4-2. Figure 4-2: Camera Icon in Experiment Devices Area Once a camera has been placed in the area, the Experiment Devices Experiment Settings stack on the left displays several expanders, including the SuperSYNCHRO Timing...
Page 52: Acquiring Data
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 4.5.4 Acquiring Data Perform the following procedure to verify the system’s ability to acquire data: Verify that the I.I.T. Power switch on the rear of the camera is in the position Verify that is selected on the Enable Intensifier Common Acquisition Settings...
Page 53: Figure 4-4: Typical Supersynchro Timing Expander
Chapter 4 First Light Open the SuperSYNCHRO Timing expander (located above the Status bar.) See Figure 4-4. Figure 4-4: Typical SuperSYNCHRO Timing Expander Configure the Gating parameters as desired. The list of configuration parameters varies depending on the specific selected. Refer to Table 4-1.
Page 54: Focusing
Acquire • If an image is displayed, PI-MAX4 is able to acquire an image. If the image is out of focus, reposition the target and/or rotate the lens. Click on Acquire to determine the degree to which the focus has changed.
Page 55: Winx First Light Instructions
Chapter 4 First Light WinX First Light Instructions This section provides step-by-step instructions for acquiring an imaging measurement in WinX 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.
Page 56: Figure 4-7: Typical Supersynchro Dialog: Trigger In Tab
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Select the radio button, and then click on the button. SuperSYNCHRO Setup Pulser… dialog is displayed, as shown in Figure 4-7. SuperSYNCHRO Figure 4-7: Typical SuperSYNCHRO Dialog: Trigger In Tab 4411-0139_0010 On the tab, verify the following settings: Trigger In •...
Page 57: Figure 4-9: Typical Repetitive Gating Setup Dialog
Chapter 4 First Light Click Setup… to display the Repetitive Gating Setup dialog, similar to that shown in Figure 4-9. Figure 4-9: Typical Repetitive Gating Setup Dialog 4411-0139_0012 Configure the following settings: 50 ms; • Gate Width: 10 ns; • Gate Delay: •...
Page 58: Figure 4-10: Typical Experiment Setup Dialog: Main Tab
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Configure the following parameters: Use Full Chip; • CCD Readout: • Intensifier Gain: Selected. • Gate Mode: Figure 4-10. Figure 4-10: Typical Experiment Setup Dialog: Main Tab 4411-0139_0013 Click on the tab. From the pull-down list of camera-specific frequencies, select a frequency that is Rate: closest to mid-range.
Page 59: Initial Data Acquisition
Perform the following procedure to begin initial data acquisition for a test image: NOTE: When using a C-mount lens, a PI-MAX4 will typically focus on an object at distance of approximately 9 inches [22.86 cm.] Verify that room or ambient lighting is subdued.
Page 60: Focusing
Figure 4-13: Sample Acquired Test Image 4411-0139_0016 Once it has been confirmed that the PI-MAX4 is able to acquire images, turn the PI-MAX4 I.I.T. switch OFF and close WinX. NOTE: If the PI-MAX4 will not be used with the lens, replace the C- mount lens with the screw-in dust cover provided with the C- mount adapter.
Page 61: Gate Mode Operation
The step-by-step procedures provided appropriate configuration settings without explaining why those settings had been selected. This chapter provides detailed information about factors affecting operation of a Gate Mode PI-MAX4 system including: Dark charge; • Clean cycles; •...
Page 62: Winx System On/Off Sequences
(WinView/32 or WinSpec/32) is opened to ensure communication between the controller and the computer. If the WinX application is opened and the PI-MAX4 power supply is off, many of the functions will be disabled and you will only be able to retrieve and examine previously acquired and stored data.
Page 63: Pre-Exposure Removal Of Accumulated Charge
To prevent this from happening, clean cycles repeatedly shift and discard any signal that has integrated on the PI-MAX4 array while it is waiting for a Start Acquisition command from the host computer.
Page 64: Cleaning
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 5.3.2 Cleaning The basic cleaning function is implemented by clean cycles. These cycles start when you turn the camera on and a clean pattern is programmed into the camera. Their purpose is to remove charge that accumulates on the array while the camera not acquiring data (i.e., exposing and reading out the array.) The timing diagram below is for an experiment set up to acquire three (3) images using Internal trigger mode selected on...
Page 65: Phosphor Decay Delay
This delay has no effect on the actual time it takes for the phosphor to decay. NOTE: In the case of an experiment using a PI-MAX4:1024i and a very short exposure time, artifacts will appear in the first frame unless the phosphor decay delay is set to 3 ms.
Page 66: Temperature Control
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure 5-3: WinX: Phosphor Decay Delay NTER HOSPHOR ECAY ELAY 4411-0139_0023 Figure 5-4: LightField: Phosphor Decay Delay Parameters Temperature Control WARNING! Under normal conditions, the front end of the camera is sealed and backfilled so there is no danger of damage due to condensation.
Page 67: Necessary Cooling Precautions
If water colder than the laboratory ambient temperature must be used, it is absolutely essential that the PI-MAX4 be operated where the humidity is low enough to prevent internal condensation. If the coolant is below the freezing temperature of water, use a mixture of 50% water and 50% ethylene glycol as the coolant.
Page 68: Exposure
5.6.1 Exposure with an Image Intensifier PI-MAX4 cameras use an image intensifier both to gate light on and off and to greatly increase the brightness of the image. In these cameras the image intensifier detects and amplifies the light, and the CCD is used for readout. The exposure programmed by software in this case refers to duration of gating of the intensifier.
Page 69: Saturation
Chapter 5 Gate Mode Operation • Fast Gate Tubes When using Fast Gate Tube and the programmed gate width is < 10 ns, the width of MONITOR pulse is approximately 2 ns wider than the intensifier ON time. • Slow Gate Tubes When using Slow Gate Tube the width of the pulse is approximately the MONITOR...
Page 70: Readout Of The Array
Depending on the experiment design, binning may also occur as part of the readout operation. For the PI-MAX4:1024i camera and WinX, dual port readout mode is selected • whenever full image readout is selected or when the region of interest (ROI) is defined to be horizontally symmetrical and centered.
Page 71: Interline Ccd Readout
Chapter 5 Gate Mode Operation 5.8.1 Interline CCD Readout In this section, a simple 6 x 3 pixel interline CCD, shown in Figure 5-5, is used to demonstrate how charge is shifted and digitized using a single port. Figure 5-5: Interline CCD Readout CCD Array Dual Port Readout Single Port Readout...
Page 72: Figure 5-6: Step 1: Non-Overlapped, Early Exposure
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure 5-6: Step 1: Non-Overlapped, Early Exposure 1 Empty Readout Register. Exposure has ended and image is being transferred to masked areas. Figure 5-7 shows the situation early in the readout cycle. The charge in the imaging areas has been transferred to the adjacent masked areas and up-shifting to the readout register has started.
Page 73: Figure 5-8: Step 3: Non-Overlapped, Transfer To Output Node
Chapter 5 Gate Mode Operation Figure 5-8: Step 3: Non-Overlapped, Transfer to Output Node 3 Charge from first pixel has been shifted to the Output Node. 4411-0139_0028 Figure 5-9 illustrates the end of the readout. Both the imaging and storage areas are empty.
Page 74: Full-Frame Ccd Readout
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 5.8.2 Full-Frame CCD Readout The following PI-MAX4 cameras use a full-frame architecture CCDs for data acquisition: • PI-MAX4: 1024f; PI-MAX4: 2048f; • PI-MAX4:1024x256. • Figure 5-10 illustrates the various stages of this process.
Page 75 Chapter 5 Gate Mode Operation After the accumulated charge has been shifted out of each pixel, the remaining charge is zero, meaning that the array is immediately ready for the next exposure. The equations that determine the rate at which the CCD can be read are described below. The time required to capture a full frame at full resolution is defined by: where: is the CCD readout time;...
Page 76: Binned Readout (Hardware Binning)
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 5.8.3 Binned Readout (Hardware Binning) Binning is the process of adding the charge from adjacent pixels together to form a single pixel (sometimes called a super-pixel,) and it can be accomplished in either hardware or software.
Page 77: Ccd Type And Readout Port(S)
Chapter 5 Gate Mode Operation 5.8.3.1 CCD Type and Readout Port(s) PI-MAX4 cameras are equipped with either a full frame, frame transfer, or interline CCD. Depending on the specific CCD architecture used, single or dual/single port readout is supported. REFERENCES:...
Page 78: Figure 5-12: Dual Port Readout: Lightfield Setting, 2X2 Binning, Interline Ccd
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure 5-12 shows the LightField expander for full sensor 2 x2 binning. Region of Interest Figure 5-12: Dual Port Readout: LightField Setting, 2x2 Binning, Interline CCD Figure 5-13 shows an example of single port operation for a full frame array. Figure 5-13: Single Port Readout: 2 ×...
Page 79: Figure 5-14: Experiment Setup: Roi Configuration Dialog
WinX and Partial Frame ROI Binning Regardless of the type of array (i.e., full-frame or interline,) when setting up a partial frame ROI, keep in mind that for the PI-MAX4 the number of pixels in the serial (horizontal) direction must be evenly divisible by 4, even after binning...
Page 80: Lightfield And Partial Frame Roi Binning
Figure 5-15. Figure 5-15: Typical Edit Regions of Interest Window The ROI illustrated has been created for a PI-MAX4:1024i using dual port readout. Because the ROI is not centered horizontally, an is shown. Left-clicking on the Experiment Conflict icon displays a pop-up window in which detailed information about the conflict is provided.
Page 81: Figure 5-16: Single Port Readout: Partial Frame, 2×2 Binning, Interline Ccd
Chapter 5 Gate Mode Operation Figure 5-16: Single Port Readout: Partial Frame, 2×2 Binning, Interline CCD Empty Readout Register. Exposure has ended Charges from two masked areas in each column have and image has been shifted to masked area been shifted to Readout Register and added. of each pixel.
Page 82: Software Binning
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure 5-17: Dual Port Readout: LightField Settings, 5×3 Binning, Interline CCD Software Binning Software binning is a software-averaging post-acquisition process that can be performed on either non-binned or hardware-binned data. This type of binning can improve the S/N ratio by as much as the square root of the number of binned pixels.
Page 83: Controller Gain {Analog Gain
During readout, an analog signal representing the charge of each pixel (or binned group of pixels) is digitized. The number of bits per pixel is 16. Some PI-MAX4 cameras are equipped with two complete analog channels, including separate A/D converters. 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.
Page 84: Logic Out Control
See Figure 5-18. Camera Trigger Figure 5-18: Typical PI-MAX4 Hardware Setup Dialog Valid configuration settings for LOGIC OUT are: Acquiring {Acquiring} • After a start acquisition command, this output changes state on completion of the array cleaning cycles that precede the first exposure. Initially low, it goes high to mark the beginning of the first exposure.
Page 85 Chapter 5 Gate Mode Operation • Image Shift {Shifting Under Mask} Driven high (logic 1) as a detected image is shifted under the mask. Specific signal timing is CCD-dependent as follows: Interline CCD — Driven high (logic 1) as the entire image is shifted under the CCD mask. —...
Page 86: Winx Experiment Setup
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 5.13 WinX Experiment Setup This section provides information about configuring an experiment using the WinX application software. 5.13.1 Main Tab Within WinX, experiment setup parameters are typically configured on the Experiment Setup —> Main tab.
Page 87: Timing Tab
Chapter 5 Gate Mode Operation • Intensifier Gain The Intensifier gain setting provides continuous adjustment over a range of 1 to 100. Gain is approximately proportional to the number entered: 100 corresponds to the maximum gain, or 100%; — 1 corresponds to approximately 1% of the maximum gain. —...
Page 88: Figure 5-22: Fast Mode/Slow Mode Flow Charts
• Fast Mode/Safe Mode In WinX, the Fast Mode or Safe Mode selection determines whether the PI-MAX4 will run the experiment according to the experiment timing, with no interruptions from the computer, or the computer will interrupt the acquisition flow to process each frame as it is received.
Page 89 Fast mode is primarily used for collecting “real-time” sequences of experimental data, where timing is critical and events cannot be missed. Once the PI-MAX4 has been issued the Start Acquisition 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.
Page 90: Lightfield Experiment Setup
5.14 LightField Experiment Setup Initial experiment setup for LightField is an easy process. If the PI-MAX4 is powered on when LightField is launched, the camera will automatically be detected and its icon will be placed in area. When the camera icon is dragged into the...
Page 91: Figure 5-24: Typical Advanced Intensifier Dialog
Chapter 5 Gate Mode Operation From this expander, the following parameters are configured: • Frames to Save Configures how many images will be acquired. • On-CCD Accumulations Configures whether multiple frames will be used to create a single frame. • Exposures per Frame Configures whether multiple exposures will occur while a frame is being acquired.
Page 92: Region Of Interest Expander
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 5.14.2 Region of Interest Expander Figure 5-25 illustrates a typical Region of Interest expander. Figure 5-25: Typical Region of Interest Expander expander is used to configure how much of the total sensor image Region of Interest area will be used to acquire the data (i.e., full sensor, or one or more regions of interest.) Hardware or software binning are configured on this expander.
Page 93: Trigger Expander
External triggering requires that an external trigger be defined so LightField will be able to recognize it when it occurs at the BNC on the rear of the TRIGGER IN PI-MAX4 device. In addition, the logic level for the signal is also defined on this expander. LOGIC OUT...
Page 94: Supersynchro Timing Expander
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 5.14.4 SuperSYNCHRO Timing Expander expander is located at the bottom of the LightField desktop. Super SYNCHRO Timing Figure 5-28. NOTE: The top of the SuperSYNCHRO Timing expander can be: • Dragged up to view more of the SuperSYNCHRO panel;...
Page 95 Chapter 5 Gate Mode Operation This expander is used to access and configure parameters such as: • Gating Mode Valid values for PI-MAX4 are: Repetitive; — Sequential; — — DIF. • Gate Delay • Gate Width • AUX Output Delay •...
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Page 97: Chapter 6: Lightfield And Gated Operation
Chapter 6: LightField and Gated Operation This chapter discusses gated operation with the SuperSYNCHRO™ timing generator as well as aspects of PI-MAX4 operation that are not covered in Chapter 4, First Light. Chapter 15, Tips and Tricks, should also be reviewed since it provides helpful information about how to achieve desired results when performing more complex measurements.
Page 98: Safety Precautions
It is normal for an alarm to sound briefly when the system is initially turned on. To reduce the risk of camera damage, the PI-MAX4 camera is equipped with an audible alarm in the camera head, activated when the intensity of light falling on the image intensifier exceeds a preset threshold.
Page 99: Timing Mode
Main determine how data will be processed. Integrating multiple events on the CCD really brings the power of the PI-MAX4 to bear on low-light gate-mode experiments. If the experiment allows, many pulses can be summed on the CCD with no pulse artifacts in the readout.
Page 100: Micro-Channel Plate (Mcp) Bracket Pulsing
By bracket pulsing the MCP off (in addition to photocathode gating,) the on/off ratio of the Gen II PI-MAX4 in UV is improved by two to three orders of magnitude. The resulting UV ratio exceeds even the high levels normally achieved in the visible. Applications that benefit from this new approach include LIF and nanosecond pump-probe experiments.
Page 101: Bracket Pulsing In Lif Measurements
MIE, Raman) or unwanted fast fluorescence. Because these usually fall below the MCP bracket pulsing 35 ns delay restriction, these measurements cannot be improved much by MCP bracket pulsing in the PI-MAX4. Electrically, gating the MCP will only reduce leakage at wavelengths where the MCP has photoelectric response (primarily in the UV.) Thus, for visible and NIR wavelengths where...
Page 102: Impact Of Bracket Pulsing On Delay
Note that background light need not be the limiting factor in measurements where MCP bracket pulsing is unable to provide the required degree of rejection. In such measurements, the option remains of installing an external shutter ahead of the PI-MAX4. 6.4.4...
Page 103: Configuration
Chapter 6 LightField and Gated Operation 6.4.5 Configuration MCP Bracket pulse implementation is enabled by selecting Bracket Pulsing ON from within the host software. Figure 6-2 illustrates the timing diagram for bracket pulsing. NOTE: Because Intensifiers do not respond in the UV, bracket Gen III pulsing is not available for these intensifiers.
Page 104: Experiments
Fast (ns) F.O. delay array 2 ns to 100 ns 4411-0139_0049 Most gated measurements that can be performed with a PI-MAX4 will fall in one of the following categories: • Static Gate This type of experiment may also be referred to as “Repetitive-Continuous.” There is a repetitive trigger, and the Gate Width and Gate Delay are fixed.
Page 105: Swept Gate Experiment [Fixed Width, Variable Delay]
Since the strobe does not have a “pre-trigger” out, an electrical trigger is generated by using a photodiode. Output from the photodiode is connected to the Trigger In BNC on the PI-MAX4. Perform the following procedure to time-resolve a Xenon light flash from a commercially available strobe light: Setup all equipment as illustrated in Figure 6-4.
Page 106: Figure 6-4: Block/Timing Diagram: Swept Gate Experiment
4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure 6-4: Block/Timing Diagram: Swept Gate Experiment Computer 110/220 GigE 96 – 264 Trigger In Power PI-MAX4 Spectrograph Supply Photodiode Trigger In ~12 nS remains high for the duration of the pulse ensemble * Photocathode Gating...
Page 107: Figure 6-6: Typical Sensor Cleaning Dialog
Chapter 6 LightField and Gated Operation On the Sensor expander, click on the Sensor Cleaning button to configure the desired cleaning parameters. See Figure 6-6. Figure 6-6: Typical Sensor Cleaning Dialog If a Restore to Default button is displayed on the dialog, click it to restore the associated parameter to its default value.
Page 108: Figure 6-8: Typical Spectrometer Expanders
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 When using an Acton SpectraPro Series spectrograph, verify it was turned on when LightField was launched. If using an LS-785, an icon should be shown in the Available Devices area. When the spectrograph icon is dragged into the area, the Experiment Devices expander is added to the...
Page 109: Figure 6-9: Typical Regions Of Interest Expander: Full Sensor
Chapter 6 LightField and Gated Operation On the Regions of Interest expander, select Full Sensor . See Figure 6-9. Figure 6-9: Typical Regions of Interest Expander: Full Sensor Verify that the camera is operating and is properly focused by running it in “Internal Trigger”...
Page 110: Figure 6-10: Typical Common Acquisition Settings Expander
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure 6-10: Typical Common Acquisition Settings Expander On the expander, configure the following Analog to Digital Conversion parameters: • Speed • Analog Gain Figure 6-11. Figure 6-11: Typical Analog to Digital Conversion Expander...
Page 111: Figure 6-12: Typical Trigger Expander
Chapter 6 LightField and Gated Operation On the Trigger expander, configure the following parameters as indicated: • Trigger Source Internal Figure 6-12. Figure 6-12: Typical Trigger Expander Verify the ambient light level is low. Adjust the light level as required. If necessary, click on the tab and then click View...
Page 112: Figure 6-13: Typical Regions Of Interest Expander: Full Sensor Binned
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure 6-13: Typical Regions of Interest Expander: Full Sensor Binned On the expander, configure the following Trigger In parameters as indicated: Trigger • Source External • Threshold • Coupling ; • Termination • Trigger Determined By Rising Edge Figure...
Page 113: Figure 6-14: Trigger Expander: External Trigger Source Configuration
Chapter 6 LightField and Gated Operation Figure 6-14: Trigger Expander: External Trigger Source Configuration Open the expander (located above the Status bar.) SuperSYNCHRO Timing Figure 6-15.
Page 114: Figure 6-15: Typical Supersynchro Timing Expander
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure 6-15: Typical SuperSYNCHRO Timing Expander Perform the following procedure to configure gate timing parameters as indicated: a. Mode: Sequential If using a Gen II intensifier, deselect for this experiment. Enable Bracket Pulsing Perform the following procedure to configure the pulse sequence: •...
Page 115: Figure 6-16: Typical Supersynchro Timing: Syncmaster On
The AUX I/O frequency for the SyncMASTER outputs may then be configured, as well as the AUX Output signal at the AUX OUT connector on the rear of the PI-MAX4. When is enabled, the output of the SyncMASTER1 •...
Page 116: Figure 6-17: Typical Experiment Results: Frame Cross Section
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 After verifying all connections and equipment readiness, collapse the SuperSYNCHRO expander. Timing If necessary, click on the View tab to bring it to the front, and click on Acquire to begin acquiring spectra or images. NOTE: The photocathode is biased on only for the time that each gate pulse is applied.
Page 117: Syncmaster1 Supplies The Master Clock
Internal Trigger • SyncMASTER is enabled; A cable is required between the PI-MAX4 AUX I/O cable SyncMASTER1 BNC • and the light source (i.e., experiment,) for triggering the event. See Figure 6-18 Figure 6-18: Block Diagram: SyncMASTER1 as Master Clock...
Page 118: Single Shot Experiment
Photodiode (light -> TTL pulse) A minimum of 21 ft of fiber optic cable is Photodiode -> PI-MAX4 (2 ft BNC cable) required. PI-MAX4 In this experiment, cable lengths are kept to a minimum so that the length of the fiber optic cable required may also be minimized.
Page 119: Figure 6-21: Cleaning Cycles, Cleaning And Skipping Expander
Figure 6-21. Skipping NOTE: If PI-MAX4 has to wait more than a few seconds for an external trigger, it is advisable to increase the number of cleans. Figure 6-21: Cleaning Cycles, Cleaning and Skipping Expander The sequence of operations is similar to that for Sequential experiments. After focusing the camera on the fluorescing sample, an appropriate is configured.
Page 120: Figure 6-22: Common Acquisition Settings Expander: Intensifier Gain
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure 6-22: Common Acquisition Settings Expander: Intensifier Gain should be configured so that the intensifier is gated during Gate Width Gate Delay the entire event. For example, in this case the event is a 60 ns fluorescence. See Figure 6-23.
Page 121: Figure 6-23: Typical Repetitive Gating Setup: 100 Ns Width, 25 Ns Delay
Chapter 6 LightField and Gated Operation Figure 6-23: Typical Repetitive Gating Setup: 100 ns Width, 25 ns Delay...
Page 122: Figure 6-24: Single Shot Result: Fluorescence Spot, Width = 100 Ns
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure 6-24 shows the result of this experiment. Figure 6-24: Single Shot Result: Fluorescence Spot, Width = 100 ns, Delay = 10 ns...
Page 123: Figure 6-25: Single Shot Result: Fluorescence Spot, Width = 100 Ns
Chapter 6 LightField and Gated Operation Figure 6-25 shows the peak obtained by binning the entire region around the fluorescence spot in the vertical direction. Figure 6-25: Single Shot Result: Fluorescence Spot, Width = 100 ns, Delay = 10 ns, Binned Vertically...
Page 124: Swept Gate Experiment [Variable Width, Variable Delay]
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 6.5.3 Swept Gate Experiment [Variable Width, Variable Delay] The procedure for conducting a Swept Gate experiment with variable width and variable delay is the same as that for conducting a Swept Gate experiment with fixed width and variable delay with the following parameter configuration changes: value does not equal value;...
Page 125: Chapter 7: Winx And Gated Operation
Chapter 7: WinX and Gated Operation This chapter discusses gated operation with the SuperSYNCHRO™ timing generator as well as aspects of PI-MAX4 operation that are not covered in Chapter 4, First Light. Chapter 15, Tips and Tricks, should also be reviewed since it provides helpful information about how to achieve desired results when performing more complex measurements.
Page 126: Safety Precautions
4 System Manual Issue 9 Safety Precautions When biased ON, intensified CCD cameras such as the PI-MAX4 can be permanently damaged if continuously exposed to light levels exceeding twice the A/D saturation level. It that a camera be operated under lighting conditions which may damage the critical intensifier.
Page 127: Alarms
It is normal for an alarm to sound briefly when the system is initially turned on. To reduce the risk of camera damage, the PI-MAX4 camera is equipped with an audible alarm in the camera head, activated when the intensity of light falling on the image intensifier exceeds a preset threshold.
Page 128: Micro-Channel Plate (Mcp) Bracket Pulsing
Main determine how data will be processed. Integrating multiple events on the CCD really brings the power of the PI-MAX4 to bear on low-light gate-mode experiments. If the experiment allows, many pulses can be summed on the CCD with no pulse artifacts in the readout.
Page 129: Bracket Pulsing In Lif Measurements
By bracket pulsing the MCP off (in addition to photocathode gating,) the on/off ratio of the Gen II PI-MAX4 in UV is improved by two to three orders of magnitude. The resulting UV ratio exceeds even the high levels normally achieved in the visible. Applications that benefit from this new approach include LIF and nanosecond pump-probe experiments.
Page 130: Bracket Pulsing In Nanosecond Pump Probe Experiments
Note that background light need not be the limiting factor in measurements where MCP bracket pulsing is unable to provide the required degree of rejection. In such measurements, the option remains of installing an external shutter ahead of the PI-MAX4.
Page 131: Impact Of Bracket Pulsing On Delay
Chapter 7 WinX and Gated Operation 7.4.4 Impact of Bracket Pulsing on Delay If operating in the UV when bracket pulsing is activated (Gen II Intensifier only,) the MCP gate automatically brackets the photocathode gate pulse to further enhance the on/off ratio. There is, however, a limitation of bracket pulsing that can complicate the coincidence of the signal and gate at the camera.
Page 132: Experiments
Fast (ns) F.O. delay array 2 ns to 100 ns 4411-0139_0049 Most gated measurements that can be performed with a PI-MAX4 will fall in one of the following categories: • Static Gate This type of experiment may also be referred to as “Repetitive-Continuous.” There is a repetitive trigger, and the Gate Width and Gate Delay are fixed.
Page 133: Swept Gate Experiment [Fixed Width, Variable Delay]
Since the strobe does not have a “pre-trigger” out, an electrical trigger is generated by using a photodiode. Output from the photodiode is connected to the BNC on the Trigger In PI-MAX4. Perform the following procedure to time-resolve a Xenon light flash from a commercially available strobe light: Setup all equipment as illustrated in Figure 7-4.
Page 134: Figure 7-4: Block/Timing Diagram: Swept Gate Experiment
PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure 7-4: Block/Timing Diagram: Swept Gate Experiment GigE 96-264 PI-MAX4 Photodiode Trigger In ~12 ns Aux Out Delay is programmable. * Level changes for T0 depend on the pulse sequence(s) defined by the user.
Page 135: Figure 7-5: Typical Hardware Setup Dialog
Chapter 7 WinX and Gated Operation Figure 7-5: Typical Hardware Setup Dialog 4411-0139_0023 Click on the tab. Cleans/Skips Click the button. Load Default Values Click to save the configuration information and dismiss the Hardware Setup dialog. From the menu bar, select Setup —>...
Page 136: Figure 7-6: Typical Winspec/32 Installation Sequence: Acton 300I
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 If using a spectrograph, configure the spectrograph properties by using the menu items on the Spectrograph menu (WinSpec/32 only.) NOTE: If the spectrograph being used has not yet been installed, click Install/Remove Spectrograph to install the hardware prior to configuring any parameters.
Page 137: Figure 7-7: Typical Move Spectrograph Dialog
Chapter 7 WinX and Gated Operation After the spectrograph and been installed and configured, move the grating to the desired wavelength. See Figure 7-7. Figure 7-7: Typical Move Spectrograph Dialog 4411-0139_0052 Verify that the camera is operating and is properly focused by running it in Internal mode.
Page 138: Figure 7-9: Typical Experiment Setup Dialog: Timing Tab
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Within the section, configure the following parameters: Intensifier Select [radio button]; • Gate Mode : Between 0 and 100. • Gain Configure MCP Gain for between 0 and 100. Click the tab, and configure the following parameters: Timing [radio button].
Page 139: Figure 7-10: Typical Experiment Setup Dialog: Adc Tab
Chapter 7 WinX and Gated Operation Click the tab, and configure the following parameters: : Configure an appropriate rate from the pull-down menu. • Rate Figure 7-10: Typical Experiment Setup Dialog: ADC Tab 4411-0139_0014 Click the tab, and configure parameters for the appropriate ROI. ROI Setup Figure 7-11.
Page 140: Figure 7-12: Typical Winx Pulsers Dialog
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Click to save all configuration information and dismiss the Experiment Setup dialog. From the Setup pull-down menu, select Pulsers dialog is displayed, similar to that shown in Figure 7-12. Pulsers Figure 7-12: Typical WinX Pulsers Dialog 4411-0139_0009 Select the radio button, and then click on the...
Page 141: Figure 7-14: Typical Winx Pulsers Dialog
Chapter 7 WinX and Gated Operation Click on Focus has been configured to , data • Readout Mode Use Region of Interest acquisition will immediately begin. If, however, has been configured to , the • Readout Mode Use Full Chip system will display a pop-up dialog asking if this setting should be changed Use Region of Interest before entering focus mode.
Page 142: Figure 7-16: Typical Supersynchro Dialog: Gating Tab
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Click on the tab to configure the following parameters: Gating [radio button]; • Mode Sequential [available for Gen II Intensifiers ONLY]. • Bracket Pulsing Figure 7-16. Figure 7-16: Typical SuperSYNCHRO Dialog: Gating Tab VAILABLE II I NTENSIFIERS...
Page 143: Figure 7-18: Typical View Width/Delay Sequence Dialog
Chapter 7 WinX and Gated Operation Configure the following Sequential Gating parameters: to be acquired (e.g., 41); • Number of Spectra [radio button] • Increment Type Fixed • Gate Width Start This is the desired initial Gate Width. Both numeric value (e.g., ,) and an associated unit (e.g., ,) must be µsec...
Page 144: Figure 7-19: Typical Supersynchro Dialog: Trigger Out Tab
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Click on the tab to configure the following parameters: Trigger Out • SyncMASTER Trigger Out When (i.e., checked,) the frequency of the output Enabled SyncMASTER1 is the same as the frequency of the Trigger In signal.
Page 145: Figure 7-20: Experiment Setup: Timing Tab
Chapter 7 WinX and Gated Operation Configure experiment parameters from the Experiment Setup dialog. Click on the tab and configure the timing as shown in Figure 7-20. Timing Figure 7-20: Experiment Setup: Timing Tab 4411-0139_0053 Click on the tab, select , and enter the desired Main Gate Mode...
Page 146: Figure 7-22: Typical Experiment Results Shown In 3-D
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 After verifying all connections and equipment readiness, click on to begin Acquire acquiring spectra or images. Figure 7-22 illustrates a 3-D graph obtained for a Sequential-Repetitive experiment with Fixed Width and Variable Delay. See Figure 7-15 through Figure 7-18...
Page 147: Syncmaster1 Supplies The Master Clock
Internal Trigger • SyncMASTER is enabled; A cable is required between the PI-MAX4 AUX I/O cable SyncMASTER1 BNC • and the light source (i.e., experiment,) for triggering the event. See Figure 7-23 Figure 7-23: Block Diagram: SyncMASTER1 as Master Clock...
Page 148: Single Shot Experiment
Photodiode (light -> TTL pulse) A minimum of 21 ft of fiber optic cable is Photodiode -> PI-MAX4 (2 ft BNC cable) required. PI-MAX4 In this experiment, cable lengths are kept to a minimum so that the length of the fiber optic cable required may also be minimized.
Page 149: Figure 7-26: Hardware Setup Dialog: Cleans/Skips Tab
Chapter 7 WinX and Gated Operation Once the equipment has been set up, default values for Cleans/Skips are configured. See Figure 7-26. NOTE: If the CCD has to wait more than a few seconds for an external trigger, it is advisable to increase the number of cleans. Figure 7-26: Hardware Setup Dialog: Cleans/Skips Tab 4411-0139_0065 The sequence of operations is similar to that for Sequential experiments.
Page 150: Figure 7-27: Experiment Setup Dialog: Main Tab
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure 7-27: Experiment Setup Dialog: Main Tab 4411-0139_0013 should be configured so that the intensifier is gated during Gate Width Gate Delay the entire event. For example, in this case the event is a 60 ns fluorescence. See Figure 7-28.
Page 151: Figure 7-29: Single Shot Result: Fluorescence Spot, Width = 100 Ns
Chapter 7 WinX and Gated Operation Figure 7-29 shows the result of this experiment. Figure 7-29: Single Shot Result: Fluorescence Spot, Width = 100 ns, Delay = 10 ns 4411-0139_0067 Figure 7-30 shows the peak obtained by binning the entire region around the fluorescence spot in the vertical direction.
Page 152: Swept Gate Experiment [Variable Width, Variable Delay]
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 7.5.3 Swept Gate Experiment [Variable Width, Variable Delay] The procedure for conducting a Swept Gate experiment with variable width and variable delay is the same as that for conducting a Swept Gate experiment with fixed width and variable delay with the following parameter configuration changes: value does not equal value;...
Page 153: Chapter 8: Timing Generator
Chapter 8: Timing Generator This chapter describes the internal timing generator for the PI-MAX4. Pulse Set A Pulse Set comprises the following signals: MCP_GATE; • START; • STOP; • AUX1; • SyncMASTER. • START and STOP define the photocathode gate pulse. See Figure 8-1.
Page 154: Supported Timing Generator Trigger Modes
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 8.1.1 Supported Timing Generator Trigger Modes The pulse set is initiated by its own trigger (either internal or external.) Trigger per Pulse: Figure 8-2. Figure 8-2: Timing Diagram: Trigger Per Pulse TRIGGER PULSE SET PULSES EXPOSE EXPOSE...
Page 155: Supported Timing Generator Trigger Modes
When the timing generator completes its task(s), control is then returned to the camera FPGA. Exposure Ended. • This time stamp indicates the time when the timing generator returns control to the camera FPGA. The resolution for PI-MAX4 time stamps is 1 S.
Page 156 ® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 This page is intentionally blank.
Page 157: Chapter 9: Lightfield And Dual Image Feature
LightField and Dual Image Feature The purpose of the PI-MAX4 Dual Image Feature (DIF) is to acquire a pair of gated images in rapid succession. The time between frames can be as short as 450 ns: the second image will have some remnants from the first image due to the longer persistence of the P46 phosphor.
Page 158: Interline Ccd Operation
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 must be a multiple of two (2) and is configured on the Frames to Save Common expander. See Figure 9-2. Acquisitions Settings Figure 9-2: Common Acquisition Settings Expander In addition, it is recommended that the intensifier have a fast decay phosphor (P46.) Since DIF operation involves acquiring images in rapid succession, phosphor persistence can become the limiting factor in the rate of image acquisition.
Page 159: Trigger Setup
Chapter 9 LightField and Dual Image Feature Trigger Setup Triggering for DIF operation is configured on the and the Trigger SuperSYNCHRO Timing expanders. Trigger configuration begins by selecting the desired Trigger Response , both of which are found on the expander.
Page 160: Trigger Source
W1: Pulse 1 Gate Width W2: Pulse 2 Gate Width 9.3.2 Trigger Source Trigger(s) can either be internally generated by the PI-MAX4 or can be generated by an external source connected to the connector on the rear of the camera. TRIGGER IN...
Page 161: External Trigger Source
, additional configuration parameters are Trigger Source External required in order to allow the PI-MAX4 to be triggered from an external source. See Figure 9-7. Figure 9-7: Trigger Expander: External Trigger Source The additional configuration parameters required for an External source are: •...
Page 162: Using Pre-Trigger
Section A.6, AUX I/O Interface, on page 270 for complete information. When a PI-MAX4 1024i receives a Pre-Trigger pulse it performs the two actions described above. An adequately delayed trigger pulse then follows which triggers the Timing Generator and Intensifier Gate, and image data is acquired.
Page 163: Figure 9-8: Trigger Expander
Chapter 9 LightField and Dual Image Feature Within LighField, the nominal delay from the Pre-Trigger pulse to the event of interest is configured on the expander. When the trigger is configured to be Trigger Source External is enabled, the nominal delay, which must be ≥ 86 S, is configured Anticipate Trigger parameter, and the actual delay must be within 2 S of this in the...
Page 164: Figure 9-10: Timing Diagram: Pre-Trigger, Dual Trigger (Shiftper Trigger)
Trigger input(s) are independently generated using two external trigger sources. Therefore the PI-MAX4 1024i has no knowledge of, or control over, the timing of when these signals are received with respect to one another. Proper DIF operation is dependent upon the completion of the first image acquisition cycle, including sufficient phosphor decay time, before the acquired first frame of image data is shifted behind the mask.
Page 165: Figure 9-12: Timing Diagram: Pre-Trigger With Very Late Input Trigger
Chapter 9 LightField and Dual Image Feature Because the Shift Behind Mask operation occurs during the acquisition of the first frame of image intensity data, not all Frame 1 data are shifted. Consequently, the unshifted data are then added to the subsequent Frame 2 image data, resulting in: An incomplete/erroneous set of Frame 1 data;...
Page 166: Configure A Single-Trigger Dif Acquisition
PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Configure a Single-Trigger DIF Acquisition The operation of the PI-MAX4 in DIF mode is similar to standard operation of a PI-MAX4 with . This section describes the minor operational differences SuperSYNCHRO Timing that are due to the special timing modes required for DIF.
Page 167 LightField and Dual Image Feature Perform the following procedure to configure a single trigger DIF acquisition: The PI-MAX4 camera must be aligned and focused on the area of interest for this experiment. This is best accomplished while the PI-MAX4 is operating in Full Frame readout mode (i.e., before switching to...
Page 168: Configure A Dual-Trigger Dif Acquisition
When ready, click to start image acquisition. Acquire Configure a Dual-Trigger DIF Acquisition The operation of a PI-MAX4 in DIF mode is similar to the standard operation of a PI-MAX4 with SuperSYNCHRO Timing . This section describes the minor operational differences that are due to the special timing modes required for DIF.
Page 169: Figure 9-16: Timing Diagram: Dual-Trigger Dif Acquisition
W2: Pulse 2 Gate Width Perform the following procedure to configure a dual-trigger DIF acquisition: The PI-MAX4 camera must be aligned and focused on the area of interest for this experiment. This is best accomplished while the PI-MAX4 is operating in Full Frame readout mode (i.e., before switching to...
Page 170 , but can be delayed Internal Trigger Frequency from 0 ns to 999,700 ns, in 100 ns increments. Verify that the I.I.T. power switch on the rear of the PI-MAX4 is in the position, and that has been checked on the Enable Intensifier Common Acquisition Settings expander.
Page 171: Tips And Tricks
LightField and Dual Image Feature Tips and Tricks Experiments using the DIF feature of the PI-MAX4 can be complex, and timing of the events is usually rather exacting. Here are several points to consider that may make the experiment setup or troubleshooting much smoother and easier.
Page 172 ® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9...
Page 173: Chapter 10: Winx And Dual Image Feature
Chapter 10: WinX and Dual Image Feature The purpose of PI-MAX4 Dual Image Feature (DIF) is to acquire a pair of gated images in rapid succession with delay time between two images as short as 450 ns. The second image will have some remnants from the first image due to the longer persistence of the P46 phosphor.
Page 174: Timing Modes
Dual Trig. Mode Two shot, each shot requires a trigger. The trigger(s) can be generated by an external source connected to the PI-MAX4 or the PI-MAX4 can generate the trigger(s) internally. In WinX, DIF readout is selected on the tab. The timing mode (single or dual trigger) is Hardware Setup —>...
Page 175: Operation
WinX and Dual Image Feature 10.4.3 Operation The operation of the PI-MAX4 in DIF mode is similar to standard operation of a PI-MAX4 with SuperSYNCHRO. This section describes the minor operational differences that are due to the special timing modes required for DIF.
Page 176: Figure 10-3: Winx Hardware Setup Dialog: Controller/Camera Tab
4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure 10-3: WinX Hardware Setup Dialog: Controller/Camera Tab 4411-0139_0092 After the alignment and focus, the PI-MAX4 system needs to be put into DIF mode. On tab, select Setup —> Hardware Setup —> Controller/Camera Dual Image...
Page 177: Figure 10-5: Winx Experiment Setup Dialog: Timing Tab
Chapter 10 WinX and Dual Image Feature On the Acquisition —> Experiment Setup… —> Timing tab, verify that Single Trig. is the selected timing mode. Additionally, is recommended Mode Continuous Cleans for DIF. See Figure 10-5. Figure 10-5: WinX Experiment Setup Dialog: Timing Tab 4411-0139_0094 From the Setup...
Page 178: Figure 10-7: Winx Supersynchro Dialog: Gating Tab
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Click on the Gating tab, select DIF Gating , and click on the Setup button. See Figure 10-7. Figure 10-7: WinX SuperSYNCHRO Dialog: Gating Tab 4411-0139_0095 On the dialog, enter the desired times. DIF Gating Setup Gate Width Gate Delay...
Page 179: Figure 10-9: Winx Supersynchro Dialog: Trigger In Tab
Chapter 10 WinX and Dual Image Feature Click on the Trigger In tab, and select Internal External triggering. When using External triggering, verify the trigger characteristics match the active trigger edge, etc., for the trigger pulse being used. Figure 10-9. Figure 10-9: WinX SuperSYNCHRO Dialog: Trigger In Tab 4411-0139_0010 If required, click on the...
Page 180: Configure A Dual Trigger Dif Experiment
10.5.3 Operation The operation of the PI-MAX4 in DIF mode is similar to the standard operation of a PI-MAX4 with SuperSYNCHRO. There are only a few differences due to the special timing modes of DIF, and they will be outlined here.
Page 181: Figure 10-12:Timing Diagram: Dif Operation, Dual Trigger
4411-0139_0097 Perform the following procedure to configure a dual trigger DIF experiment: The PI-MAX4 camera must be aligned and focused on the area of interest for this experiment. This is best accomplished while the PI-MAX4 is operating in Interline mode (i.e., before switching to DIF mode.)
Page 182: Figure 10-14:Winx Experiment Setup Dialog: Main Tab
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 After the alignment and focus, the PI-MAX4 system needs to be put into DIF mode. On tab, select Setup —> Hardware Setup —> Controller/Camera Dual Image as the , and then click Feature...
Page 183: Figure 10-15:Winx Experiment Setup Dialog: Timing Tab
Chapter 10 WinX and Dual Image Feature Figure 10-15:WinX Experiment Setup Dialog: Timing Tab 4411-0139_0098 From the Setup menu, select Pulsers . See Figure 10-16. Figure 10-16:WinX Pulsers Dialog 4411-0139_0009 Select SuperSYNCHRO , and click the Setup Pulser button to display the SuperSYNCHRO dialog.
Page 184: Figure 10-17:Winx Supersynchro Dialog: Gating Tab
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Click on the tab, select , and click on the button. See Gating DIF Gating Setup Figure 10-17. Figure 10-17:WinX SuperSYNCHRO Dialog: Gating Tab 4411-0139_0095 On the dialog, enter the desired times. DIF Gating Setup Gate Width Gate Delay When entering the...
Page 185: Figure 10-19:Winx Supersynchro Dialog: Trigger In Tab
Chapter 10 WinX and Dual Image Feature Click on the Trigger In tab, and select Internal External triggering. When using External triggering, verify the trigger characteristics match the active trigger edge, etc., for the trigger pulse being used. Figure 10-19. Figure 10-19:WinX SuperSYNCHRO Dialog: Trigger In Tab 4411-0139_0010 If required, click on the...
Page 186: Tips And Tricks
10.6 Tips and Tricks Experiments using the DIF feature of the PI-MAX4 can be complex, and timing of the events is usually rather exacting. Here are several points to consider that may make the experiment setup or troubleshooting much smoother and easier.
Page 187: Chapter 11: Mcp Gating Option
The main limitations with this option are that there is a somewhat larger propagation delay and larger optical FWHM than for a standard fast gate PI-MAX4. Insertion delay between trigger and T0 is ~18 ns. Insertion delay to the photocathode gate is ≥ 30 ns. Insertion delay to MCP gate is 80-205 ns, depending on the individual intensifier.
Page 188: Setup And Operation
1000 RB Fast Gate 4411-0139_0107 11.1 Setup and Operation The PI-MAX4 must have an installed MCP Gating board. Make all of the required cable connections for the experiment. • Apply power to the equipment and launch the application software. •...
Page 189: Gain Variation
PI-MAX4. When the laser pulse hits the sample, some atoms are raised to a higher energy state and then spontaneously relax to the ground state, emitting photons as they do to generate the fluorescence signal.
Page 190: Figure 11-6: Timing Diagram: Mcp Gated Operation
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure 11-6 is a timing diagram for MCP gating of the photocathode. Figure 11-6: Timing Diagram: MCP Gated Operation Trigger In ~18 ns Gate Start Bracket Aux Out...
Page 191: Chapter 12: Picosecond Gating Option
Chapter 12: Picosecond Gating Option The picosecond gating option for the PI-MAX4 allows optical gates down to less than 500 ps or to the lowest gate width the intensifier will support, whichever is greater. It consists of a picosecond gating board installed in the PI-MAX4 and some other modifications to support the board.
Page 192: Monitor Operation
Acquisitions of a few frames can usually be done with more gates per frame without hitting the limit and red light. Some typical numbers for sustained operation with a PI-MAX4:1024i are provided in Table 12-1.
Page 193: Timing
It is intended as a sense of how to locate the signal of interest by successively decreasing gate pulse parameters. Starting with a 1 μs gate and delay set to the minimum value for the PI-MAX4 (~25 ns,) the pulse is located. It is then known that the pulse arrives sometime between 25 ns and 1.025 μs.
Page 194 ® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Next, set the sequential gating parameters for 20 ns gate width and 101 images/spectra {frames} at 10 ns per image/spectra {frames}. This swill pan the 1 μs. The starting gate delay is set to 25 ns, the ending gate delay is set to 1025, and take the sequence. We can then quickly look through the images or spectra (in LightField or WinX) and determine to the nearest 10 ns when the optical pulse arrived.
Page 195: Chapter 13: Pi-Max4: 1024I-Rf And Rf Modulation
The homodyne technique is perhaps the best and easiest to use with the PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF. In this technique, both the light and the intensifier are modulated at the same frequency, and the (relative) phase is stepped for each image. Thus, once a set of images at a given frequency is acquired, one may easily (given adequate software for all the computational work) determine the phase shift of the sample at the set frequency.
Page 196: Advantages Of Pi-Max4: 1024I-Rf
PI-MAX4. In fact, the RF sequence works in conjunction with the gate sequence so that the RF is on during the time the PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF is capturing light, and off during the reading of the CCD. For those using the homodyne technique, this makes operation simple and convenient.
Page 197: Rf Experiment Design In Lightfield
Triggering for RF operation is set up on the LightField expander. The trigger can Trigger either be internally generated by the PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF or can be generated by an external source connected to the connector on the rear of the camera.
Page 198: Gating Mode
13.3.3.1 Repetitive Perform the following procedure to configure Repetitive Gating Mode: The first requirement is that the PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF camera be aligned and focused on the area of interest in the experiment. This is best accomplished while the camera is operating in Full Frame readout mode.
Page 199 Configure the following AUX Output Trigger parameters as required: • AUX Output Delay • AUX Output Width Verify that the switch on the rear of the PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF is in the I.I.T. Power position, and has been checked on the Enable Intensifier Common Acquisition expander.
Page 200: Sequential
13.3.3.2 Sequential Perform the following procedure to configure Sequential Gating Mode: The first requirement is that the PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF camera be aligned and focused on the area of interest in the experiment. This is best accomplished while the camera is operating in Full Frame readout mode.
Page 201 AUX Output Delay • AUX Output Width Configure the Modulation Ending Phase Verify that the switch on the rear of the PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF is turned I.I.T. Power and that has been checked on the Enable Intensifier Common Acquisition Settings expander.
Page 202: Custom
13.3.3.3 Custom Perform the following procedure to configure Custom Gating Mode: The first requirement is that the PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF camera be aligned and focused on the area of interest in the experiment. This is best accomplished while the camera is operating in Full Frame readout mode.
Page 203 Chapter 13 PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF and RF Modulation To enable trigger outputs on the AUX I/O cable’s SyncMASTER1 connectors, click on the button. SyncMASTER2 SyncMASTER: ON When SyncMASTER is enabled, the output of the SyncMASTER1 connector is driven at the frequency specified by the...
Page 204: Figure 13-3: Typical Edit Custom Phase Modulations Window
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Click on the button to display the Edit Phase Modulations… Edit Custom Phase dialog similar to that shown in Figure 13-3. Modulations Figure 13-3: Typical Edit Custom Phase Modulations Window To add a single point to the table, within the section, enter the desired Add Phase modulation, in degrees, and click...
Page 205 Chapter 13 PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF and RF Modulation To add a phase sweep, within the Add Phase Sweep section, configure the following parameters: • Enter the desired modulation Range , in degrees, by specifying the Start Range and End Range values.
Page 206: Figure 13-5: Add Phase Sweep
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Table 13-1 shows the corresponding/calculated values for each step in the sweep. Table 13-1: Phase Sweep Information for Sweep > 360° Phase Phase Table Programmed Cumulative Increment Table Step Value Phase Angle Sweep Total °...
Page 207: Figure 13-6: Typical Modulation Phase Curve
Chapter 13 PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF and RF Modulation Depending on the total number of points within the table, LightField will raise an if the number of frames that has been configured on the Experiment Warning expander is: Common Acquisition Settings Less than the total number of points in the table; or •...
Page 208: Figure 13-7: Typical Modulation Phase Curve With Points Shuffled
Configure the following AUX Output Trigger parameters as required: • AUX Output Delay • AUX Output Width Verify that the switch on the rear of the PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF is turned I.I.T. Power and that has been checked on the Enable Intensifier Common Acquisition Settings expander.
Page 209: Phase Modulation Sorting Add-In
Chapter 13 PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF and RF Modulation 13.3.4 Phase Modulation Sorting Add-In When activated, this add-in provides the ability to sort SPE frames by Phase after each acquisition has been completed. NOTE: Sorting SPE frames with the Phase Modulation Sorting add-in is non-destructive and preserves the original Phase order for the set of SPE frames.
Page 210: Figure 13-9: Typical Phase Modulation Sorting Add-In
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Perform the following procedure to sort SPE frames by phase after each acquisition: Click on the tab and locate the expander. If Add-ins Phase Modulation Sorting necessary, click on the to expand it. See Figure 13-9.
Page 211: Figure 13-11:Typical Sort Phases Dialog
Chapter 13 PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF and RF Modulation Sort Phases dialog is displayed, similar to that shown in Figure 13-11. Figure 13-11:Typical Sort Phases Dialog Click on , navigate to, and select the desired SPE file. Click Select a File… Open The name of the selected file will be shown in the field.
Page 212: Pi-Max4: 1024I-Rf Rear Panel Information
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 13.4 PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF Rear Panel Information The rear panel of the PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF is illustrated in Figure 13-13 with connectors, indicators, and switches identified. Refer to Table 13-2 for complete descriptions and information.
Page 213: Table 13-2: Pi-Max4: 1024I-Rf Connectors, Indicators, And Switches
DC-coupled variable delay trigger output for synchronizing other system components with the PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF internal timing generator. The host software sets the Delay Time of this output with respect to the internal timing generator trigger time. The source impedance is approximately 100 Ω and it will provide >...
Page 214: Pi-Max4: 1024I-Rf Power Supply Rear Panel Information
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Table 13-2: PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF Connectors, Indicators, and Switches (Sheet 2 of 2) Label Description AUX I/O 26-pin male DB connector. Provides five I/O signals that can be used to input a trigger to initiate data acquisition, monitor frame readout status, and/or control an external shutter.
Page 215: Rf Modulator Specifications
Chapter 13 PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF and RF Modulation Table 13-3: PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF Power Supply Connectors, Indicators, and Switches Item Description Power Indicator LED turns bright green when power switch (item #5) is turned on. Tec Fault Indicator LED turns bright red when a Temperature Control fault is detected.
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Page 217: Chapter 14: Pi-Max4: Em Family
10MHz/16-bit digitization, 1 MHz sustained gating repetition rate and exceptional sensitivity. In addition to the standard suite of features and modes, the PI-MAX4:EM family of cameras can easily be configured to operate in the following modes: emICCD Mode;...
Page 218: Figure 14-1: Block Diagram: Emccd With Dual Output Registers
Because on-chip multiplication introduces additional noise, it is recommended that the multiplication be used only as required. PI-MAX4: EM cameras combine an EMCCD with standard intensifiers to provide an additional gain stage for increased sensitivity in extremely low-light applications. This combination is referred to as emICCD.
Page 219: Enabling Em
Chapter 14 PI-MAX4: EM Family Figure 14-2: Typical emICCD Hardware Stackup Intensifier Gated On Electrical Connection Rings Electron Flow: Input Window Input Window emICCD Photocathode Microchannel Plate (MCP) Incident Light EMCCD Array Fiberoptic Bundle Phosphor (Fluorescent Screen) 6 kV -200 V...
Page 220: Emiccd Gain Mode
Issue 9 14.1.2 emICCD Gain Mode In emICCD Gain mode, the PI-MAX4: EM family supports two additional modes of operation (i.e., Optimal and Manual.) Depending on the specific mode selected, the available set of mode-specific configuration parameters is automatically updated within LightField.
Page 221: Optimal
Chapter 14 PI-MAX4: EM Family 14.1.2.1 Optimal This is the default mode and is recommended for most applications. In Optimal mode, camera gain is set by configuring only one parameter, ICCD Gain which is located on the expander as part of the...
Page 222: Figure 14-7: Typical Em Gain Configuration Parameters: Manual Mode
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 is configured on the expander. • EM Gain Analog to Digital Conversion Figure 14-7 shows the configuration parameters available for EM Gain Manual Mode Figure 14-7: Typical EM Gain Configuration Parameters: Manual Mode The desired can be specified manually using the keyboard, or adjusted EM Gain...
Page 223: Figure 14-8: Typical Em Gain Configuration Display For Em Gain > 100
Chapter 14 PI-MAX4: EM Family Once an EM Gain value in excess of 100 has been entered, an Experiment Warning is raised by LightField. See Figure 14-8. Figure 14-8: Typical EM Gain Configuration Display for EM Gain > 100 NOTE:...
Page 224: Kinetics
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 14.2 Kinetics Kinetics is a specialized imaging mode in which a small region of a CCD’s sensor area (typically referred to as a ) is exposed to incoming light while the balance of the window sensor area is temporarily masked to prevent exposure.
Page 225: Figure 14-10:Typical Full-Frame And Frame Transfer Ccds, Kinetics Masking
Chapter 14 PI-MAX4: EM Family For example, when using a 16 x 16 full frame CCD matrix, possible mask and window sizes, based on their size ratios, are shown in Table 14-1. Table 14-1: Mask/Window Sizes for 16 x 16 CCD, Full Frame...
Page 226: Trigger Sources
LightField, or supplied from an external source via the Trigger In connector on the rear of the PI-MAX4: EM. For example, when each exposure cycle must be synchronized with an external light source (e.g., a laser,) external triggering is used.
Page 227: Figure 14-11:Timing Diagrams: Kinetics Exposure-Shift
Chapter 14 PI-MAX4: EM Family Figure 14-11:Timing Diagrams: Kinetics Exposure-Shift 4411-0139_0127...
Page 228: Data Readout
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 14.2.4 Data Readout At the end of each programmed Exposure-Shift cycle, the data stored on the CCD are transferred to computer memory. 14.2.5 Binning As with standard data readout, Binning may be implemented to reduce readout times. NOTE: Refer to Section 5.8.3, Binned Readout (Hardware...
Page 229: Figure 14-12: Timing Diagram: Kinetics Readout And Data Storage
Chapter 14 PI-MAX4: EM Family Figure 14-12:Timing Diagram: Kinetics Readout and Data Storage, No Binning, 4 Row Kinetics Frame 4411-0139_0128...
Page 230: Figure 14-13: Timing Diagram: Kinetics Readout And Data Storage
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure 14-13:Timing Diagram: Kinetics Readout and Data Storage, 2 x 1 Binning, 4 Row Kinetics Frame 4411-0139_0129...
Page 231: File Storage Conventions
Chapter 14 PI-MAX4: EM Family 14.2.5.1 File Storage Conventions LightField saves data for each exposure/frame as an individual file once it has been read/ output from the shift register. Figure 14-14 Figure 14-14:File Storage Convention Frame 1 Image date_aa_bb_01.spe Frame 2 Image date_aa_bb_02.spe...
Page 232: Configuring Kinetics
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 14.2.6 Configuring Kinetics Perform the following procedure to configure a PI-MAX4: EM camera for Kinetics mode: Click on the Readout expander and select Kinetics within the Readout Mode field. Specify the desired in number of rows.
Page 233: Cleaning The Ccd
CCD be cleared of accumulating background or dark charge while it is waiting for an external trigger. To take care of this, PI-MAX4: EM automatically cleans the CCD “one row at a time” before the arrival of the first trigger. This keeps the charge buildup on the CCD to a minimum at the same time minimizing the timing jitter (determined by vertical shift time of a single row.) If desired, the number of cleans can be set to zero for the lowest jitter...
Page 234: Configuring A Kinetics Experiment
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 14.2.8 Configuring a Kinetics Experiment This procedure assumes: • The system has already been setup per instructions in previous chapters. Previous sections of this chapter have been read and are understood. • Familiarity with the application software. •...
Page 235: Configuring The Software Parameters
Chapter 14 PI-MAX4: EM Family 14.2.8.1 Configuring the Software Parameters: NOTE: The following procedure is based on LightField. When using different application software, modifications to this procedure may be required. Basic familiarity with the LightField software is assumed. If this is not the case, review the software manual or have it available while performing this procedure.
Page 236: Photon Detection
By comparing the intensity of the incoming light with a predefined minimum intensity level (measured in counts,) an estimated photon count can be derived. The PI-MAX4: EM family of cameras supports two Photon Detection modes: Thresholding •...
Page 237: Configuring Photon Detection
Chapter 14 PI-MAX4: EM Family 14.3.1 Configuring Photon Detection Perform the following procedure to configure Photon Detection: is enabled and configured on the expander. See 1. Photon Detection Online Processes Figure 14-18. Figure 14-18:Typical Online Processes Expander: Photon Detection Within the...
Page 238: High Speed Camera Add-In
High Speed Camera the number of frames that can be acquired per second. NOTE: The High Speed Camera add-in is available only when a PI-MAX4: 512 EM or PI-MAX4: 1024EM camera is connected. Figure 14-20 shows a typical expander.
Page 239: Configuring The High Speed Camera
Chapter 14 PI-MAX4: EM Family 14.4.1 Configuring the High Speed Camera Perform the following procedure to configure a PI-MAX4: 512 EM/1024 EM camera for high speed operation: Click on the Add-ins tab and open the High Speed Camera expander. When...
Page 240: Figure 14-24:Typical Configuration Options: Time Stamping, Frame Tracking
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Return to the panel and, if necessary, open the Experiment Settings Common expander. From here, the following features/options may be Acquisition Settings enabled/disabled: • Time Stamping — Exposure Started — Exposure Ended • Frame Tracking Figure 14-24.
Page 241: Chapter 15: Tips And Tricks
When the illumination level is not quantitatively known, toggle the switch I.I.T. (located on the back of the PI-MAX4) to the OFF position while you are adjusting the incoming light level. After making adjustments, toggle the switch to the position. If the...
Page 242: Signal Delay
A time budget is a listing of all the delays in the system that affect coincidence of the signal and gate at the camera. Given a system that, in addition to the PI-MAX4 and an internal timing generator, contains a low-jitter pulsed laser triggered from an external timer and an external trigger source that is also triggering the pulse generator, a time budget for this system might be developed as follows.
Page 243: Measuring Coincidence
1 ns. When using coaxial cables, measure the delay of each cable and use that information in the calculations. The PI-MAX4 BNC connector provides a pulse coincident with respect to the Monitor actual intensifier photocathode gating by ±5 ns. Note that this output is not designed for good fidelity but rather for accurate timing.
Page 244: Adjusting The Signal Delay
Issue 9 15.2.3 Adjusting the Signal Delay The PI-MAX4 internal timing generator gives the user wide latitude with respect to adjusting the delay between the time the timing generator is triggered and the time the Gate On and Off edges are generated. This being the case, as long as the light signal applied to...
Page 245: Lasers
. You will still need to consider the delays from the cable to the laser (1.5 ns/ft,) internal delay from trigger to firing (laser dependent, 50 ns for example,) and the PI-MAX4's internal minimum allowable gate delay (~25 ns.) External Source Triggers Both Timing Generator and Laser This is the more complex case because it contains many sources of delay that would have to be considered.
Page 246: Jitter
If the experiment is such that it is possible for a new gate to be applied before the readout of the previously gathered data set is complete, preventive action will be required. With a PI-MAX4, the timing generator is inhibited internally. 15.5 Lens Performance Imaging applications require that a lens be mounted to the camera.
Page 247: Baseline Signal
They may indicate intensifier damage or another situation that requires immediate attention. To reduce the risk of camera damage, PI-MAX4 cameras are equipped with an audible alarm in the camera head, activated when the intensity of light falling on the image intensifier exceeds a preset threshold.
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Page 249: Chapter 16: Component Descriptions
(e.g., a laser,) the internal timing generator is used. 16.1 Mount Adapters The nose at the front end of a PI-MAX4 camera is designed to accept three types of mount adapters: • C-mount;...
Page 250: Switches, Connectors, And Indicators
Figure 16-2: PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF Rear Panel 4411-0139_0116 Rear panel switches, connectors, and indicators are presented in alphabetical order. When a switch, connector, or indicator is unique to the PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF, its • description will specify PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF. Similarly, when a switch, connector, or indicator is unique to the PI-MAX4:EM, its •...
Page 251: Aux I/O
Component Descriptions 16.2.1 AUX I/O This is a 26-pin female DB connector. The standard AUX I/O cable included with all PI-MAX4 systems, provides easy access to five (5) I/O signals which can be used to input a trigger to initiate data acquisition, monitor frame readout status, and/or control an external shutter.
Page 252: Error Led
16.2.5 Error LED Red LED indicator to warn of excessive repetition rate. Must be off for proper operation. NOTE: With the PI-MAX4, the Error LED is also activated by MCP bracket pulsing. The MCP bracket repetition rate limit is 6.25 kHz.
Page 253: Logic Out
NOTE: Cable delay, ~1.5 ns/ft, is in addition to the delay at the connector. 16.2.12 Power Connector 7-pin D specialty connector. Connects to the standard PI-MAX4 power supply. See Figure 16-1. 16.2.13 Ready Out This is a standard female BNC connector. This normally LOW TTL signal indicates the...
Page 254: Thermoelectric Cooler
Each PI-MAX4 camera is shipped with an Extender Bracket kit that, when mounted to the rear of the camera, allows the PI-MAX4 to be secured to a laboratory table using tapped mounting hole arrays with ¼-20 on 1-inch spacing, or M6 on 25 mm spacing.
Page 255: Coolcube
Additional cables may be required depending on specific system requirements. 16.8 Tubing Clear PVC tubing (3’, 5/32” OD, 1/32” wall McMaster-Carr 5006K42) is supplied with the PI-MAX4. This tubing is for connecting the PI-MAX4 to a dry nitrogen source for cooling the photocathode.
Page 256: Application Software
The following application software may be supplied with the PI-MAX4 system: • WinX The PI-MAX4 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.
Page 257: User Manuals
The following User Manuals may be included with the PI-MAX4 system: • PI-MAX4 System User Manual This manual describes how to install and use the PI-MAX4 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.
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Page 259: Chapter 17: Troubleshooting
Do not attach or remove any cables while the camera system is powered on. Recommended troubleshooting procedures are available for many issues that may occur while working with a PI-MAX4 system. Refer to Table 17-1 for additional information. Table 17-1: Issues with Recommended Troubleshooting Procedures Issue Refer to…...
Page 260: Alarm Sounds Repetitively
If the Camera is ON, the problem may be with the interface card, its driver, interrupt or address conflicts, or the cable connections. If the interface card is not installed, close the application software and turn the PI-MAX4 power supply OFF. Follow the interface card manufacturer’s installation instructions and cable the interface card to the port on the rear of the camera.
Page 261: Camera Stops Working
Chapter 17 Troubleshooting 17.5 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.
Page 262: Cooling Troubleshooting
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 The next time WinX is launched, the new name will be displayed on the Hardware Setup dialog. See Figure 17-3. Figure 17-3: Updated Hardware Setup Dialog 4411-0139_0143 NOTE: If the Camera Detection Wizard is launched and run at a later time, the name will be revert back to the default name (i.e., Camera1.) 17.7...
Page 263: Data Loss Or Serial Violation
Chapter 17 Troubleshooting • CoolCUBE 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.
Page 264: Ethernet Network Is Not Accessible
4 System Manual Issue 9 17.10 Ethernet Network is Not Accessible When the Princeton Instruments software is installed, Intel Pro/1000 interface card drivers found on the host computer are updated with the Intel Pro/1000 Grabber Adapter (Vision High-Performance IP Device) driver provided by Pleora Technologies, Inc. If this computer is connected to an Ethernet network via an Intel Pro/1000 card that does not use the Pleora driver, the network connection will be broken.
Page 265: Winx Applications
 300 ADU. If these types of spikes occur, especially after the camera has been in use for an extended period, turn off the system immediately. Have the unit serviced by Princeton Instruments or an authorized service facility of Princeton Instruments.
Page 266: Gating Pulse Artifact Strings Displayed
Figure 17-6: Typical Diagonal Line of Gating Pulse Artifacts ATING ULSE RTIFACT TRING The “machine gun” effect may be observed when a PI-MAX4:512/1024 EM(B) camera has been configured for: A very large number of on-chip accumulations; • Interline Overlapped Mode •...
Page 267: Appendix A: Technical Specifications
Refer to Appendix B, Outline Drawings, for camera-specific dimensions. A.2 Power Specifications All DC voltages required by PI-MAX4 cameras are generated by an external power supply and then delivered to the camera using a custom power cable. Refer to Table A-1 for input power specifications for the external PI-MAX4 Power Supply.
Page 268: Environmental Specifications
C is achievable, operation below 0 C is not guaranteed. b. Circulating water enhances cooling performance but is not required. A.4 Intensifier Specifications For information about compatible intensifiers, refer to the Princeton Instruments website: http://www.princetoninstruments.com A.5 CCD Specifications Refer to...
Page 269: Table A-4: Ccd Array Specifications For Non-Em Pi-Max4 Detectors
Appendix A Technical Specifications Refer to Table A-4 for CCD array specifications for non-EM PI-MAX4 detectors. Table A-4: CCD Array Specifications for non-EM PI-MAX4 Detectors Parameter 1024i 1024f 1024i-RF 2048f 1024 x 256 KAI-1003 e2v CCD47-10 KAI-1003 e2v CCD42-40 e2v CCD30-11...
Page 270: Aux I/O Interface
Rise Time  100 Duration The AUX I/O connector is located on the rear of the PI-MAX4 chassis. It is a female, DB26, high-density connector. Figure A-1 illustrates the pinout of the AUX I/O connector, viewed from the rear panel of the PI-MAX4 chassis, with each contact/pin identified by its pin number.
Page 271 General Purpose Input 1 Requires a 1 kΩ resistor. Reserved SyncMASTER2 (via 10 Ω) Requires a 10 Ω resistor. Programmable continuous frequency output (100 ns - 6.55 ms delay from SyncMASTER1) synchronize external devices with PI-MAX4 (e.g. Q-switch.) — Not Used System chassis ground.
Page 272: Aux I/O Cable
A.6.1 AUX I/O Cable Each PI-MAX4 system includes an AUX I/O cable that provides convenient access to several system signals. The AUX I/O interface cable is comprised of a male DB26 connector on one end, and five female BNC cables on the other end, each of which provides access to a system signal.
Page 273: Coolcube Ii Circulator Specifications
• Hoses Two 3 m [10 ft] hoses may be supplied with the PI-MAX4 camera system. These hoses are comprised of a 0.3 m [2 ft] piece of ¼” ID hose joined by a reducer to a 2.4 m [8 ft] piece of 3/8” ID hose.
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Page 275: Appendix B: Outline Drawings
Appendix B: Outline Drawings NOTE: Dimensions are in inches and [mm] unless otherwise noted. B.1 PI-MAX4: 1024i/1024f/2048f/1024x256 Figure B-1: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 1024i/1024f/2048f/1024x256 with C-mount Adapter...
Page 276: Figure B-2: Outline Drawing: Pi-Max4: 1024I/1024F/2048F/1024X256 With
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure B-2: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 1024i/1024f/2048f/1024x256 with F-mount Adapter...
Page 277: Figure B-3: Outline Drawing: Pi-Max4: 1024I/1024F/2048F/1024X256 With
Appendix B Outline Drawings Figure B-3: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 1024i/1024f/2048f/1024x256 with Spectroscopy-mount Adapter...
Page 278: Pi-Max4: 512 Em/512 Em(B)
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 B.2 PI-MAX4: 512 EM/512 EM(B) Figure B-4: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 512 EM/512 EM(B) with C-mount Adapter 4411-0139_0151...
Page 279: Figure B-5: Outline Drawing: Pi-Max4: 512 Em/512 Em(B) With
Appendix B Outline Drawings Figure B-5: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 512 EM/512 EM(B) with F-mount Adapter 4411-0139_0152...
Page 280: Figure B-6: Outline Drawing: Pi-Max4: 512 Em/512 Em(B) With
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure B-6: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 512 EM/512 EM(B) with Spectroscopy-mount Adapter 4411-0139_0153...
Page 281: Pi-Max4 Power Supply
Appendix B Outline Drawings B.3 PI-MAX4 Power Supply Figure B-7: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4 Power Supply 9.82 2.15 4.29 4411-0139_0154...
Page 282: Pi-Max4: 1024I-Rf
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 B.4 PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF Figure B-8: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF with C-mount Adapter...
Page 283: Figure B-9: Outline Drawing: Pi-Max4: 1024I-Rf With F-Mount Adapter
Appendix B Outline Drawings Figure B-9: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF with F-mount Adapter...
Page 284: Figure B-10: Outline Drawing: Pi-Max4: 1024I-Rf With Spectroscopy-Mount
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Figure B-10: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF with Spectroscopy-mount Adapter...
Page 285: Pi-Max4: 1024I-Rf Power Supply
Appendix B Outline Drawings B.5 PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF Power Supply Figure B-11: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF Power Supply 4411-0139_0158...
Page 286: Coolcube
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 B.6 CoolCUBE Circulator Figure B-12: Outline Drawing: CoolCUBE Circulator 4411-0139_0159...
Page 287: Appendix C: Winx/Lightfield Cross Reference
Appendix C: WinX/LightField Cross Reference This appendix provides cross reference information for terminology used within the WinX and LightField application software packages. C.1 WinX-to-LightField Terminology Refer to Table C-1 for a list of WinX terms and their corresponding LightField terms. Table C-1: WinX-to-LightField Cross Reference (Sheet 1 of 2) WinX Term LightField Term...
Page 288 ® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Table C-1: WinX-to-LightField Cross Reference (Sheet 2 of 2) WinX Term LightField Term Logic Out: Shutter Output Signal: Shutter Open Minimum Block Size Final Section Height Normal Shutter Normal (Shutter) Number of Blocks Final Section Count Number of Cleans Number of Clean Cycles...
Page 289: Lightfield To Winx
Appendix C WinX/LightField Cross Reference C.2 LightField to WinX Refer to Table C-2 for a list of LightField terms and their corresponding WinX terms. Table C-2: LightField-to-WinX Cross Reference (Sheet 1 of 2) LightField Term WinX Term Active Area: Bottom Margin Post-Dummy Rows Parallel to Shift Register Active Area: Left Margin Pre-Dummy Shift Register Columns...
Page 290 ® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Table C-2: LightField-to-WinX Cross Reference (Sheet 2 of 2) LightField Term WinX Term Preview Focus Quality Readout Port Readout Per Trigger External Sync Readout Per Trigger (DIF) Single Trigger (DIF) Sensor Readout Region expander functions Easy Bin Shift Per Trigger (DIF) Dual Trigger Mode (DIF)
Page 291: Appendix D: Extender Bracket Kit
An Extender Bracket kit (part number 2530-0085) is shipped with each PI-MAX4. After securing the bracket at the rear of the PI-MAX4, you can mount the PI-MAX4 to any laboratory table with either 25 mm or 1 inch hole spacing.
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Page 293: Appendix E: C- And F-Mount Information
This appendix provides information necessary in order to use C- and F-mount lenses with a PI-MAX4 camera. Both types of lenses typically have provisions for focusing and aperture adjustment, with the details varying according the make and model of the lens being used.
Page 294: F-Mount Lens Adapter
4411-0139_0173 E.2.1 Installation Perform the following procedure to install an F-mount lens onto a PI-MAX4 camera: Locate the large indicator dot on the side of the lens. Locate the corresponding dot on the front side of the camera lens mount.
Page 295: Camera Orientation
Appendix E C- and F-Mount Information E.3 Camera Orientation In general, a PI-MAX4 can be mounted at any attitude or angle, and the camera can rest on any secure surface. Take care not to block the ventilation openings. CAUTION! When an F-mount lens has been installed on the PI-MAX4,...
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Page 297: Appendix F: Spectrograph Mount Information
When mounted to a spectrograph, the text on the back of the camera should be right side up. F.1 Mount PI-MAX4 to an Acton SpectraPro Series Spectrograph This section provides the procedure for mounting a PI-MAX4 with a 3.60 3-hole Slotted Flange to an Acton SpectraPro Series spectrograph. F.1.1...
Page 298 ® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Loosen set screw with 3/32” hex wrench. Loosen set screw. Gently rotate and pull. Finger tighten hex head screws. Leave about ¼” thread exposed. Mount tube to camera, align baffle with Gently rotate while inserting. bottom/top of camera, and tighten mounting screws.
Page 299: Mount A Pi-Max4 To An Isoplane Sct-320 Spectrograph
Appendix F Spectrograph Mount Information F.2 Mount a PI-MAX4 to an IsoPlane SCT-320 Spectrograph This section provides the procedure for mounting a PI-MAX4 to an IsoPlane SCT-320 spectrograph. F.2.1 Required Tools and Equipment The following tools and equipment are required: 5/16”...
Page 300: Spectrograph-Camera Rotational Alignment And Focusing
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 F.3 Spectrograph-Camera Rotational Alignment and Focusing The camera mounting hardware provides two degrees of freedom: rotation and focus. In this context, rotation means physically rotating the camera while watching a live display and adjusting for optimum signal. Focus means to physically move the camera back and forth through the focal plane of the spectrograph while watching a live display to achieve the best signal.
Page 301 Appendix F Spectrograph Mount Information Set the spectrograph to: 435.8 nm if using a mercury source, or • 0.0 nm if using a broadband source. • TIP: Overhead fluorescent lights produce a mercury spectrum. Use a white card tilted at 45° in front of the entrance slit to reflect overhead light into the spectrograph.
Page 302: Align And Focus An Isoplane Sct-320 Spectrograph
F.3.2 Align and Focus an IsoPlane SCT-320 Spectrograph Because the PI-MAX4 or PI-MAX4-RF is mounted directly to the mounting plate on an IsoPlane, focusing and alignment is different from the way that rotational alignment and focusing are performed for an Acton SpectraPro Series spectrograph. The following information assumes that you are familiar with the locations of the mounting plate, Micrometer Compartment, and the locking set screw.
Page 303 Appendix F Spectrograph Mount Information Turn on Focus mode (WinX) or select Align Spectrometer from the Experiment menu (LightField.) If you are using LightField, review the changes the software will make before clicking on Begin Using a 9/64” hex wrench, loosen the four screws at the corners of the camera mounting plate.
Page 304: Pi-Max ® 4 System Manual Issue
® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 This page is intentionally blank.
Page 305: Appendix G: Accessories
Appendix G: Accessories G.1 Accessory Kits The camera is shipped with the adapter mount specified when it was purchased. If a kit for an additional adapter mount is also purchased, it will be shipped in an accessory kit containing a double-ended screwdriver with magnet top. When the additional adapter is a spectroscopy mount adapter, a quick start guide will be provided which describes how to mount the camera to Acton SpectraPro Series spectrograph.
Page 306: Quick Start Guide
Typically, the guide assumes that there is a spectroscopy-mount adapter pre-mounted to the PI-MAX4 camera. G.4 Standard C-, F-, and Spectroscopy-Mount Adapters Figure G-2 shows three different mounts that are available for use on a PI-MAX4 camera. Figure G-2: Standard PI-MAX4 Mount Adapters Mounting Screws (4 Places)
Page 307: Spectroscopy-Mount For Ivuv And Nvuv Cameras
Perform the following procedure to install an IVUV/NVUV spectroscopy mount onto a PI-MAX4 camera: Use the supplied screwdriver to remove the four (4) Phillips head screws that secure the current adapter to the front of the PI-MAX4. NOTE: If the Phillips end of the screwdriver is not available, pull the driver shaft out of the handle, flip the shaft, and insert the flat end into the handle.
Page 308: Figure G-4: Positioning The 2.739" (Id) O-Ring
2.739” (ID) O-ring In Groove 4411-0139_0177 Using the four (4) screws removed in step 1, mount the spectroscopy-mount adapter to the front of the PI-MAX4. Position the smaller diameter o-ring into the groove on the face of the adapter. See Figure G-5.
Page 309: Optical Distance From Mounting Face To Image Plane
Each adapter has a preset optical distance from the mounting face to the image plane. The distance varies from one adapter type to another and is described in greater detail on the PI-MAX4 outline drawings. For quick reference, the distances are provided here: •...
Page 310 ® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 This page is intentionally blank.
Page 311: Appendix H: Glossary
Appendix H: Glossary Binning A process that may occur in the readout register and the output node (on-chip or hardware binning) or is performed as a post-process (software binning.) Binning combines charge from rectangular groups of adjacent pixels into super pixels. When done on-chip, this process reduces readout time and the burden on computer memory;...
Page 312 ® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Equivalent Background Illumination. EBI comes from thermally-generated electrons that cannot be distinguished from those generated by light photons. EBI can be reduced by cooling the intensifier (or environment) and is usually negligible in gated applications.
Page 313 Gate Mode PI-MAX4 intensifier mode in which the photocathode is biased on only for the time that each gate pulse is applied. In this way, the array can be exposed to multiple images during a single exposure time. As a result, the tolerance to room light is higher in gated operation, but the risk of damaging overload from intense light sources such as lasers remains.
Page 314 ® PI-MAX 4 System Manual Issue 9 Intensifier On/Off Ratio The ratio of light output when the intensifier is gated on and off: The higher the ratio, the better the gating. A high on/off ratio is necessary to eliminate the background and to faithfully reproduce transient events.
Page 315 MCP Bracket Pulsing Available for PI-MAX4 cameras with Gen II intensifiers. This technique enhances the intensifier's on/off ratio in UV measurements by automatically adjusting the on/off switching of the MCP to bracket the photocathode gate pulse. By switching off the MCP, unwanted UV signal that strikes the photocathode (even though gated off) is prevented from passing through the MCP to integrate on the CCD array.
Page 316 ROI is discarded. Safe Mode PI-MAX4 intensifier mode in which the photocathode is continuously biased off. Saturation Caused when a pixel well is completely filled with charge. Once a pixel is saturated, additional charge will spillover (bloom) into adjacent pixels.
Page 317: Warranty & Service
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.
Page 318: Sealed Chamber Integrity Limited 12 Month Warranty
Issue 9 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.
Page 319: Owner's Manual And Troubleshooting
(1) year limited warranty and/or any other warranty, expressed or implied. All warranty service must be made by the Princeton Instruments factory or, at our option, an authorized service center.
Page 320: Contact Information
In no event shall Princeton Instruments' liability exceed the cost of the repair or replacement of the defective product or part.
Page 321: Index
Index software effect on S/N ratio..... 82 A/D converters, dual ......83 high light level measurements .
Page 322 Exposure and Readout ......61 PI-MAX4, Power/Signal....253 Exposure Timing.
Page 323 Trigger Sources......226 PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF with Spectroscopy-mount Window....... . 224 adapter .
Page 324 SyncMASTER2 Power/Signal connector, PI-MAX4 ....253 cable lead ......272 Power/Signal connector, PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF.
Page 325 Index Controller/Detector cable ....254 damage from operating camera that has lost its nitrogen backfill......26 destruction of intensifier caused by excess light 241 F-mount cameras and nose-up operation .
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Princeton Instruments PI-MAX4 Manual

List of Figures

List of Tables

Chapter 1: Introduction

PI-MAX4 System Components

Summary of PI-MAX4 Data Acquisition

Safety Related Symbols Used in this Manual

Grounding and Safety

Intensifier Modes and Safety

Audible Alarm

High Intensity Light Damage

Precautions

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning Optical Surfaces - Protective Window

Flushing and Refilling the CCD Chamber

Repairs

About this Manual

Conventions Used in this Manual

Manual Organization

Chapter 2: System Installation

System Configuration Diagrams

Chapter 3: System Setup

Dangers and Warnings

Unpacking the System

Checking the Equipment and Parts Inventory

General System Requirements and Information

Ventilation

Power Specifications

Host Computer Specifications

Mounting the Camera

Imaging Applications

Spectroscopy Applications

Application Software Installation

Winx Applications

Lightfield Applications

Connect the Circulator [Liquid-Cooled Cameras Only]

Configure Default Camera System Parameters

Winx (Versions 2.5.25.X or Higher)

Lightfield

Chapter 4 First Light

Required Equipment and Cables

Cable Connections

Before Turning on the System

Turning on the System

Lightfield First Light Instructions

Assumptions

Getting Started

Parameter Configuration

Acquiring Data

Focusing

Winx First Light Instructions

Assumptions

Getting Started

Configuring the Software

Initial Data Acquisition

Focusing

Chapter 5 Gate Mode Operation

Data Acquisition Sequence

Winx System On/Off Sequences

Pre-Exposure Removal of Accumulated Charge

Dark Charge

Cleaning

Phosphor Decay Delay

Temperature Control

Cooling Method

Necessary Cooling Precautions

Setting the Temperature

Exposure

Exposure with an Image Intensifier

Saturation

Background Subtraction

Readout of the Array

Interline CCD Readout

Full-Frame CCD Readout

Binned Readout (Hardware Binning)

Software Binning

Controller Gain {Analog Gain

Digitization

Logic out Control

Winx Experiment Setup