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Attention!
Intensified CCD detectors, such as the PI-MAX, when biased ON, can be irreparably
damaged if continuously exposed to light levels higher than twice the A/D saturation
level. Thus it is critical that you not establish conditions that could result in damage to
the intensifier. Although intensified detectors are less prone to damage from background
light when operated gated, they are at significant risk to damage from high-intensity light
sources like a laser. High intensity sources can damage the intensifier before the
protection circuits have time to respond, or even cause spot damage without the
protection circuits acting at all. In Shutter Mode operation, it will be necessary to keep
the lab lighting be subdued when working with an intensified detector. If a sustained
alarm indication occurs when the controller is turned on, either completely cover the
intensifier to reduce the light to halt the overload condition, or reduce the laboratory
illumination still further until safe operating conditions are established.
Alarm
To reduce the risk of detector damage, the PI-MAX detector is equipped with an audible
alarm in the detector head, activated when the intensity of light falling on the image
intensifier exceeds a preset threshold. While the alarm is sounding, the photocathode is
disabled. Immediately switch the MCP On/Off switch (on the back of the PI-MAX) to
the OFF position. Cover the detector window and only switch the MCP On/Off switch
to ON after the illumination level has been lowered. If the alarm sounds continuously
even when the illumination level is adequately low, shut the system down and contact the
factory for guidance.
Note: It is normal for the alarm to sound briefly when the system is turned on.
Discontinue operation and contact the factory at once if sporadic or continuous
unwarranted alarms occur. They may indicate intensifier damage or another situation that
requires immediate attention.
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