52 PI-MAX/PI-MAX2 System Manual Version 5.F
4. Carefully uncover the intensifier, unblock the spectrograph entrance slit, and/or
remove the lens cap. The displayed images should now contain real data over a noise
background. If the target is illuminated by overhead fluorescence, some images will
be bright and some dark. This occurs because the fluorescent lights flash at 120 Hz
(2× 60 Hz line frequency). Because the data acquisition is not synchronized with the
line, some images will be acquired at the instant when the lights are on, and others
will be acquired at the instant when they are off.
Note: If the overload warning sounds continuously, immediately cover the
intensifier with a black opaque cloth, cap the lens, or reduce the room illumination
further.
5. Make adjustments for a good image or spectrum.
If the image or spectrum is washed out because the CCD is saturated, reduce the
exposure time or the light falling on the intensifier. If it is too dark, increase the
exposure time.
If using a lens, adjust the lens aperture to maximum (smallest f/ number) possible
without the alarm sounding. If necessary, decrease the set Exposure Time to
obtain the best viewable (but not yet focused) image as the aperture opens.
6. To stop Focus operation without storing the current frame, click on the Stop icon (or
select Stop Acquisition on the Acquisition menu). To store the current frame and
stop focus operation, click on the Start Storage icon (or select Start Storage on the
Acquisition menu).
Focusing
Instructions for focusing C-mount and F-mount lenses are provided in Appendix D.
Instructions for focusing the detector on a spectrograph are provided in Appendix E.
Final Comments
This completes the First Light directions. If you have followed the instructions, you
should have verified the basic operation of your system and performed initial focusing.
Subsequent chapters provide more information about operating a PI-MAX system,
including a chapter about operating factors that should be considered for both Shutter and
Gate modes of operation and separate chapters to discuss specific setup and operating
considerations for these modes.
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