Chapter 6 Advanced Topics; Introduction; External Shutter Operation - Princeton Instruments PhotonMAX System Manual

Advanced Topics

Introduction

Previous chapters have discussed setting up the
hardware and the software for basic operation.
This chapter discusses topics associated with
experiment synchronization (set up on the
Experiment Setup|Timing tab page in
WinView and WinSpec). With the exception of
Edge Trigger, the topics are addressed in order
of their appearance on the Timing tab page (see
Figure 38).
"External Shutter Operation", the first topic
covers some issues with regard to using an
external shutter with a PhotonMAX system.
"Timing Modes", the second topic, discusses
Timing Modes, and Shutter Control. Also
included under this topic is a discussion of the
TRIGGER IN connector that is the input
connector for a trigger pulse: this connector is
part of the I/O cable connected to the rear panel
of the PhotonMAX.
"Fast and Safe Modes", the third topic,
discusses the Fast and the Safe modes. Fast is
used for real-time data acquisition and Safe is
used when coordinating acquisition with
external devices or when the computer speed is not fast enough to keep pace with the
acquisition rate.
"TTL Status Signals", discusses the input/output connectors on the I/O cable connected
to the rear of the PhotonMAX. The levels at these connectors can be used to monitor
camera operation or synchronize external equipment.
"Kinetics Mode", the final topic, discusses the Kinetics mode option. This form of data
acquisition relies on mechanical or optical masking of the CCD array for acquiring time-
resolved images.

External Shutter Operation

Because PhotonMAX cameras use frame-transfer CCDs, they do not incorporate internal
shutters. However, there may be cases when you need an external shutter to control the
exposure of the CCD. The Shutter Out connector on the I/O cable can be used to
Chapter 6
Figure 38. Timing tab page
53