Chapter 6 Advanced Topics; Introduction - Princeton Instruments ProEM+ EMCCD User 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.
Synchronization, is set up on the Experiment Setup|Timing tab in WinX and on the
Shutter and Trigger expanders in LightField.
"Frame Transfer/Full Frame Timing {Trigger Response} Modes and Shutter Control
{Shutter Mode}", the first topic, discusses Timing Modes {Trigger Response} and
Shutter Control {Shutter Mode}.
"Fast and Safe Modes", the second topic, discusses the Fast and the Safe modes. Fast is
used for real-time data acquisition and Safe is used in WinX when coordinating
acquisition with external devices or when the computer speed is not fast enough to keep
pace with the acquisition rate.
"Logic Out Control" discusses the Ext Sync and Logic Out connectors on the rear of the
ProEM+. The levels at these connectors can be used to monitor camera operation or
synchronize with external equipment.
"Kinetics Mode" discusses Kinetics mode. This form of data acquisition relies on
mechanical or optical masking of the CCD array for acquiring time-resolved images. In
addition, topics related to the special Spectra-Kinetics mode are included.
"Custom Modes", the final topic, discusses the Custom Chip {Custom Sensor} and
Custom Timing modes. These modes allow you to specify an active sub-area of the CCD
array and/or a faster vertical shift rate for the purpose of increased frame rate (pixels
outside of the area are not read). Custom Chip {Custom Sensor} mode requires
mechanical or optical masking of the array to prevent smearing.
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