Princeton Instruments PI-MAX4

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290 PI-MAX

4 System Manual Issue 9

Preview Focus

Quality Readout Port

Readout Per Trigger External Sync

Readout Per Trigger (DIF) Single Trigger (DIF)

Sensor Readout Region expander functions Easy Bin

Shift Per Trigger (DIF) Dual Trigger Mode (DIF)

Shutter Mode Shutter Control

Speed ADC Rate

Temperature Setpoint Target Temperature

Trigger Determined By Edge Trigger

Trigger Response Timing Mode

Table C-2: LightField-to-WinX Cross Reference (Sheet 2 of 2)

LightField Term WinX Term

Main Page

Default Chapter5
- Table of Contents5
List of Figures12
List of Tables17
Chapter 1: Introduction19
PI-MAX4 System Components19
- Figure 1-1: Typical PI-MAX4 System Components19
Summary of PI-MAX4 Data Acquisition21
- Figure 1-2: Major Components of the Intensifier-CCD21
Safety Related Symbols Used in this Manual22
Grounding and Safety23
- Intensifier Modes and Safety24
- Audible Alarm24
- High Intensity Light Damage25
Precautions25
Cleaning and Maintenance26
- Cleaning Optical Surfaces - Protective Window26
- Flushing and Refilling the CCD Chamber26
Repairs26
About this Manual27
- Conventions Used in this Manual27
- Manual Organization27
Chapter 2: System Installation29
- Table 2-1: PI-MAX4 System Installation Procedure29
System Configuration Diagrams31
- Figure 2-1: Typical PI-MAX4 System Diagram31
- Figure 2-2: Typical PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF System Diagram31
Chapter 3: System Setup33
Dangers and Warnings33
Unpacking the System33
Checking the Equipment and Parts Inventory34
General System Requirements and Information35
- Ventilation35
- Power Specifications35
- Host Computer Specifications36
  - Winx Host Computer Requirements36
  - Lightfield Host Computer Requirements37
Mounting the Camera38
- Imaging Applications38
- Spectroscopy Applications39
Application Software Installation39
- Winx Applications39
  - Figure 3-1: Typical Winview/32 Setup Dialog40
- Lightfield Applications41
  - Figure 3-2: Typical Lightfield Installshield Wizard Dialog41
Connect the Circulator [Liquid-Cooled Cameras Only]42
- Circulator42
Configure Default Camera System Parameters44
- Winx (Versions 2.5.25.X or Higher)44
  - Typical Winx Camera Detection Wizard Dialog44
- Lightfield45
  - PI-MAX ® 4 System Manual Issue46
Chapter 4 First Light47
Required Equipment and Cables47
Cable Connections47
Before Turning on the System48
Turning on the System48
Lightfield First Light Instructions49
- Assumptions49
- Getting Started49
- Parameter Configuration50
  - Figure 4-1: Lightfield Desktop: Available Devices50
  - Figure 4-2: Camera Icon in Experiment Devices Area51
- Acquiring Data52
- Focusing54
  - Figure 4-5: Lightfield View Area Displaying an Acquired Image54
Winx First Light Instructions55
- Assumptions55
- Getting Started55
- Configuring the Software55
- Initial Data Acquisition59
  - Figure 4-12: Typical Experiment Setup Dialog: ROI Setup Tab59
- Focusing60
  - Figure 4-13: Sample Acquired Test Image60
Chapter 5 Gate Mode Operation61
Data Acquisition Sequence61
Winx System On/Off Sequences62
- Figure 5-1: Block Diagram: Signal Path in a Standard PI-MAX4 System62
Pre-Exposure Removal of Accumulated Charge63
- Dark Charge63
- Cleaning64
  - Figure 5-2: Clean Cycles in Internal Trigger Mode of Operation64
Phosphor Decay Delay65
Temperature Control66
- Cooling Method66
  - Figure 5-3: Winx: Phosphor Decay Delay66
  - Figure 5-4: Lightfield: Phosphor Decay Delay Parameters66
- Necessary Cooling Precautions67
- Setting the Temperature67
Exposure68
- Exposure with an Image Intensifier68
  - Exposure Timing68
- Saturation69
Background Subtraction69
Readout of the Array70
- Interline CCD Readout71
- Full-Frame CCD Readout74
  - Figure 5-10: Full Frame CCD Readout74
- Binned Readout (Hardware Binning)76
Software Binning82
- Figure 5-17: Dual Port Readout: Lightfield Settings, 5×3 Binning, Interline CCD82
Controller Gain {Analog Gain83
Digitization83
Logic out Control84
- Figure 5-18: Typical PI-MAX4 Hardware Setup Dialog84
- Figure 5-19: Timing Diagram: Shutter {Shutter Open}, Read out {Reading out84
Winx Experiment Setup86
- Main Tab86
  - Figure 5-20: Typical Experiment Setup Dialog: Main Tab86
- Timing Tab87
  - Figure 5-21: Typical Experiment Setup Dialog: Timing Tab87
  - Figure 5-22: Fast Mode/Slow Mode Flow Charts88
Lightfield Experiment Setup90
- Common Acquisition Settings Expander90
  - Figure 5-23: Typical Common Acquisition Settings Expander90
  - Figure 5-24: Typical Advanced Intensifier Dialog91
- Region of Interest Expander92
  - Figure 5-25: Typical Region of Interest Expander92
- Trigger Expander93
  - Figure 5-26: Typical Trigger Expander: Internal Trigger Source Parameters93
  - Figure 5-27: Typical Trigger Expander: External Trigger Source Parameters93
- Supersynchro Timing Expander94
  - Figure 5-28: Supersynchro Timing Expander94
Chapter 6: Lightfield and Gated Operation97
Gating97
Safety Precautions98
- Intensifier Mode98
- Alarms98
Timing Mode99
- Table 6-1: Internal Sync Information for Gated Operation99
Micro-Channel Plate (MCP) Bracket Pulsing100
- Figure 6-1: Timing Diagram: MCP Bracket Pulsing100
- Bracket Pulsing in LIF Measurements101
- Bracket Pulsing in Nanosecond Pump Probe Experiments101
- Limitations of Bracket Pulse Gating101
- Impact of Bracket Pulsing on Delay102
- Configuration103
  - Figure 6-2: Timing Diagram: MCP Bracket Pulsing103
Experiments104
- Figure 6-3: Typical PI-MAX4 Experiments104
- Swept Gate Experiment [Fixed Width, Variable Delay]105
- Single Shot Experiment118
- Swept Gate Experiment [Variable Width, Variable Delay]124
- Static Gate Experiment [Fixed Width, Fixed Delay]124
  - Figure 6-26: Repetitive Gating Setup Dialog124
Chapter 7: Winx and Gated Operation125
Gating125
Safety Precautions126
- Intensifier Mode126
- Alarms127
Timing Mode127
Micro-Channel Plate (MCP) Bracket Pulsing128
- Table 7-1: Internal Sync Information for Gated Operation128
- Bracket Pulsing in LIF Measurements129
  - Figure 7-1: Timing Diagram: MCP Bracket Pulsing129
- Bracket Pulsing in Nanosecond Pump Probe Experiments130
- Limitations of Bracket Pulse Gating130
- Impact of Bracket Pulsing on Delay131
- Configuration131
  - Figure 7-2: Timing Diagram: MCP Bracket Pulsing131
Experiments132
- Figure 7-3: Typical PI-MAX4 Experiments132
- Swept Gate Experiment [Fixed Width, Variable Delay]133
- Single Shot Experiment148
- Swept Gate Experiment [Variable Width, Variable Delay]152
- Static Gate Experiment [Fixed Width, Fixed Delay]152
  - Figure 7-31: Repetitive Gating Setup Dialog152
Chapter 8: Timing Generator153
Pulse Set153
- Figure 8-1: Timing Diagram: Pulse Set153
- Supported Timing Generator Trigger Modes154
  - Figure 8-2: Timing Diagram: Trigger Per Pulse154
  - Figure 8-3: Timing Diagrams: Three Repetition Sequence154
Single Sequence154
- Figure 8-4: Timing Diagram: 3 Repetition Sequence, Trigger Per Pulse155
- Supported Timing Generator Trigger Modes155
Time Stamping155
Chapter 9: Lightfield and Dual Image Feature157
Requirements157
- Figure 9-1: Readout Expander157
Interline CCD Operation158
- Figure 9-2: Common Acquisition Settings Expander158
Trigger Setup159
- Trigger Response159
  - Figure 9-3: Trigger Expander: Internal Trigger Source159
  - Figure 9-4: Timing Diagram: Single-Trigger (Readout Per Trigger) DIF159
- Trigger Source160
Using Pre-Trigger162
- Figure 9-8: Trigger Expander163
- Figure 9-9: Timing Diagram: Pre-Trigger, Single Trigger (Readout Per Trigger)163
- Figure 9-10: Timing Diagram: Pre-Trigger, Dual Trigger (Shiftper Trigger)164
- Figure 9-11: Timing Diagram: Pre-Trigger with Slightly Late Input Trigger164
- Figure 9-12: Timing Diagram: Pre-Trigger with very Late Input Trigger165
Configure a Single-Trigger DIF Acquisition166
- Figure 9-13: Block Diagram: Single-Trigger DIF Acquisition166
- Figure 9-14: Timing Diagram: Single-Trigger DIF Acquisition166
Configure a Dual-Trigger DIF Acquisition168
- Figure 9-15: Block Diagram: Dual-Trigger DIF Acquisition168
- Figure 9-16: Timing Diagram: Dual-Trigger DIF Acquisition169
Tips and Tricks171
Chapter 10: Winx and Dual Image Feature173
Requirements173
Interline CCD Operation173
Timing Modes174
Configure a Single Trigger DIF Experiment174
- Hardware174
- Software174
  - Figure 10-1: Block Diagram: DIF Experiment174
- Operation175
Configure a Dual Trigger DIF Experiment180
- Hardware180
- Software180
- Operation180
Tips and Tricks186
Chapter 11: MCP Gating Option187
- Figure 11-1: Timing Diagram: Normal Gated Operation187
- Figure 11-2: Timing Diagram: MCP Bracket Pulsing Operation187
Setup and Operation188
- Figure 11-3: Timing Diagram: MCP Gated Operation for Gen II Intensifiers188
- Figure 11-4: QE Curves: Gen II Intensifiers188
Gain Variation189
Fluorescence Experiment189
Cabling for MCP Gated Operation189
- Figure 11-5: Block Diagram: MCP Gated Operation Cabling189
- Figure 11-6: Timing Diagram: MCP Gated Operation190
Chapter 12: Picosecond Gating Option191
Activating Picosecond Operation191
Gain and Gate Width191
MONITOR Operation192
Repetition Rate Issues192
- Table 12-1: Typical Picosecond Gating Information: PI-Max4:1024I192
Timing193
Methods for Finding a Short Optical Pulse193
Chapter 13: PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF and RF Modulation195
Basics of RF Modulation on Intensified Ccds195
Advantages of PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF196
- Figure 13-1: System Diagram: RF Operation196
RF Experiment Design in Lightfield197
- Requirements197
- Trigger Response197
- Gating Mode198
- Phase Modulation Sorting Add-In209
PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF Rear Panel Information212
- Figure 13-13:PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF Rear Panel212
- Table 13-2: PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF Connectors, Indicators, and Switches213
- PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF Power Supply Rear Panel Information214
  - Figure 13-14:PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF Power Supply Rear Panel214
RF Modulator Specifications215
- Table 13-3: PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF Power Supply Connectors, Indicators215
Chapter 14: PI-MAX4: EM Family217
Electron Multiplication217
- Figure 14-1: Block Diagram: EMCCD with Dual Output Registers218
- Enabling EM219
  - Figure 14-2: Typical Emiccd Hardware Stackup219
  - Figure 14-3: Enabling Electron Multiplication219
- Emiccd Gain Mode220
  - Figure 14-4: Typical Emiccd Gain Configuration Field220
Kinetics224
- Masking224
- Trigger Sources226
- Image/Frame Acquisition226
  - Figure 14-11:Timing Diagrams: Kinetics Exposure-Shift227
- Data Readout228
- Binning228
  - Figure 14-12: Timing Diagram: Kinetics Readout and Data Storage229
- Configuring Kinetics232
  - Figure 14-15:Configuring Readout Mode232
- Cleaning the CCD233
  - Figure 14-16:Configuring Trigger Response233
- Configuring a Kinetics Experiment234
  - Figure 14-17:Block Diagram: Typical Kinetics Experiment234
    - Configuring the Software Parameters235
Photon Detection236
- Configuring Photon Detection237
High Speed Camera Add-In238
- Figure 14-21:Typical High Speed Camera Spectroscopy Settings239
- Figure 14-22:Typical High Speed Camera Imaging Settings239
- Figure 14-23:Typical Previous and Current Frame Rate Information239
- Figure 14-24:Typical Configuration Options: Time Stamping, Frame Tracking240
- Configuring the High Speed Camera239
Chapter 15: Tips and Tricks241
Overexposure Protection241
Signal Delay242
- Time Budgets242
- Measuring Coincidence243
- Adjusting the Signal Delay244
- Optimizing the Gate Width and Delay244
Lasers245
- Free Running Lasers245
- Triggered Lasers245
Lens Performance246
- Throughput246
- Depth of Field246
- Jitter246
Inhibiting the Pulser During Readout246
- PI-MAX ® 4 System Manual Issue246
Baseline Signal247
Temperature Lock247
Intensifier Alarm247
Chapter 16: Component Descriptions249
Mount Adapters249
Switches, Connectors, and Indicators250
- Figure 16-1: PI-MAX4 Rear Panel250
- Figure 16-2: PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF Rear Panel250
- Aux I/O251
- AUX out251
- AUX Power [PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF Only]251
- Coolant Ports251
- Error LED252
- Fan252
- Gig-E252
- PWR On/Off Switch252
- Logic out253
- Mon RF out [PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF Only]253
- Monitor253
- Power Connector253
- Ready out253
- Thermoelectric Cooler254
- Trigger in254
- User RF out [PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF Only]254
Gig-E Ethernet Card254
Extender Bracket Kit254
Coolcube255
Spectrograph (Option)255
- Coolant Circulator (Option)255
Cables255
Tubing255
Application Software256
User Manuals257
Chapter 17: Troubleshooting259
- Table 17-1: Issues with Recommended Troubleshooting Procedures259
Alarm Sounds Repetitively260
Alarm Sounds Sporadically260
Baseline Signal Suddenly Changes by > 1000 ADU260
Camera Is Not Responding260
Camera Stops Working261
Camera1 (or Similar Name) in Camera Name Field261
- Figure 17-1: Camera1 in Camera Name Field261
- Figure 17-2: Editing Camera Name in Notepad261
Cooling Troubleshooting262
- Temperature Lock Cannot be Achieved or Maintained262
  - Figure 17-3: Updated Hardware Setup Dialog262
Data Loss or Serial Violation263
Error Occurs at Computer Power up263
Ethernet Network Is Not Accessible264
- Lightfield Applications264
  - Figure 17-4: Ebus Driver Installation Tool Dialog for Lightfield264
- Winx Applications265
Excessive Readout Noise265
- Figure 17-5: Ebus Driver Installation Tool Dialog for Winx265
Gating Pulse Artifact Strings Displayed266
- Figure 17-6: Typical Diagonal Line of Gating Pulse Artifacts266
Appendix A: Technical Specifications267
Mechanical Dimensions267
Power Specifications267
- Table A-1: Input Power Specifications: External PI-MAX4 Power Supply267
Environmental Specifications268
Intensifier Specifications268
CCD Specifications268
- Table A-2: PI-MAX4 Environmental Specifications268
- Table A-3: CCD Array Specifications for Electron Multiplied PI-MAX4268
- A.3 Environmental Specifications268
- Table A-4: CCD Array Specifications for Non-EM PI-MAX4 Detectors269
AUX I/O Interface270
- Figure A-1: AUX I/O Connector Pinout270
- Table A-5: AUX I/O Interface TTL Signal Specifications270
- Table A-6: AUX I/O Connector Pinout and Signal Descriptions270
- A.6 AUX I/O Interface270
- AUX I/O Cable272
Coolcube II Circulator Specifications273
Appendix B: Outline Drawings275
PI-MAX4: 1024I/1024F/2048F/1024X256275
- Figure B-1: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 1024I/1024F/2048F/1024X256 with275
- Figure B-2: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 1024I/1024F/2048F/1024X256 with276
- Figure B-3: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 1024I/1024F/2048F/1024X256 with277
Pi-Max4: 512 Em/512 Em(B)278
- Figure B-4: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 512 EM/512 EM(B) with278
- Figure B-5: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 512 EM/512 EM(B) with279
- Figure B-6: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 512 EM/512 EM(B) with280
PI-MAX4 Power Supply281
- Figure B-7: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4 Power Supply281
PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF282
- Figure B-8: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF with C-Mount Adapter282
- B.4 PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF282
- Figure B-9: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF with F-Mount Adapter283
- Figure B-10: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF with Spectroscopy-Mount284
- Adapter284
PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF Power Supply285
- Figure B-11: Outline Drawing: PI-MAX4: 1024I-RF Power Supply285
Coolcube286
- Figure B-12: Outline Drawing: Coolcube286
Appendix C: Winx/Lightfield Cross Reference287
Winx-To-Lightfield Terminology287
- Table C-1: Winx-To-Lightfield Cross Reference287
Lightfield to Winx289
- Table C-2: Lightfield-To-Winx Cross Reference289
- C.2 Lightfield to Winx289
Appendix D: Extender Bracket Kit291
- Figure D-1: Extender Bracket Kit Mounted to a PI-MAX4291
Appendix E: C- and F-Mount Information293
C-Mount Lens Information293
- Installation293
- Removal293
F-Mount Lens Adapter294
- Installation294
- Removal294
  - Figure E-1: F-Mount (Nikon) Lens Adapter294
Camera Orientation295
Focusing C- and F-Mount Lenses295
- E.3 Camera Orientation295
Appendix F: Spectrograph Mount Information297
Mount PI-MAX4 to an Acton Spectrapro Series Spectrograph297
- Required Tools and Equipment297
- Procedure297
Mount a PI-MAX4 to an Isoplane SCT-320 Spectrograph299
- Required Tools and Equipment299
- Procedure299
Spectrograph-Camera Rotational Alignment and Focusing300
- Aligning and Focusing an Acton Spectrapro Series Spectrograph300
- Align and Focus an Isoplane SCT-320 Spectrograph302
  - PI-MAX ® 4 System Manual Issue304
Appendix G: Accessories305
Accessory Kits305
Adapter Kits305
- Figure G-1: Magnetic Screwdriver with Reversible Flat and Phillips Bit305
- Table G-1: Adapter Kit Information305
Quick Start Guide306
Standard C-, F-, and Spectroscopy-Mount Adapters306
- Figure G-2: Standard PI-MAX4 Mount Adapters306
- G.3 Quick Start Guide306
Spectroscopy-Mount for IVUV and NVUV Cameras307
- Installation Procedure307
- Figure G-3: Standard, IVUV, and NVUV Spectroscopy Mounts307
- G.5 Spectroscopy-Mount for IVUV and NVUV Cameras307
- Figure G-4: Positioning the 2.739" (ID) O-Ring308
- Figure G-5: Positioning the 2.614" (ID) O-Ring308
Optical Distance from Mounting Face to Image Plane309
Appendix H: Glossary311
Warranty & Service317
- Limited Warranty317
Index321

Princeton Instruments PI-MAX4 - Page 290

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