THORLABS CS165 Series User Manual

Compact Scientific
Digital Cameras
User Guide
CS165 Series CMOS Scientific
Cameras

THORLABS CS165 Series Specifications

General

Brand	THORLABS
Model	CS165 Series
Category	Digital Camera
Language	English

Summary

Safety

Precautions

Read manual carefully before operating. Safety and technical specs apply when operated correctly.

Warning Symbol Definitions

Explains common warning symbols used in the manual and on the device for user safety.

Product Care

Guidelines for handling, storage, and maintenance to ensure proper operation and longevity.

Service

Only trained and approved Thorlabs personnel should service the system. Contact techsupport@thorlabs.com.

Accessories and Customization

Use only Thorlabs accessories. Modifications by unqualified personnel void warranty. Contact Thorlabs for customization.

Description

Introduction

Overview of the Compact Scientific camera series and its capabilities.

Receiving and Unpacking

Procedures for accepting delivery, inspecting for damage, and initiating returns.

Supplied Equipment

Lists all hardware and software components included with the camera.

Optional Items

Describes optional accessories available for purchase for the camera.

Setup & Installation

Pre-Installation USB and Connectivity

Requirements and considerations for connecting the camera via USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 ports.

Installing the Software

Step-by-step guide for downloading and installing the ThorCam software and drivers.

Driver Selection

Instructions on selecting the correct camera drivers during software installation.

3rd Party Software Support

Information on integrating the camera with third-party analysis packages like MATLAB.

Connecting the Camera

Step-by-step instructions for physically connecting the camera to the host computer.

Multiple Camera Operation

Recommendations for operating multiple cameras on the same computer, including port usage.

Optical and Mechanical Mounting

Guidance on mounting lenses and attaching the camera to optical systems and mounts.

Using a C-Mount Lens

Details on using C-mount lenses with the camera, including adapter recommendations.

Using a CS-Mount Lens

Details on using CS-mount lenses with the camera, including adapter recommendations.

Mounting the Camera

Information on camera mounting options using tapped holes for tripods or cage systems.

Cage System Compatibility

How to integrate the camera with Thorlabs' 30 mm cage systems.

SM1 Compatible Threads

Explanation of SM1 thread compatibility for lens tubes and accessories.

Optical Front End

Description of components located at the front of the camera, like windows and retaining rings.

Optical Front End Components

Details on lens caps, protective windows, and NIR blocking filters.

Optical Front End Procedures

Procedures for handling and maintaining the optical front end components.

Window Removal and Replacement

Step-by-step guide for removing and replacing the protective glass window.

Window Re-Assembly

Instructions for correctly re-assembling the protective window after cleaning or replacement.

Auxiliary I/O Connectors

Description of the auxiliary I/O connectors for camera control and status signals.

I/O Port Descriptions

Detailed explanation of the STROBE OUT and TRIGGER IN port functions and specifications.

Auxiliary Cable

Information about the supplied BNC-to-MMCX auxiliary cables.

Operation

Starting the Camera

Guide to powering on the camera and understanding the status LED indicators.

Camera Timing Diagrams

Visual representations of external trigger and strobe signals during camera operation.

Timing Considerations

Specific timing delays and signal behaviors for triggered exposure modes.

Frame-Rate Control

How to adjust frame rate in ThorCam software to prevent dropped frames.

CS165MU Specifications

CMOS Sensor Specifications

Technical details of the monochrome CMOS sensor used in the camera.

Quantum Efficiency

Graph showing the sensor's quantum efficiency across different wavelengths.

Imaging Specifications

Key imaging parameters like exposure time, ADC resolution, and read noise.

Example Frame Rates

Table showing typical frame rates for different Regions of Interest (ROI).

Power Consumption

Specifies the maximum power consumption of the camera.

Operating and Storage Temperatures

Recommended temperature ranges for operating and storing the camera.

CS165CU Specifications

CMOS Sensor Specifications

Technical details of the color CMOS sensor used in the camera.

Quantum Efficiency

Graphs showing the sensor's quantum efficiency for Red, Green, and Blue channels.

Imaging Specifications

Key imaging parameters like exposure time, ADC resolution, and read noise.

Example Frame Rates

Table showing typical frame rates for different Regions of Interest (ROI).

Power Consumption

Specifies the maximum power consumption of the camera.

Operating and Storage Temperatures

Recommended temperature ranges for operating and storing the camera.

Protective Glass Windows

Window Dimensions

Provides the physical dimensions of the protective glass windows.

AR-Coated Window Specs

Details the specifications for the anti-reflective coating on protective windows.

IR Filter Transmission Curve

Graph showing the transmission characteristics of the IR blocking filter.

Mechanical Drawings

Troubleshooting

Interface Troubleshooting

Common problems and solutions related to camera connectivity and software detection.

Optical Troubleshooting

Issues related to focus, image clarity, and debris on optical components.

Operational Troubleshooting

Problems related to camera temperature, imaging timeouts, and USB bandwidth.

Software Troubleshooting

Solutions for software errors, camera not found, or insufficient illumination issues.

Maintenance

Cleaning Guidelines

Procedures for cleaning optical components like lenses and protective windows.

Regulatory Compliance

CE Declaration of Conformity

Official declaration of the camera's compliance with CE standards and directives.

FCC Statement

Statement regarding the device's compliance with FCC rules and regulations.

Warranty

General Product Warranty

Thorlabs' standard warranty covering defects in material and workmanship.

Specific Warranties and Repairs

Information on specific warranty terms and repair procedures.

Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts