System On/Off Sequences; Winx First Light Instructions; Figure 10. Initial System Checkout Imaging Experiment Layout - Princeton PIXIS-XB System User Manual

Table of Contents

The remainder of this chapter is organized to first talk about the system on/off sequences.

Then "First Light" procedures for imaging and spectroscopy applications follow: these

procedures provide step-by-step instruction on how to initially verify system operation.

The last three sections discuss factors that affect exposure, readout, and digitization of the

incoming signal. By understanding these factors and making adjustments to software

settings you can maximize signal-to-noise ratio. For information about synchronizing

data acquisition with external devices, please refer to Chapter 6, Advanced Topics.

System On/Off Sequences

For WinView/32 and WinSpec/32, the following on/off sequences must be followed to

establish and maintain the communication link between the camera and the host computer:

1. The PIXIS-XB camera must be powered ON before the WinX application is

opened to ensure communication between the camera and the computer. If the

WinX application is opened and the PIXIS-XB is not powered ON, many of the

functions will be disabled and you will only be able to retrieve and examine

previously acquired and stored data. You must close the WinX application, power

the camera ON, and reopen the application before you can set up experiments and

acquire new data.

2. The WinX application must be closed before powering the camera OFF. If you

power the camera OFF before closing the application, the communication link with

the camera will be broken. You can operate the program in a playback mode (i.e.,

examine previously acquired data) but will be unable to acquire new data until you

have closed the application, powered the camera ON, and then reopened the

application.

The following paragraphs provide step-by-step instructions for verifying the operation of

your PIXIS-XB system. The intent of this simple procedure is to help you gain basic

familiarity with the operation of your system and to show that it is functioning properly.

The procedure does not require an X-ray source. Once basic familiarity has been

established, then operation with other operating configurations, ones with more complex

timing modes, can be performed.

Once the PIXIS-XB system has been set up, operation of the camera is basically

straightforward. In most applications you simply establish optimum performance using the

Focus mode, select full frame, set the target camera temperature, and watch the dark charge

decrease as the CCD temperature approaches the set temperature.

PIXIS-XB System Manual

Version 2

Table of Contents