Teledyne IsoPlane SCT-320

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Instructions for

Adding or Interchanging Turrets and Gratings in the IsoPlane SCT-320

If it becomes necessary to add or interchange turrets and gratings in the SCT-320 IsoPlane, the following procedure is

recommended. This procedure should be done only by personnel familiar with handling delicate optical components

and familiar with the alignment of optical instruments. The following equipment is required:

 PC running Windows

 Monochromator Control Software and Manual

 Alignment Posts

 Helium Neon Laser

 CCD camera controlled by WinSpec or Lightfield

 Low Pressure Mercury Lamp (IntelliCal Light Source recommended)

NOTES:

MAKE SURE THAT MONO CONTROL SOFTWARE IS RUNNING BEFORE STARTING LIGHTFIELD

OR WINSPEC. THIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE MONO CONTROL SOFTWARE MUST HAVE

CONTROL OF THE SCT-320 FOR THIS ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE.

THE CCD SHOULD ALREADY BE MOUNTED, ALIGNED AND FOCUSED TO THE SCT-320 USING

THE ORIGINAL GRATING TURRET PROVIDED, BEFORE PERFORMING THIS INSTALLATION

PROCEDURE. FOR THIS PROCEDURE THE CCD IS CONTROLLED BY LIGHTFIELD OR WINSPEC.

PRIOR TO INSTALLING A NEW TURRET OR GRATING, SET THE SHUTTER CONTROL WITHIN

LIGHTFIELD OR WINSPEC TO DISABLED OPEN. THIS IS NECESSARY TO ALLOW LASER LIGHT

TO ENTER THE SCT-320 CHAMBER FOR OPTICAL ALIGNMENT.

Setting the IsoPlane SCT-320 to Recognize the New Grating

 Refer to the Monochromator Control Software Manual Section II for directions on how to install the

Monochromator Control Software.

 Refer to the Monochromator Control Software Manual Section III for directions on how to operate the

monochromator using the Monochromator Control Software

1) From the Monochromator Control Software Main Window, select the Install Gratings Button.

2) If you are replacing a grating on the turret, you must first remove the existing grating by selecting the grating to

be removed in the gratings list, and then selecting the Uninstall Button.

3) To install a grating, select the grating position, then enter the Groove Density (g/mm) and Blaze in the appropriate

boxes and select install.

4) The software will respond that you need to calibrate the grating, respond OK.

5) This concludes the initial software installation or the grating.

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Teledyne IsoPlane SCT-320 and is the answer not in the manual?

The IsoPlane SCT-320 is a scientific instrument, likely a monochromator or spectrograph, designed for optical measurements and analysis. This manual provides instructions for adding or interchanging turrets and gratings, as well as for calibrating the instrument.

Function Description:

The IsoPlane SCT-320 is used for optical measurements, specifically involving the dispersion of light into its constituent wavelengths. It achieves this by using gratings mounted on turrets. The instrument is designed to precisely index gratings into operating position, ensuring accuracy in wavelength selection and measurement. It integrates with a CCD detector for capturing spectral data and is controlled by specialized software (Monochromator Control Software, Lightfield, or WinSpec). The device's primary function is to allow users to select and calibrate different gratings to analyze light across various wavelength ranges, making it suitable for a wide array of spectroscopic applications.

Important Technical Specifications:

While specific numerical specifications like wavelength range, resolution, or focal length are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, several key technical aspects can be inferred:

Grating System: The SCT-320 utilizes a turret system that can accommodate multiple gratings. The manual mentions "turret #2" and "turret #3," implying the capability for at least two or three turrets, each potentially holding multiple gratings.
Grating Parameters: Gratings are characterized by "Groove Density (g/mm)" and "Blaze," which are user-definable parameters during installation. The examples given are "1200g/mm Blz = H-VIS," "600g/mm Blz = 500nm," and "300g/mm Blz = 750nm," indicating a range of available grating types for different spectral regions (e.g., High-VIS, 500nm, 750nm).
Detent System: A crucial mechanical feature is the detent system, which ensures precise indexing of gratings. It consists of a "spring mechanism with ball bearing" and a "V-groove at each grating position." This system guarantees that the ball bearing falls into the V-groove, ensuring accurate position for each grating.
Motorized Control: The instrument incorporates a "grating index stepping motor" for automated grating selection and positioning. The software allows for adjustment of "number of steps" for this motor.
Wavelength Accuracy: The manual emphasizes "WAVELENGTH POSITION ACCURACY AT HIGH WAVELENGTHS (632.8NM)" achieved through the GADJUST function, which requires a CCD detector.
Slit Width: The entrance slit width can be set, with a default or recommended setting of "10 microns" during calibration.
CCD Integration: The SCT-320 is designed to work with a CCD camera (e.g., Pixis CCD), which is controlled by WinSpec or Lightfield software. The CCD region of interest can be set to the "center row (1 pixel binning)."

Usage Features:

Software Control: The instrument is primarily controlled via the "Monochromator Control Software" running on a Windows PC. This software provides a graphical user interface (GUI) with various functions:
- Install Gratings Button: For adding new gratings by specifying groove density and blaze.
- Uninstall Button: For removing existing gratings from the list.
- Setup Mono Button: Accesses hardware configuration settings.
- Goto Configure Motors: Allows configuration of motor settings.
- Main Board 3 – OnAxis: Specific motor setting for the grating index.
- OPERATION Button: Accesses the main operational window for scanning and jogging.
- GADJUST Button: Initiates the grating adjustment and calibration procedure.
- Install Gratings Button: For installing new gratings.
- Offset: Likely for wavelength offset adjustments.
- Startup Defaults: To restore default settings.
- Calibration Values: To manage calibration data.
- PI Cal: Princeton Instruments calibration utility.
- Terminal Mode: For direct command input.
Grating Management: Users can easily install, uninstall, and select different gratings through the software interface. The software prompts for calibration after grating installation.
Wavelength Scanning and Jogging: The "Operation" window allows users to set start and end wavelengths, scan speed (e.g., "10nm/min"), and perform "Jog" operations (Up/Down buttons) to precisely position the grating for specific wavelengths.
Real-time Feedback: During calibration, the software displays the "Displayed Peak Wavelength" and allows users to enter the "Known Wavelength" for calculation and storage of adjustment values.
Alignment Posts: The system uses physical "Alignment Posts" (positioned near the entrance slit, collimating mirror, and a third position) and a "Helium Neon Laser" for precise optical alignment of the gratings.
Mercury Lamp: A "Low Pressure Mercury Lamp (IntelliCal Light Source recommended)" is used as a known wavelength source for software-based calibration.

Maintenance Features:

Delicate Handling: The manual stresses that the procedure should be done by "personnel familiar with handling delicate optical components and familiar with the alignment of optical instruments," indicating the precision and care required.
Optical Surface Protection: A critical caution is provided: "DO NOT TOUCH, TALK, OR BREATHE ON THE OPTICAL SURFACES. PERMANENT DAMAGE WILL BE CAUSED TO THE OPTICAL SURFACES BY MECHANICAL CONTACT WITH ANYTHING." This highlights the need for a clean environment and careful handling when the instrument's optics are exposed.
Detent System Adjustment: The detent system can be adjusted by changing the "number of steps in Mono Control Software" if the ball bearing is not centered in the V-groove, ensuring continued mechanical precision.
Grating Adjustment Screws: The gratings have "grating rotation, tilt and tangent" adjustment screws, allowing for fine-tuning of the optical alignment. The manual specifies when to use each screw (e.g., "Rotation Adjustment Screw (Zero Order only)," "Tilt Adjustment Screw (Zero Order only)," "Tangent Adjustment Screw (High Wavelengths Only)").
Software Calibration (GADJUST): The "GADJUST" procedure is a software-driven calibration method that calculates and stores adjustment values to ensure accurate wavelength positioning, especially at high wavelengths. This is a key maintenance feature for maintaining instrument accuracy over time or after grating changes.
Factory Defaults: The software includes a "Save Factory Defaults" and "Restore Factory Defaults" option, which can be useful for troubleshooting or resetting the instrument to a known good state.
Alignment Post Storage: Users are advised to "Save the alignment posts for possible future use," indicating that these are reusable tools for ongoing maintenance and alignment.