4411-0107
Version 1.D
January 26, 2009

*4411-0107*

©Copyright 2005-2009

Princeton Instruments, a division of Roper Scientific, Inc.
3660 Quakerbridge Rd
Trenton, NJ 08619
TEL: 800-874-9789 / 609-587-9797
FAX: 609-587-1970

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the written
permission of Princeton Instruments, a division of Roper Scientific, Inc. ("Princeton Instruments").
Printed in the United States of America.
LabVIEW is a registered trademark of National Instruments, Inc.
LEMO is a registered trademark of INTERLEMO HOLDING SA
PhotonMAX is a trademark of Roper Scientific, Inc.
PVCAM is a registered trademark of Photometrics, Ltd.
Scientific Imaging ToolKit and SITK are trademarks of R Cubed Software Consultants, LLC.
SpectraPro is a trademark of Acton Research Corporation.
Windows and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
The information in this publication is believed to be accurate as of the publication release date. However,Princeton Instruments does not assume any responsibility for any consequences including any damages
resulting from the use thereof. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
Revision of this publication may be issued to incorporate such change.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction........................................................................................ 7
PhotonMAX™ Cameras ..................................................................................................... 7
EMCCD Technology and On-Chip Multiplication Gain .................................................... 7
Integrated Controller........................................................................................................... 8
Grounding and Safety ......................................................................................................... 8
Precautions.......................................................................................................................... 9
UV Coating ......................................................................................................................... 9Cleaning .............................................................................................................................. 9
Repairs .............................................................................................................................. 10
About this Manual ............................................................................................................ 10

Chapter 2 System Component Descriptions .................................................. 13
System Components ......................................................................................................... 13
PhotonMAX Camera ........................................................................................................ 13
CoolCUBE Coolant Circulator ......................................................................................... 14
Cables ............................................................................................................................... 15
Certificate of Performance................................................................................................ 15
User Manuals .................................................................................................................... 15
Optional Components: ...................................................................................................... 16

Chapter 3 Installation Overview....................................................................... 17
Chapter 4 System Setup ................................................................................... 21
Introduction....................................................................................................................... 21
Unpacking the System ...................................................................................................... 21
Checking the Equipment and Parts Inventory................................................................... 22
System Requirements ....................................................................................................... 22
Attaching a Lens to a C- Mount Adapter.......................................................................... 23
Adjusting the C-Mount Adapter ....................................................................................... 24
Making the Camera-Circulator Connections .................................................................... 24
Software Installation ......................................................................................................... 25
Entering the Default Camera System Parameters into WinX (WinView/32,
WinSpec/32, or WinXTest/32)..................................................................................... 26

Chapter 5 Operation.......................................................................................... 29
Introduction....................................................................................................................... 29
First Light (Imaging) ........................................................................................................ 30
First Light (Spectroscopy) ................................................................................................ 35
Exposure and Signal ......................................................................................................... 40
Readout ............................................................................................................................. 44

Chapter 6 Advanced Topics ............................................................................. 53
Introduction....................................................................................................................... 53
External Shutter Operation ............................................................................................... 53
Timing Modes................................................................................................................... 54
Fast and Safe Modes ......................................................................................................... 57
TTL Status Signals............................................................................................................ 59
Kinetics Mode (Option) .................................................................................................... 60
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Chapter 7 Troubleshooting .............................................................................. 67
Introduction....................................................................................................................... 67
Baseline Signal Suddenly Changes................................................................................... 68
Camera Stops Working ..................................................................................................... 68
Camera1 (or similar name) in Camera Name field ........................................................... 68
Controller Is Not Responding ........................................................................................... 69
Cooling Troubleshooting .................................................................................................. 70
Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict message............................................................ 71
Demo is only Choice on Hardware Wizard:Interface dialog (Versions 2.5.19.0
and earlier).................................................................................................................. 72
Demo, High Speed PCI, and PCI(Timer) are Choices on Hardware
Wizard:Interface dialog (Versions 2.5.19.0 and earlier) ............................................ 73
Detector Temperature, Acquire, and Focus are Grayed Out (Versions 2.5.19.0
and earlier).................................................................................................................. 74
Editing the PVCAM.INI File............................................................................................ 75
Error Creating Controller message ................................................................................... 76
Program Error message..................................................................................................... 76
Serial violations have occurred. Check interface cable. ................................................... 77
Smeared Images................................................................................................................ 77

Appendix A Basic Specifications .................................................................... 79
Window............................................................................................................................. 79
CCD Arrays ...................................................................................................................... 79
Mounts .............................................................................................................................. 79
Focal Distance (Optical) ................................................................................................... 79
Camera .............................................................................................................................. 79
CoolCUBE Circulator....................................................................................................... 82
Options.............................................................................................................................. 82

Appendix B Outline Drawings.......................................................................... 83
PhotonMAX Camera: C-mount, Air-Cooled .................................................................... 83
PhotonMAX Camera: C-mount, Liquid-Cooled............................................................... 84
CoolCUBE Circulator....................................................................................................... 85

Declaration of Conformity ................................................................................ 87
Warranty & Service ........................................................................................... 91
Limited Warranty.............................................................................................................. 91
Contact Information .......................................................................................................... 94

Index ................................................................................................................... 95

FiguresFigure 1. Comparison of Traditional CCD and PhotonMAX EMCCD Array Structures . 8
Figure 2. Typical Air-Cooled System Components......................................................... 13
Figure 3. Typical Imaging Experiment Layout with Air-cooled Camera........................ 18
Figure 4. Typical Spectroscopy Experiment Layout with Air-cooled Camera................ 18
Figure 5. Typical Imaging Experiment Layout with Liquid-cooled Camera................... 19
Figure 6. Typical Spectroscopy Experiment Layout with Liquid-cooled Camera .......... 19
Figure 7. Adjustable C-Mount Adapter ........................................................................... 24
Figure 8. WinView Installation: Select Components dialog box.................................... 25

Table of Contentsv

Figure 9. Camera Detection Wizard - Welcome dialog box............................................ 26
Figure 10. Controller/Camera tab page............................................................................ 27
Figure 11. Cleans tab page............................................................................................... 27
Figure 12. RSConfig dialog box ...................................................................................... 27
Figure 13. Hardware Setup wizard: PVCAM dialog box ................................................ 28
Figure 14. Block Diagram of PhotonMAX System........................................................ 29
Figure 15. Controller/Camera tab page............................................................................ 31
Figure 16. Cleans tab page............................................................................................... 32
Figure 17. Detector Temperature dialog box (512B on left, 1024B on right) ................. 32
Figure 18. Experiment Setup|Timing tab page ................................................................ 33
Figure 19. Controller/Camera tab page............................................................................ 36
Figure 20. Detector Temperature dialog box................................................................... 36
Figure 21. Cleans tab page............................................................................................... 37
Figure 22. Experiment Setup|Timing tab page ................................................................ 38
Figure 23. Setting the Exposure Time (Experiment Setup|Main tab page) .................... 40
Figure 24. Setting the Avalanche Gain (Experiment Setup|Main tab page) .................... 41
Figure 25. DAC Setting vs. Charge Multiplication Gain................................................. 41
Figure 26. Setting the Temperature (Detector Temperature dialog box)......................... 42
Figure 27. Selecting the Clean Mode (Hardware Setup|Cleans tab page) ....................... 43
Figure 28. EMCCD Array Structure................................................................................ 44
Figure 29. Selecting the Readout Port (Experiment Setup|Main tab page) ..................... 45
Figure 30. Selecting the Controller Gain (Experiment Setup|ADC tab page) ................. 46
Figure 31. Selecting the Readout Rate (Experiment Setup|ADC tab page)..................... 47
Figure 32. Binning and Array Orientation....................................................................... 48
Figure 33. Required Selections for Overlap Mode Operation ......................................... 49
Figure 34. Timing Diagram for Overlap Mode when Exposure Time < Readout Time . 49
Figure 35. Timing Diagram for Overlap Mode when Exposure Time > Readout Time . 50
Figure 36. Required Selections for Non-Overlap Mode Operation ................................. 51
Figure 37. Timing Diagram for Non-Overlap Mode ....................................................... 52
Figure 38. Timing tab page.............................................................................................. 53
Figure 39. External Shutter Timing Diagram .................................................................. 54
Figure 40. Free Run Timing Diagram: Non-Overlap Mode ............................................ 55
Figure 41. Free Run Timing Diagram: Overlap Mode (texp>tR)....................................... 55
Figure 42. External Sync Timing Diagram: Non-Overlap Mode .................................... 55
Figure 43. Bulb Mode Timing Diagram: Non-Overlap Mode......................................... 56
Figure 44. Single Trigger Mode Timing Diagram: Overlap Mode.................................. 56
Figure 45. Single Trigger Mode Timing Diagram: Non-Overlap Mode ......................... 56
Figure 46. Flowcharts of Safe and Fast Mode Operation ................................................ 58
Figure 47. PhotonMAX Rear Panel and I/O Cable.......................................................... 59
Figure 48. Comparison of SHUTTER OUT, EXPOSE OUT, and FRAME READOUT
Levels ............................................................................................................ 59
Figure 49. Hardware Setup Dialog Box: Kinetics Readout Mode................................... 60
Figure 50. Two Examples illustrating Partial Illumination of CCD for Kinetics Mode in
PhotonMAX: 512B ....................................................................................... 61
Figure 51. Kinetics Data acquired based on Masked Images shown in Figure 50. ......... 61
Figure 52. Experiment Setup| Timing tab page ............................................................... 62
Figure 53. Example showing Kinetics Operation using "Single Trigger”....................... 62
Figure 54. Example showing Kinetics Operation using “Multiple Trigger” ................... 63
Figure 55. Typical Kinetics Experiment Layout.............................................................. 64
Figure 56. Camera1 in Camera Name Field .................................................................... 68

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Figure 57. Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict dialog box...................................... 71
Figure 58. Hardware Wizard: Interface dialog box ......................................................... 72
Figure 59. RSConfig dialog box ...................................................................................... 72
Figure 60. Hardware Wizard: PVCAM dialog box ......................................................... 73
Figure 61. Hardware Wizard: Interface dialog box ......................................................... 73
Figure 62. RSConfig dialog box: Two Camera Styles .................................................... 74
Figure 63. RSConfig dialog box: Two Camera Styles .................................................... 75
Figure 64. Hardware Wizard: PVCAM dialog box ......................................................... 75
Figure 65. Error Creating Controller dialog box ............................................................. 76
Figure 66. Program Error dialog box............................................................................... 76
Figure 67. Serial Violations Have Occurred dialog box.................................................. 77

TablesTable 1. Driver Files and Locations................................................................................. 25
Table 2. Typical Controller Gains ................................................................................... 46
Table 3. Default Operating Temperature ......................................................................... 79

Chapter 1
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a PhotonMAX camera system from Princeton Instruments/
Acton. Your system has been thoroughly tested to meet the exacting standards of
PI/Acton and to meet the demanding requirements of many low light level imaging
applications.
Please read the manual carefully before operating the camera. This will help you optimize
the many features of this camera to suit your research needs.

PhotonMAX™ Cameras
The new PhotonMAX™ cameras feature on-chip
multiplication gain, a technology that enables themultiplication of photon generated charge right on the CCD.
This approach offers an effective alternative to traditional
ICCD cameras for many nongated, low-light applications.
The PhotonMAX:512B, the first in the series, featuressquare, 16 x 16 µm pixels in a 512 x 512, frame-transfer
format. The PhotonMAX:1024B incorporates a larger 1024x1024, 13 um pixels
frame-transfer CCD. The back-illuminated EMCCDs with dual amplifiers ensure optimal
performance not only for applications that demand the highest available sensitivity but
also for those requiring a combination of high quantum efficiency and wide dynamic
range. Deep thermoelectric cooling and state-of-the-art electronics are employed to help
suppress system noise. The camera can be operated at 10 MHz for high-speed imaging or
more slowly for high-precision photometry. Supravideo frame rates are achievable via
subregion readout.

EMCCD Technology and On-Chip Multiplication Gain
The principal difference between an electron-multiplying CCD (EMCCD) and a traditional
CCD is the presence of an extended serial register in the new device (see Figure 1). Electrons
are accelerated from pixel to pixel in the extended portion of the serial register (also referred
to as a multiplication register) by applying higher-than-typical CCD clock voltages. This
causes secondary electrons to be generated in the silicon by impact ionization. The degree ofmultiplication gain is controlled by increasing or decreasing the clock voltages for thisregister (gain is exponentially proportional to the voltage). Although the probability ofgenerating secondary electrons is fairly low (typically 0.01 per stage), over the large numberof stages of a typical multiplication register, the total gain can be quite high.
This technology combines the ease of use and robustness of a traditional CCD with thegain capabilities of an intensified CCD in a single device. The combination of thistechnology with frame-transfer readout makes the PhotonMAX cameras excellent
choices for experiments where fast framing and low light sensitivity are required.

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Figure 1. Comparison of Traditional CCD and PhotonMAX EMCCD Array Structures

Note: As the on-chip multiplication introduces additional noise, it is recommended thatthe multiplication be used only as required. For more information, refer to the "On-Chip
Multiplication Gain" technical note. This technical note can be accessed by going to the
Princeton Instruments web site at www.princetoninstruments.com.

Integrated Controller
The operation of the PhotonMAX camera is regulated by its internal controller. Theseelectronics contain the circuitry required to accept input from the host computer andsoftware and convert it to appropriate control signals for the camera. These signals include
extensive capabilities for synchronizing the operation of the PhotonMAX system with therest of your experiment. The controlling electronics also collect the analog signal from the
CCD, digitize it, and send it to the computer.
The PhotonMAX allows you to specify read rate, binning parameters, and regions ofinterest — all under software control. For instance, if your experiment requires rapid
image acquisition, then the CCD’s on-chip binning can be set to increase frame rates.

Grounding and Safety
Before turning on the power supply (air-cooled camera) or circulator (liquid-cooled
camera), the ground prong of the powercord plug must be properly connected to theground connector of the wall outlet. The wall outlet must have a third prong, or must be
properly connected to an adapter that complies with these safety requirements.

WARNING! If the equipment is damaged, the protective grounding could be disconnected. Do not use
damaged equipment until its safety has been verified by authorized personnel.
Disconnecting the protective earth terminal, inside or outside the apparatus, or any
tampering with its operation is also prohibited.
Inspect the supplied powercord. If it is not compatible with the power socket, replace thecord with one that has suitable connectors on both ends.

WARNING! Replacement powercords or power plugs must have the same polarity as that of theoriginal ones to avoid hazard due to electrical shock.

Chapter 1

Introduction

9

Precautions
To prevent permanently damaging the system, please observe the following precautions:•

The CCD array is very sensitive to static electricity. Touching the CCD candestroy it. Operations requiring contact with the device can only be performed at
the factory.

•

If you are using high-voltage equipment (such as an arc lamp) with your camera
system, be sure to turn the camera power ON LAST and turn the camera power
OFF FIRST.

•

Use caution when triggering high-current switching devices (such as an arc lamp)
near your system. The CCD can be permanently damaged by transient voltage
spikes. If electrically noisy devices are present, an isolated, conditioned powerline or dedicated isolation transformer is highly recommended.

•

Do not block air vents on the camera. Preventing the free flow of air overheats
the camera and may damage it.

UV Coating
CautionIf you have a camera with a UV (lumogen or Unichrome) coated CCD, protect it from
unnecessary exposure to UV radiation. This radiation slowly bleaches the coating,
reducing sensitivity.

Cleaning
WARNING!

Turn off all power to the equipment and secure all covers before cleaning the units.
Otherwise, damage to the equipment or injury to you could occur.

CameraAlthough there is no periodic maintenance that needs to be performed on a PhotonMAX
camera, users are advised to wipe it down with a clean damp cloth from time to time.
This operation should only be done on the external surfaces and with all covers secured.
In dampening the cloth, use clean water only. No soap, solvents or abrasives should be
used. Not only are they not required, but they could damage the finish of the surfaces on
which they are used.

Optical Surfaces
As a good practice, the camera must be closed/capped off with the supplied dust cover orlens cap when not in use. Should a need to clean the optical window arise due to theaccumulation of atmospheric dust, we advise that the drag-wipe technique be used. This
involves dipping a clean cellulose lens tissue into clean anhydrous methanol, and thendragging the dampened tissue over the optical surface to be cleaned. Do not allow anyother material to touch the optical surfaces. Pay extra attention if the optical window iscoated with AR (anti-reflection) materials as they can be susceptible to scratches. Pleasecontact factory if you have any questions.

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Repairs
Because the PhotonMAX camera system contains no user-serviceable parts, repairs mustbe performed by Princeton Instruments. Should your system need repair, contact
Princeton Instruments customer support for instructions. For contact information, refer topage 94 of this manual.
Save the original packing materials and use them whenever shipping the system orsystem components.

About this Manual
Manual Organization
This manual provides the user with all the information needed to install a PhotonMAX
camera and place it in operation. Topics covered include detailed description of thecameras in the PhotonMAX family, installation, applications, cleaning, specifications andmore.
Note: "WinX" is a generic term for WinView/32, WinSpec/32, and WinXTest
application software.
Chapter 1, Introduction provides an overview of the PhotonMAX cameras.
Chapter 2, System Component Descriptions provides information about thecamera, interface card, cables and application software.
Chapter 3, Installation Overview cross-references system setup actions with therelevant manuals and/or manual pages. It also contains system layout diagrams.
Chapter 4, System Setup provides detailed directions for setting up the camera
for imaging or spectroscopic applications and presents over-exposure protection
considerations.
Chapter 5, Operation discusses a number of topics, including cooling and effects
of high humidity and includes a step-by-step procedure for verifying system
operation.
Chapter 6, Advanced Topics discusses standard timing modes (Free Run,
External Sync, and Continuous Cleans), Fast and Safe speed modes, Logic Level
control, and the Kinetics mode option.
Chapter 7, Troubleshooting provides courses of action to take if you shouldhave problems with your system.
Appendix A, Specifications includes camera specifications.
Appendix B, Outline Drawings includes an outline drawing of the C-mount
PhotonMAX cameras and the CoolCUBE circulator.
Declaration of Conformity contains the Declaration of Conformity for
PhotonMAX systems.
Warranty & Service contains the warranty and customer support contact
information.

Chapter 1

Introduction

11

Safety Related Symbols Used in this Manual
Caution! The use of this symbol on equipment indicates that one ormore nearby items should not be operated without first consulting themanual. The same symbol appears in the manual adjacent to the textthat discusses the hardware item(s) in question.
Warning! Risk of electric shock! The use of this symbol on
equipment indicates that one or more nearby items pose an electric
shock hazard and should be regarded as potentially dangerous. Thissame symbol appears in the manual adjacent to the text that discusses
the hardware item(s) in question.

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Chapter 2
System Component Descriptions
System Components
Standard Components
A typical air-cooled PhotonMAX system consists of the camera, a power supply withpower cable, a PCI card for your computer, a data cable, an I/O cable, and the user
manual. A typical liquid-cooled system consists of the camera, a coolant circulator withhoses, a PCI card for your computer, a data cable, power cable, an I/O cable, and theuser manual.

Figure 2. Typical Air-Cooled System Components

Optional System Components
Optional items include the WinView/WinSpec application software and manual,
Scientific Imaging ToolKit™ (SITK™) for LabVIEW®, fiber optic interface, fiber optic
cables, and C-mount adapters.

PhotonMAX Camera
CCD Array: The PhotonMAX camera system offers CCDs in a variety of array sizes
that allow you to precisely match the sensor to your application. Only scientific-grade
devices are used in order to ensure the highest image fidelity, resolution, and acquisition
flexibility required for scientific imaging. Large full wells, square pixels, and 100% fill
factors provide high dynamic range and excellent spatial resolution. Unichrome(exclusive Princeton Instruments technology) and other UV-enhancement coatings can beused to further improve the quantum efficiency of these CCDs in the ultraviolet.
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Cooling: Dark current is reduced in PhotonMAX camera systems throughthermoelectric cooling of the CCD arrays. Cooling by this method uses a four-stage
Peltier cooler in combination with air-circulation or circulating coolant. To prevent
condensation and contamination from occurring, cameras cooled this way are evacuated.
Due to CCD size/packaging differences, the lowest achievable temperature can vary fromone PhotonMAX model to the next. Please refer to the specific system’s data sheet forcooling performance.
The camera needs to have at least two (2) inches (50 mm) clearance around the vented
covers. The ambient temperature needs to be less than 20ºC (above this temperature, theCCD temperature can begin to degrade). If the camera is inside an enclosure, theenclosure needs to have unrestricted air flow to an open environment.
Fan: Air-cooled cameras contain an internal fan. Its purpose is:• to remove heat from the Peltier device that cools the CCD array and• to cool the electronics.
An internal Peltier device directly cools the cold finger on which the CCD is mounted.
Air drawn into the camera through the back slots on the side panels removes the heatproduced by the Peltier device and then vents out through the front slots on the sidepanels. The fan is always in operation and air-cooling of both the Peltier and theinternal electronics takes place continuously. The fan is designed for low-vibrationand does not adversely affect the image. For the fan to function properly, freecirculation must be maintained between the sides of the camera and the laboratory
atmosphere (see "Cooling" paragraphs above).
Connectors:
DATA: 20-pin, high-density connector for datatransfer.
I/O: DB26, high-density connector for input/output
control signals.
POWER: 5-pin, LEMO connector for camera
power.
Coolant Ports: Liquid-cooled cameras only.
Interchangeable inlet/outlet ports. Use only thehoses and circulator shipped with your system.
Attaching any other hoses or circulator voids thewarranty.

CoolCUBE Coolant Circulator
Liquid-cooled PhotonMAX cameras provide a low vibration system for data acquisition.
Instead of using a fan to remove heat, these cameras incorporate a closed loop system ofcirculating fluid. The CoolCUBE circulator unit provides the power to the camera andcontinuously pumps the 50:50 mixture of room temperature (20ºC) water and ethylene
glycol. To prevent voiding the warranty, use only the circulator and hoses shipped withyour system.

Chapter 2

System Component Descriptions

15

CablesData Cable: The Data cable (6050-0545) has 20-pin, high-density (MDR-20)
connectors for interconnecting the camera and the host computer.

I/O Cable: (Optional) The I/O cable (6050-0546) has a female, DB26, highdensity connector that connects to the I/O connector. The five (5) BNCs at other endof the cable provide access to the following five I/O signals (that can be used to
input a trigger to initiate data acquisition, to monitor frame readout status, and tocontrol an external shutter): Trigger In, Trigger Invert, Frame Readout, Expose Out,and Shutter Out. Refer to "I/O Connector Pinout", page 80, for more information.
Circulator-Camera Power Cable: (For Liquid-Cooled Version Only): The
10' (3 m) power cable (6050-0564) has a Lemo connector on each end and connects
between the circulator to the camera to provide the camera power.

Certificate of Performance
Each PhotonMAX camera has a Certificate of Performance. This certificate states thatthe camera system was assembled and tested according to approved Princeton
Instruments procedures. It documents the camera performance data as measured during
the testing of your PhotonMAX and lists the Sales Order, Purchase Order, and Camera
Serial numbers (useful if you ever need to contact Princeton Instruments Customer
Support).

User Manuals
PhotonMAX System User Manual: This manual describes how to install and use
the PhotonMAX camera and its components.
WinView/32 User Manual: This manual describes how to install and use theapplication program. A PDF version of this manual is provided on the installation CD.
Additional information is available in the program's on-line help.

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Optional Components:
Application Software
WinX/32 (WinView or WinSpec): The PhotonMAX camera can be operated byusing either WinView/32 or WinSpec/32, Princeton Instrument's 32-bit Windows®
software packages designed specifically for high-end imaging and spectroscopy,
respectively. The Princeton Instruments' software provides comprehensive
image/spectral capture and display functions. The package also facilitates snap-ins topermit advanced operation. Using the optional built-in macro record function, you
can also create and edit your own macros to automate a variety of operations.
WinView and WinSpec take full advantage of the versatility of the PhotonMAX
camera and even enhance it by making integration of the detection system into larger
experiments or instruments an easy, straightforward endeavor.
PVCAM®: The standard software interface for cooled CCD cameras from Princeton
Instruments. It is a library of functions that can be used to control and acquire datafrom the camera when a custom application is being written. For example, in the caseof Windows, PVCAM is a dynamic link library (DLL). Also, it should be understoodthat PVCAM is solely for camera control and image acquisition, not for image
processing. PVCAM places acquired images into a buffer, where they can then be
manipulated using either custom written code or by extensions to other commerciallyavailable image processing packages.
Scientific Imaging ToolKit™: SITK™ is a collection of LabVIEW® VIs forscientific cameras and spectrographs. This third party software can be purchasedfrom Princeton Instruments.
Note: PhotonMAX may also be operated by several other third-party software
packages. Please check with the providers of the packages for compatibility andsupport information.

Fiber Optic Interface
The optional fiber optic interface (2475-0041) allows you to operate the PhotonMAX
from up to 300 meters away. This is an excellent solution for operating the camera attelescopes or in hazardous locations. The two transceiver boxes are connected via an
LC-to-LC, duplex, 62.5/125 µm fiber optic cable (see below).

Fiber Optic Cable
Optional fiber optic cables can be ordered separately in 100m (2475-0042), 200m
(2475-0043), and 300m (2475-0044) lengths.

C- to Spectroscopy Adapter
A C- to Spectroscopy-mount adapter can be ordered separately.

Chapter 3
Installation Overview
The list and diagrams below briefly describe the sequence of actions required to
install your system and prepare to gather data. Refer to the indicated references
for more detailed information.
ActionReference

1. If the system components have not already been unpacked, unpackthem and inspect their carton(s) and the system components forin-transit damage.

Chapter 4 System Setup,
page 21

2. Verify that all system components have been received.

Chapter 4 System Setup,
page 22

3. If the components show no signs of damage, verify that theappropriate power cord has been supplied with the power supply.

Chapter System Setup,
page 22

4. If the application software is not already installed in the hostcomputer, install it.

Chapter 4 System Setup,
page 25 & Software manual

5. If the PCI interface card is not already installed in the host computer,install it.

Refer to computer
manufacturer's instructions

6. Depending on application, attach lens to the camera or mount thecamera to a spectrometer.

Chapter 4 System Setup,
page 23

7. With the power supply disconnected from the camera, connect theData cable to the DATA port at the rear of the camera and to the
DATA port on the installed PCI card.
8. Air-Cooled System: Plug the power supply into the rear of thecamera and plug the power supply into the power source.
Liquid-Cooled System: Make the hose and power connections tothe camera and plug the circulator into the power source. Add
coolant if necessary. Turn on the circulator.

Chapter 4 System Setup,
page 24

9. Turn the camera ON.
10. Turn on the computer and begin running the application software.

Software manual

11. Enter the hardware setup information.

Software manual

12. Set the target array temperature.

Chapter 5 Operation,
page 42

13. When the system reaches temperature lock, wait an additional 20
minutes and then begin acquiring data in focus mode.

Chapter 5 Operation,
page 30 or page 35

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PhotonMAX System Manual
Action

14. Adjust the focus for the best image or spectral lines. If you are using
WinSpec/32, you may want to use the Focus Helper function forspectroscopy applications.

Version 1.D
Reference
Chapter 5 Operation,
page 30 or page 35

Figure 3. Typical Imaging Experiment Layout with Air-cooled Camera

Figure 4. Typical Spectroscopy Experiment Layout with Air-cooled Camera

Chapter 3

Installation Overview

Figure 5. Typical Imaging Experiment Layout with Liquid-cooled Camera

Figure 6. Typical Spectroscopy Experiment Layout with Liquid-cooled Camera

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Chapter 4
System Setup
To minimize risk to users or to system equipment, turn the system OFF before any cables
are connected or disconnected.

Introduction
A PhotonMAX™ camera system consists of four hardware components:•

Camera•Power supply (or a CoolCUBE coolant circulator for liquid-cooled versions)•

PCI card•

Cables: DATA, I/O (optional), and PowerAll of the components and cables required for your configuration should be included withyour shipment. Your PhotonMAX system has been specially configured and calibrated tomatch the camera and readout rate options specified at the time of purchase. The CCD
and coating you ordered has been installed in your camera head.
Keep all the original packing materials so you can safely ship the PhotonMAX system toanother location or return it for service if necessary. If you have any difficulty with any
step of the instructions, call Princeton Instruments Customer Support. For contact
information, refer to page 94.
Hardware installation consists of:•

Installing an interface card.

•

Attaching a lens to a C-mount on the camera or to a C- to F-mount adapter.

•

Connecting the camera to an external shutter, if one is required.

•

Mounting the camera to a spectrometer (for spectroscopy applications).

•

Software installation depends on the application software you will be using to run
the system. Refer to the manual supplied with the software for information about
installing and setting it up.

Unpacking the System
During the unpacking, check the system components for possible signs of shipping
damage. If there are any, notify Princeton Instruments and file a claim with the carrier. If
damage is not apparent but camera or controller specifications cannot be achieved,
internal damage may have occurred in shipment. Please save the original packing
materials so you can safely ship the camera system to another location or return it toPrinceton Instruments for repairs if necessary.
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Checking the Equipment and Parts Inventory
Confirm that you have all of the equipment and parts required to set up the PhotonMAX
system. A complete system consists of:•

Camera•Power Supply (or a CoolCUBE coolant circulator for liquid-cooled versions)•

Host Computer: Can be purchased from Princeton Instruments or provided by user.

•

Computer Interface Components:•

Data cable: 15 ft (5 meter) cable (6050-0545) is standard.

•

Proprietary PCI Card•

I/O cable: (Optional) 2 ft ( .6 meter) cable (6050-0546) with DB26 connector at
one end and five (5) BNCs at the other end.

•

PhotonMAX System User Manual•

WinView/32 or WinSpec32 CD-ROM (optional)•

Software User Manual

System Requirements
Environmental Requirements
Storage temperature: ≤55°C
Operating environment temperature: 5ºC to +30ºC; the environment temperature range
over which system specifications can be guaranteed is +20ºC
Relative humidity ≤50%; non-condensing
Note: For TE-cooled cameras, the cooling performance may degrade if the room
temperature is above +20°C.

Ventilation
Camera: Allow at least two (2) inches (50 mm) clearance around the vented covers. The
air needs to be less than 25ºC (above this temperature the CCD temperature canbegin to degrade). Where the camera is inside an enclosure, the enclosure needs
to have unrestricted flow to an open environment. The camera vents its heat out
the vents near the nose. The air intake is near the rear of the camera.

Power
Camera: The PhotonMAX camera receives its power from the supplied power supply(or the liquid circulator unit), which in turn plugs into a source of AC power.
Power Supply: The receptacle on the power supply should be compatible with theline-voltage line cords in common use in the region to which the system isshipped. If the power supply receptacle is incompatible, a compatible adapter
should be installed on the line cord, taking care to maintain the proper polarity toprotect the equipment and assure user safety. For the liquid-cooled version,
power to the camera is supplied via the CoolCUBE circulator unit.
Maximum Power Output: 96 W
Input: 100-240 VAC, 47-63 Hz, 3 A
Output: 12 VDC at 8 A maximumChapter 4

System Setup

23

Host Computer
Note: Computers and operating systems all undergo frequent revision. The following
information is only intended to give an approximate indication of the computerrequirements. Please contact the factory to determine your specific needs.
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

Windows® 2000, or Windows® XP or later operating system
1 GHz Pentium® 4 (or greater)
1 GB RAM (or greater)
CD-ROM drive
At least one unused PCI card slot
Super VGA monitor and graphics card supporting at least 65535 colors with atleast 128 Mbyte of memory. Memory requirement is dependent on desired
display resolution.
Hard disk with a minimum of 80 Mbytes available. A complete installation of the
program files takes about 17 Mbytes and the remainder is required for data
storage, depending on the number and size of images/spectra collected. Disk
level compression programs are not recommended. Drive speed of 10,000 RPM
recommended.
Mouse or other pointing device.

Note: The above requirements are the minimum for operating a PhotonMAX camera. A
faster computer with larger memory (RAM) will greatly enhance the software
performance during live mode operations.

Attaching a Lens to a C- Mount Adapter
Caution Overexposure protection: Cameras that are exposed to room light or othercontinuous light sources will quickly become saturated. Set the lens to the smallest
aperture (highest f-number) and cover the lens with a lens cap to prevent overexposure.
PhotonMAX cameras for imaging applications incorporate an integral C-mount adapter.
Other mounts may be available. Consult the factory for specific information relating to
your needs. See page 94 for Information on accessing the Princeton Instruments
Customer Support Dept.

Mounting the Lens
C-mount lenses simply screw into the front of these cameras. Tighten the lens by hand only.
Notes:
1. C-mount cameras are shipped with a dust cover lens installed. Although this lens iscapable of providing surprisingly good images, its throughput is low and the image
quality is not as good as can be obtained with a high-quality camera lens. Users
should replace the dust-cover lens with their own high-quality laboratory lens before
making measurements.
2. If the CCD is cooled to low temperatures (below -50°C), exposure to ambient lightwill over-saturate it. This may increase dark charge significantly. If the camera
remains saturated after all light sources are removed, you may have to bring thecamera back to room temperature to restore dark charge to its original level.
3. Saturation is not harmful to a non-intensified camera.

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Adjusting the C-Mount Adapter(2) Spanner Wrench Holes.10" (2.5 mm) dia x.15" (3.8 mm) deep

Figure 7. Adjustable C-Mount Adapter

The PhotonMAX features an adjustable C-mount adapter that allows you to change thefocal depth. Use the hex key supplied with your system (or a .050" hex key) to adjust theadapter: loosen the three setscrews, rotate the ring to the desired height and tighten thescrews to lock the adapter in place.
Note: To lock the setscrews, the face of the adapter should be no further than .1"(2.5 mm) out from the front surface of the camera nose.

Caution The C-mount lens thread-depth should be .21" (5.3 mm) or less. Otherwise, depending on
the adapter in-out location, the lens could bottom out and damage the CCD window. If
you are not certain of the thread depth, remove the adapter from the camera nose, thread
the lens into the adapter until the lens threads are flush with the back surface of theadapter. Note the depth at the front surface, remove the lens, and then re-insert theadapter into the camera nose.

Making the Camera-Circulator Connections
For liquid-cooled cameras, the CoolCUBE circulator provides the camera power andprovides a vibration-free method of heat removal.
1. Make sure the camera and the circulator power switches are turned off.
2. Make sure the circulator is 6 inches (150 mm) or more below the camera. The
vertical distance should not exceed 10 feet (3 m). Typically, the camera is at tableheight and the circulator is on the floor.
3. Make the coolant connections between the circulator and the camera. It does notmatter which hose from the circulator is plugged into a coolant port on the camera.
Note: Make sure that there are no kinks in the hoses that impede the coolant flow.
Lack of sufficient flow can seriously harm the detector and any resulting damage is
not covered under warranty
4. Plug the circulator into a 100-240 VAC, 47-63 Hz power source.

Chapter 4

System Setup

25

5. Turn the circulator on.
6. Turn the camera on.
7. Start the application software.

Software Installation
Notes:
1. If you have multiple cameras from Roper Scientific (PI and PM brands) on the same
host computer, it may be necessary to edit the PVCAM.INI file. Refer to Chapter 7
for instructions.
2. Leave the interface cable disconnected from the camera until you have installed
WinView/32 or WinSpec/32.
The following installation is performed via the WinView/32 or WinSpec/32 software
installation CD.
1. On the Select Components
dialog box (see Figure 8), clickon the AUTO PCI button to
install the required drivers andthe most commonly installed
program files. Select theCustom button if you would
like to choose among theavailable program files or do
not want to install the drivers.
2. Make sure the camera isconnected to the host computer
and that the camera power
supply is turned on.

Figure 8. WinView Installation:
Select Components dialog box

3. Reboot the computer.
4. At bootup, Windows will detect the PCI card.
If you selected AUTO PCI during the application software installation,
WinView/32 or WinSpec/32 automatically put the required driver files in the"Windows" directories shown below. If you are prompted for the locations ofthese files, refer to Table 1.
Windows Version

Windows® 2000
and Windows® XP

Inf File Name/Location

Device Driver Name/Location

pmwdm.inf (in WINNT/Inf, pmwdm2k.sys (in WINNT/
for example)
System32/Drivers, for example)
Table 1. Driver Files and Locations

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Entering the Default Camera System Parameters into WinX
(WinView/32, WinSpec/32, or WinXTest/32)
Software changes implemented in WinX version 2.15.9.6 affected the way in which
default parameters were entered for camera systems. Therefore, two sets of instructions
are included. Follow the instructions appropriate to the software version that you
installed. Note that these instructions assume that you have performed the computerinterface installation.
WinX Versions 2.5.19.6 and later
1. Make sure the PhotonMAX is connected to the host computer and that it is turned on.
2. Run the WinX application. The Camera Detection wizard will automatically run if
this is the first time you have installed a Princeton Instruments WinX application(WinView/32, WinSpec/32, or WinXTest/32) and a supported camera. Otherwise, if
you installing a new camera type, click on the Launch Camera Detection
Wizard… button on the Controller/CCD tab page to start the wizard.
3. On the Welcome dialog (Figure 9), leave the checkbox unselected and click on
Next.

Figure 9. Camera Detection Wizard - Welcome dialog box

4. Follow the instructions on the dialog boxes to perform the initial hardware setup: thiswizard enters default parameters on the Hardware Setup dialog box tab pages andgives you an opportunity to acquire a single test image to confirm the system isworking. Note that this is a test image and it is not acquired using the settings needed
for true data acquisition.
5. To finalize the setup, make the following selections on the Controller/Camera tab
page so you can control the camera and acquire data at the default Detector
Temperature setting:•On the Controller/Camera tab page: Select "Frame Transfer" as the
Readout Mode.

•On the Cleans tab page: Select "Clear Pre-Sequence".

Chapter 4

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27

Select"Frame Transfer"

Figure 10. Controller/Camera tab
page

Select"Clear Pre-Sequence"

Figure 11. Cleans tab page

WinX Versions before 2.5.19.6: Run RSConfig.exe
1. Make sure the PhotonMAX is connected to the host computer and that it is turned on.
2. Run RSConfig from the Windows|Start|Programs|Roper Scientific menu orfrom the directory where you installed WinView, WinSpec, or WinXTest.
3. When the RSConfig dialog box (Figure 12) appears, you can change the camera
name to one that is more specific or you can keep the default name "Camera1". Whenyou have finished, click on the Done button.
Note: If the first camera in the list is not the "PM Style (PCI)" PhotonMAX camera,
please refer to "Editing the PVCAM.INI File" on page 75 for instructions on editing
the PVCAM.INI file.

Figure 12. RSConfig dialog box

4. Open the WinX application and, from Setup|Hardware…, run the Hardware Setup
wizard.
5. When the PVCAM dialog box (Figure 13) is displayed, click in the Yes radio button,
click on Next and continue through the wizard. After the wizard is finished, the28

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Controller/Camera tab page will be displayed with the Use PVCAM checkbox
selected.

Figure 13. Hardware Setup wizard: PVCAM dialog box

6. After making the following selections on the Controller/Camera tab page, you should
now be able to control the camera and acquire data at the default Detector Temperature
setting:•

On the Controller/Camera tab page: Select "Frame Transfer" as the Readout
Mode.

•

On the Cleans tab page: Select "Clear Pre-Sequence".

Note: For a step-by-step procedure on basic system operation, refer to the appropriate"First Light" section, beginning on page 30 (Imaging applications) or page 35(Spectroscopy applications).

Chapter 5
Operation
Introduction
Once the PhotonMAX camera has been installed as explainedin the preceding chapters, operation of the camera is
straightforward. In most applications you simply
establish optimum performance using the Focus mode(in WinView/32 or WinSpec/32, for example), set thetarget camera temperature, wait until the temperature hasstabilized, and then do actual data acquisition in the
Acquire mode. Additional considerations regarding
experiment setup and equipment configuration are
addressed in the software manual.
During data acquisition, the CCD array is exposed to asource and charge accumulates in the pixels. After thedefined exposure time, the accumulated signal is readoutof the array, digitized, and then transferred to the hostcomputer. Upon data transfer, the data is data is displayed
and/or stored via the application software. This sequenceis illustrated by the block diagram shown in Figure 14.

Incoming photons
CameraEMCCD
Preamp Electronics
Analog to Digital
Converter
Digital processor
PCI Interface

ComputerPCI Interface

Whether or not the data is displayed and/or stored
Display
Storagedepends on the data collection operation (Focus or
Acquire) that has been selected in the application
Figure 14. Block Diagram ofsoftware. In WinView and WinSpec, these operations
PhotonMAX System
use the Experiment Setup parameters to establish theexposure time (the period when signal of interest is allowed to accumulate on the CCD).
As might be inferred from the names, Focus is more likely to be used in setting up thesystem (see the "First Light" discussions) and Acquire is then used for the collection
and storage of data. Briefly:•

In Focus mode, the number of frames and accumulations settings are ignored. A
single frame is acquired and displayed, another frame is acquired and overwrites thecurrently displayed data, and so on until Stop is selected. Only the last frame
acquired before Stop is selected can be stored. When Stop is selected, the File Save
function can be used to save the currently displayed data. This mode is particularly
convenient for familiarization and setting up. For ease in focusing, the screen refresh
rate should be as rapid as possible, achieved by operating with axes and crosssections off, and with Zoom 1:1 selected.

•

In Acquire mode, every frame of data collected can be automatically stored (thecompleted dataset may include multiple frames with one or more accumulations).
This mode would ordinarily be selected during actual data collection. One limitationof Acquire mode operation is that if data acquisition continues at too fast a rate for it
29

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to be stored, data overflow will eventually occur. This could only happen in Fast
Mode operation.
The remainder of this chapter provides "First Light" procedures (these provide step-bystep instruction on how to initially verify system operation) and discusses factors that
affect exposure, readout, and digitization of the incoming signal. By understanding theexposure, readout, and digitization factors and making adjustments to software settings
you can maximize signal-to-noise ratio. For information about synchronizing dataacquisition with external devices, please refer to Chapter 6, Advanced Topics.

First Light (Imaging)This section provides step-by-step instructions for acquiring an imaging measurement for
the first time. The intent of this procedure is to help you gain basic familiarity with theoperation of your system and to show that it is functioning properly. Once basic familiarity
has been established, then operation with other operating configurations, ones with more
complex timing modes, can be performed.

Assumptions
The following procedure assumes that
1. You have already set up your system in accordance with the instructions in theprevious chapters.
2. You have read the previous sections of this chapter.
3. You are familiar with the application software.
4. The system is being operated in imaging mode.
5. The target is a sharp image, text, or a drawing that can be used to verify that thecamera is "seeing" and can be used to maximize focus.

Getting Started
1. Mount a test target in front of the camera.
2. Power ON the camera (the power switch is on the back of the camera).
Note: The camera must be turned on before WinView/32 or WinSpec/32 is
opened, and WinView/32 or WinSpec/32 must be closed before the camera isturned off.
3. Turn on the computer power.
4. Start the application software.
5. Block light from the lens.

Chapter 5

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31

Setting the Parameters
Note: The following procedure is based on WinView/32: you will need to modify it
if you are using a different application. Basic familiarity with the WinView/32
software is assumed. If this is not the case, you may want to review the software
manual or have it available while performing this procedure.
Set the software parameters as follows:
Controller/Camera tab page (Setup|Hardware): These parameters should
be set automatically to the proper values for your system.
•

Use PVCAM: Verify that this box is checked.
Note: This check box is not present on software versions 2.5.19.6 andhigher.

•Controller type: This information is read from the camera.

•

Camera type: This information is read from the camera.

•

Shutter type: Custom (System dependent).

•

Readout mode: Available modes are read from the camera. SelectFrame Transfer.

Select the"Frame Transfer"
Readout Mode

Figure 15. Controller/Camera tab page

Cleans tab page (Setup|Hardware): Select Clear Pre-Sequence as the
Clean Mode.

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Select"Clear Pre-Sequence"

Figure 16. Cleans tab page

Detector Temperature (Setup|Detector Temperature…): The default
temperature setting is read from the camera. When the array temperaturereaches the set temperature, the Detector Temperature dialog box willreport that the temperature is LOCKED (Figure 17 shows the default
temperatures for the PhotonMAX:512B and 1024B). Note that someovershoot may occur. This could cause temperature lock to be briefly lost andthen quickly re-established. If you are reading the actual temperature reportedby the application software, there may be a small difference between the set
and reported temperature when lock is established. This is normal and does
not indicate a system malfunction. Once lock is established, the temperature
will be stable to within ±0.05°C.

Figure 17. Detector Temperature dialog box (512B on left, 1024B on right)

Note: The Detector Temperature dialog box will not display temperature
information while you are acquiring data.
Experiment Setup|Main tab page (Acquisition|Experiment Setup…):•Exposure Time: 100 ms•

Accumulations & Number of Images: 1

Experiment Setup|ROI tab page (Acquisition|Experiment Setup…):
Use this function to define the region of interest (ROI).

Chapter 5

Operation•

Imaging Mode: Select this mode if you are running WinSpec.

•

Clicking on Full loads the full size of the chip into the edit boxes.

33

Experiment Setup|Timing tab page (Acquisition|Experiment Setup…):•

Timing Mode: Free Run•

Shutter Control: Normal•

Safe Mode vs. Fast Mode: Fast Mode

Select"Fast Mode"

Figure 18. Experiment Setup|Timing tab page

Acquiring Data
1. If you are using WinView/32 and the computer monitor for focusing, selectFocus from the Acquisition menu. Successive images will be sent to themonitor as quickly as they are acquired.
2. Adjust the lens aperture, intensity scaling, and focus for the best image asviewed on the computer monitor. Some imaging tips follow:•

Begin with the lens blocked off and then set the lens at the smallest
possible aperture (largest f-stop number).

•Make sure there is a suitable target in front of the lens. An object withtext or graphics works best.

•

Adjust the intensity scaling (by clicking the 5%-95% button at thebottom left corner of the data window) and adjust the lens aperture until
a suitable setting is found. Once you’ve determined that the image ispresent, select a lower setting for better contrast. Check the brightest

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regions of the image to determine if the A/D converter is at full-scale. A
16-bit A/D is at full scale when the brightest parts of the image reach an
intensity of 65535. Adjust the aperture to where it is just slightly smaller(higher f-stop) than the setting where maximum brightness on any part ofthe image occurs.
•

Set the focus adjustment of the lens for maximum sharpness in theviewed image.

3. After you have focused the camera, you can stop Focus mode, continue
Focus mode, begin Acquire mode, or wait for the CCD to reach theoperating temperature before going to Acquire mode.

Chapter 5

Operation

35

First Light (Spectroscopy)
The following paragraphs provide step-by-step instructions for operating PhotonMAX ina spectroscopy setup for the first time. The intent of this simple procedure is to help you
gain basic familiarity with the operation of your system and to show that it is functioning
properly. Once basic familiarity has been established, then operation with other operating
configurations, ones with more complex timing modes, can be performed. An underlying
assumption for the procedure is that the camera is to be operated with a spectrograph(such as an Acton SpectraPro™ 2356) on which it has been properly installed. A suitable
light source, such as a mercury pen-ray lamp, should be mounted in front of the entrance
slit of the spectrograph. Any light source with line output can be used. Standard
fluorescent overhead lamps have good calibration lines as well. If there are no "line"
sources available, it is possible to use a broadband source such as tungsten for thealignment. If this is the case, use a wavelength setting of 0.0 nm for alignment purposes.

Caution Overexposure Protection: Cameras that are exposed to room light or othercontinuous light sources will quickly become saturated. This most often occurs when
operating without a shutter. If the camera is mounted to a spectrograph, close the entrance
slit of the spectrograph to reduce the incident light.

Assumptions
The following procedure assumes that
1. You have already set up your system in accordance with the instructions inprevious chapters.
2. You have read the previous sections of this chapter.
3. You are familiar with the application software.
4. The system is being operated in spectroscopy mode.

Getting Started
1. Set the spectrometer entrance slit width to minimum (10 µm if possible).
2. Mount the camera to the spectrometer exit port.
3. Power ON the (the power switch is on the back of the camera).
4. Turn on the computer power.
5. Start the application software.

Setting the Parameters
Note: The following procedure is based on WinSpec/32: you will need to modify it
if you are using a different application. Basic familiarity with the WinSpec/32
software is assumed. If this is not the case, you may want to review the software
manual or have it available while performing this procedure.
Set the software parameters as follows:
Controller/Camera tab page (Setup|Hardware): These parameters should
be set automatically to the proper values for your system.
•

Use PVCAM: Verify that this box is checked.
Note: This check box is not present on software versions 2.5.19.6 andhigher.

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Controller type: This information is read from the camera.
Camera type: This information is read from the camera.
Shutter type: Custom (System dependent).
Readout mode: Available modes are read from the camera. SelectFrame Transfer.

Select the"Frame Transfer"
Readout Mode

Figure 19. Controller/Camera tab page

Detector Temperature (Setup|Detector Temperature…): The default
temperature setting is read from the camera. When the array temperaturereaches the set temperature, the Detector Temperature dialog box willreport that the temperature is LOCKED. Note that some overshoot may
occur. This could cause temperature lock to be briefly lost and then quickly
re-established. If you are reading the actual temperature reported by theapplication software, there may be a small difference between the set andreported temperature when lock is established. This is normal and does notindicate a system malfunction. Once lock is established, the temperature will
be stable to within ±0.05°C.

Figure 20. Detector Temperature dialog box

Note: The Detector Temperature dialog box will not display temperature
information while you are acquiring data.

Chapter 5

Operation

37

Cleans tab page (Setup|Hardware): Select Clear Pre-Sequence as the
Clean Mode.

Select"Clear Pre-Sequence"

Figure 21. Cleans tab page

Experiment Setup|Main tab page (Acquisition|Experiment Setup…):•Exposure Time: 100 ms•

Accumulations & Number of Images: 1

Experiment Setup|ROI tab page (Acquisition|Experiment Setup…):
Use this function to define the region of interest (ROI).
•

Spectroscopy Mode: Selected•

Clicking on Full loads the full size of the chip into the edit boxes.

Experiment Setup|Timing tab page (Acquisition|Experiment Setup…):•

Timing Mode: Free Run•

Shutter Control: Normal•

Safe Mode vs. Fast Mode: Fast Mode

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Select"Fast Mode"

Figure 22. Experiment Setup|Timing tab page

Focusing
The mounting hardware provides two degrees of freedom, focus and rotation. In thiscontext, focus means to physically move the camera back and forth through the focal
plane of the spectrograph. The approach taken is to slowly move the camera in and out offocus and adjust for optimum while watching a live display on the monitor, followed byrotating the camera and again adjusting for optimum. The following procedure, which
describes the focusing operation with an Acton SP-2356 spectrograph, can be easily
adapted to other spectrographs.
1. Mount a light source such as a mercury pen-ray type in front of the entrance slitof the spectrograph. Any light source with line output can be used. Standard
fluorescent overhead lamps have good calibration lines as well. If there are no"line" sources available, it is possible to use a broadband source such as tungsten
for the alignment. If this is the case, use a wavelength setting of 0.0 nm foralignment purposes.
2. With the spectrograph properly connected to the camera, turn the power on, wait
for the spectrograph to initialize. Then set it to 435.8 nm if using a mercury lamp
or to 0.0 nm if using a broadband source.
Hint: Overhead fluorescent lights produce a mercury spectrum. Use a white card
tilted at 45 degrees in front of the entrance slit to reflect overhead light into thespectrograph. Select 435.833 as the spectral line.
3. Set the slit to 25 µm. If necessary, adjust the Exposure Time to maintain optimum(near full-scale) signal intensity.

Chapter 5

Operation

39

4. In WinSpec, select Focus (on the Acquisition menu or on the Experiment
Setup dialog box) to begin data accumulation. Data will be continuously
acquired and displayed but will not be stored until you stop acquisition and use
the Save function on the File menu.
5. Slowly move the camera in and out of focus. You should see the spectral line gofrom broad to narrow and back to broad. Leave the camera set for the narrowest
achievable line. You may want to use the Focus Helper function(Process|Focus Helper…) to determine the narrowest line width: it can
automatically locate peaks and generate a report on peak characteristics during
live data acquisition (see the WinSpec/32 on-line help for more information).
Note that the way focusing is accomplished depends on the spectrograph, as
follows:•

Long focal-length spectrographs such as the Acton SP-2356:
The mounting adapter includes a tube that slides inside another tube tomove the camera in or out as required to achieve optimum focus.

•

Short focal-length spectrographs: There is generally a focusing
mechanism on the spectrograph itself which, when adjusted, will movethe optics as required to achieve proper focus.

•

No focusing adjustment: If there is no focusing adjustment, either
provided by the spectrograph or by the mounting hardware, then the only
recourse will be to adjust the spectrograph’s focusing mirror.

6. Next adjust the rotation. You can do this by rotating the camera while watching alive display of the line. The line will go from broad to narrow and back to broad.
Leave the camera rotation set for the narrowest achievable line.
Alternatively, take an image, display the horizontal and vertical cursor bars, andcompare the vertical bar to the line shape on the screen. Rotate the camera until
the line shape on the screen is parallel with the vertical bar.
Note: When aligning other accessories, such as fibers, lenses, optical fiber adapters,
first align the spectrograph to the slit. Then align the accessory without disturbing thecamera position. The procedure is identical to that used to focus the spectrograph(i.e., do the focus and alignment operations while watching a live image).

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Exposure and Signal
Exposure Time
Exposure time (set on the Experiment
Setup|Main tab page) is the time between
commands sent by the application software to
start and stop signal accumulation on the CCD.
In combination with triggers, these commands
control when continuous cleaning of the CCD
stops and when the accumulated signal will beread out. Cleaning prevents buildup of darkcurrent and unwanted signal before the start ofthe exposure time. At the end of the exposure
time, the CCD is readout and cleaning starts
again.
If smearing or other factors require a shutter,
the SHUTTER OUT signal from the I/O cable
can be used to control a customer-suppliedexternal shutter.
The effective exposure time of the arraydepends on the active Exposure-Readout mode
(Overlapped or Non-Overlapped).
Overlapped: In this mode, the effective
exposure time depends on the frame readout
Figure 23. Setting the Exposure Time
time. When the set exposure time is greater(Experiment Setup|Main tab page)than or equal to the frame readout time, theeffective exposure time is the set exposure time. However, if the set exposure time isless than the frame readout time, the first exposure will be the set exposure time andsubsequent exposures in a sequence will be exposed for the frame readout time.
Non-Overlapped: In this mode, the effective exposure time is the set exposuretime.
For detailed information on these modes, see Exposure-Readout Modes, page 48.

Chapter 5

Operation

41

Avalanche Gain (Multiplication Gain)As explained previously, the PhotonMAX uses aunique CCD capable of multiplying the charge(electrons) generated in the pixels. When themultiplication is sufficiently high, it is possible
to see extremely low-light events. The amountof multiplication is controlled by the voltage
applied to multiplication register clocks. For
convenience, a 12-bit DAC (digital-to-analog
converter) is provided to adjust themultiplication factor in 4096 steps. The digitalvalue is proportional to the clock voltages,
which in turn has a complex relationship(approximated to an exponential) with the levelof multiplication.
When the Multiplication Gain port is selected(Experiment Setup|ADC tab page), theAvalanche Gain can be set by entering a digital(DAC) value on the Experiment Setup|Main
tab page. A Gain setting of zero (0) refers to a
no-gain state where the camera behaves like astandard high speed CCD (with rather high readnoise). Values 1 to 4095 are mapped linearly tothe internal serial clock voltages that vary the
Figure 24. Setting the Avalanche Gain
multiplication gain in a complex exponential(Experiment Setup|Main tab page)
fashion. Typically at a Gain setting of 4095, thePhotonMAX can offer a multiplication gain factor in the excess of 1000x. Even though thecamera is capable of delivering large multiplication gain factors, multiplication gain should
be used only as needed to preserve as much dynamic range as possible.
The avalanche gain for your camera is measured at various Gain (DAC) settings and thedata are provided on the Certificate of Performance. A typical relationship between the
DAC setting and charge multiplication factor for the PhotonMAX:512B or the
PhotonMAX:1024B is shown in the graph below.

Figure 25. DAC Setting vs. Charge Multiplication Gain

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Note: As the on-chip multiplication introduces additional noise, it is recommended thatthe multiplication be used only as required. For more information, refer to the "On-Chip
Multiplication Gain" technical note. This technical note can be accessed by going to the
Princeton Instruments web site at www.princetoninstruments.com.

CCD Temperature
As stated before, lowering the temperature of the
CCD will generally enhance the quality of theacquired signal. In EMCCD cameras, lower
temperatures result in lower dark current andhigher avalanche gain (multiplication gain). When
WinView or WinSpec is the controlling software,
temperature control is done via the Detector
Temperature dialog box (see Figure 26) accessed
Figure 26. Setting the Temperaturefrom the Setup menu. Initially, the dialogue(Detector Temperature dialog box)
shows default temperature appropriate for yourspecific model. Once the target array temperature has been set, the software controls thecamera's cooling circuits to reach set array temperature. On reaching that temperature, thecontrol loop locks to that temperature for stable and reproducible performance. Whentemperature lock has been reached (temperature within 0.05°C of set value) the Detector
Temperature dialog box reports that the current temperature is Locked. The on-screen
indication allows easy verification of temperature lock.
The time required to achieve lock can vary over a considerable range, depending on suchfactors as the camera type, CCD array type, ambient temperature, etc. Once lock occurs,
it is okay to begin focusing. However, you should wait an additional twenty minutes
before taking quantitative data so that the system has time to achieve optimum thermal
stability.
The deepest operating temperature for a system depends on the CCD array size andpackaging. Refer to Table 3, on page 79, for default cooling temperatures.
Note: If the CCD is cooled to low temperatures (below -50°C), exposure to ambient
light will over-saturate it. This may increase dark charge significantly. If the camera
remains saturated after all light sources are removed, you may have to bring the camera
back to room temperature to restore dark charge to its original level.

Dark Charge
Dark charge (or dark current) is the thermally induced buildup of charge in the CCD overtime. The statistical noise associated with this charge is known as dark noise. Dark charge
values vary widely from one CCD array to another and are temperature dependent.
With the light into the camera completely blocked, the CCD will collect a dark charge
pattern, dependent on the exposure time and camera temperature. The longer the
exposure time and the warmer the camera, the less uniform this background will appear.
Thus, to minimize dark-charge effects, you should operate at the default CCD
temperature.

Saturation
When signal levels in some part of the image are very high, charge generated in one pixel
may exceed the "well capacity" of the pixel, spilling over into adjacent pixels in a processChapter 5

Operation

43

called "blooming." In this case a shorter exposure is advisable, with signal averaging toenhance S/N (Signal-to-Noise ratio) accomplished through the software.
For signal levels low enough to be readout-noise limited, longer exposure times, andtherefore longer signal accumulation in the CCD, will improve the S/N ratio
approximately linearly with the length of exposure time. There is, however, a maximum
time limit for on-chip accumulation, determined by either the saturation of the CCD by
the signal or the loss of dynamic range due to the buildup of dark charge in the pixels.
Note: Do not be concerned about the DC level of this background. What you see is notnoise. It is a fully subtractable bias pattern. Simply acquire and save a dark charge"background image" under conditions identical to those used to acquire the "actual"
image. Subtracting the background image from the actual image will significantly reduce
dark-charge effects.

Caution If you observe a sudden change in the baseline signal, there may be excessive humidity inthe camera vacuum enclosure. Turn off the camera and contact Princeton Instruments
Customer Support. See page 94 for contact information.

Offset (Bias)
CCD cameras are typically designed to produce a certain level of offset (also known asbias) when no light is present and the exposure time is set to zero (0). Typically, theoffset (bias) is subtracted from the sample image for quantitative measurement. Since theoffset can change based on several factors such as multiplication gain, speed, etc., it isrecommended that a fresh offset (bias) image be taken with the same settings as the
sample image and then be subtracted from the sample image.

Cleaning
Cleaning removes charge from the CCD byclocking the charge to the serial register and thendirectly to ground. This process is much fasterthan a readout, because the charge does not go
through the readout node or the amplifier. The
selected clean mode determines when to clean the
CCD array. Not all cleaning modes are available
for all cameras.
The clean modes are described below:•

Clear Never: Never clean the CCD. Usefulfor performing a readout after an exposure has
been aborted.

•

Clear Pre-Exposure: Before each exposure,cleans the CCD by the number of cleansselected. This mode can be used in asequence. It is most useful when there is aconsiderable amount of time between
exposures.

•

Figure 27. Selecting the Clean Mode
(Hardware Setup|Cleans tab page)

Clear Pre-Sequence: Before each data acquisition sequence, cleans the CCD thenumber of times specified by the number of cleans selected. If no sequence is set up,
this mode behaves as if the sequence has one exposure. The result is the same as44

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using Clear Pre-Exposure. For the PhotonMAX, this is the most useful method ofcleaning.
•

Clear Post-Sequence: Cleans continuously after the data acquisition sequence ends.
The camera continues cleaning until a new exposure is set up or started, the abortcommand is sent, the speed entry number is changed, or the camera is reset.

•

Clear Pre- and Post-Sequence: Cleans the number of cleans selected times before
each sequence and cleans continuously after the sequence ends. The cameracontinues cleaning until a new exposure is set up or started, the abort command issent, or the camera is reset.

•

Clear Pre-Exposure and Post-Sequence: Cleans the number of cleans selected
times before each exposure and cleans continuously after the sequence ends. The
camera continues cleaning until a new exposure is set up or started, the abortcommand is sent, or the camera is reset.

Readout
Introduction
The PhotonMAX:512B and 1024B models use frame transfer CCDs with 512x512 and1024x1024 active pixels, respectively. These frame transfer CCDs also have an
equivalent number of “frame transfer or masked” pixels as shown in Figure 28. (Note:typically there are additional rows and columns for internal reference).
In standard frame transfer mode, the sensor area is exposed for certain time, typicallymilliseconds to seconds. The acquired image data is then transferred to frame transfer
area before reading it out via extended multiplication gain register or standard serial
register. Region of Interest (ROI) and/or binning can be used to improve the time
resolution, limited to a millisecond regime. For more information on the CCD exposurereadout operations, see "Exposure - Readout Modes", page 48.

Figure 28. EMCCD Array Structure

WinView and WinSpec allow you to specify the type of readout (full frame or binned),the output amplifier, and the gain (the number of electrons required to generate an ADU).

Chapter 5

Operation

45

Dual-Readout Port Operation
The PhotonMAX: 512B and 1024B models are configured with software-selectabledual-readout amplifiers, also referred to as "ports", shown in Figure 28. The two
amplifiers are listed below.
Port #1: Multiplication Gain amplifier
Port #2: Normal amplifier
If your camera is configured with two readout amplifiers (ports), the software
automatically allows port selection (Multiplication Gain or Normal). An example of asoftware dialogue to select the ports is shown in Figure 29.

Readout Port
selection

Figure 29. Selecting the Readout Port (Experiment Setup|Main tab page)

Note: As the user interface may be different, please refer to your software manual for
specific information on readout amplifier/port selection.
1. Multiplication Gain: When this port is selected, the gain value can be enteredon the Experiment Setup|Main tab page. A setting of 0 (zero) results in unity
gain and the subsequent DAC settings are exponentially related to themultiplication gain. Since the multiplication gain can be used to overcome theread noise of the fast amplifier, this mode is most useful in applications requiring
low-light sensitivity at high frame rates (e.g., Single molecule fluorescence, ion
imaging, etc.).
Note: When used with a standard lens, the Multiplication Gain port produces animage in the correct orientation. The first pixel is read out at the bottom left of
the array.
2. Normal: When the camera is using this amplifier, electrons (signal) generated in46

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pixels are clocked through the standard serial register. The amplifier is designed
to take advantage of the dynamic range of the CCD and is most useful when theframe rate is not critical. (e.g., bright field, fixed cell fluorescence, etc.)
Note: Since the first pixel to be read out from the Normal port is at the bottom
right (closest to the Normal port), the resulting image is a mirror image of thesame image if it were read out of the Multiplication Gain port. Some software
packages do a "horizontal-flip" in the software when the Normal port is selected
to ensure the correct orientation for all ports. In WinView and WinSpec, you canspecify a horizontal-flip on the Hardware Setup|Display tab page.

Controller Gain
Controller gain (a function of thepreamplifier and analog electronics) is
software-selectable and is used to change
the relationship between the number ofelectrons acquired on the CCD and theAnalog-to-Digital Units (ADUs or
counts) generated. In WinView and
WinSpec, gain selection is made on the
Acquisition|Experiment Setup…|ADC
tab page (Figure 30). The choices are 1(Low), 2 (Medium), and 3 (High). Users
who measure high-level signals may wish
to select Low to allow digitization oflarger signals. Medium is suitable forexperiments within the mid-level intensity
range. Users who consistently measure
low-level signals may wish to selectHigh, which requires fewer electrons togenerate an ADU and reduces somesources of noise.
The "Certificate of Performance" suppliedwith the camera lists the measured gain
values at all settings.
Readout
Amplifier(Port)

Readout
Rates

Multiplication
Gain

5 MHz

Normal

1 MHz

10 MHz

5 MHz

Figure 30. Selecting the Controller Gain
(Experiment Setup|ADC tab page)

Typical Controller
TypicalGain for 512B
Controller Gain(e- /ADU)
for 1024B(e- /ADU)#1: 12e- /ADU
#2: 6e- /ADU
#3: 3e- /ADU

#1: 12e- /ADU
#2: 6e- /ADU
#3: 3e- /ADU

#1: 4e- /ADU
#2: 2e- /ADU
#3: 1e- /ADU

#1: 3e- /ADU
#2: 1.5e- /ADU
#3: 0.7e- /ADU

Table 2. Typical Controller Gains

Chapter 5

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47

Readout Rate
PhotonMAX has two readout rates
available on each of the two ports.
Selected on the Acquisition|Experiment
Setup…|ADC tab page, a slower readout
rate can be used when better noise
performance is needed at the expense offrame rate. On the other hand, increased
frame readout rate can be achieved by one
or more of the following•

higher readout speed,•

sub-region selection,•binning.

For more information on frame rate, pleaserefer to the product data sheet.

Figure 31. Selecting the Readout Rate
(Experiment Setup|ADC tab page)

Binning
Binning (combining pixels into one super pixel) allows you to increase the sensitivity andframe rate. On the other hand, binning reduces spatial resolution. The PhotonMAX
allows binning of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 in the serial (horizontal) direction and arbitrary
binning in the parallel (vertical) direction.

Array Orientation
For square format CCDs (for example, 512 × 512 or 1024 × 1024) you may orient the
CCD to achieve binning along either direction of the CCD.
•

Binning along columns (parallel mode) provides maximum scan rate and lowest noise.

•

Binning along the rows (perpendicular mode) minimizes crosstalk and is therefore
better for multi-spectral applications. The drawback to this method is that scanning isslower and noise may increase somewhat.

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PhotonMAX System Manual
OutputSerial Register

A1
to A4

A1
B1
C1
D1
to A4 to B4 to C4 to D4

Version 1.D

A1
to D1

A5

B5

C5

D5

A5

A4

A3

A2

A1

A6

B6

C6

D6

B5

B4

B3

B2

B1

A7

B7

C7

D7

C5

C4

C3

C2

C1

A8

B8

C8

D8

D5

D4

D3

D2

D1

Parallel Mode

Perpendicular Mode(binning occurs in
Serial Register)(binning occurs in Output)

Figure 32. Binning and Array Orientation

You can easily switch between these orientations by rotating the camera 90° andchanging the binning parameters in the application software.

Exposure - Readout Modes
The frame transfer CCDs used by the PhotonMAX support Overlap and Non-Overlap
exposure - readout modes. If you are planning to use Overlap mode, be aware that the set
exposure time (Experiment Setup|Main tab page) may not be the effective exposure
time: the frame readout time is the determining factor in this mode.

Overlap Mode (Simultaneous Exposure-Readout)
Overlap mode is extremely useful in applications requiring continuous imaging (100%duty cycle). Once a frame is exposed and transferred into the frame transfer area, the next
exposure immediately starts and continues until the previous frame is read out of theframe transfer area or until the exposure time is finished, whichever is longer (so theminimum effective exposure time in this mode is the readout time). This mode ofoperation allows you to continuously image a specimen to obtain better kinetic
information about a process.
In WinView and WinSpec, this sequence is programmed by simply setting:•

the Number of Images (or Spectra) to some number greater than one (settable on
the Experiment Setup|Main tab page),•the Slow Mode vs. Fast Mode to "Fast Mode" (selectable on the Experiment
Setup|Timing tab page),•

the Readout mode to "Frame Transfer" (selectable on the Hardware
Setup|Controller/Camera tab page), and•the Cleaning mode to “Clear Pre-Sequence” with one or more Cleans (selectableon the Hardware Setup|Cleans tab page).

Figure 33 shows the required selections for overlap mode.

Chapter 5

Operation

Select 2 or more
Images/Spectra.

49

Select the"Frame Transfer"
Readout Mode.

Set to Fast Mode.

Select the"Clear Pre-Sequence"
Clean Mode.

Figure 33. Required Selections for Overlap Mode Operation

Note: In Overlap mode, the minimum effective exposure time is the readout time.
The simultaneous exposure-readout mechanism is illustrated with two examples for the 512B
model. This mechanism applies to the 1024B as well but with a larger readout time.
Example 1: Overlap Mode when Exposure Time < Readout Time
Consider a situation where full frame readout is 34.8 ms, the exposure time is 10 ms, andthree frames are taken in overlap mode. The first frame is exposed precisely for thelength of time entered into the software (10 ms) and all subsequent frames are exposed
for the readout time. The total time to acquire 3 frames is then 114.4 ms (3 × 34.8 ms +10 ms), equivalent to a frame rate of 26.2 fps (3 frames ÷ 0.114 seconds).
Note: Because the first frame is exposed for 10 ms and the others for 34.8 ms, thefirst frame may look less bright compared to all other frames.
In Overlap mode when exposure time < readout time, the total time (TN) taken tocapture N frames is given by:
TN = (tR × N) + texp
Where
TN = Total time taken to capture a sequence of N framestR = readout time for one frame
N = total number of frames in a sequence
texp = exposure time
Total time for 3 frames is approximately 114.4 ms

Clears
Effective
Exposure TimeExp #1
10 ms

Exp #234.8 ms

Exp #334.8 ms

Readout #1
34.8 ms

Readout #2
34.8 ms

Readout #3
34.8 ms

Readout

Figure 34. Timing Diagram for Overlap Mode when
Exposure Time < Readout Time. Timing information shown is for illustration purpose only.
Specific readout times vary depending on the model.

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Example 2: Overlap Mode when Exposure Time > Readout Time
If the exposure time is set to 50 ms with the readout time remaining at 34.8 ms, thetime taken to acquire 3 frames will be 184.8 ms (3 × 50 ms + 34.8 ms), which isequivalent to a frame rate of 16.2 fps.
In Overlap mode when exposure time > readout time, the total time (TN) taken tocapture N frames is expressed as:
TN = (texp × N) + tR
Where
TN = Total time taken to capture a sequence of N frames
texp = exposure time
N = total number of frames in a sequencetR = readout time for one frame
From the timing diagram, you can see that because the exposure time is greater than
the readout time, all frames are precisely exposed for the duration entered into thesoftware and have similar intensities.
Total time for 3 frames is approximately 184.8 ms

Clears

Effective
Exposure TimeExp #1
50 ms

Exp #250 ms

Exp #350 ms

Readout #1
34.8 ms

Readout #2
34.8 ms

Readout #3
34.8 ms

Readout

Figure 35. Timing Diagram for Overlap Mode when
Exposure Time > Readout Time. Timing information shown is for illustration purpose only.
Specific readout times vary depending on the model.

Chapter 5

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51

Non-Overlap Mode
The Non-Overlap mode allows you to
expose the array for the exposure time
specified in the software and is similar in
performance to a normal, full-frame device.
The operational sequence for this mode is:
1. Clearing the CCD,
2. Exposing for the specified exposuretime,
3. Shifting the image from the sensor
area to the frame-transfer area, and
4. Reading out the CCD.
Steps 1-4 are repeated for each frame in a sequence. Steps 1 and 3, clearing the CCD andshifting the image, are usually very short and do not impact the frame rate.
In WinView and WinSpec, this sequence is programmed by simply setting:•

the Slow Mode vs. Fast Mode to "Fast Mode" (selectable on the Experiment
Setup|Timing tab page),•

the Readout mode to "Frame Transfer" (selectable on the Hardware
Setup|Controller/Camera tab page) and•the Cleaning mode to “Clear Pre-Exposure” with one or more Cleans (selectableon the Hardware Setup|Cleans tab page).

Figure 36 shows these selections.
Note: Since the software you are using may show the settings differently, you shouldrefer to the software documentation for accurate information.

Select the"Frame Transfer"
Readout Mode.

Select the"Clear Pre-Exposure"
Clean Mode.

Select"Fast Mode".

Figure 36. Required Selections for Non-Overlap Mode Operation

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Example: Non-Overlap Mode
Operation in Non-Overlap mode is illustrated in the timing diagram below. In thisexample, the exposure time is 10 ms and the readout time is 34.8 ms. The total time totake 3 frames is 134.4 ms (3 × 10 ms + 3 × 34.8 ms), equivalent to a frame rate of 22.3
fps (3 frames ÷ 0.134 seconds).
Note: The exposure and readout times listed are for illustration purpose only. Actual
values may vary. Refer to the product data sheet for the actual readout times.
Total time for 3 frames is approximately 134.4 ms

Clears

Effective
Exposure Time

Readout

Exp #1
10 ms

Exp #2
10 ms

Readout #1
34.8 ms

Exp #3
10 ms

Readout #2
34.8 ms

Readout #3
34.8 ms

Figure 37. Timing Diagram for Non-Overlap Mode. Timing information shown is for illustration
purpose only. Specific readout times vary depending on the model.

Referring to Figure 37, it can be seen that exposure and readout are carried out in nonoverlapped fashion. As a result, each frame in the sequence is precisely exposed for thetime specified (i.e., 10 ms).

Chapter 6
Advanced Topics
Introduction
Previous chapters have discussed setting up the
hardware and the software for basic operation.
This chapter discusses topics associated withexperiment synchronization (set up on theExperiment Setup|Timing tab page in
WinView and WinSpec). With the exception ofEdge Trigger, the topics are addressed in orderof their appearance on the Timing tab page (seeFigure 38).
"External Shutter Operation", the first topic
covers some issues with regard to using an
external shutter with a PhotonMAX system.
"Timing Modes", the second topic, discusses
Timing Modes, and Shutter Control. Also
included under this topic is a discussion of the
TRIGGER IN connector that is the input
connector for a trigger pulse: this connector ispart of the I/O cable connected to the rear panelof the PhotonMAX.
"Fast and Safe Modes", the third topic,
discusses the Fast and the Safe modes. Fast is
used for real-time data acquisition and Safe is
Figure 38. Timing tab pageused when coordinating acquisition withexternal devices or when the computer speed is not fast enough to keep pace with theacquisition rate.
"TTL Status Signals", discusses the input/output connectors on the I/O cable connectedto the rear of the PhotonMAX. The levels at these connectors can be used to monitor
camera operation or synchronize external equipment.
"Kinetics Mode", the final topic, discusses the Kinetics mode option. This form of dataacquisition relies on mechanical or optical masking of the CCD array for acquiring timeresolved images.

External Shutter Operation
Because PhotonMAX cameras use frame-transfer CCDs, they do not incorporate internal
shutters. However, there may be cases when you need an external shutter to control the
exposure of the CCD. The Shutter Out connector on the I/O cable can be used to

53

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provide TTL output for the timing of an external shutter driver. This signal is high during
Shutter Open Compensation Time (to) and the Exposure Time (texp).
The Shutter Output connector does not provide power to drive the shutter directly, so
an external shutter drive controller is required.
Figure 39 shows the relationships between the action of a mechanical shutter and the
Shutter Out and Expose Out levels. The values of to and tc are shutter-type dependent.
Mechanical Shutter

Open

ClosedExposure

Readout

SHUTTER OUTEXPOSE OUT
to

texp

tc

tR

tO = Shutter Open Compensation Time
texp = Exposure TimetC = Shutter Close Compensation TimetR = Readout Time

Figure 39. External Shutter Timing Diagram

Since most shutters behave like an iris, the opening and closing of the shutter will cause
the center of the CCD to be exposed slightly longer than the edges. It is important torealize this physical limitation, particularly when using short exposures.
The shutter signal options available in WinView and WinSpec include Normal, Disable
Opened or Disable Closed. Disable simply means that the shutter will not operate during
the experiment. Disable closed is useful for making dark charge measurements, or whenno shutter is present in the camera.

CautionElectromechanical shutters typically have a lifetime of about a million cycles. Avoid
running the shutter unnecessarily. Also avoid using shorter exposure times and higher
repetition rates than are required.

Timing Modes
The basic PhotonMAX timing modes are Free Run, External Sync, Bulb Trigger, andSingle Trigger. These modes are combined with the Shutter options (see previous topic)
to provide the widest variety of modes for precision experiment synchronization.
PhotonMAX cameras offer several methods of integration with external trigger sources,
such as delay generators or laser pre-triggers. Each camera has a 26-pin, high-density I/Oconnector (pinout functions are described on page 80) on the back for trigger-in/out andvarious TTL input and output operations. The I/O cable supplied with the PhotonMAX
provides access to primary signals such as "Trigger-in," "Trigger-invert," "Expose out,""Frame readout," and "Shutter out." In the default mode, the camera triggers on the risingedge of a TTL signal. To invert the triggering polarity, the "Trigger-invert" must be
grounded, which can be done with a 50-ohm terminator. PhotonMAX cameras support thetiming modes described in the next sections.

Chapter 6

Advanced Topics

55

Free RunIn Free Run mode, there is no external triggering and all settings are read from the setup
parameters, making the duration of each exposure time constant and the interval times
between exposures constant (see Figure 40).
#1

Exposure

#2

#3

#1

Frame Readout

#2

#4

#3

#4

Figure 40. Free Run Timing Diagram: Non-Overlap Mode

Exposure#1

Frame Readout

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

Figure 41. Free Run Timing Diagram: Overlap Mode (texp>tR)

Note: When running in Overlap mode, the effective exposure time will be the frame
readout time unless the set exposure time is greater than the frame readout time (as in
Figure 41).

External Sync
External Sync mode only operates in Non-Overlap mode. In External Sync mode, eachframe in a sequence requires a trigger. Each frame is exposed for the length of timeentered into the software and is then read out. If a trigger arrives during the exposurereadout of the previous frame, it is ignored (see Figure 42). For a sequence of one frame,
strobe mode and trigger-first mode are the same. The shaded areas
denote the idle
time between exposures.
IgnoredTrigger In

Exposure

Frame Readout

#1

#2

#1

#3

#2

#4

#3

Figure 42. External Sync Timing Diagram: Non-Overlap Mode

#4

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Bulb Trigger
In Bulb Trigger mode, exposure time for each frame is determined by the trigger pulse
width. Exposure time entered into the software is ignored in this mode (see Figure 43). If
a trigger arrives during the readout of the previous frame, it is ignored. The shaded areas
denote the idle time between exposures.
IgnoredTrigger In#1

Exposure#2#1

Frame Readout

#3

#2

#3

Figure 43. Bulb Mode Timing Diagram: Non-Overlap Mode

Single Trigger
In this mode, the camera requires only one trigger to acquire a sequence of frames. Oncethe initial trigger is received, the camera ignores any further triggers until the entire
exposure/readout sequence is completed (see Figure 44 and Figure 45, which show athree-frame sequence).
IgnoredTrigger In

Clears#1#2#3

Frame Readout#1#2

Exposure#3

Figure 44. Single Trigger Mode Timing Diagram: Overlap Mode
IgnoredTrigger In

ClearsExposure#1

Frame Readout

#2

#1

#3

#2

#3

Figure 45. Single Trigger Mode Timing Diagram: Non-Overlap Mode

Chapter 6

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57

Fast and Safe Modes
Introduction
The PhotonMAX has been designed to allow the greatest possible flexibility whensynchronizing data collection with an experiment. The fundamental difference between
the Fast and Safe modes is how often the acquisition start and acquisition stop commands
are sent by the computer for a data collection sequence. With Safe Mode, the computer
sends a start and a stop command for each frame of a data sequence. With Fast Mode,the computer sends only one start and one stop command for each data sequence. Oncethe start command is sent, the selected timing mode and the shutter condition determine
when charge will be allowed to fall on the CCD array.
In WinView/32 and WinSpec/32, the choice of Fast or the Safe data collection is madeon the Experiment Setup|Timing tab page. The flowcharts in Figure 46 show thedifferences between the two modes.

Fast Mode
In Fast operation, the PhotonMAX runs according to the timing of the experiment, withno interruptions from the computer. Fast operation is primarily for collecting "real-time"
sequences of experimental data, where timing is critical and events cannot be missed.
Once the PhotonMAX is sent the start command by the computer, all frames are collectedwithout further intervention from the computer. The advantage of this timing mode is thattiming is controlled completely through hardware. A drawback to this mode is that thecomputer will only display frames when it is not performing other tasks. Image display
has a lower priority, so the image on the screen may lag several images behind. A second
drawback is that a data overrun may occur if the number of images collected exceeds theamount of allocated RAM or if the computer cannot keep up with the data rate.

Safe Mode
In Safe Mode operation, the computer processes each frame as it is received: thePhotonMAX cannot collect the next frame until the previous frame has been completely
processed. Safe Mode operation is useful when the camera is operated from a slower
computer that cannot process the incoming data fast enough. It is also useful when datacollection must be coordinated with external devices such as external shutters and filter
wheels. As seen in Figure 46, in Safe Mode operation, the computer controls when eachframe is taken. After each frame is received, the camera sends the stop command to thecamera, instructing it to stop acquisition. Once that frame is completely processed anddisplayed, another start command is sent from the computer to the camera, allowing it totake the next frame. Display is therefore, at most, only one frame behind the actual datacollection. One disadvantage of the Safe mode is that events may be missed during theexperiment, since the camera is disabled for a short time after each frame.
Note: Safe Mode must be used whenever the system is set up for the optional Kinetics
Readout Mode. See "Kinetics Mode (Option)", page 60, for more information about thistype of image acquisition and readout.

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Safe Mode

Fast Mode

Start

Start

Computer programs
camera with exposureand binning parameters

Computer programs
camera with exposureand binning parameters

Sequence startcommand issued bycomputer to camera

Sequence startcommand issued bycomputer to camera

Clears performed

Clears performed

1 frame collected
as per timing mode

1 frame collected
as per timing mode

Sequence stop issued
bycomputer to camera

Background or
flatfield on?
Yes

Background or
flatfield on?

Background and/or
flatfield correction
performed

No

Yes
Background and/or
flatfield correction
performed

Yes

Sequencecomplete?
No
During next acquisition,frames are displayed astime permits

Frame displayed

Sequencecomplete?

No

Sequence stop issued
bycomputer to camera

Yes
Stop

Stop

Figure 46. Flowcharts of Safe and Fast Mode OperationNoChapter 6

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59

TTL Status Signals
The I/O (Input/Output Status) connector
on the rear of the PhotonMAX provides
information about trigger function, DAC,
and TTL signals. Inputs must be at least
3.15 V for a high and less than 0.9 V fora low. This section will describe thefunctions of the EXPOSE OUT,
FRAME READOUT, and SHUTTEROUT signals that are provided by thecamera and can be used to control
Figure 47. PhotonMAX Rear Panel and I/O Cable
external devices. For more information
about the I/O connector, refer to"I/O Connector Pinout", starting on page 80.
•

Shutter Out: TTL output for timing of external shutter driver. Signal is highduring Shutter Open Compensation Time and exposure time. The pin does notprovide power to drive the shutter directly, so an external shutter drive controller
is required.

•

Expose Out: A high level on this output indicates that the camera is exposing(integrating).

•

Frame Readout: Active high. A high level on this output indicates that data is
being transferred.

tO
SHUTTER OUT

texp

tC

tR

Open

Close

Open

Close

Open

Close

First
exposureDatatransfer

SecondexposureDatatransfer

Last
exposureDatatransfer

EXPOSE OUT

FRAME READOUT

Read

Read

Read

tO = Shutter Open Compensation TimetC = Shutter Close Compensation Time
texp = Exposure TimetR = Readout Time

Figure 48. Comparison of SHUTTER OUT, EXPOSE OUT, and FRAME READOUT Levels

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Kinetics Mode (Option)
Introduction“Kinetics” refers to a special readout
mode in which a portion of the CCD is
illuminated while the rest of the active
area is used to store a series of frames.
At the end of the exposure-shift
sequence, the entire CCD is readout togive a series of subframes (kinetic
frames) separated in time. In order tosupport this special mode of operation, it
is essential that the camera architecture
be made flexible with special access tounderlying CCD control functions Aided
by the back illumination technology forhigh QE and multiplication gain for subelectron read noise, the kinetics mode (asimplemented in WinView and WinSpec
software packages ver. 2.5.19.4 or later)
provides the powerful combination of
speed and sensitivity.

Kinetics Readout

Select "Kinetics" as
the Readout Mode.

Enter "Window Size"(number of rows per
subframe).

Figure 49. Hardware Setup Dialog Box:
Kinetics Readout Mode

Kinetics readout allows a burst of subframes be captured with μsec resolution. This isaccomplished by shifting each subframe exposure under the mask before reading it out.
Since there is no overhead of readout time between each exposure, faster time resolutionis achieved. At the end of a series “exposure-shift” cycles, the entire frame is typicallyread out at a slower readout speed, which does not affect the time resolution. The use ofmultiplication gain (EM Gain) in PhotonMAX further improves the SNR when the signal
is below the read noise.
In kinetics mode, a portion of the CCD image is optically masked in order to minimize
the cross-talk between subframes. Typically, in imaging applications, this isaccomplished by placing a “knife edge” or an optical mask in the collimated beam path.
Whereas, in spectroscopy, this is best achieved by limiting the height of the entrance slitof the spectrograph. In most of the applications, ability to mask as few rows as possible
sets the ultimate limit on the temporal resolution. The operation is illustrated with
examples in Figure 50 using an optical test target image.

Chapter 6

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Figure 50. Two Examples illustrating Partial Illumination of CCD for Kinetics Mode in
PhotonMAX: 512B

Note: The illuminated area is the furthest from the serial register.
• The left image shows an illuminated area of 60 rows. Window Size is 60 rows high.
• The right image shows an illuminated area of 12 rows. Window Size is 12 rows high.

#1
Exposure/
Subframe ß texpà

Vertical Shift

Readoutß#2#nß texpà
#1
ts

à

ß

ß texpà
#2
ts

à

ß

#n
ts

à
~500 msec @1 MHz readout~66 msec @10 MHz readout(For a 512 x 1048 frame)

Figure 51. Kinetics Data acquired based on Masked Images shown in Figure 50.
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Notes:
1. The timing diagram represents the exposure-readout sequence. Time resolution
between subframes is given by texp + ts.
2. A reduced number of rows in the right image illustrate a way to achieve better time
resolution between subframes.

Triggered Operation
The PhotonMAX supports three different readout
modes for kinetics mode data acquisition: free run,single trigger, and multiple trigger. Free run mode isused for experiments that do not require any
synchronization with the experiments. The other twomodes (single trigger and multiple trigger) require thatan external TTL pulse be applied to the camera via the
Trigger In connector on the I/O cable. The camera canbe triggered either on +ve or -ve edge of the incoming
TTL pulse.

Select the Trigger
Mode: Single orMultiple.

Note: The I/O cable supplied with the PhotonMAX
provides access to primary signals such as "Trigger
In," "Trigger Invert," "Expose Out," "Frame
Readout," and "Shutter Out." In the default mode, thecamera triggers on the rising edge of a TTL signal. Tochange the trigger action to the falling edge, you mustpull the Trigger Invert connector low by grounding it
via a 50Ω terminator.

Select Safe Mode.

In single trigger mode, the camera requires only one
Figure 52. Experiment Setup|
Timing tab pagetrigger to initiate an entire series of “exposure-shift”
cycles as shown in the timing diagram below. Here,the camera uses the exposure time as entered into the software.

Trigger In#1
Exposure/
Subframe ß texpà

Vertical Shift

Readoutß#2#nß texpà
#1
ts

à

ß

ß texpà
#2
ts

à

ß

#n
ts

à
~500 msec @1 MHz readout

Figure 53. Example showing Kinetics Operation using "Single Trigger”

Chapter 6

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63

In multiple trigger mode, each “exposure-shift” cycle is triggered independently. Thismode is useful when each subframe needs to be synchronized with a pulsed external lightsource such as a laser.
#1

#2

#3

Trigger In#1
Exposure/
Subframe ß texpà

Vertical Shift

ß

#2

#n

ß texpà
#1
ts

à

ß

ß texpà
#2
ts

à

ß

#n
ts

à

~500 msec @1 MHz readout

Readout

Figure 54. Example showing Kinetics Operation using “Multiple Trigger”

Note: It is particularly important to keep ambient light to a minimum while multiple
trigger mode is used. In the case of this mode, automatic cleaning of the CCD only occurs
until the first trigger arrives. Once the series of "exposure-shift" cycles begins, cleaning
does not occur and, at the end of a cycle, ambient light will be collected through thewindow until the next trigger arrives. Depending on the time between triggers and theamount of ambient light, some subframes may appear brighter than others.

Cleaning the CCD
Since kinetics is most often used in asynchronous, single-shot experiments, it is importantthat CCD be cleared of accumulating background or dark charge while it is waiting for an
external trigger. To take care of this, PhotonMAX automatically cleans the CCD “onerow at a time” before the arrival of the first trigger. This keeps the charge buildup on the
CCD to a minimum at the same time minimizing the timing jitter (determined by verticalshift time of a single row). If desired, the number of cleans can be set to zero for the best
jitter performance. However, the camera must be in dark environment to minimize thebackground.

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Setting up a Kinetics Experiment

Figure 55. Typical Kinetics Experiment Layout

This procedure assumes that:
1. You have already set up your system in accordance with the instructions in theprevious chapters.
2. You have read the previous sections of this chapter.
3. You are familiar with the application software.
4. The system is being operated in imaging mode.
5. The target is a sharp image, text, or a drawing that can be used to verify that thecamera is "seeing" and can be used to maximize focus.
6. You are only illuminating a portion of the CCD as shown in Figure 50.

Setting the Software Parameters:
Note: The following procedure is based on WinView/32: you will need to modify it
if you are using a different application. Basic familiarity with the WinView/32
software is assumed. If this is not the case, you may want to review the software
manual or have it available while performing this procedure.
Set the software parameters as follows:
Controller/Camera tab page (Setup|Hardware): These parameters should
be set automatically to the proper values for your system.
•

Use PVCAM: Verify that this box is checked.
Note: This check box is not present on software versions 2.5.19.6 andhigher.

•Controller type: This information is read from the camera.

•

Camera type: This information is read from the camera.

•

Shutter type: Custom (System dependent).

•

Readout mode: Available modes are read from the camera. SelectKinetics.

•

Window Size: Enter the number of exposed rows.

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65

Cleans tab page (Setup|Hardware): Automatically set.
Detector Temperature (Setup|Detector Temperature…): The default
temperature setting is read from the camera. When the array temperaturereaches the set temperature, the Detector Temperature dialog box willreport that the temperature is LOCKED.
Experiment Setup|Main tab page (Acquisition|Experiment Setup…):•Exposure Time: 100 µsec•

Accumulations & Number of Images: 1

Experiment Setup|ROI tab page (Acquisition|Experiment Setup…):
Use this function to define the region of interest (ROI).
•

Imaging Mode: Select this mode if you are running WinSpec.

•

Clicking on Full loads the full size of the chip into the edit boxes.

Experiment Setup|Timing tab page (Acquisition|Experiment Setup…):•

Timing Mode: Free Run, Single Trigger, or Multiple Trigger•

Shutter Control: Normal•

Safe Mode vs. Fast Mode: Safe Mode must be selected for Kinetics
mode operation.

Summary
The kinetics is a powerful feature that allows a burst of subframes to be captured withmicrosecond time resolution. However, careful attention must be paid to the optical andtiming considerations, namely•

The rows furthest from the serial register need to be illuminated.

•

The rest of the active area must be optically masked.

•

Kinetics mode is supported under WinView and WinSpec versions 2.5.19.4 orlater.

•

Single trigger mode allows capture the burst of frame with just one trigger.

•

In multiple trigger mode, the camera requires a trigger for each "exposure-shift"
cycle.

•The highest time resolution between kinetic frames is determined by the window(subframe) size.

•

Acquisition must be in Safe Mode.

•

Binning and ROI selections are supported as in the standard operation.

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Chapter 7
Troubleshooting
WARNING!

Do not attach or remove any cables while the camera system is powered on.

Introduction
The following issues have corresponding troubleshooting sections in this chapter.
Baseline Signal Suddenly Changes

Page 68

Camera Stops Working

Page 68

Camera1 (or similar name) in Camera Name field

Page 68

Controller Is Not Responding

Page 69

Cooling Troubleshooting

Page 70

Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict message

Page 71

Demo is only Choice on Hardware Wizard:Interface dialog(Versions 2.5.19.0 and earlier)

Page 72

Demo, High Speed PCI, and PCI(Timer) are Choices on Hardware
Wizard:Interface dialog (Versions 2.5.19.0 and earlier)

Page 73

Detector Temperature, Acquire, and Focus are Grayed Out(Versions 2.5.19.0 and earlier)

Page 74

Editing the PVCAM.INI File

Page 75

Error Creating Controller message

Page 76

Program Error message

Page 76

Serial violations have occurred. Check interface cable.

Page 77

Smeared Images

Page 77

67

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Baseline Signal Suddenly Changes
A change in the baseline signal is normal if the temperature, gain, or speed setting has
been changed. If this occurs when none of these settings have been changed, there may
be excessive humidity in the camera vacuum enclosure. Turn off the camera and contact
Princeton Instruments Customer Support. See page 94 for contact information.

Camera Stops Working
Problems with the host computer system or software may have side effects that appear to
be hardware problems. If you are sure the problem is in the camera system hardware,
begin with these simple checks:•

Turn off all AC power.

•

Verify that all cables are securely fastened.

•

Turn the system on.

If the system still does not respond, contact Princeton Instruments Customer Support.

Camera1 (or similar name) in Camera Name field

Figure 56. Camera1 in Camera Name Field

When a PVCAM-based camera is detected/selected during the Camera Detection wizard(formerly the Hardware Setup wizard), a default name such as Camera1 will be shown in
the Detected Hardware table and will be entered in the Camera Name field on the
Setup|Hardware|Controller/CCD tab page and in the Hardware Setup title bar.
Because this name is not particularly descriptive, you may want to change it. Such achange is made by editing the PVCAM.INI file that is generated by Camera Detection
wizard (or by the RSConfig.exe if you have a software version 2.5.19.0 or earlier).
To change the default Camera Name:
1. Using Notepad or a similar text editor, open PVCAM.INI, which is located in
the Windows directory (C:\WINNT, for example). You should see entries likethe ones below.
[Camera_1]
Type=0Name=Camera1
Driver=pmwdm2k.sys
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2. Change the "Name=" entry to something more meaningful for you (for example,
PhotonMAX-spec- to indicate that this is a PVCAM-based system using a
PhotonMAX camera for spectroscopy). Then save the edited file.
[Camera_1]
Type=0Name=PhotonMAX-spec
Driver=pmwdm2k.sys
Port=03. The new camera name will now appear in the Camera Name field and in thetitle bar for the Hardware Setup dialog box.

Controller Is Not Responding
If this message pops up when you click on OK after selecting the "Interface Type" during
Hardware Setup (under the WinView/32 or WinSpec/32 Setup menu), the system has
not been able to communicate with the camera. Check to see if camera has been turned
ON and if the PCI interface card, its driver, and the DATA cable have been installed.
•

Verify that the Use PVCAM checkbox is checked. This checkbox
is located on the Controller/Camera tab page, accessed by selecting
Hardware… from the Setup menu. Data transfer is disabled when this box is.
left unchecked•

If the camera is ON, the problem may be with the PCI card, its driver, or thecable connections.

•

If the interface card is not installed, close the application program (WinView/32
or WinSpec/32) and turn the camera OFF. Follow the interface card installation
instructions in provided with your interface card, and cable the card to the DATA
port on the rear of the camera. Then do a "Custom" installation of WinView/32
or WinSpec/32 with the appropriate interface component selected. Be sure todeselect the interface component that does not apply to your system.

•

If the interface card is installed in the computer and is cabled to the DATA porton the rear of the camera, close the application program and turn the camera
OFF. Check the cable connections.

•

If the interface card was installed after the application program was installed,close the application program and do a "Custom" installation of WinView/32 or
WinSpec/32 with the appropriate interface component selected. Be sure todeselect the interface component that does not apply to your system.

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Cooling Troubleshooting
Temperature Lock Cannot be Achieved or Maintained.
Possible causes for not being able to achieve or maintain lock could include:•

Ambient temperature greater than +20°C. This condition affects TE-cooled
cameras. If ambient is greater than +20°C, you will need to cool the camera
environment or raise the set temperature.

•

Airflow through the camera and/or circulator is obstructed. The camera needs tohave approximately two (2) inches (50 mm) clearance around the vented covers.
If there is an enclosure involved, the enclosure needs to have unrestricted flow to
an open environment. The camera vents its heat out the vents near the nose. The
air intake is near the rear of the camera.

•

A hose is kinked. Unkink the hose.

•

Coolant level is low. Add coolant.
1. With hoses connected, place the camera and CoolCUBE circulator at thesame level.
2. Turn on the circulator.
3. Using the supplied hex tool, open the fill port.
4. Add a 50:50 mix of ethylene glycol and water (only a few cc's are needed).
5. Using the supplied hex tool, close the fill port. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.

•

There may be air in the hoses. Add coolant.
If more than two (2) inches of the coolant line is filled with air, the pump willstop working and may be damaged. If the flow stops while the pump is on, turnoff the circulator and add fluid.

WARNING!

1. With hoses connected, place the camera and CoolCUBE circulator at thesame level.
2. Turn on the circulator.
3. Using the supplied hex tool, open the fill port.
4. Add a 50:50 mix of ethylene glycol and water (only a few cc's are needed).
5. Using the supplied hex tool, close the fill port. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
•

Circulator pump is not working. If you do not hear the pump running when thecirculator is powered on, turn off the circulator and contact Customer Support.

•

The circulator is higher than the camera. Reposition the circulator so that it is
6 inches (150 mm) or more below the camera. The vertical distance should notexceed 10 feet (3 m). Typically, the camera is at table height and the circulator ison the floor.

•

The vacuum has deteriorated and needs to be refreshed. Contact Customer
Support.

•

The target array temperature is not appropriate for your particular camera and CCD
array.

Chapter 7

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71

The camera's internal temperature may be too high, such as might occur if theoperating environment is particularly warm or if you are attempting to operate at
a temperature colder than the specified limit. TE cameras are equipped with athermal-protection switch that shuts the cooler circuits down if the internal
temperature exceeds a preset limit. Typically, camera operation is restoredautomatically in about ten minutes. Although the thermo-protection switch willprotect the camera, you are nevertheless advised to power down and correct theoperating conditions that caused the thermal-overload to occur.

Gradual Deterioration of Cooling Capability
While unlikely with the PhotonMAX camera (guaranteed permanent vacuum for the lifeof the camera), if you see a gradual deterioration of the cooling capability, it might due todamaged camera vacuum. This can affect temperature performance such that it may be
impossible to achieve temperature lock at the lowest temperatures. In the kind of
applications for which cooled CCD cameras are so well suited, it is highly desirable tomaintain the system’s lowest temperature performance because lower temperatures resultin lower thermal noise and better the signal-to-noise ratio. Contact the factory to makearrangements for returning the camera to the support facility.

Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict message

Figure 57. Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict dialog box

If this dialog box appears when you try to acquire a test image, acquire data, or run infocus mode, check the CCD array size and then check the DMA buffer size. A large array(for example, a 2048x2048 array), requires a larger DMA buffer larger setting than thatfor a smaller array (for example, a 512x512 array).
To change the DMA buffer setting:
1. Note the array size (on the Setup|Hardware|Controller/CCD tab page or theAcquisition|Experiment Setup|Main tab page Full Chip dimensions).
2. Open Setup|Environment|Environment dialog box.
3. Increase the DMA buffer size to a minimum of 32 Mb (64 Mb if it is currently
32 Mb or 128 Mb if it is currently 64 Mb), click on OK, and close the WinX
application (WinView or WinSpec).
4. Reboot your computer.
5. Restart the WinX application and begin acquiring data or focusing. If you see
the message again, increase the DMA buffer size.

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Demo is only Choice on Hardware Wizard:Interface dialog(Versions 2.5.19.0 and earlier)
If RSConfig.exe has not been run, the Hardware Wizard will only present the choice "Demo"in the Interface dialog box (Figure 58). Clicking on Next presents an "Error Creating
Controller. Error=129." message, clicking on OK presents "The Wizard Can Not Continue
Without a Valid Selection!" message, clicking on OK presents the Interface dialog box again.

Figure 58. Hardware Wizard: Interface dialog box

At this point, you will need to exit WinView and run the RSConfig.exe program, which
creates a file called PVCAM.INI. This file contains information required to identify theinterface/camera and is referenced by the Hardware Wizard when you are setting up
WinView/32 with the PhotonMAX for the first time:
1. If you have not already done so, close WinView/32 or WinSpec/32.
2. Make sure the PhotonMAX is connected to the host computer and that it is poweredon.
3. Run RSConfig from the Windows|Start|Programs|Roper Scientific menu orfrom the directory where you installed WinView.
4. When the RSConfig dialog box (Figure 59) appears, you can change the camera
name to one that is more specific or you can keep the default name "Camera1".
When you have finished, click on the Done button.

Figure 59. RSConfig dialog box

5. You should now be able to open WinView and, from Setup|Hardware…, run
the Hardware Wizard.
6. When the PVCAM dialog box (Figure 60) is displayed, click in the Yes radio
button, click on Next and continue through the Wizard. After the Wizard isfinished, the Controller/Camera tab page will be displayed with the UseChapter 7

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73

PVCAM checkbox selected. You should now be able to set up experiments andacquire data.

Figure 60. Hardware Wizard: PVCAM dialog box

Demo, High Speed PCI, and PCI(Timer) are Choices on Hardware
Wizard:Interface dialog (Versions 2.5.19.0 and earlier)If there is an installed Princeton Instruments (RSPI) high speed card in the host computerand you want to operate a PhotonMAX camera, the PVCAM.INI file (created by
RSConfig.exe) must exist and the PhotonMAX camera (PM Style) must be [Camera_1].
PVCAM.INI, which contains information required to identify the interface/camera, isreferenced by the Hardware Wizard when you are setting up WinView/32 with the
PhotonMAX for the first time. If the Wizard did not find a PVCAM.INI file or if
RSConfig.exe was run but the PhotonMAX (PM Style) is [Camera_2] in the PVCAM.INI
file, "Demo", "High Speed PCI", and "PCI(Timer)" will be selectable from the Wizard's
Interface dialog box.

Figure 61. Hardware Wizard: Interface dialog box

At this point, you will need to run the RSConfig.exe program:
1. If you have not already done so, close WinView/32 or WinSpec/32.
2. Make sure the PhotonMAX is connected to the host computer and that it is poweredon.
3. Run RSConfig from the Windows|Start|Programs|Roper Scientific menu orfrom the directory where you installed WinView.
4. When the RSConfig dialog box (Figure 62) appears, you can change the camera
name to one that is more specific or you can keep the default name "Camera2".
When you have finished, click on the Done button.

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Figure 62. RSConfig dialog box: Two Camera Styles

5. Because the PhotonMAX camera is second in the list (PM Style), you will now
have to edit the PVCAM.INI file created by RSConfig.exe. Refer to "Editing
the PVCAM.INI File", page 75, for instructions.

Detector Temperature, Acquire, and Focus are Grayed Out(Versions 2.5.19.0 and earlier)
These functions and others will be deactivated if you have installed a camera being run
under PVCAM and have opened WinView/32 or WinSpec/32 without having first turnedon the PhotonMAX camera. They will also be deactivated if you have installed a camera
being run PVCAM and a Princeton Instruments (RSPI) high speed PCI card was also
detected when RSConfig.exe was run.
1. Check to see if the PhotonMAX is connected to the host computer and is
powered on. If it is not connected or is connected but not powered on, go to Step
2. If it is connected and on, go to Step 3.
2. Close WinView, verify that the PhotonMAX is connected to the host computer,
power the PhotonMAX on, and reopen WinView. The formerly grayed out
functions should now be available.
3. If the PhotonMAX camera (PM Style) is connected and powered on, it may not
be listed as Camera 1 in the PVCAM.INI file.
4. Run RSConfig.exe (accessible from the Windows|Start|Programs|Roper
Scientific menu). If the PhotonMAX camera is listed as Camera 2 (PM Style) in
Figure 63, you will have to edit the PVCAM.INI file. Refer to "Editing the
PVCAM.INI File", page 75, for instructions.

Chapter 7

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75

Figure 63. RSConfig dialog box: Two Camera Styles

Editing the PVCAM.INI File
1. Using Notepad or a similar text editor, open PVCAM.INI, which is located in
the Windows directory (C:\WINNT, for example).
If the contents of the file look like:[Camera_1]
Type=1
Name=Camera1
Driver=rspipci.sys
Port=0[Camera_2]
Type=0Name=Camera2
Driver=pmwdm2k.sys
Port=0Change the headings so the contents now look like:[Camera_2]
Type=1
Name=Camera1
Driver=rspipci.sys
Port=0[Camera_1]
Type=0Name=Camera2
Driver=pmwdm2k.sys
Port=0Note: The [Camera_#] must be changed so the PhotonMAX will be recognized(its driver is "pmwdm2k.sys"). For consistency, you may also want to change thecamera names.
2. Save the file. With the PhotonMAX powered and on, open WinView/32.
3. Run the Hardware Wizard.
4. When the PVCAM dialog box (Figure 64) is displayed, click in the Yes radio
button, click on Next and continue through the Wizard. After the Wizard isfinished, the Controller/Camera tab page will be displayed with the Use
PVCAM checkbox selected. You should now be able to acquire data.

Figure 64. Hardware Wizard: PVCAM dialog box

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Error Creating Controller message
This message may be displayed if you are using a PVCAM-supported camera and have
not run the RSConfig.exe program (see previous topic), if the PVCAM.INI file has beencorrupted, or if the PhotonMAX was not powered on before you started WinView/32 or
WinSpec/32 and began running the Hardware Wizard.

Figure 65. Error Creating Controller dialog box

Error 129: Indicates that the problem is with the PVCAM.INI file. Close WinView/32 or
WinSpec/32, run RSConfig, verify that the PhotonMAX is the first camera, makesure the PhotonMAX is powered on, reopen WinView, and begin running the
Hardware Wizard.
Error 183: Indicates that the PhotonMAX is off. If you are running the Hardware
Wizard when this message appears, click on OK, power on the PhotonMAX, and, on
the PVCAM dialog box, make sure Yes is selected and then click on Next. The
Hardware Wizard should continue to the Controller Type dialog box.

Program Error message

Figure 66. Program Error dialog box

This dialog may appear if you have tried to acquire a test image, acquire data, or run infocusing mode and the DMA buffer size is too small. A large array (for example, a2048x2048 array), requires a larger setting than that for a smaller array (for example, a
512x512 array).
To correct the problem:
1. Click on OK.
2. Reboot WinView.
3. Note the array size (on the Setup|Hardware|Controller/CCD tab page or theAcquisition|Experiment Setup|Main tab page Full Chip dimensions). If yourcamera contains a large array (such as a 2048x2048 array), and the DMA buffer
size is too small, there will not be enough space in memory for the data set.
4. Open Setup|Environment|Environment dialog box.
5. Increase the DMA buffer size to a minimum of 32 Mb (64 Mb if it is currently 32
Mb or 128 Mb if it is currently 64 Mb), click on OK, and close WinView.

Chapter 7

Troubleshooting77

6. Reboot your computer.
7. Restart WinView and begin acquiring data or focusing. If you see the message
again, increase the DMA buffer size.

Serial violations have occurred. Check interface cable.

Figure 67. Serial Violations Have Occurred dialog box

This error message dialog will appear if you try to acquire an image or focus the cameraand either (or both) of the following conditions exists:•

The camera system is not turned ON.

•

There is no communication between the camera and the host computer.

To correct the problem:
1. Turn OFF the camera system (if it is not already OFF).
2. Make sure the computer interface cable is secured at both ends.
3. After making sure that the cable is connected, turn the camera system power ON.
4. Click OK on the error message dialog and retry acquiring an image or running infocus mode.
Note: This error message will also be displayed if you turn the camera system OFF or acable comes loose while the application software is running in Focus mode.

Smeared Images
PhotonMAX uses a frame-transfer CCD which allows simultaneous exposure-readout
operations (see pages 48-52 for more information). However, when the exposure time issmall compared to the frame-transfer time, smearing may appear in the images. To
alleviate this problem:
1. Use a longer exposure time, or
2. Use the SHUTTER signal from the camera to control a fast external shutter (suchas an LCD shutter) to block light during the frame-transfer readout cycle.

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Appendix A
Basic Specifications
Note: This appendix provides some of the basic specifications of a PhotonMAXTM
system. If the information you are looking for is not here, it may be available inAppendix B, "Outline Drawings" or on the appropriate data sheet. Data sheets can be
downloaded from the Princeton Instruments website (www.princetoninstruments.com).

Window
SI-UV fused-silica quartz

CCD Arrays
PhotonMAX:512B

PhotonMAX:1024B

CCD:

e2v CCD97B

e2v CCD201B

Image Type:

Monochrome

Monochrome

Resolution:

512 x 512

1024 x 1024

Pixel Size:

16 µm x 16 µm

13 µm x 13 µm

Readout Amplifiers (Ports):

2

2

Digitization (Readout) Rate:

10 MHz, 5 MHz, 1 MHz

10 MHz, 5 MHz, 1 MHz

Note: The arrays listed are those that were available at the time that the manual was written.
Contact Princeton Instruments for an updated list of arrays supported by the PhotonMAX.

MountsC-mount: Standard threaded video mount. Optional C- to Spectroscopy-mount adapter.

Focal Distance (Optical)
C-mount, Front Surface to Focal Plane:

0.690" (17.53 mm)

CameraCooling: Thermoelectric; air or circulating coolant
CCD Operating Temperature:
CCD Size

Default

512x512-70°C

1024x1024-55°C

Table 3. Default Operating Temperature

79

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Temperature Stability: ±0.05°C; closed-loop stabilized-temperature control
Gain: Software-selectable [1 (low), 2 (medium), 3 (high)]
Dimensions: See Appendix B, "Outline Drawings", pages 83 and 84.
Connectors:
Data: 20-pin, high-density connector (MDR-20) for data transfer.
I/O: 26-pin, high-density connector (DB26) for TTL status signals).
Connector Pinouts:
POWER Connector Pinout

1. +12V
2. +12V
3. GND
4. GND
5. GND

I/O Connector Pinout

The I/O (Input/Output Status) connector provides information about trigger function,
DAC, and TTL signals. Inputs must be at least 3.15 V for a high and less than 0.9 V
for a low.
The numbers on the I/O connector diagram correspond to the numbers given to thedefinition of each of the pins. The I/O connector is a female, DB26, high-density
connector. The I/O cable (6050-0546) to access Trigger Input (Pin 1), Trigger Invert
Input (Pin 2), Frame Readout (Pin 7), Camera Exposing Output (Pin 8), and Shutter
Output (Pin 23) is provided with the PhotonMAX camera.

Appendix A

Basic Specifications
PORT #81

PIN #SIGNAL Description

1

Trigger Input: This input is internally tied high through a
4.7kΩ resistor. With Trigger Invert Input open or tied high, arising edge of the Trigger Input signal initiates the trigger. The
trigger source would normally hold this input low, then drive ithigh to initiate the trigger. To change the state of this input see
Trigger Invert Input.

2

Trigger Invert Input: This input is internally tied high througha 4.7kΩ resistor. With this input open or tied high, a risingedge on Trigger Input will initiate the trigger. With this input
pulled low, a falling edge on Trigger Input will initiate thetrigger. It can be pulled low by grounding it via a 50Ω
terminator.

3

GND: System digital ground. Any external circuitry intended tointerface with the trigger control signals must reference thisground connection.

Port 4

4

DAC 1: 8-bit programmable output (0-5 V)

Port 55

DAC 2: 8-bit programmable output (0-5 V)

6

GND: System digital ground. Any external circuitry intended tointerface with the trigger control signals must reference thisground connection.

7

Frame Readout: Active high. A high level on this output
indicates that data is being transferred.

8

Camera Exposing Output: Active high. A high level on this
output indicates that the camera is exposing (integrating).

9(not used)10

TTL I/O data bit 0: TTL level programmable input or output

11

TTL I/O data bit 1: TTL level programmable input or output

12

TTL I/O data bit 0: TTL level programmable input or output

13

TTL I/O data bit 1: TTL level programmable input or output

14

TTL I/O data bit 0: TTL level programmable input or output

15

TTL I/O data bit 1: TTL level programmable input or output

16

TTL I/O data bit 0: TTL level programmable input or output

17

TTL I/O data bit 1: TTL level programmable input or output

18

GND: System digital ground. Any external circuitry intended tointerface with the trigger control signals must reference thisground connection.

19

Power Status: A high level on this output indicates that thecamera power is switched on (+5 V = on, 0 V = off).

20

GND: System digital ground. Any external circuitry intended tointerface with the trigger control signals must reference thisground connection.

Port 0Port 1
Port 2
Port 3

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PORT #PIN #Version 1.D

SIGNAL Description

21(not used)

22(not used)

23

Shutter Output: TTL output for timing of external shutter
driver. Signal is high during Shutter Open Compensation Timeand exposure time. The pin does not provide power to drive the
shutter directly, so an external shutter drive controller isrequired.

24(not used)25

GND: System digital ground. Any external circuitry intended tointerface with the trigger control signals must reference thisground connection.

26

GND: System digital ground. Any external circuitry intended tointerface with the trigger control signals must reference thisground connection.

Power Input: 100-240 VAC; 47 to 63 Hz, 3 A. DC power to camera is provided by the
self-switching power supply.
Fan: 24 CFM fan capacity at full power.

CoolCUBE Circulator
Closed loop system
Hoses: 3/8" ID, with no-drip quick disconnects at the circulator ends and CPC quick
disconnects at the camera ends
Coolant: 50:50 ethylene glycol and water at 25°C
Dimensions: Refer to Appendix B, "Outline Drawings", page 85
Circulator Weight (Filled): 6.0 lbs (2.7 kg)
Hose Weight (Filled): 3.0 lbs (1.4 kg) per hose

Options
A partial listing of options includes the WinView/WinSpec application software andmanual, Scientific Imaging ToolKit™ (SITK™) for LabVIEW®, fiber optic interface,
and fiber optic cables. Contact the factory for more information regarding options
available for your system.

Appendix B
Outline Drawings
Note: Dimensions are in inches [mm].

PhotonMAX Camera: C-mount, Air-Cooled

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PhotonMAX Camera: C-mount, Liquid-Cooled

Version 1.D

Appendix B

CoolCUBE Circulator

Outline Drawings

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Declaration of Conformity
This section of the PhotonMAX system manual contains the declaration(s) of conformity
for PhotonMAX systems.

87

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We,

ROPER SCIENTIFIC(PRINCETON INSTRUMENTS)

3660 QUAKERBRIDGE ROAD
TRENTON, NJ 08619
Declare under our sole responsibility, that the product,

PhotonMAX CAMERA,
To which this declaration relates, is in conformity with general safety requirement for electricalequipment standards:

IEC 1010-1:1990, EN 61010-1:1993/A2:1995,
EN 61326 for Class A, 1997/A1:1998/A2:2001,(EN 61000-4-2, EN 61000-4-3, EN 61000-4-4, EN 61000-4-5,
EN 61000-4-6, EN 61000-4-11), EN 61000-3-2:2000, andEN 61000-3-3:1995/A1:2001,
Which follow the provisions of the

CE LOW VOLTAGE DIRECTIVE 73/23/EEC
And
EMC DIRECTIVE 89/336/EEC(Amending Directive 93/68/EEC, et al (CE Marking)).

Date: March 10, 2005
TRENTON, NJ(Dr. Raymond W. Simpson, PhD)
Acting Engineering Manager

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We,

ROPER SCIENTIFIC(PRINCETON INSTRUMENTS)

3660 QUAKERBRIDGE ROAD
TRENTON, NJ 08619
Declare under our sole responsibility, that the product,

PhotonMAX CAMERA with CoolCUBE,
To which this declaration relates, is in conformity with general safety requirement for electricalequipment standards:

IEC 1010-1:1990, EN 61010-1:1993/A2:1995,
EN 61326 for Class A, 1997/A1:1998/A2:2001,(EN 61000-4-2, EN 61000-4-3, EN 61000-4-4, EN 61000-4-5,
EN 61000-4-6, EN 61000-4-11), EN 61000-3-2:2000, andEN 61000-3-3:1995/A1:2001,
Which follow the provisions of the

CE LOW VOLTAGE DIRECTIVE 73/23/EEC
And
EMC DIRECTIVE 89/336/EEC(Amending Directive 93/68/EEC, et al (CE Marking)).

Date: March 9, 2006
TRENTON, NJ

William Asher
Vice President of New Product Development

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Warranty & Service
Limited Warranty
Princeton Instruments, a division of Roper Scientific, Inc. ("Princeton Instruments", "us","we", "our") makes the following limited warranties. These limited warranties extend tothe original purchaser ("You", "you") only and no other purchaser or transferee. We havecomplete control over all warranties and may alter or terminate any or all warranties at
any time we deem necessary.

Basic Limited One (1) Year Warranty
Princeton Instruments warrants this product against substantial defects in materials and /or workmanship for a period of up to one (1) year after shipment. During this period,
Princeton Instruments will repair the product or, at its sole option, repair or replace any
defective part without charge to you. You must deliver the entire product to the Princeton
Instruments factory or, at our option, to a factory-authorized service center. You areresponsible for the shipping costs to return the product. International customers should
contact their local Princeton Instruments authorized representative/distributor for repair
information and assistance, or visit our technical support page atwww.princetoninstruments.com.

Limited One (1) Year Warranty on Refurbished or Discontinued
Products
Princeton Instruments warrants, with the exception of the CCD imaging device (which
carries NO WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED), this product against defects inmaterials or workmanship for a period of up to one (1) year after shipment. During thisperiod, Princeton Instruments will repair or replace, at its sole option, any defective parts,
without charge to you. You must deliver the entire product to the Princeton Instruments
factory or, at our option, a factory-authorized service center. You are responsible for the
shipping costs to return the product to Princeton Instruments. International customers
should contact their local Princeton Instruments representative/distributor for repair
information and assistance or visit our technical support page atwww.princetoninstruments.com.

XP Vacuum Chamber Limited Lifetime Warranty
Princeton Instruments warrants that the cooling performance of the system will meet our
specifications over the lifetime of an XP style detector (has all metal seals) or Princeton
Instruments will, at its sole option, repair or replace any vacuum chamber components
necessary to restore the cooling performance back to the original specifications at no costto the original purchaser. Any failure to "cool to spec" beyond our Basic (1) year limited
warranty from date of shipment, due to a non-vacuum-related component failure (e.g.,
any components that are electrical/electronic) is NOT covered and carries NO
WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. Responsibility for shipping charges is as
described above under our Basic Limited One (1) Year Warranty.

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Sealed Chamber Integrity Limited 12 Month Warranty
Princeton Instruments warrants the sealed chamber integrity of all our products for aperiod of twelve (12) months after shipment. If, at anytime within twelve (12) months
from the date of delivery, the detector should experience a sealed chamber failure, allparts and labor needed to restore the chamber seal will be covered by us. Open chamber
products carry NO WARRANTY TO THE CCD IMAGING DEVICE, EXPRESSED ORIMPLIED. Responsibility for shipping charges is as described above under our Basic
Limited One (1) Year Warranty.

Vacuum Integrity Limited 12 Month Warranty
Princeton Instruments warrants the vacuum integrity of “Non-XP” style detectors (do nothave all metal seals) for a period of up to twelve (12) months from the date of shipment.
We warrant that the detector head will maintain the factory-set operating temperature
without the requirement for customer pumping. Should the detector experience a Vacuum
Integrity failure at anytime within twelve (12) months from the date of delivery all partsand labor needed to restore the vacuum integrity will be covered by us. Responsibility forshipping charges is as described above under our Basic Limited One (1) Year Warranty.

Image Intensifier Detector Limited One Year Warranty
All image intensifier products are inherently susceptible to Phosphor and/or Photocathodeburn (physical damage) when exposed to high intensity light. Princeton Instruments
warrants, with the exception of image intensifier products that are found to have
Phosphor and/or Photocathode burn damage (which carry NO WARRANTIESEXPRESSED OR IMPLIED), all image intensifier products for a period of one (1) year
after shipment. See additional Limited One (1) year Warranty terms and conditions
above, which apply to this warranty. Responsibility for shipping charges is as describedabove under our Basic Limited One (1) Year Warranty.

X-Ray Detector Limited One Year Warranty
Princeton Instruments warrants, with the exception of CCD imaging device and fiber
optic assembly damage due to X-rays (which carry NO WARRANTIES EXPRESSEDOR IMPLIED), all X-ray products for one (1) year after shipment. See additional Basic
Limited One (1) year Warranty terms and conditions above, which apply to thiswarranty. Responsibility for shipping charges is as described above under our Basic
Limited One (1) Year Warranty.

Software Limited Warranty
Princeton Instruments warrants all of our manufactured software discs to be free fromsubstantial defects in materials and / or workmanship under normal use for a period ofone (1) year from shipment. Princeton Instruments does not warrant that the function of
the software will meet your requirements or that operation will be uninterrupted or error
free. You assume responsibility for selecting the software to achieve your intended
results and for the use and results obtained from the software. In addition, during the one(1) year limited warranty. The original purchaser is entitled to receive free version
upgrades. Version upgrades supplied free of charge will be in the form of a downloadfrom the Internet. Those customers who do not have access to the Internet may obtain theversion upgrades on a CD-ROM from our factory for an incidental shipping and handlingcharge. See Item 12 in the following section of this warranty ("Your Responsibility") for
more information.

Warranty & Service

93

Owner's Manual and Troubleshooting
You should read the owner’s manual thoroughly before operating this product. In theunlikely event that you should encounter difficulty operating this product, the owner’s
manual should be consulted before contacting the Princeton Instruments technical support
staff or authorized service representative for assistance. If you have consulted the owner's
manual and the problem still persists, please contact the Princeton Instruments technicalsupport staff or our authorized service representative. See Item 12 in the following sectionof this warranty ("Your Responsibility") for more information.

Your Responsibility
The above Limited Warranties are subject to the following terms and conditions:
1. You must retain your bill of sale (invoice) and present it upon request for service
and repairs or provide other proof of purchase satisfactory to Princeton
Instruments.
2. You must notify the Princeton Instruments factory service center within (30)days after you have taken delivery of a product or part that you believe to be
defective. With the exception of customers who claim a "technical issue" with theoperation of the product or part, all invoices must be paid in full in accordancewith the terms of sale. Failure to pay invoices when due may result in theinterruption and/or cancellation of your one (1) year limited warranty and/or any
other warranty, expressed or implied.
3. All warranty service must be made by the Princeton Instruments factory or, at our
option, an authorized service center.
4. Before products or parts can be returned for service you must contact the
Princeton Instruments factory and receive a return authorization number (RMA).
Products or parts returned for service without a return authorization evidenced by
an RMA will be sent back freight collect.
5. These warranties are effective only if purchased from the Princeton Instruments
factory or one of our authorized manufacturer's representatives or distributors.
6. Unless specified in the original purchase agreement, Princeton Instruments is not
responsible for installation, setup, or disassembly at the customer’s location.
7. Warranties extend only to defects in materials or workmanship as limited above
and do not extend to any product or part which has:•been lost or discarded by you;•been damaged as a result of misuse, improper installation, faulty or
inadequate maintenance or failure to follow instructions furnished by us;•
had serial numbers removed, altered, defaced, or rendered illegible;•
been subjected to improper or unauthorized repair; or•
been damaged due to fire, flood, radiation, or other "acts of God" or othercontingencies beyond the control of Princeton Instruments.
8. After the warranty period has expired, you may contact the Princeton Instruments
factory or a Princeton Instruments-authorized representative for repair
information and/or extended warranty plans.
9. Physically damaged units or units that have been modified are not acceptable forrepair in or out of warranty and will be returned as received.

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10. All warranties implied by state law or non-U.S. laws, including the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are expressly
limited to the duration of the limited warranties set forth above. With the exceptionof any warranties implied by state law or non-U.S. laws, as hereby limited, theforgoing warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties, guarantees,
agreements, and similar obligations of manufacturer or seller with respect to therepair or replacement of any parts. In no event shall Princeton Instruments' liability
exceed the cost of the repair or replacement of the defective product or part.
11. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have otherrights that may vary from state to state and from country to country. Some states
and countries do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts,
when an action may be brought, or the exclusion or limitation of incidental orconsequential damages, so the above provisions may not apply to you.
12. When contacting us for technical support or service assistance, please refer to the
Princeton Instruments factory of purchase, contact your authorized Princeton
Instruments representative or reseller, or visit our technical support page atwww.princetoninstruments.com.

Contact Information
Roper Scientific's manufacturing facility for this product is located at the following
address:
Princeton Instruments
3660 Quakerbridge Road
Trenton, NJ 08619 (USA)
Tel: 800.874.9789 / 609.587.9797
Fax: 609.587.1970
Customer Support E-mail: mailto:techsupport@princetoninstruments
For immediate support in your area, please call the following locations directly:
America

1.877.4.PIACTON (877.474.2286)

Benelux+31 (347) 324989

France+33 (1) 60.86.03.65

Germany+49 (0) 89.660.7793

Japan+81 (3) 5639.2741

UK & Ireland+44 (0) 28.3831.0171

Otherwise, see our Support web page at www.princetoninstruments.com. An up-to-date
list of addresses and telephone numbers is posted on the
www.princetoninstruments.com/Support page. In addition, links on this page to support
topics allow you to send e-mail based requests to the customer support group.

IndexA-B
AC power requirements...........................................22
Accessories, alignment of........................................39
Acquisition functions grayed out.............................74
Air-circulation requirement .....................................14
Background DC level ..............................................43
Baselinesignal ...................................................................43
troubleshooting....................................................68
Baseline signal.........................................................43
Bias..........................................................................43
Binningalong columns .....................................................47
along rows ...........................................................47
Blooming .................................................................42
Bulb Trigger mode...................................................56

C
CablesData .....................................................................15
I/O .......................................................................15
Calibration, spectrometersuitable light sources ...........................................38
Camera Detection wizard ..................................26, 68
Cautions
excessive humidity in CCD chamber ..................43
scintillator & UV...................................................9CCD arrayblooming .............................................................42
dark charge effects ..............................................42
maximum on-chip integration .............................43
signal-to-noise ratio vs on chip integration time .43
square format.......................................................47
well capacity........................................................42
Certificate of Performance.......................................15
Circulator........................... See CoolCUBE circulator
Circulator hoses .......................................................24
Clean modes
clear never ...........................................................43
clear post-sequence .............................................44clear pre- and post-sequence ...............................44clear pre-exposure ...............................................43
clear pre-exposure and post-sequence .................44clear pre-sequence ...............................................43
Cleaning
detector..................................................................9
optical surfaces......................................................9

Clear never...............................................................43
Clear post-sequence.................................................44
Clear pre- and post-sequence...................................44
Clear pre-exposure...................................................43
Clear pre-exposure and post-sequence ....................44
Clear pre-sequence ..................................................43
C-mount
adapters ...............................................................23
lens installation/removal .....................................23
Connectors
DATA......................................................14, 15, 80
I/O ...........................................................14, 15, 80
POWER...............................................................14
Shutter Out ..........................................................53
Contact information.................................................94
Controller gain.........................................................46
Coolant mixture .......................................................14
CoolCUBE circulator
outline drawing....................................................85
specifications.......................................................82
Cooling ....................................................................14and vacuum .........................................................71
troubleshooting....................................................70
Customer support.....................................................94

D-E
Dark charge .......................................................23, 42
definition of.........................................................42
dynamic range .....................................................43
pattern..................................................................42
typical values.......................................................42
Dark current.............................................................42
Data cable ................................................................15
DATA connector .........................................14, 15, 80
Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict message ..71
Declaration of Conformity, PhotonMAX ..........88, 89
Detector Temperature grayed out ............................74
Detector, rotation of.................................................39
DMA buffer .......................................................71, 76
Dual readout ports ...................................................45
Dynamic range.........................................................43
Environmental conditions........................................22
Environmental requirements....................................22
Error Creating Controller message ..........................76
Expose Out, output level .........................................59
Exposure and Readout .............................................29
Exposure time ..........................................................40

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External shutter........................................................53
External Sync mode.................................................55

F-L
Fast mode.................................................................57
data acquisition....................................................57
flowchart .............................................................58
image update lag .................................................57
First light ...........................................................30, 35
Focusing, alignment.................................................38
Frame Readout
non-overlap mode................................................51
output level..........................................................59
overlap mode.......................................................48
Free Run mode ........................................................55
Hardware Setup wizard .....................................27, 68
Hose connections.....................................................24
I/O interface
cable ..............................................................15, 80
connector .......................................................14, 80
connector pinout............................................59, 80
Expose Out ..........................................................59
Frame Readout ....................................................59
Shutter Out ..........................................................59
specifications.......................................................80
Installation
PCI drivers ..........................................................25
software...............................................................25
Interface card
driver installation ................................................25
Kinetics
cleaning ...............................................................63
experiment setup .................................................64
multiple trigger....................................................63
readout.................................................................60
single trigger........................................................62
LEMO connector .....................................................14

M-Q
Maintenance ..............................................................9
Mercury spectrum, fluorescent lights ......................38
Multiple Trigger mode.............................................63
Non-multiplication port description.........................45
Non-overlap readout mode ......................................51
Offset .......................................................................43
On-chip multiplication gain.....................................41
Operating temperature .............................................79
Outline drawing
Camera C-mount, liquid-cooled ..........................84
Camera, C-mount, air-cooled ..............................83
CoolCUBE circulator ..........................................85
Overexposure protection....................................23, 35
Overlap readout mode .............................................48
Performance certificate............................................15
Port #2 description...................................................45

Version 1.D

POWER connector
LEMO .................................................................14
pinout ..................................................................80
Power cord...............................................................22
Power requirements .................................................22
Program Error message ...........................................76
PVCAM.INI ............................................................68

R-S
Readoutmodes
non-overlap.....................................................51
overlap ............................................................48
ports.....................................................................45
Requirements
environmental......................................................22
ventilation............................................................22
RSConfig.exe...........................................................68
S/N ratio...................................................................43
Safe mode
as used for setting up...........................................57
fast image update.................................................57
flowchart .............................................................58
missed events ......................................................57
Safety related symbols used in manual...................11
Saturation.................................................................42
Serial Violations message........................................77
Shutter
effect on exposure ...............................................54
external................................................................53
lifetime ................................................................54
modes
Disable ............................................................54
Normal ............................................................54
Shutter Out
output level..........................................................59
Shutter Out connector..............................................53
Signal-to-noise ratio
on-chip integration ..............................................43
Single Trigger mode ..........................................56, 62
Specifications
CoolCUBE circulator ..........................................82
I/O connector.......................................................80
operating temperature..........................................79
PhotonMAX ........................................................80

T-U
Technical support ....................................................94
Temperature
control problems..................................................70
operating..............................................................79
specifications.......................................................79
Temperature control ................................................42
effect of vacuum deterioration ............................71
Temperature lock.....................................................42
Timing control .........................................................57

IndexTiming modes..........................................................54
bulb trigger ..........................................................56
External Sync ......................................................55
Free Run..............................................................55
single trigger........................................................56
Traditional amplifier................................................45
Trigger modes
bulb trigger ..........................................................56
External Sync ......................................................55
multiple trigger (Kinetics)...................................63
single trigger........................................................56
single trigger (Kinetics).......................................62
Troubleshooting
Acquisition functions grayed out ........................74
baseline change ...................................................68
camera stops working..........................................68
camera1 in Camera Name field ...........................68
controller not responding ....................................69
cooling.................................................................70
data overrun (hardware conflict) .........................71
Detector Temperature grayed out........................74
DMA buffer size ...........................................71, 76
Error Creating Controller message......................76
Hardware Wizard ..........................................72, 73
program error ......................................................76
Serial Violations message ...................................77
temperature lock..................................................71
vacuum deterioration...........................................71

97

V-Z
Vacuum deterioration ..............................................71
Ventilation requirements .........................................22
Warnings
cleaning .................................................................9protective grounding .............................................8
replacement powercord .........................................8
touching the CCD array.........................................9
Warranties
image intensifier detector ....................................92
one year ...............................................................91
one year on refurbished/discontinued products ...91
owner's manual and troubleshooting ...................93
sealed chamber ....................................................92
software...............................................................92
vacuum integrity..................................................92
XP/PhotonMAX vacuum chamber......................91
x-ray detector ......................................................92
your responsibility...............................................93
Website ....................................................................94
Well capacity ...........................................................42
blooming .............................................................42
saturation .............................................................42
WizardCamera Detection..........................................26, 68
Hardware Setup.............................................27, 68

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