THORLABS 1500M Series User Manual
THORLABS 1500M Series User Manual

THORLABS 1500M Series User Manual

Scientific grade digital camera
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1500M-Series
Scientific Grade Digital
Camera
User Guide

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Summary of Contents for THORLABS 1500M Series

  • Page 1 1500M-Series Scientific Grade Digital Camera User Guide...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Warning Symbol Definitions ....................4 Chapter 1 Safety ............................ 5 Chapter 2 2.1. Precautions ........................5 2.2. Product Care ........................6 2.2.1. Service ..........................6 2.2.2. Accessories and Customization .................... 6 Description ........................... 7 Chapter 3 3.1. Introduction ........................7 3.2.
  • Page 3 11.2.2. Optical Tables and Breadboards ..................45 11.2.3. Lasers and Imaging Systems ....................45 11.2.4. Opto-Electronics, Control Electronics, Optics, and Nano-Positioning Product Lines ..45 11.2.5. Non-Warranty Repairs ......................45 11.2.6. Warranty Exclusions ......................45 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ..................46 Chapter 12 ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 3...
  • Page 4: Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 1: Warning Symbol Definitions Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions Below is a list of warning symbols you may encounter in this manual or on your device. Symbol Description Direct Current Alternating Current Both Direct and Alternating Current Earth Ground Terminal Protective Conductor Terminal Frame or Chassis Terminal...
  • Page 5: Chapter 2 Safety

    Opening the device will void your warranty. Any modification or servicing of this system by unqualified personnel renders Thorlabs free of any liability. This device can only be returned when packed into the complete original packaging, including all foam packing inserts. If necessary, ask for replacement packaging.
  • Page 6: Product Care

    Although the system is easily adapted for custom interfaces, to achieve the listed specifications, this system should only be used with accessories provided by Thorlabs. Any modification or servicing by unqualified personnel renders the warranty null and void, leaving Thorlabs free of liability. Please contact Thorlabs for questions on customization.
  • Page 7: Chapter 3 Description

    To return your camera to TSI for service, you must first contact your local Thorlabs office or distributor and request a Return Material Authorization (RMA). Returns will not be accepted without an RMA. See Chapter 11, titled “Warranty Information”...
  • Page 8: Supplied Equipment

    (Supplied line cord appropriate for user’s country or region) Accessories • Spanner Wrench • Lens cap (and IR filter removal tool) Thorlabs Camera Software and SDK Included Software (Available for download from www.thorlabs.com) CameraLink Interface Configuration GigE Interface Configuration 1500M Cooled or Non-Cooled Camera...
  • Page 9: Chapter 4 Setup & Installation

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation Chapter 4 Setup & Installation 4.1. Pre-Installation Before proceeding with installation of hardware or software, please identify whether your camera interface is Camera Link or Gigabit Ethernet (GigE). 4.1.1. Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) System If you purchased a Gigabit Ethernet camera, an Intel PCIe adapter card is provided for use on desktop computer systems.
  • Page 10: Installing The Software

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation 4.2. Installing the Software Although similar, the installation sequence for the GigE and Camera Link systems vary. Please see the steps below to install your system properly. 4.2.1. Getting Started If installing the software from a downloaded copy from our website please go to section 4.2.2, otherwise insert the CD-ROM included with your camera accessories into a suitable CD-ROM drive on your computer.
  • Page 11 Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation Proceed to Driver Installation (Next Page) ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 11...
  • Page 12: Driver Installation

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation 4.2.3. Driver Installation ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 12...
  • Page 13: Custom Setup (May Be Required For Special Circumstances)

    Once the camera is connected and powered up, follow the steps below from your Start Menu: “Start” “Thorlabs” “Scientific Imaging”“ThorCam” 4.2.4. Custom Setup (may be required for special circumstances) See below for a depiction of the custom setup process.
  • Page 14: Custom Driver Installation (Expert Mode)

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation 4.2.5. Custom Driver Installation (Expert Mode) See below for the custom driver installation process. ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 14...
  • Page 15: Installing 3 Rd Party Software Applications

    4.2.6. Installing 3 Party Software Applications After installation of Thorlabs components is complete, you have the option to install plug-ins for select 3 party image analysis packages you may already have installed on your computer, such as Matlab™. (Note: Thorlabs only provides ImageJ with this installation –...
  • Page 16 To begin, run ImageJ and select “TSICamera” from the list of available Plugins Special note for users of Micro-manager software: support for Thorlabs scientific cameras is included when you run versions 1.4.14 and later. If you wish to download or update your Micro-Manager software, please visit: http://valelab.ucsf.edu/~MM/MMwiki/index.php/Micro-Manager.
  • Page 17 Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 17...
  • Page 18: Connecting The Camera

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation 4.3. Connecting the Camera To connect the camera, follow the steps and refer to the diagram below. 1. With the power supply turned off, connect the DE-9 from the power supply to the DE-9 on the back of the camera.
  • Page 19: Multiple Camera Operation

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation 4.3.1. Multiple Camera Operation If multiple camera operation is required, it is recommended that a Gigabit Ethernet switch topology be setup, as shown below. When multiple cameras are connected and powered on, they will be visible in the Image Detector dropdown of Hardware Setup panel.
  • Page 20: Optical And Mechanical Mounting Considerations

    For the best results, the use of a C-Mount lens that matches the optical format of the 2/3” imaging area is recommended. For more information on Thorlabs C-Mount lenses, please visit www.thorlabs.com C-mount lenses are specified with a flange focal distance of 17.5 mm. However, there can be considerable variation in the flange focal distance among commercially available lenses.
  • Page 21: Using The Camera With A Cage System

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation These 1/4”-20 tapped holes are compatible with Thorlabs ∅1/2” posts. For more information on Thorlabs Ø1/2" posts, please visit www.thorlabs.com. Figure 6 Arrows Indicate Two of the Four 1/4”-20 Tapped Holes on Camera 4.4.3.
  • Page 22 Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation Figure 9 Exploded View of Optical and Mechanical Components Figure 10 Optical and Mechanical Sub-Assemblies C-mount adapter and lock-nut Filter retaining ring IR blocking filter Lens cap (and filter removal tool) Figure 11 Reverse View Showing IR Filter and Associated Components ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 22...
  • Page 23: Description Of Components

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation Figure 12 Reverse View of IR Filter Sub-Assembly. Shows the Lens Cap Used as a Tool for Installing and Removing the Filters 4.5.1. Description of Components • C-Mount Adapter: Allows the camera to be optically coupled with standard C-mount optics, including lenses and microscope adapters.
  • Page 24: Optical Front End Procedures

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation 4.6. Optical Front End Procedures 4.6.1. Removing the C-mount Lock Ring Assembly Removal of the C-mount lock lens ring is not required for normal operation. It is required if users wish to remove, replace, or clean the installed filter.
  • Page 25: Filter Removal And Replacement Procedure

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation 4.6.2. Filter Removal and Replacement Procedure TSI cameras are typically provided with an IR-blocking filter installed (see transmissivity curve in the “Specifications” section). The CCD has responsivity into the NIR (see Quantum Efficiency curve in the “Specifications”...
  • Page 26: Re-Assembly Of The C-Mount Lock Ring And Back-Focus Adjustment

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation 4.6.3. Re-assembly of the C-mount Lock Ring and Back-Focus Adjustment 1. Install C-mount ring adapter into the front side of the camera as shown in Figure 17, shown below. Do NOT tighten or lock. 2.
  • Page 27: Auxiliary Connector

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation 4.7. Auxiliary Connector The auxiliary connector on the camera allows the user to access optional camera control and internal status signals. 4.7.1. Pin Descriptions Pin Descriptions Pin # Signal LVAL (Output) CC1_OUT (Output) TRIGGER_IN (Input) FVAL (Output)
  • Page 28: Auxiliary I/O Cable Requirements

    Refer to Section 10.5. A 10 foot long (3m) auxiliary I/O cable and interconnect break-out board are available from Thorlabs allowing access to the I/O control functions. Order the “1500-CAB1” and the “TSI-IOBOB”, as well as the required number and style of SMA patch cables for your specific application.
  • Page 29: Chapter 5 Operation

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 5: Operation Chapter 5 Operation The 1500-series cameras can be operated using the ThorCam and ThorImageLS imaging applications. For more details on using ThorCam and ThorImageLS features, please consult the ThorCam and ThorImageLS User Manuals.
  • Page 30 Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 5: Operation Figure 19 Timing Diagram – Standard, Frames per Trigger = 1 Figure 20 Timing Diagram – Bulb Mode ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 30...
  • Page 31: Chapter 6 Specifications

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 6: Specifications Chapter 6 Specifications 6.1. CCD Specifications CCD Specifications Sony ICX285AL CCD Manufacturer and Item Number 1392 (H) x 1040 (V) Number of Active Pixels 6.45 µm X 6.45 µm Pixel Size 2/3” Format (11mm diagonal) Optical Format 60% at 500 nm Peak Quantum Efficiency...
  • Page 32: Ir Blocking Filter

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 6: Specifications 6.3. IR Blocking Filter Figure 21 IR Blocking Filter Dimensions 1000 1100 Wavelength (nm) Figure 22 IR Blocking Filter Transmissivity Curve ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 32...
  • Page 33: Imaging Specifications

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 6: Specifications 6.4. Imaging Specifications Imaging Specifications 0 to 1000 seconds in 1 ms increments* Exposure Time 20 MHz or 40 MHz CCD Pixel Clock Speed 12 bits ADC Resolution 0 to 1023 counts ADC Gain 0 to 1023 counts Optical Black Clamp...
  • Page 34: Chapter 7 Mechanical Drawings

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 7: Mechanical Drawings Chapter 7 Mechanical Drawings 7.1. 1500M-GE-TE 7.2. 1500M-GE ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 34...
  • Page 35: 1500M-Cl-Te

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 7: Mechanical Drawings 7.3. 1500M-CL-TE 7.4. 1500M-CL ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 35...
  • Page 36: Switching Power Supply

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 7: Mechanical Drawings 7.5. Switching Power Supply ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 36...
  • Page 37: Chapter 8 Troubleshooting

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 8: Troubleshooting Chapter 8 Troubleshooting 8.1. Interface Problem Symptoms Possible Cause Remedy 1. No power to camera 1. Plug in power supply to outlet 1. Power supply not connected Green light on 2. Camera does not acquire 2.
  • Page 38: Optical

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 8: Troubleshooting 8.3. Optical Possible Remedy Problem Symptoms Cause When using a standard 1. Displayed 1. Back focus of See Section 4.6 on how to set the C-mount lens image is not in camera needs to camera’s back focus (not included), focus...
  • Page 39: Software

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 8: Troubleshooting 8.5. Software Possible Problem Symptoms Remedy Cause 1. Power not on 1. Make sure power supply is 2. Not plugged in switched on 3. Camera Link 2. Make sure the power and signal Error message, cable not cables are connected...
  • Page 40: Chapter 9 Maintenance

    Doing so will void the warranty. If it is suspected that the seal has been broken or if the window breaks, call your local Thorlabs office or distributor. Do not apply power to the camera. Moisture will have been introduced into the chamber, and cooling in the presence of moisture will cause condensation and frost on the CCD, which can damage the entire cooling unit and/or CCD.
  • Page 41: Cleaning The Infrared Filter (Standard And Te-Cooled Cameras)

    Re-examine once again and repeat the process once, if necessary. If contamination continues to be a problem, please call Thorlabs for assistance. CAUTION Ethyl and isopropyl alcohols are highly flammable! Do not use near extreme heat, arcing electrical equipment (such as space heaters) or open flame! Use only with proper ventilation.
  • Page 42: Chapter 10 Regulatory

    10.1. Waste Treatment is Your Own Responsibility If you do not return an “end of life” unit to Thorlabs, you must hand it to a company specialized in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste disposal site.
  • Page 43: Certifications And Compliance - Ce Declaration Of Conformity

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 10: Regulatory 10.3. Certifications and Compliance – CE Declaration of Conformity ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 43...
  • Page 44: Fcc Statement

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 10: Regulatory 10.4. FCC Statement This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
  • Page 45: Chapter 11 Warranty

    Chapter 11 Warranty 11.1. General Product Warranty Thorlabs warrants that all products sold will be free from defects in material and workmanship, and will conform to the published specifications under normal use, when correctly installed and maintained. 11.2. Specific Warranties 11.2.1.
  • Page 46: Chapter 12 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

    Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 12: Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts Chapter 12 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts For technical support or sales inquiries, please visit us at www.thorlabs.com/contact for our most up-to- date contact information. USA, Canada, and South America UK and Ireland Thorlabs, Inc.
  • Page 47 www.thorlabs.com...

This manual is also suitable for:

1500m-ge1500m-ge-te1500m-cl1500mcl-te

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