Princeton Instruments PI-MAX4

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Issue 3 October 11, 2013 Issue 3 of this document incorporates the following changes:

• Added Section 13.3.3.3, Custom, which details the use of custom RF gating

in LightField for PI-MAX4: 1024i-RF systems;

• Added PI-MAX4: 2048f information;

• Updated Appendix A, Technical Specifications;

• Added Section A.5, CCD Specifications.

Issue 2 July 24, 2013 Issue 2 of this document incorporates the following changes:

• Added Chapter 14, PI-MAX4: EM Family, and other EM-supporting

information throughout the document;

• Updated the Declarations of Conformity.

Issue 1.B February 11, 2013 Issue 1.B of this document incorporates the following changes:

• Editorial, graphic, and global nomenclature updates.

Issue 1.A February 27, 2012 This is the initial release of this document

Revision History (Sheet 2 of 2)

Issue Date List of Changes

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

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