OPHIR Pyrocam IIIHR User manual

Pyrocam IIIHR User Guide Document No. 50361-001 Rev E 7/18/2017 Page 1
Pyrocam™IIIHR
User Guide
For Sales, Service or Technical Support
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Service Email
[email protected]
Sales Email
[email protected]
Ophir-Spiricon, LLC
3050 North 300 West
N. Logan, Utah 84341
©2017 Ophir-Spiricon, LLC

Pyrocam IIIHR User Guide Document No. 50361-001 Rev E 7/18/2017 Page 2
Notice
BeamGage®is a registered trademark of Ophir-Spiricon, LLC
Ultracal™is a trademark of Ophir-Spiricon, LLC
The Ultracal processing feature is protected under United States Patent
Nos. 5,418,562 and 5,440,338.
GigE Vision®is a registered trademark of Automated Imaging Association
Windows®, Windows 7®, Windows 10®, Visual Basic®, Internet Explorer®, Excel®,
Visual Studio®and .XPS®are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
LabVIEW®and NI-IMAQdx®are registered trademarks of National Instruments Corporation.
© 2015-2017 Ophir-Spiricon, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Ophir-Spiricon, LLC reserves the
right to make improvements in the product described in this User Guide at any time and without
notice.
All rights to the product and any accompanying documents are reserved. While every
precaution has been taken in the preparation of this product, the publisher and author assume
no responsibility for errors, omissions, or any loss of data because of said errors or omissions.

Pyrocam IIIHR User Guide Document No. 50361-001 Rev E 7/18/2017 Page 3
Table of Contents
Table of Contents....................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER 1 –GENERAL INFORMATION.................................................................... 5
1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Models ................................................................................................................. 5
1.3 Included Items ..................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Accessories .......................................................................................................... 6
1.5 How to Use This Manual ........................................................................................ 6
1.6 Safety .................................................................................................................. 6
1.6.1 Optical Radiation Hazards ............................................................................... 6
1.6.2 Electrical Hazards ........................................................................................... 7
1.7 Maintenance and Cleaning ..................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 2 –CONNECTIONS, CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS ......................................... 8
2.1 System Installation................................................................................................ 8
2.1.1 BeamGage Setup............................................................................................ 8
2.1.2 Connections ................................................................................................... 8
2.1.3 Driver Installation........................................................................................... 9
CHAPTER 3 –SETUP AND OPERATION ...................................................................10
3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................10
3.2 Overview of Pyrocam Controls...............................................................................10
3.3 Pulsed Operation .................................................................................................15
3.3.1 Pulse Modes..................................................................................................15
3.3.2 Pulse Mode Setup Procedure ..........................................................................16
3.3.3 Mode 1, Single-Shot Operation .......................................................................16
3.3.4 Mode 2, Periodic Operation ............................................................................17
3.3.5 Mode 2, Periodic-Burst Operation....................................................................18
3.3.6 Mode 3, High-Speed Operation.......................................................................19
3.4 Chopped (CW) Operation......................................................................................20
3.4.1 Chopped (CW) Setup Procedure .....................................................................21
3.5 Calibrate and Ultracal Cycles .................................................................................22
3.5.1 Calibrate Cycle ..............................................................................................22
3.5.2 Ultracal Cycle ................................................................................................23
3.5.3 Performing an Ultracal ...................................................................................23

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3.5.4 Ultracal Status Indicator.................................................................................24
CHAPTER 4 –GenICam COMPATIBILITY .................................................................25
4.1 Features..............................................................................................................25
4.2 National Instruments Vision Acquisition Software ....................................................25
APPENDIX A –SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................................................27
Pyrocam IIIHR Specifications ..........................................................................................27
Pyrocam Dimensions ......................................................................................................29
APPENDIX B –PROTECTIVE BEZEL REMOVAL AND WINDOW INSTALLATION .............31
APPENDIX C –BAD PIXEL CORRECTION...................................................................34
Bad Pixel Correction Overview ........................................................................................34
Bad Pixel Correction Procedure .......................................................................................34
APPENDIX D –GAIN CORRECTION ..........................................................................37
Gain Correction Overview ...............................................................................................37
Gain Correction Procedure ..............................................................................................38
APPENDIX E –PYROCAM MODEL NUMBERS AND ACCESSORIES ................................40
Pyrocam IIIHR Models ...................................................................................................40
Optional Pyrocam IIIHR Windows ...................................................................................40
APPENDIX F –TABLE OF FEATURES ........................................................................41

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CHAPTER 1 –GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Introduction
The Pyrocam IIIHR is a high performance, solid-state, pyroelectric camera that features a 12mm
imager (160 x 160 pixels) and 16-bit A/D converter. This enables reliable measurement and
analysis of both large signals and low-level signals in the wings of the laser beam. The uniform
infrared response and large dynamic range makes the camera suitable for real-time thermal
imaging of hot sources. 16-bit digitizing also enables accurate signal summing and averaging to
pull weak signals out of noise. The Pyrocam employs an IEEE 802.3ab Gigabit Ethernet
interface that is compliant with the GigE Vision standard. The camera ships with an USB 3.0 to
Ethernet adaptor and a 10’ (3m) Ethernet cable. If a longer or shorter cable is required,
Spiricon recommends using a shielded Cat6A cable.
The Pyrocam ships with BeamGage Professional software. The Pyrocam is also compatible with
National Instruments Vision Image Acquisition Software and any GenICam standard client
(CHAPTER 4).
1.2 Models
Spiricon offers the Pyrocam IIIHR in the following models, all of which include BeamGage
Professional Edition.
Model
Description
PY-III-HR-C-A Pro
Pyrocam IIIHR, CW and Pulsed operation*
PY-III-HR-C-A-MIR Pro
Pyrocam IIIHR, CW and Pulsed operation, MIR
enhanced*
* All Pyrocams are shipped without a window installed. Windows are available with A/R coatings for
specified wavelength ranges. For a list of available windows, see APPENDIX E.
WARNING:
There is no protective window on the Pyrocam and it can be easily damaged
by objects striking the detector, by particles getting inside the package, or by
ESD. Special care must be taken to keep the detector clean.
If a window is purchased, follow the installation instructions in APPENDIX B.
1.3 Included Items
The standard Pyrocam IIIHR comes with the following included items:
USB 3.0 to Ethernet adaptor
Shielded Cat6A Ethernet cable, 10’ (3m)
Wall mount universal power supply with international AC mains adapters
SMA to BNC trigger cable, 36” (0.9m)
Protective dust cover
DVD with BeamGage software

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Getting Started with GigE User Guide
This User Guide
1.4 Accessories
Spiricon offers a complete line of accessory equipment to support the Pyrocam in your
application. These range from Ge lenses to beam attenuation optics and beam
expanders/reducers. Spiricon provides custom accessories to match your specifications. Consult
Spiricon or your local Spiricon representative for current accessory availability and pricing.
1.5 How to Use This Manual
WARNING:
It is STRONGLY advised that you read through this manual before setting up
your Pyrocam. The Pyrocam imager is very costly to replace and is not
covered for damage under Spiricon’s standard warranty.
After this first chapter containing general information, Chapter 2 introduces the controls,
connections, and displays, Chapter 3 explains about setup and operation, Chapter 4 explains
how to design your own GenICam interface to the Pyrocam, Appendix A contains all
specifications and dimensions for the Pyrocam, Appendix B describes the detector window
removal/installation process, Appendix C explains the optional bad pixel correction procedure,
Appendix D explains the optional gain correction procedure, Appendix E contains a complete list
of all Pyrocam models and accessories, and Appendix F contains a table of features included in
the Pyrocam.
NOTICE: It is essential to understand and apply a proper trigger pulse to the
Pyrocam. Therefore, it is strongly recommend that you read and
familiarize yourself with the sections in CHAPTER 2 and CHAPTER 3
that are applicable to pulsed modes of operation. Also, pay close
attention to the damage threshold limits described in APPENDIX A.
1.6 Safety
The Pyrocam does not present the operator with any electrical safety hazards. However, it is
intended for use with laser systems, therefore the operator should be protected from any
hazards that the laser system may present. The major hazards associated with laser systems
are damage to the eyes and skin due to laser radiation.
1.6.1 Optical Radiation Hazards
With most cameras, the optical radiation at the detector is low enough to be considered
relatively harmless. This is not necessarily true with the Pyrocam using a pyroelectric imager.
The Pyrocam’s chopper and imager window (if installed) will reflect laser radiation from the
input laser beam. Take this reflection into consideration when directing a laser into the
camera.

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Usage of this instrument may require the operator to work in the optical path of high power
lasers. Exposure to the radiation from these lasers may be sufficient to warrant the use of
protective equipment.
Unless the optical path is enclosed, the operator should be protected against accidental
exposure. Exposure to personnel other than the operator must also be considered. Exposure
hazards include reflected radiation as well as the direct beam. When working in an
unenclosed beam path, it is advisable to do so with the laser not operating, or operating at
reduced power levels. Whenever there is risk of dangerous exposure, protective eye shields
and clothing should be used.
1.6.2 Electrical Hazards
The Pyrocam universal power supply is intended to operate from a power source that applies
less than 240 Volts AC, 50/60Hz between the supply terminals. The supply output is a
regulated 12Vdc that presents no electrical shock hazard. The power supply has no user
serviceable parts and should not be tampered with.
To avoid explosion, do not operate the Pyrocam in an explosive atmosphere.
WARNING:
To prevent electrical shock, do not remove covers. No user
serviceable parts are inside. Refer servicing to qualified service
personnel.
1.7 Maintenance and Cleaning
Any internal maintenance or repair of the Pyrocam must be done by the factory. The exterior of
the camera may be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and non-abrasive liquid. Use filtered
compressed air to remove dust particles from the surface of the window (if installed).
If no window is installed and dust has gotten onto the detector, carefully turn the Pyrocam
upside down so no additional dust falls onto the detector and gently blow clean, dry, inert gas
onto the pyroelectric detector at an angle. If you blow the gas too strongly it may ruin the
detector.

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CHAPTER 2 –CONNECTIONS, CONTROLS
AND DISPLAYS
2.1 System Installation
A Pyrocam system consists of the following:
Pyrocam camera with power supply
USB 3.0 to Ethernet adaptor
PC computer running Windows 7 or Windows 10 (32 or 64 bit) and BeamGage
Cat6A cable
Trigger cable with TTL trigger source (for pulsed lasers only)
2.1.1 BeamGage Setup
Before connecting the Pyrocam to the PC, install the edition of BeamGage that is supplied
with the Pyrocam. Follow the instructions on the DVD jacket. BeamGage is supplied with an
electronic User Guide in multiple languages. BeamGage also has a What’s This help feature
that can be used to quickly discover what the various controls do and how to manage the
display features. If not familiar with BeamGage’s operation, it is recommended that some time
is spent learning how to use it with the Pyrocam before applying a laser beam. Read through
the BeamGage User Guide before connecting and attempting to run the Pyrocam.
2.1.2 Connections
Either two or three connections are needed:
the Ethernet cable
the power supply
a TTL trigger source (if required)
See Figure 2.1. An external trigger source is always required when operating with a low rep-
rate pulsed laser. An external trigger is not required if the internal chopper is being used with
a CW laser.

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2.1.2.1 Gigabit Ethernet
Connect the Ethernet cable between the
Pyrocam and the host computer. An
Ethernet to USB 3.0 adaptor is provided if
there is not an available Ethernet port on
the host computer.
2.1.2.2 Power
The Pyrocam is provided with a
12Vdc/24W AC to DC universal power
supply. The power connection is made by
plugging the output power cable into the
camera and connecting the power supply
to a proper AC source.
2.1.2.3 Trigger
For pulsed operations, connect the trigger
source to this SMA connector. An SMA to
BNC adapter cable is supplied. A TTL
trigger pulse can trigger the Pyrocam. The
trigger is rising edge sensitive.
2.1.3 Driver Installation
The eBus Universal Pro driver required to run the Pyrocam is included with BeamGage. The
Spiricon Camera Driver Manager is launched at the end of the BeamGage installation. Select the
Pyrocam IIIHR then click the Install button. You can close the Spiricon Camera Driver
Manager when finished. BeamGage will now automatically connect to the Pyrocam when
powered and connected to the computer.
For more information, consult the Getting Started with Gig-E Camera in BeamGage User Notes
included with the Pyrocam.
Figure 2.1: Typical Cabling
Diagram

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CHAPTER 3 –SETUP AND OPERATION
3.1 Introduction
The Pyrocam can analyze both CW and Pulsed style lasers. Fitted with an appropriate lens, the
Pyrocam can continuously image high temperature thermal objects, or can capture short-pulsed
thermal events. The Pyrocam requires different setups depending on the specific application.
NOTE: This manual describes the operation of the Pyrocam IIIHR with BeamGage . For other
methods of operation, please refer to CHAPTER 4.
3.2 Overview of Pyrocam Controls
All of the features for the Pyrocam IIIHR are found in the BeamGage software. The panels that
are unique to the Pyrocam IIIHR are shown and described below.
Chopped (CW) vs. Pulsed
To operate in Chopped (CW) mode, the Pyrocam employs a rotating chopper that can operate
at one of two different chopping rates, 25Hz and 50Hz. We recommend that you always use
the 50Hz rate in order to obtain a linear response. The 25Hz rate should only be used in
combination with higher gain and frame averaging to extract the very weakest of images.
When operating in pulsed mode, the Pyrocam must be externally triggered. The Delay setting
should be set to 0µs (default) if the laser fires a few microseconds after the trigger’s rising
edge and if the pulse is at least tens of µs in length.
If the laser pulse is very short and/or occurs either simultaneous with the trigger’s rising edge
or before the trigger pulse’s rising edge, set the Delay to a negative value that will insure the
capture of the laser pulse prior to receiving the trigger.
The Rate value will indicate either the current chopper frequency or the input trigger pulse rate
in Hz.
Exposure Control
When operating in Pulsed mode, the Pyrocam must be externally triggered and the Exposure
control must be set to a value slightly larger (10-15%) than the laser’s pulse width. (Not the
trigger pulse length.) The exposure range is from 1 to 40,000µs.
NOTE: The Exposure control has no effect in chopped mode and there is no Auto setup or
Auto-X features for the Pyrocam.
Hint: Always remember to re-Ultracal after changing the Trigger Mode or the Exposure
setting.
Gain Control

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The Pyrocam has a video gain control to help with viewing lower intensity lasers. The number in
the slide control does not correspond to the actual gain in V/V. The corresponding gain for each
setting is shown in Table 1.
Gain Setting
Gain (V/V)
1
1.00
2
1.14
3
1.33
4
1.60
5
2.00
6
2.66
7
4.00
8
8.00
Table 1 - Gain Control Settings
Hint: Always remember to re-Ultracal after changing the Gain setting.
Bad Pixel Correction
Click this control to enable/disable bad pixel (BP) correction in the Pyrocam. Bad pixel correction
will default in the ON state and should always be enabled except when looking for defective
pixels. If this control is deactivated, it indicates that the Pyrocam does not have a Bad Pixel map
programmed. The procedure for finding and correcting bad pixels is described in APPENDIX C.
NOTE: The Pyrocam has separate Bad Pixel Correction maps programmed for pulsed and
chopped operation. Two BP maps are created at the factory and are flashed into the
Pyrocam’s EEPROM memory. The factory BP maps are also supplied as two files that can
be reloaded in the event that the internal maps are accidentally deleted or corrupted. BP
maps can also be read from the Pyrocam and saved into a BP map file.
Click on the expansion button to modify or create a BP correction map. This is done by working
with a List that contains the coordinates of the pixels to be BP mapped. This List is an
intermediate device that is employed to transfer the BP map to/from the Pyrocam or to/from a
BP text file. The Bad Pixel Correction Dialog tools can:
Read a BP List from the Pyrocam
Write a BP List into the Pyrocam
Add (mark) a single BP to the BP List
Remove (unmark) a single BP from the BP List
Add (mark) a row of BP’s to the BP List
Remove (unmark) a row of BP’s from the BP List
Add (mark) a column of BP’s to the BP List
Remove (unmark) a column of BP’s from the BP List
Clear a BP List
Save a BP List into a BP text file
Load a BP List from a BP text file
Show/Hide the marked pixels in the List

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Turn on/off BP correction, demonstrates the current impact of the mapped BP’s
The Source Information group shows how many more pixels you can mark as bad and how
many pixels have already been BP marked.
The Save and Load group allows you to save or load a Bad Pixel map file for use by the
Pyrocam.
The Cursor group sets the BeamGage Cursor mode to select a BP location using either a
Manual or Peak detection mode. The X and Y values indicate the pixel coordinate of the
currently selected pixel location. The Manual mode is used to select dark, dim, or bright pixels
one at a time. The Peak mode is used to find pixels that indicate too bright.
Note: Pixel coordinates are mapped from the lower left corner starting at location 0,0.
Add Pixel to List
Click to add the pixel at the current cursor location to the BP correction List .
Remove Pixel from List
Click to remove a pixel selected from the Pixels dropdown from the pixel correction
List .
Write Pixel List
Click to write the current pixel List to the camera.
Read Pixel List
Click to read the current pixel List from the camera.
Clear Pixel List
Clears all marked pixels from the correction List.

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Software Bad Pixel Correction
Enable/Disable the bad pixel correction simulation built into the BeamGage software.
This allows the operator to preview the effect of the current BP List before writing it into
the Pyrocam’s EEPROM.
Bad Pixel Correction Map
Toggle control to show/hide the marked pixels currently entered in the correction List .
Pixel Selection Type
Select either a single pixel, row of pixels, or column of pixels when adding/removing
pixels from the correction List .
Pixel List
You can view and select a pixel to edit in the pixel List using this
dropdown control. It contains all pixel coordinates currently entered in the
List.
Gain Correction
Click this control to enable/disable gain correction in the Pyrocam. Gain Correction (GC) will
default to the ON state whenever a GC table is loaded into the Pyrocam. If this control is
deactivated, it indicates that the Pyrocam does not have a gain correction table programmed in
its EEPROM. The procedure for creating a Gain Table is described in APPENDIX D.
Note: The Pyrocam has separate gain correction tables programmable for pulsed and chopped
operation. Many of the Pyrocams will ship with a valid 50Hz chopped gain correction
table installed at the factory. Pyrocams will almost never ship with a pulsed gain
correction table. Factory generated GC files are supplied with the Pyrocam in case the
programmed table is accidentally deleted or corrupted.
Click on the expansion button to enter the Gain Correction Dialog. In order to use the automatic
GC creation method, a uniform collimated illumination must be applied over the entire imager.
Clicking on the Create Gain Table button will then compute a normalization factor for each
pixel. To GC a single pixel, a manual method is provided for setting the correction factor of only
one pixel at a time.

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The X and Y values show the current pixel location of the cursor. This setting selects which pixel
can be adjusted using the manual method.
The Save and Load group allows you to save and retrieve a GC table text file.
Software Gain Correction
Enable/disable the built in software gain correction. Defaults enabled when a gain table
is present.
Create Gain Table
Click to automatically create the table of gain correction values. Uniform collimated
illumination of the imager is required to successfully perform this operation. Note: The
gain correction factor values are limited to the range 0.50 to 2.00. This applies to both
manually entered and automatically calculated factors. Since bad pixels cannot normally
be corrected within this range it is necessary to map the bad pixels before attempting to
run the automatic create gain correction utility described above.
Write Flash
Click to write the gain correction values to the camera. Gain correction changes will not
take effect until the revised value is written into the flash EEPROM of the Pyrocam.
Read Flash
Click to read the gain correction values from the flash.
Set Gain Frame to Default
Click to set the gain frame to the default value of 1.0 for each pixel.
Pixel Gain Value
This is a dual operation control. It will display the current GC factor at the
cursor selected location, and can be used to enter a new value by editing its
content and then clicking on the adjacent button. Acceptable CG values are
between 0.50 and 2.00.

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3.3 Pulsed Operation
To operate with pulsed lasers, an external trigger must be supplied to the Pyrocam TRIGGER
connector. The relationship between the trigger pulse and the pulsed event must meet certain
timing and electrical requirements for correct operation. These requirements are detailed in the
following sections.
NOTE: Pulsed operation is the default operating mode for the Pyrocam on power up.
This is important to consider since users may start BeamGage with no trigger pulses
present. This results in the camera sitting idle and not collecting frames, which could be
confused with the camera not operating correctly.
3.3.1 Pulse Modes
Pulsed operation falls into three categories based on laser (trigger) pulse repetition rate. One
requires special external timing between the TRIGGER input pulse and the firing of the laser.
The three timing modes are designated as Pulse Modes 1, 2, and 3 and are described in
Figure 3.1 thru Figure 3.4.
Mode 1 describes operation when the laser fires at a trigger rate less than 3Hz. This includes
non-repetitive or Single Shot events. Trigger rate stability is not critical in this mode. Positive
Delay values can be programmed but not negative ones. Negative values default to 0µs.
Mode 2 describes operations where the laser fires at a stable periodic rate of 3Hz to 125Hz.
Mode 2 can also be used to split out a single pulse from a periodic burst of laser pulses. When
the trigger frequency exceeds 125Hz the Pyrocam will automatically switch into Mode 3
timing.
Mode 3 is the high speed mode. This mode can operate up to about 1000Hz, but will divide
out trigger pulses to achieve a lower overall sample rate.
In all of the above modes, the Exposure and Delay times must be adjusted so that the
resulting exposure time will contain the entire laser pulse. If these settings are not correct,
the Pyrocam may not capture the laser pulse, may capture only a portion of the laser pulse,
or may capture multiple laser pulses. Exposure time is adjustable from 1µs to 40,000µs in
1µs increments. Delay times can be programmed from -3000µs to +3,000µs in 1µs
increments.
NOTE: When operating in pulsed mode, try to avoid periodic rates that border the transitions
between the three timing modes. This avoids erratic acquisition problems. There is some
built-in hysteresis between the trigger mode thresholds, so approach the boundary
points from the side most desirable.
NOTE: An Ultracal MUST be performed for all pulsed trigger modes.
NOTE: Unstable periodic trigger pulses will result in timing jitter from one pulse to the next.
When negative Delay settings are required to insure capture of very short pulses,
excessive jitter can cause the pulse to miss being captured. Therefore high trigger pulse
frequency stability is most needed for very short laser pulses.

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3.3.2 Pulse Mode Setup Procedure
Pulse mode is enabled by selecting Pulsed in the Trigger Method panel. Connect a trigger
source to the TRIGGER connector. See APPENDIX A for trigger pulse electrical requirements.
The GREEN Trigger LED will illuminate when trigger pulses are applied to the Pyrocam. The
RED LED will blink once when power is applied. It will not blink again unless an error has
occurred in the firmware.
NOTE: Pulsed operation is the default operating mode for the Pyrocam on power up.
This is important to consider since users may start BeamGage with no trigger pulses
present. This results in the camera sitting idle and not collecting frames, which could be
confused with the camera not operating correctly.
The Delay setting is adjusted based on the selected operating mode and is described in the
following Mode descriptions.
3.3.2.1 Trigger Rate Stability
Trigger rate stability is required for pulsed modes 2 and 3. For best results, the trigger pulse
repetition rate should be stable to within ±200µs. The Pyrocam will monitor the current
trigger rate and compare it to the rate recorded during the last Ultracal cycle. The
Ultracal status bar indicator will change from GREEN to RED if the trigger rate
changes significantly from the rate used during the Ultracal cycle. This change to RED will
revert to GREEN if the previous trigger rate is restored.
The following notations are used in the timing diagrams and equations:
󰇛󰇜
󰇛󰇜
󰇛󰇜
󰇛󰇜
󰇛󰇜
(program in Trigger Method)
(program in Exposure|Gain)






(All times are in µsec unless noted otherwise)
3.3.3 Mode 1, Single-Shot Operation
Mode 1 describes operation when the laser fires at a trigger rate of <3Hz, including non-
repetitive or Single-Shot triggers. Figure 3.1 diagrams the trigger timing requirements for
this mode of operation. In this mode, the laser must fire within an exposure time window that
begins 10µs after the rising edge of the applied trigger. The entire laser pulse duration must

Pyrocam IIIHR User Guide Document No. 50361-001 Rev E 7/18/2017 Page 17
be contained within the programmed Exposure time. In general, you should program the
Exposure time to extend 10-15% longer than the actual laser pulse width.
To remain in mode 1, you must restrict your trigger rates to be <3Hz. The Pyrocam
automatically switches from Mode 1 to Mode 2 if the trigger rate meets or exceeds 3Hz.
Figure 3.1 : Mode 1, Single Shot, 
 for 
 for 
3.3.4 Mode 2, Periodic Operation
In Mode 2 trigger pulses must arrive at a periodic rate. Refer to Figure 3.2. The Exposure
time should be set to contain just the pulsed event to be captured. If the exposure time is set
too long (after the pulse) it will result in a loss of signal due to array cooling before detector
readout.
If the trigger source is unstable or turns on and off, some loss of uniformity shot to shot will
likely result. For best operation, calibrate the Pyrocam at the trigger rate being used and
recalibrate if the rate changes.
In mode 2 and 3 the Pyrocam firmware measures the trigger pulse period and predicts when
the next pulse will occur. Based on the predicted trigger time, the exposure start time can be
advanced (made early). When a negative Delay is entered, the exposure time will start early
based on the negative Delay value. This early exposure start time will compensate for lasers
that fire at or before the trigger pulse’s arrival at the Pyrocam. It can also compensate for
pulse to pulse jitter when the pulse rate is less stable.
For lasers with very short pulse times (10µs or less) that start at the triggers rising edge,
some amount of negative Delay is required to capture the pulse. Without it, the pulse will
occur prior to the exposure window being able to open.

Pyrocam IIIHR User Guide Document No. 50361-001 Rev E 7/18/2017 Page 18
Hint: For laser pulses that occur simultaneous with the trigger rising edge and are shorter than
100µs, set the Delay time to -50µs and set the Exposure time to the pulse width plus
70µs.
NOTE: Calibrating the Pyrocam with a slow pulse rate in mode 2 will take a while to complete,
so be patient .
Figure 3.2 : Mode 2, Periodic, 
󰇛󰇜

 for 
 for 
3.3.5 Mode 2, Periodic-Burst Operation
The Delay timer can be used to capture (split-out) a single laser pulse from a burst of pulses.
Figure 3.3 demonstrates this timing for a periodic burst event; however this same scheme
can be used for a single shot burst event. The Delay time needs to expire just a few tens of
µs before the pulse to be captured, and the Exposure time to end slightly longer than the
pulse width. Observe that the Trigger pulse must only occur once per burst.

Pyrocam IIIHR User Guide Document No. 50361-001 Rev E 7/18/2017 Page 19
Figure 3.3 : Mode 2, Periodic–Burst, , 
󰇛󰇜

 for 
for use Mode 2, Periodic
 for 
 for 
3.3.6 Mode 3, High-Speed Operation
If the laser pulse rate is greater than the maximum rate supported in pulse mode 2, the
Pyrocam will automatically switch into mode 3, the high-speed mode. If the setup is optimized
for short pulses in Mode 2, Periodic timing, then the transition to Mode 3 will occur without
the need to change any settings. The only thing needed is a new Ultracal for the new pulse
rate.
WARNING:
Special care should be exercised when operating at high-speed pulsed rates
to avoid damage to the Pyrocam’s detector. High pulse rates with large ON-
time duty cycles can cause a significant amount of power to be dissipated in
the detector, even though small signal outputs may be observed. Be sure to
limit the total incident power to levels below ½ the CW laser damage
thresholds specified in APPENDIX A. As an added precaution, it is
recommended that duty cycles greater than 10% should be avoided.
In pulse mode 3, the Pyrocam is receiving trigger pulses at a rate faster than the pyroelectric
detector can read out. See Figure 3.4. Thus, trigger inputs are automatically divided down to
a range that the Pyrocam can keep up with. The dividing factor will be the least integer value

Pyrocam IIIHR User Guide Document No. 50361-001 Rev E 7/18/2017 Page 20
that will reduce the effective rate to a value that falls just within a rate supported in pulse
mode 2.
For example, a pulse rate of 150Hz will be divided by 2, yielding a capture rate of 75Hz. A
pulse rate of 1000Hz will be divided by 9, yielding a rate of 111Hz. Note that this does not
mean that the Pyrocam will output data frames at a rate of 75 or 111Hz. The actual frame
rate output from the Pyrocam is limited by equipment bandwidths that are not accurately
predictable.
Figure 3.4 : Mode 3, High Speed,
󰇛󰇜
Use Mode 2, Periodic timing.

 

Example: Laser pulse rate is 350Hz, Exposure 50us, Delay 0us
Solution: 

 
3.4 Chopped (CW) Operation
The Pyrocam chopped models contain an internal chopper for use with CW lasers or to do
thermal imaging when fitted with a specialized lens. The operation of the chopper is managed
by the camera’s firmware and no external trigger is required when in chopped mode. The chop
rate can be reduced to increase responsivity, but with some loss in response linearity.