Integrated Controller; Grounding And Safety; Figure 1. Comparison Of Traditional Ccd And Photonmax Emccd Array Structures - Princeton Instruments PhotonMAX System Manual

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Figure 1. Comparison of Traditional CCD and PhotonMAX EMCCD Array Structures

Note: As the on-chip multiplication introduces additional noise, it is recommended that
the multiplication be used only as required. For more information, refer to the "On-Chip
Multiplication Gain" technical note. This technical note can be accessed by going to the
Princeton Instruments web site at www.piacton.com.

Integrated Controller

The operation of the PhotonMAX camera is regulated by its internal controller. These
electronics contain the circuitry required to accept input from the host computer and
software and convert it to appropriate control signals for the camera. These signals include
extensive capabilities for synchronizing the operation of the PhotonMAX system with the
rest of your experiment. The controlling electronics also collect the analog signal from the
CCD, digitize it, and send it to the computer.
The PhotonMAX allows you to specify read rate, binning parameters, and regions of
interest — all under software control. For instance, if your experiment requires rapid
image acquisition, then the CCD's on-chip binning can be set to increase frame rates.

Grounding and Safety

Before turning on the power supply (air-cooled camera) or circulator (liquid-cooled
camera), the ground prong of the powercord plug must be properly connected to the
ground connector of the wall outlet. The wall outlet must have a third prong, or must be
properly connected to an adapter that complies with these safety requirements.
WARNING!
If the equipment is damaged, the protective grounding could be disconnected. Do not use
damaged equipment until its safety has been verified by authorized personnel.
Disconnecting the protective earth terminal, inside or outside the apparatus, or any
tampering with its operation is also prohibited.
Inspect the supplied powercord. If it is not compatible with the power socket, replace the
cord with one that has suitable connectors on both ends.
WARNING!
Replacement powercords or power plugs must have the same polarity as that of the
original ones to avoid hazard due to electrical shock.
PhotonMAX System Manual Version 1.B