Photometrics Evolve 128 User manual

USERMANUAL Evolve128

User Manual for Evolve 128
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Evolve 128 Users Manual i
© Copyright 2010
Photometrics
3440 East Britannia Drive
Tucson, Arizona 85706
Tel: [phone].889.9933
Fax: [phone]
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the written permission of
Photometrics, a division of Roper Scientific, Inc.
Printed in the United States of America.
Acrobat and Reader are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.
Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
PVCAM, Saguaro, and Photometrics are registered trademarks of Roper Scientific, Inc.
Mac, Macintosh and FireWire are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Windows and Windows XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries.
Other brand and product names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners and manufacturers.
The information in this publication is believed to be accurate as of the publication release date. However, Photometrics
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.

Evolve 128 Users Manual ii
Customer
Service
If you have any questions about your camera system, please contact Photometrics
Customer Service. When you call, please have your Photometrics part number or
equipment serial numbers available.
USA
Photometrics
3440 East Britannia Drive
Tucson, Arizona 85706
tel: [phone] or
520.889.9933
fax: [phone]
email: cserv[email protected]
GERMANY
Roper Scientific, GmbH
Rosenheimer Landstr. 87
D-85521 Ottobrunn, Germany
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]
BENELUX
Roper Scientific, BV
Ir. D.S. Tuijnmanweg 10
4131 PN VIANEN, Netherlands
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]
JAPAN
Nipon Roper, K.K.
D-10E 1-3 Nakase,
Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi
Japan 261-8501
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]
email: sale[email protected]o.jp
FRANCE
Roper Scientific, SARL
Z.I. Petite Montagne Sud
4, rue de l'Oisans - C.E. 1702
91017 Evry Cedex, France
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]
UK
Photometrics UK Ltd.
Beech House
27 Little Marlow Road
Marlow
Buckinghamshire
SL7 1HA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]

Evolve 128 Users Manual iii
LIMITED WARRANTY
Photometrics, a division of Roper Scientific, Inc., (“Photometrics,” us,” “we,” “our”) makes the following limited
warranties. These limited warranties extend to the original purchaser (“You”, “you”) only and no other purchaser or
transferee. We have complete 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
Photometrics 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, Photometrics 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 Photometrics factory or, at our option, to
a factory-authorized service center. You are responsible for the shipping costs to return the product. International
customers should contact their local Photometrics authorized representative/distributor for repair information and
assistance, or visit our technical support page at www.photomet.com.
Limited One (1) Year Warranty on Refurbished or Discontinued Products
Photometrics warrants, with the exception of the CCD imaging device (which carries NO WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED), this product against defects in materials or workmanship for a period of up to one (1) year after shipment.
During this period, Photometrics will repair or replace, at its sole option, any defective parts, without charge to you. You
must deliver the entire product to the Photometrics factory or, at our option, a factory-authorized service center. You are
responsible for the shipping costs to return the product to Photometrics. International customers should contact their local
Photometrics representative/distributor for repair information and assistance or visit our technical support page at
www.photomet.com.
Normal Wear Item Disclaimer
Photometrics does not warrant certain items against defect due to normal wear and tear. These items include internal and
external shutters, cables, and connectors. These items carry no warranty, expressed or implied.
Sealed Chamber Integrity Limited 24 Month Warranty
Photometrics warrants the sealed chamber integrity of all our products for a period of twenty-four (24) months after
shipment. If, at anytime within twenty-four (24) months from the date of delivery, the detector should experience a sealed
chamber failure, all parts 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 OR IMPLIED. Responsibility for shipping
charges is as described above under our Basic Limited One (1) Year Warranty.
Vacuum Integrity Limited 24 Month Warranty
Photometrics warrants the vacuum integrity of all our products for a period of up to twenty-four (24) 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 twenty-
four (24) months from the date of delivery all parts and labor needed to restore the vacuum integrity will be covered by
us. Responsibility for shipping charges is as described above under our Basic Limited One (1) Year Warranty.
Software Limited Warranty
Photometrics warrants all of our manufactured software discs to be free from substantial defects in materials and / or
workmanship under normal use for a period of one (1) year from shipment. Photometrics 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 download from the Internet. Those customers
who do not have access to the Internet may obtain the version upgrades on a CD-ROM from our factory for an incidental
shipping and handling charge. See Item 12 in the following section of this warranty ("Your Responsibility") for more
information.
Owner's Manual and Troubleshooting
You should read the owner’s manual thoroughly before operating this product. In the unlikely event that you should
encounter difficulty operating this product, the owner’s manual should be consulted before contacting the Photometrics
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 Photometrics technical support staff or our authorized service representative.
See Item 12 in the following section of this warranty ("Your Responsibility") for more information.

Evolve 128 Users Manual iv
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 Photometrics.
2. You must notify the Photometrics 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 the operation of the product or part, all invoices must be paid in full in accordance with the terms of sale.
Failure to pay invoices when due may result in the interruption 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 Photometrics factory or, at our option, an authorized service center.
4. Before products or parts can be returned for service you must contact the Photometrics 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 Photometrics factory or one of our authorized
manufacturer's representatives or distributors.
6. Unless specified in the original purchase agreement, Photometrics 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 other contingencies beyond the
control of Photometrics.
8. After the warranty period has expired, you may contact the Photometrics factory or a Photometrics-
authorized representative for repair information and/or extended warranty plans.
9. Physically damaged units or units that have been modified are not acceptable for repair in or out of
warranty and will be returned as received.
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 exception of any warranties implied by state law or non-U.S. laws, as hereby limited, the
forgoing warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties, guarantees, agreements, and similar
obligations of manufacturer or seller with respect to the repair or replacement of any parts. In no event
shall Photometrics’ 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 other rights 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 or consequential damages, so the above provisions may not apply to you.
12. When contacting us for technical support or service assistance, please refer to the Photometrics factory
of purchase, contact your authorized Photometrics representative or reseller, or visit our technical
support page at www.photomet.com.

Evolve 128 Users Manual v

Evolve 128 Users Manual vi

Evolve 128 Users Manual vii
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Overview
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................1
Technology Introduction .........................................................................................................1
System Components ................................................................................................................2
About This Manual..................................................................................................................2
Precautions.................................................................................................................................3
Environmental Requirements .................................................................................................3
Storage Requirements...............................................................................................................3
Microscopes, Lenses, and Tripods.........................................................................................4
Repairs........................................................................................................................................4
Cleaning .....................................................................................................................................4
Chapter 2 System Installation
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................5
Software Compatibility Requirements...................................................................................5
Host Computer Requirements ................................................................................................6
Multiple Cameras......................................................................................................................6
Installing the FireWire Interface Card..................................................................................6
Software Installation.................................................................................................................7
Connecting Your Evolve 128 Camera ....................................................................................7
To connect your Evolve 128 camera ....................................................................................7
Chapter 3 Operating Features
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................9
On-Chip Multiplication Gain................................................................................................9
Offset (bias)..........................................................................................................................9
Exposure- Readout Modes....................................................................................................9
Non-Overlap Mode.............................................................................................................10
Example: Non-Overlap Mode............................................................................................11
Overlap Mode (Simultaneous Exposure-Readout) ............................................................12
Triggered Operation............................................................................................................14
Trigger-first Mode..............................................................................................................14
Strobe Mode .......................................................................................................................15
Bulb Mode..........................................................................................................................16
On-ChipMultiplication Amplifier.......................................................................................16
Conversion Gain................................................................................................................17
Readout Speed (typical)......................................................................................................17
Binning ...............................................................................................................................17
Evolve 128 Application Examples......................................................................................18
Application Settings Summary...........................................................................................18
Evolve 128 Features ................................................................................................................19
Quant-View ........................................................................................................................19
Background.........................................................................................................................20
Event Reduction..................................................................................................................20
Technology.........................................................................................................................20
Vari-Bit...............................................................................................................................21
Rapid-Cal............................................................................................................................22
Black-Lock / Top-Lock ......................................................................................................23

Evolve 128 Users Manual viii
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting
System Does Not Boot Normally..........................................................................................25
New Hardware Found Dialog Box Does Not Appear (Windows XP) ............................25
Images Not Displayed............................................................................................................25
Camera Running Too Warm .................................................................................................26
PVCAM Error Message Appears..........................................................................................26
Lengthy Pauses During Imaging ..........................................................................................26
Evolve 128 Will Not Image When Attached to Certain Dual-processor or
Hyperthreading-capable PCs ................................................................................................26
Chapter 5 Basic Specifications
Evolve 128 Front/Side Views................................................................................................27
Camera Weight........................................................................................................................28
CCD Specifications .................................................................................................................28
Connectors ...............................................................................................................................28
Power Connector Pinout:....................................................................................................29
Power Supply Specifications ................................................................................................31
Chapter 5 Basic Specifications
Index................................................................................................................................. 33
Figures
Figure 1. Comparison of Traditional CCD and Evolve 128 CCD Array Structures........2
Figure 2. FireWire interface Card..............................................................................................2
Figure 3. DATA Cable ..............................................................................................................8
Figure 4. Evolve 128 Side Panel .............................................................................................8
Figure 5. Non-overlap Mode Operational Sequence..........................................................10
Figure 6. Required Settings for Non-Overlap Mode Operation .......................................11
Figure 7. Timing Diagram for Non-Overlap Mode...........................................................11
Figure 8. Required Settings for Overlap Mode Operation ...............................................12
Figure 9. Timing Diagram for Overlap Mode when Exposure Time < Readout Time 13
Figure 10. Timing Diagram for Overlap Mode when Exposure Time > Readout Time14
Figure 11. Trigger-First Mode Timing Diagram: Overlap Mode.....................................14
Figure 12. Trigger-First Mode Timing Diagram: Non-Overlap Mode ...........................15
Figure 13. Strobe Mode Timing Diagram ...........................................................................15
Figure 14. Bulb Mode Timing Diagram ..............................................................................16
Figure 15. BERT Off vs BERT On..........................................................................................21
Figure 16. Benefit of Varibit...................................................................................................21
Figure 17. DAC Setting vs. Charge Multiplication Gain for Evolve 128 ........................22
Figure 18. RapidCal Status.....................................................................................................23
Figure 19. Evolve 128 Front View .......................................................................................27
Figure 20. Evolve 128 Side View.........................................................................................27
Figure 21. Evolve 128 Side Panel..........................................................................................28
Figure 22. Power Connector Pinout.....................................................................................29
Figure 23. Input/Output Connector....................................................................................30
Figure 24. Power Supply Front ............................................................................................31
Figure 25. Liquid Cooled Evolve Setup Diagram...............................................................32

Evolve 128 Users Manual ix
Tables
Table 1. Evolve 128 Readout Speeds and Typical Conversion Gains .............................17
Table 2. Application Type and Evolve 128 Setup Parameters .........................................18
Table 3. CCD Specifications..................................................................................................28
Table 4. Input/Output Definitions ......................................................................................30

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Evolve 128 Users Manual 1
Chapter 1
Overview
Introduction
The Photometrics® Evolvecamera employs an advanced CCD technology called "impact
ionization" to achieve charge multiplication gain above the read noise. As a result, the
cameras offer unparalleled sensitivity even at high frame rates.
Evolve cameras are most suited for high speed and/or low-light level imaging applications
such as single molecule fluorescence, ion imaging, and adaptive optics. With the traditional
readout amplifier, the Evolve can also be used for standard fluorescence and imaging
applications requiring higher dynamic range.
Currently the Evolve line consists of the following camera models:
Evolve 128
oUses a 128x128 Back-illuminated EMCCD with 24x24 µm pixels.
oReaches frame rates greater than 530 full frames per second.
Evolve 512
oUses a 512x512 Back-illuminated EMCCD with 16x16 µm pixels.
oHas two readout amplifiers – one that offers charge multiplication gain
and another for traditional readout.
Technology
Introduction
The principal difference between a charge-multiplying CCD 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 of
multiplication gain is controlled by increasing or decreasing clock voltages for this register
(gain is exponentially proportional to the voltage). Although the probability of generating
secondary electrons is fairly low (typically 0.01 per stage), over the large number of 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 the gain
capabilities of an intensified CCD in a single device. The combination of this technology
with frame-transfer readout makes the Evolve cameras excellent choices for experiments
where fast framing and low light sensitivity are required.

Evolve 128 Users Manual 2
Figure 1. Comparison of Traditional CCD and Evolve 128 CCD Array Structures
Figure 1. Comparison of Traditional CCD and Evolve 128 CCD Array Structures
System
Components
TheEvolve128packageincludesPVCAM
®
driversandMicro‐Managerimagingsoftware
alongwithaFireWirecable,aFireWireInterfacePCIcard,andatestlens.
Figure 2. FireWire interface Card
About This
Manual
The Evolve 128 User Manual is divided into five chapters. It is suggested that you read the
entire manual before operating the camera in order to ensure proper use. The chapter
contents are briefly described below.

Evolve 128 Users Manual 3
Note: The information in these chapters applies only to the Evolve family of cameras and is currently
not applicable to any other Photometrics camera.
Overview — This is a basic overview of the Evolve 128 that includes precautions
and general maintenance/equipment information.
System Installation — Instructions for connecting your Evolve 128 camera to
your computer via the Evolve FireWire interface card.
Operating Features — Discusses Evolve 128 features such as on-chip
multiplication gain, readout, and trigger modes. Provides additional information
on dual-readout mode feature available.
Troubleshooting — Provides answers to camera system problems.
Basic Specifications — Provides specifications for Evolve 128 system
components.
Precautions
The CCD and other system electronics are extremely sensitive to electrostatic discharge
(ESD). To avoid permanently damaging the system, please observe the following
precautions:
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 power the camera off first.
Never connect or disconnect any cable while the system is powered on.
Although you should switch off the camera’s power before disconnecting any
camera system cable, you do not need to power off your computer to detach the
cables.
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
power line or dedicated isolation transformer is highly recommended.
Always leave one inch of space around the camera’s external cooling fins for
airflow.
Never open the camera. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the Evolve 128
camera. Opening the camera voids the warranty.
Use only the FireWire interface card, cables, and power supply designated for
this camera system. Using non-Evolve cables, FireWire interface cards, or power
supplies may result in permanent damage to your system.
Do not use a C-mount lens with optics that extend behind the lens flange.
Environmental
Requirements
The Evolve 128 camera system should be operated in a clean, dry environment. The camera
system’s ambient operating temperature is 0°C to 30°C with 80% relative humidity, non-
condensing.
Storage

Evolve 128 Users Manual 4
Requirements
Store the Evolve 128 camera system in its original containers. To protect the system from
excessive heat, cold, and moisture, store at an ambient temperature between -20°C and 60°C
with a relative humidity of 0% to 90%, noncondensing.
Microscopes,
Lenses, and
Tripods
The camera has a standard threaded video mount and can be mounted to any microscope
that accepts a standard C-mount adapter. The camera also allows you to install any lens that
is compatible with a standard threaded video mount as long as its optics do not extend
behind the flange of the lens. The Evolve 128 camera can be mounted to a tripod using the
tripod mounting attachment located on the sides of the camera.
The Evolve 128 C-mount adapter is designed so it can be screwed in or out to change the
focal depth. Once the focal depth as been changed, the adapter is secured by two setscrews.
See Adjusting the C Mount Adapter (Chapter 2) for more information.
Repairs
The Evolve 128 camera system contains no user-serviceable parts. Repairs must be done by
Photometrics. Should your camera system need repair, contact Photometrics Customer
Service. Please save the original packing materials so you can safely ship the camera system
to another location or return it for repairs if necessary.
Note: Do not open the camera. Opening the Evolve 128 camera voids the warranty.
Cleaning
Clean exterior surfaces of the camera with a dry, lint-free cloth. To remove stains, contact
Photometrics Customer Service. To clean the camera’s imaging window, use only a filtered
compressed-air source. Hand-held cans are not recommended, as they may spray propellant
onto the window. Do not touch the window.

Evolve 128 Users Manual 5
Chapter 2
System Installation
Carefully review the Precautions section in the previous chapter before performing any of the
procedures outlined here. Again, use only an Evolve data cable and an Evolve FireWire interface card
with your Evolve 128 camera. Using a different cable or interface card may result in permanent
damage to your system.
Introduction
Your Evolve 128 camera system has the following hardware components:
Camera head
FireWire interface card
Data cable
Power supply with power cord
Red test lens
CD-ROM
Quick installation Guide
Evolve 128 system components are linked by the data cable and controlled by your host
computer system. All of these hardware components should be included with your
shipment. Refer to the information and figures in the System Components section (Chapter
1).
Keep all the original packing materials so you can safely ship the Evolve 128 system to
another location or return it for service if necessary.
If you have any difficulty with any step of the instructions, call Photometrics Customer
Service.
Software
Compatibility
Requirements
The Evolve 128 package includes the PVCAM drivers and the Micro-Manager software
program designed for use with this camera.
All other imaging software must also be PVCAM-compatible. For full access to Evolve 128
hardware functions, the current version of PVCAM must be used.

Evolve 128 Users Manual 6
Host Computer
Requirements
The host computer (PC) for your Evolve 128 camera must have the following:
Operating system:
oWindows® XP (SP3) 32/64bit
oWindows® Vista 32/64bit
oWindows® 7 32/64bit
2.0 GHz Intel® Processor (or greater):
oCore 2 Duo (E-Series), Core 2 Duo (Q-Series), Core 2 Extreme
oXeon
oCore i5, Core i7
2 GB RAM (or greater)
CD-ROM drive
At least one unused traditional PCI or PCI-X card slot
16-bit color display (or greater)
Note: The above requirements are the minimum for operating an Evolve camera. A faster computer
with larger memory (RAM) will greatly enhance the software performance during live mode
operations.
If you are a Mac® user, the host computer for your Evolve 128 camera must have the
following:
Macintosh® OS X 10.6+ operating system (Power PC based)
G4/G5 computer
2 GB RAM (or greater)
CD-ROM drive
At least one unused traditional PCI or PCI-X card slot
Video adapter that supports 24-bit color (millions of colors)
Multiple
Cameras
PVCAM supports multiple open cameras. In order to use this function, it must also be
supported by your imaging software.
If your imaging software supports multiple cameras, there must be a separate interface card
for each camera.
Installing the
FireWire
Interface Card
You will be using an Evolve FireWire interface card to allow the camera to communicate
with your computer.
Before installing the interface card, refer to the ‘Release Notes’ files on the CD-ROM. The
insert instructions will step you through the FireWire interface card installation. Be sure to
power down your computer before installing the FireWire card. The FireWire card must be
installed before the PVCAM software in order to load the appropriate stack for that FireWire
card.

Evolve 128 Users Manual 7
After installing the interface card, continue to Software Installation
Note: Remember to power down your computer before installing the FireWire card. Install PVCAM
only when the FireWire card has been successfully added to your computer.
Software
Installation
An Installation Guide appropriate to your system is included as an insert with the camera
system. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing the camera interface
software and the application software for Windows-based computers. Additional
instructions are included for installing a FireWire interface card in your computer and
capturing images.
The Photometrics CD-ROM contains the following files.
MacOS directory — contains required files for installing on a Macintosh
computer
Manuals directory — contains user manuals in PDF format
WinOS directory — contains the files for installing on a Windows PC
Linux directory — (not applicable to Evolve 128)
Connecting Your
Evolve 128
Camera
The following connectors are located on the back of the Evolve 128 camera:
DATA connector: Type 1, 6-pin IEEE-1394a (FireWire) connector for data transfer
POWER connector: 25-pin, Dsub connector for camera power (see POWER
Connector Pinout section in Chapter 5 for details)
Power switch: Turns the camera on and off.
The following connector is located on the power supply of the Evolve 128 camera:
I/O connector: Hirose HR10A-10R-10S, 10-pin connector for input/output
control signals (see I/O Connector Pinout later in this manual)
To connect your
Evolve 128
camera
1. Connect the straight end of the DATA cable to the Evolve FireWire interface card
that you have installed in the host computer. The DATA cable (shown below)
connects your Evolve 128 camera to the Evolve FireWire interface card. This
interface cable is identifiable by its 6-pin connectors. It is designed to serve as a
conduit for data.

Evolve 128 Users Manual 8
Figure 3. DATA Cable
2. Connect the right-angled end of the DATA cable to the FireWire port (indicated
with a red arrow in next graphic) located on the side of the camera
Figure 4. Evolve 128 Side Panel
3. Verify that the power switch on the side of the camera is in the off position
4. Connect the power supply to the Power connector on the side of the camera
5. Plug the power cord into the power supply and then into a suitable wall outlet
6. Switch on the camera (power switch on the side of camera)
Chapter 3