Princeton Instruments ProEM+ EMCCD User manual

EMCCD Cameras
For Imaging and
Spectroscopy
ProEM®+
System Manual

4411-0144
Version 1.B
January 07, 2012
4411-0144

Copyright 2012-2013 Princeton Instruments, a division of Roper Scientific, Inc.
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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.
BASE, IntelliCal, OptiCAL, PICam, PINS, and Unichrome are trademarks of Roper Scientific, Inc.
eXcelon, LightField, ProEM, and PVCAM are registered trademarks of Roper Scientific, Inc.
Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
LabVIEW is a registered trademark of National Instruments, Inc.
LEMO is a registered trademark of INTERLEMO HOLDING SA
Scientific Imaging ToolKit and SITK are trademarks of R Cubed Software Consultants, LLC.
Windows and Windows Vista 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.

iii
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction...................................................................................... 11
ProEM®+ Cameras............................................................................................................11
EMCCD Technology and On-Chip Multiplication Gain..................................................11
Integrated Controller.........................................................................................................12
Grounding and Safety.......................................................................................................12
Precautions........................................................................................................................ 13
UV Coating.......................................................................................................................13
Cleaning............................................................................................................................13
Camera .......................................................................................................................13
Optical Surfaces .........................................................................................................13
Repairs..............................................................................................................................14
About this Manual ............................................................................................................14
Manual Organization..................................................................................................14
Safety Related Symbols Used in this Manual ............................................................15
Chapter 2 System Component Descriptions.................................................. 17
System Components .........................................................................................................17
Standard Components.................................................................................................17
Optional System Components....................................................................................17
ProEM+ Camera...............................................................................................................18
Coolant Circulator.............................................................................................................20
Cables ...............................................................................................................................20
Hoses................................................................................................................................. 20
Certificate of Performance................................................................................................20
User Manuals....................................................................................................................21
Optional Components ....................................................................................................... 21
Application Software..................................................................................................21
CoolCUBEII Circulator...............................................................................................22
C- to Spectroscopy-Mount Adapter ...........................................................................22
Adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-Mount Adapter.........................................................22
Chapter 3 Installation Overview....................................................................... 23
Chapter 4 System Setup................................................................................... 27
Introduction....................................................................................................................... 27
Unpacking the System......................................................................................................27
Checking the Equipment and Parts Inventory...................................................................28
System Requirements .......................................................................................................28
Environmental Requirements.....................................................................................28
Ventilation..................................................................................................................28
Power..........................................................................................................................28
Host Computer ...........................................................................................................29
Attaching a Lens to a C-Mount Adapter...........................................................................30
Mounting the Lens ..................................................................................................... 30
Adjusting the C-Mount Adapter ....................................................................................... 30

iv ProEM®+ System Manual Version 1.B
Mounting the Adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-Mount Adapter......................................... 31
Positioning the ProEM+:512BK Masks............................................................................33
Opening/Closing ProEM+:1600 Manual Shutter..............................................................33
Making the Camera-Circulator Connections for a CoolCUBEII....................................... 34
Software Installation.........................................................................................................35
WinX..........................................................................................................................35
LightField...................................................................................................................35
Entering the Default Camera System Parameters.............................................................36
WinX..........................................................................................................................36
LightField...................................................................................................................37
Chapter 5 Operation.......................................................................................... 39
Introduction....................................................................................................................... 39
WinX First Light Instructions...........................................................................................40
Imaging.......................................................................................................................40
Spectroscopy ..............................................................................................................43
LightField First Light Instructions....................................................................................51
Imaging.......................................................................................................................51
Spectroscopy ..............................................................................................................55
Exposure and Signal .........................................................................................................62
Exposure Time ...........................................................................................................62
Avalanche Gain {EM Gain} ......................................................................................62
EM Gain Calibration..................................................................................................63
CCD Temperature ...................................................................................................... 64
Dark Charge ...............................................................................................................64
Bias Active Stabilization Engine (BASE™) ..............................................................64
Clock Induced Charge (CIC)......................................................................................65
Saturation ...................................................................................................................65
Cleaning .....................................................................................................................66
Readout.............................................................................................................................67
Introduction................................................................................................................67
Dual-Readout Port Operation.....................................................................................68
Controller Gain {Analog Gain} .................................................................................69
Readout Rate .............................................................................................................. 69
Region of Interest.......................................................................................................70
Binning....................................................................................................................... 71
Exposure - Readout Modes ........................................................................................71
Readout Time.............................................................................................................75
Chapter 6 Advanced Topics............................................................................. 77
Introduction....................................................................................................................... 77
Frame Transfer/Full Frame Timing {Trigger Response} Modes and Shutter Control
{Shutter Mode}..........................................................................................................78
Overview....................................................................................................................78
EXT SYNC Trigger Input..........................................................................................78
Free Run {No Response}...........................................................................................78
External Sync {Readout Per Trigger}........................................................................79
External Sync with Continuous Cleans {Clean Until Trigger} Timing.....................80
Bulb Trigger {Expose During Trigger Pulse} Timing...............................................81
Trigger Start {Start On Single Trigger}.....................................................................82

Table of Contents v
v
Fast and Safe Modes.........................................................................................................82
Introduction................................................................................................................82
Fast Mode (WinX and LightField).............................................................................82
Safe Mode (WinX).....................................................................................................83
LOGIC OUT Control........................................................................................................ 85
Kinetics Mode................................................................................................................... 86
Introduction................................................................................................................86
Kinetics Readout ........................................................................................................ 87
Kinetics Timing Modes and Shutter Control..............................................................89
Triggered Operation...................................................................................................89
Cleaning the CCD ......................................................................................................90
Setting up a Kinetics Experiment...............................................................................91
Summary ....................................................................................................................93
Spectra-Kinetics (Option).................................................................................................93
Summary ....................................................................................................................95
Custom Modes..................................................................................................................95
Introduction................................................................................................................95
Custom Chip {Custom Sensor}..................................................................................95
Custom Timing...........................................................................................................97
Chapter 7 Tips ................................................................................................... 99
Counter the Effects of Aging............................................................................................99
Maximize Throughput by Choosing the Right Vacuum Window Coating....................... 99
Reduce Spectral Readout Time by Using the Custom Chip/Timing {Custom Sensor}
Feature......................................................................................................................100
Introduction..............................................................................................................100
Approximation of Spectral Readout Time ...............................................................100
WinX Step-by-Step Procedure.................................................................................101
LightField High Speed ProEM Add-in.......................................................................103
LightField Step-by-Step Procedure..........................................................................104
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting ............................................................................ 107
Introduction..................................................................................................................... 107
Acquisition Started but Data Display is Empty..............................................................108
Acquisition Started but Viewer Contents Do Not Update.............................................. 109
Baseline Signal Suddenly Changes.................................................................................109
Camera Not Found..........................................................................................................110
Camera Stops Working...................................................................................................110
Camera1 (or similar name) in Camera Name field.........................................................111
Cooling Troubleshooting................................................................................................112
Temperature Lock Cannot be Achieved or Maintained. ..........................................112
Gradual Deterioration of Cooling Capability...........................................................112
Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict message.......................................................... 113
Device Is Not Found.......................................................................................................113
Device is Occupied.........................................................................................................114
Ethernet Network is not accessible.................................................................................114
For WinX: ................................................................................................................114
For LightField: .........................................................................................................115
Program Error message................................................................................................... 116
Serial violations have occurred. Check interface cable. .................................................117

vi ProEM®+ System Manual Version 1.B
Smeared Images..............................................................................................................117
TEC Fault LED comes on............................................................................................... 117
WinX or LightField Crashes When Adding GigE Camera to System................................118
Appendix A Basic Specifications .................................................................. 121
Window........................................................................................................................... 121
CCD Arrays ....................................................................................................................121
Mounts............................................................................................................................122
Focal Distance (Optical).................................................................................................122
Camera............................................................................................................................122
Options............................................................................................................................ 123
Appendix B Outline Drawings........................................................................ 125
ProEM+ Camera: Standard C-mount..............................................................................125
ProEM+:512BK - Kinetics .............................................................................................126
ProEM+:1600(2) and 1600(4) –Full Frame, Spectroscopy................................................127
ProEM+ Power Supply................................................................................................... 128
CoolCUBEII (optional)....................................................................................................129
Appendix C Mounting the ProEM+ to a Spectrograph ................................ 131
Introduction..................................................................................................................... 131
Acton and ProEM+:1600 Series with 3.60” Flange-Mount............................................132
IsoPlane and ProEM+ with 3.60” Flange Mount............................................................133
Acton and ProEM+ with C- to Spectroscopy-Mount Adapter........................................134
Acton and ProEM+ with Adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-Mount Adapter (7050-0104 for
SP2350/SP-2550).....................................................................................................135
Acton and ProEM+ with Adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-Mount Adapter (7050-0107 for
SP2150/SP-2750).....................................................................................................136
Appendix D Cross-Referencing of WinX and LightField Terms.................... 137
WinX-to-LightField........................................................................................................137
LightField-to-WinX........................................................................................................139
Declaration of Conformity .............................................................................. 141
Warranty & Service ......................................................................................... 143
Limited Warranty............................................................................................................ 143
Basic Limited One (1) Year Warranty .....................................................................143
Limited One (1) Year Warranty on Refurbished or Discontinued Products............143
XP Vacuum Chamber Limited Lifetime Warranty..................................................143
Sealed Chamber Integrity Limited 12 Month Warranty...........................................143
Vacuum Integrity Limited 12 Month Warranty .......................................................144
Image Intensifier Detector Limited One Year Warranty..........................................144
X-Ray Detector Limited One Year Warranty ..........................................................144
Software Limited Warranty......................................................................................144
Owner's Manual and Troubleshooting .....................................................................144
Your Responsibility..................................................................................................145
Contact Information........................................................................................................146

Table of Contents vii
vii
Index................................................................................................................. 147
Figures
Figure 1. Comparison of ProEM+ Frame Transfer, Kinetics, and Full Frame EMCCD
Array Structures ............................................................................................12
Figure 2. Typical ProEM+ System Components.............................................................17
Figure 3. Typical Imaging Experiment Layout with Air-cooled Camera........................24
Figure 4. Typical Spectroscopy Experiment Layout with Air-cooled Camera................ 24
Figure 5. Typical Spectroscopy Experiment Layout with Air-cooled Camera and
IsoPlane.........................................................................................................25
Figure 6. Typical Imaging Experiment Layout with Air/Liquid-cooled Camera............25
Figure 7. Typical Spectroscopy Experiment Layout with Air/Liquid-cooled Camera....26
Figure 8. Adjustable C-Mount Adapter........................................................................... 30
Figure 9. Adjustable C- to Spectroscopy-Mount Adapter...............................................32
Figure 10. Front View of ProEM+:512BK Camera.........................................................33
Figure 11. Front View of ProEM+:1600(2)/1600(4) Camera.............................................33
Figure 12. WinX Installation Select Installation Type dialog ..........................................35
Figure 13. LightField Installation Wizard dialog ............................................................36
Figure 14. Camera Detection Wizard - Welcome dialog................................................. 36
Figure 15. LightField Experiment Workspace.................................................................37
Figure 16. Block Diagram of ProEM+ System...............................................................39
Figure 17. Controller/Camera tab....................................................................................41
Figure 18. Detector Temperature dialog (512B on left, 1024B on right)........................42
Figure 19. Experiment Setup|Timing tab.........................................................................42
Figure 20. Controller/Camera tab....................................................................................45
Figure 21. Detector Temperature dialog for a 1600 Series Camera ................................ 45
Figure 22. Experiment Setup|Timing tab.........................................................................46
Figure 23. Available Devices Area..................................................................................52
Figure 24. Experiment Devices Area...............................................................................52
Figure 25. View Area.......................................................................................................53
Figure 26. View Area Displaying an Image ....................................................................54
Figure 27. Available Devices Area..................................................................................56
Figure 28. Experiment Devices Area...............................................................................56
Figure 29. View Area.......................................................................................................58
Figure 30. Spectrometer Alignment: Before Rotational Alignment................................59
Figure 31. Spectrometer Alignment: After Rotational Alignment ..................................60
Figure 32. Clean Cycles Timing Diagram.......................................................................66
Figure 33. EMCCD Array Structure................................................................................68
Figure 34. Binning and Array Orientation.......................................................................71
Figure 35. Timing Diagram for Frame Transfer Mode when Exposure Time < Readout
Time ..............................................................................................................72
Figure 36. Timing Diagram for Frame Transfer Mode when Exposure Time > Readout
Time ..............................................................................................................73
Figure 37. Timing Diagram for Full Frame Mode...........................................................74
Figure 38. Full Frame at Full Resolution.........................................................................75
Figure 39. Rear of ProEM+ Camera................................................................................78
Figure 40. Free Run Timing Diagram.............................................................................. 79
Figure 41. External Sync Timing Diagram...................................................................... 79
Figure 42. Continuous Cleans {Clean Until Trigger} Flowchart ....................................80

viii ProEM®+ System Manual Version 1.B
Figure 43. WinX Continuous Cleans Timing Diagram...................................................81
Figure 44. LightField Clean Until Trigger (CUT) Timing Diagram ...............................81
Figure 45. Bulb Trigger {Expose During Trigger Pulse} Timing Diagram: Non-Overlap
Mode, Three Exposure Sequence, No Preopen, No Continuous Cleans......82
Figure 46. Flowcharts of Safe and Fast Mode Operation ................................................84
Figure 47. Comparison of READ OUT, SHUTTER, and ACQUIRING Logic Out Levels .86
Figure 48. Sensor Expander: Kinetics Readout Mode.....................................................86
Figure 49. Hardware Setup Dialog: Kinetics Readout Mode..........................................86
Figure 50. Two Examples illustrating Partial Illumination of CCD for Kinetics Mode in
ProEM+:512B...............................................................................................87
Figure 51. Kinetics Data acquired based on Masked Images shown in Figure 50..........88
Figure 52. Experiment Setup| Timing tab........................................................................89
Figure 53. Shutter and Trigger expanders........................................................................90
Figure 54. Example showing Kinetics Operation using Single Trigger {Readout Per
Trigger}.........................................................................................................90
Figure 55. Example showing Kinetics Operation using Multiple Trigger {Shift Per
Trigger}.........................................................................................................90
Figure 56. Typical Kinetics Experiment Layout..............................................................91
Figure 57. ProEM+:512BK EMCCD ..............................................................................94
Figure 58. Example of Masking for Spectra-Kinetics: 20 Rows Exposed ......................94
Figure 59. Comparison of Standard ROI and Custom Chip Readout Rates....................96
Figure 60. WinX: Custom Chip tab.................................................................................96
Figure 61. LightField: Custom Sensor pane....................................................................97
Figure 62. LightField: Custom Timing............................................................................ 97
Figure 63. WinX: Vertical Shift ......................................................................................98
Figure 64. Vacuum Window Transmission Data...........................................................100
Figure 65. High Speed ProEM settings .........................................................................103
Figure 66. LightField Settings.......................................................................................106
Figure 67. Acquisition Display and Invalid ROI...........................................................108
Figure 68. Acquisition Display......................................................................................109
Figure 69. Camera Not Found dialog ............................................................................110
Figure 70. Camera1 in Camera Name Field ..................................................................111
Figure 71. Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict dialog...........................................113
Figure 72. Devices Missing dialog................................................................................113
Figure 72. Occupied Device icon .................................................................................114
Figure 74. Ebus Driver Installation Tool dialog............................................................115
Figure 75. Ebus Driver Installation Tool dialog............................................................115
Figure 76. Program Error dialog....................................................................................116
Figure 77. Serial Violations Have Occurred dialog.......................................................117
Figure 78. Windows Start button...................................................................................118
Figure 79. Device Manager dialog ................................................................................118
Figure 80. Right-Click menu.........................................................................................118
Figure 81. Settings tab...................................................................................................119
Figure 82. System Settings Change dialog....................................................................119
Figure 83. ProEM+:512B/1024B Outline Drawing.......................................................125
Figure 84. ProEM+:512BK Outline Drawing................................................................126
Figure 85. ProEM+:1600 Series Flange-mount Camera Outline Drawing....................127
Figure 86. ProEM+ Power Supply Outline Drawing.....................................................128
Figure 87. CoolCUBEII Outline Drawing......................................................................129

Table of Contents ix
ix
Tables
Table 1. Major differences between dark current and clock-induced charge..................65
Table 2. Typical Controller Gains ...................................................................................69
Table 3. ProEM+ Readout Rates ..................................................................................... 69
Table 4. Comparison of Kinetics and Spectra-Kinetics for ProEM+:512B/BK and
ProEM+:1024B .............................................................................................93
Table 5. Default Operating Temperature....................................................................... 122

x ProEM®+ System Manual Version 1.B
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11
Chapter 1
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a ProEM+ EMCCD camera system from Princeton
Instruments. Your system has been thoroughly tested to meet Princeton Instruments’
exacting standards 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.
ProEM®+ Cameras
ProEM®+ cameras feature on-chip multiplication gain, a
technology that enables the multiplication of photon
generated charge right on the CCD. This approach offers an
effective alternative to traditional ICCD cameras for many
non-gated, low-light applications.
The ProEM+:512B features square, 16 μm x 16 µm pixels in
a 512 x 512, frame-transfer format. The ProEM+:512BK
also offers 16 μm x 16 μm pixels and frame-transfer format but has a custom 8.2 x 8.2 mm
imaging area with a special on-chip for 2 open, 98 masked and 410 open rows. The
ProEM+:1024B incorporates a larger 1024 x 1024, 13 µm pixels frame transfer CCD. The
ProEM+:1600(2) and 1600(4) are full frame format EMCCDs (1600 x 200 and 1600 x 400,
respectively) with 16 μm x 16 µm pixels. The cameras are available with or without
eXcelon®.
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 imaging cameras can be operated at 10 MHz for high-speed imaging or
more slowly for high-precision photometry, while the spectroscopy cameras can be
operated at up to 8 MHz. Supravideo frame rates are achievable via subregion readout.
Note: During the transition from ProEM to ProEM+, camera bodies were still labeled
ProEM. To determine if your camera is a ProEM+: in LightField, the camera icon will be
labeled ProEM+; in WinX, the Camera Type (on the Hardware Setup tab) will have a
“+” appended as in EEV CCD97B+ or E2V CCD207_10B+.
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 of multiplication gain is controlled by increasing
or decreasing the clock voltages for this register (gain is exponentially proportional to the

12 ProEM®+ System Manual Version 1.B
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 ProEM+ cameras excellent choices for
experiments where fast framing and low light sensitivity are required.
Figure 1. Comparison of ProEM+ Frame Transfer, Kinetics, and Full Frame
EMCCD Array Structures
Note: As the on-chip multiplication introduces additional noise, it is recommended that
the 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 ProEM+ camera is regulated by its internal controller. These
electronics contain the circuitry required to accept input from the host computer and
software and convert it to appropriate control signals for the camera. These signals include
extensive capabilities for synchronizing the operation of the ProEM+ system with the rest
of your experiment. The controlling electronics also collect the analog signal from the
CCD, digitize it, and send it to the computer.
The ProEM+ allows you to specify read rate, binning parameters, and regions of interest
—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, the ground prong of the power cord plug must be
properly connected to the ground 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.
If the wall outlet 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.
WARNING!

Chapter 1 Introduction 13
13
Inspect the supplied power cord. If it is not compatible with the power socket, replace the
cord with one that has suitable connectors on both ends.
Replacement power cords or power plugs must have the same polarity as that of the
original ones to avoid hazard due to electrical shock.
Precautions
To prevent permanently damaging the system, please observe the following precautions:
The CCD array is very sensitive to static electricity. Touching the CCD can
destroy 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.
When turning off and on the power supply, wait at least 10 seconds before
switching it on. “TEC Fault” LED might come on if the power supply on/off
state is switched too quickly.
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.
Do not block air vents on the camera. Preventing the free flow of air overheats
the camera and may damage it.
UV Coating
Cleaning
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.
Camera
Although there is no periodic maintenance that needs to be performed on a ProEM+
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
The ProEM+ camera has an integrated shutter that protects the camera window from dust
when not in use. Should a need to clean the optical window arise due to the accumulation
of atmospheric dust, we advise that the drag-wipe technique be used. Before starting the
procedure, run the camera and disable the shutter open to get access to the window. Then,
WARNING!
Caution
If 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.
WARNING!

14 ProEM®+ System Manual Version 1.B
dip a clean cellulose lens tissue into clean anhydrous methanol and drag the dampened
tissue over the optical surface to be cleaned. Do not allow any other material to touch the
optical surfaces. Pay extra attention if the optical window is coated with AR (anti-
reflection) materials as they can be susceptible to scratches. Please contact factory if you
have any questions.
Repairs
Because the ProEM+ camera system contains no user-serviceable parts, repairs must be
performed by Princeton Instruments. Should your system need repair, contact Princeton
Instruments customer support for instructions. For contact information, refer to page 146
of this manual.
Save the original packing materials and use them whenever shipping the system or
system components.
About this Manual
Manual Organization
This manual provides the user with all the information needed to install a ProEM+
camera and place it in operation. Topics covered include detailed description of the
cameras in the ProEM+ family, installation, applications, cleaning, specifications and
more.
Notes:
1. "WinX" is a generic term for WinView/32, WinSpec/32, and WinXTest/32
application software.
2. In many instances, WinX and LightField®use different terms for the same functions
or parameters. Unless the topic is specifically for WinX or LightField, curly brackets
{ } are used to denote a LightField term or location. When the topic applies to both
application programs, the WinX term will be followed by the {LightField term}: for
example, when Multiplication Gain is used, it will be followed by {Electron
Multiplied}. This convention is also used when a location for setting a parameter is
mentioned: for example, Exposure Time is set on the Experiment Setup|Main tab
{Common Acquisition Settings expander}.
Chapter 1,Introduction provides an overview of the ProEM+ cameras.
Chapter 2, System Component Descriptions provides information about the
camera, interface card, cables and application software.
Chapter 3, Installation Overview cross-references system setup actions with the
relevant 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 coolingand effects of
high humidity) and contains step-by-step procedures for verifying system operation.
Chapter 6, Advanced Topics discusses standard timing {Trigger Response}
modes (Free Run {No Response}, External Sync {Readout Per Trigger}, and
Continuous Cleans {Clean Until Trigger}), Fast and Safe speed modes, Logic
Level control, and the Kinetics mode option.

Chapter 1 Introduction 15
15
Chapter 7, Tips provides tips regarding CCD ageing, maximizing throughput, and
reducing readout time.
Chapter 8, Troubleshooting provides courses of action to take if you should
have problems with your system.
Appendix A, Specifications includes camera specifications.
Appendix B, Outline Drawings includes outline drawings of the various ProEM+
cameras, the camera power supply, and the CoolCUBEII circulator.
Appendix C, Mounting the ProEM+ to a Spectrograph includes instructions
for mounting a ProEM+ to an Acton Series or IsoPlane spectrograph.
Appendix D, Cross-Referencing of WinX and LightField Terms includes
two alphabetically sorted tables (WinX to LightField and LightField to WinX)
that cross reference terms used in the two applications.
Declaration of Conformity contains the Declaration of Conformity for ProEM+
systems.
Warranty & Service contains the warranty and customer support contact
information.
Safety Related Symbols Used in this Manual
Caution! The use of this symbol on equipment indicates that one or more
nearby items should not be operated without first consulting the manual.
The same symbol appears in the manual adjacent to the text that 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. This same symbol appears in
the manual adjacent to the text that discusses the hardware item(s) in
question.

16 ProEM®+ System Manual Version 1.B
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17
Chapter 2
System Component Descriptions
System Components
Standard Components
A typical ProEM+ EMCCD camera system consists of the camera head (with built-in
shutter), a power supply (with power cable), and an Intel®PRO/1000 GigE card for your
computer, a Gigabit Ethernet cable, MCX to BNC adapter cables, coolant hoses, and this
manual.
Figure 2. Typical ProEM+ System Components
Optional System Components
Optional items include the WinX application software and manual, the LightField application
software and manual, Scientific Imaging ToolKit™(SITK™) for LabVIEW®, a C-mount to
spectroscopy-mount adapter, and the Princeton Instruments CoolCUBEII coolant circulator.
In addition, custom anti-reflective (AR) coatings for the vacuum window and UV coatings
for the CCD maybe available. If specified, your camera has already been configured with
those options.

18 ProEM®+ System Manual Version 1.B
ProEM+ Camera
CCD Array: The ProEM+ camera systems are the most advanced EMCCD cameras
available on the market today, utilizing the latest low-noise read out electronics and back-
illuminated EMCCDs to deliver single photon sensitivity. In addition, these cameras
feature, for the first time, the latest Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) interface that allows remote
operation over a single cable without the need for custom frame grabbers. The all metal,
hermetic vacuum seals used in the ProEM+ cameras are warrantied for life - the only
such guarantee in the industry. In addition to the standard version of these EMCCDs,
eXcelon versions offer the lowest etaloning in the NIR, and enhanced QE in blue and red.
The ProEM+:512B features a high speed EM mode to capture fast kinetics and a low speed
normal CCD mode with very low read noise for precision photometry applications. It
provides advanced features such as solid baseline stability and linear EM gain control. The
ProEM+:512B is cooled to below -80°C using either air or liquid, or a combination of both.
The ProEM+:512BK features a high speed EM mode to capture fast kinetics, a low speed
normal CCD mode with very low read noise for precision photometry applications, and
advanced features such as solid baseline stability and linear EM gain control. These
cameras are cooled to below -90° C using either air or liquid, or a combination of both,
while the all metal, hermetic vacuum seals are warrantied for life –the only such
guarantee in the industry –and feature the latest Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) interface to
allow remote operation over a single cable without the need for custom framegrabbers
The ProEM+:1024B provides a large field of view with 13.3 x 13.3-mm imaging area,
and features a high speed EM mode to capture fast kinetics and a low speed normal CCD
mode with very low read noise for precision photometry applications. It provides
advanced features such as solid baseline stability and linear EM gain control. The
ProEM+: 1024B is cooled to below -65°C using either air or liquid, or a combination of
both.
The ProEM+:1600(2) and ProEM+:1600(4) feature back-illuminated full frame
spectroscopy EMCCDs with the benefit of eXcelon technology. The ProEM+:1600
cameras are cooled to below -65°C using either air or liquid, or a combination of both.
These cameras incorporate an internal manual shutter and have 3.60” and 3.88” bolt
circles for mounting Acton Series spectrographs. The flange-mount (3.60” bolt circle)
version of these cameras can be mounted to Acton Series or IsoPlane spectrographs.
Cooling: Dark current is reduced in ProEM+ camera systems through thermoelectric
cooling of the CCD arrays. Cooling by this method uses a Peltier cooler in combination
with air-circulation (i.e., fan) and/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 from one
ProEM+ model to the next. Please refer to the specific system’s data sheet for cooling
performance.
A feature of air-cooled ProEM+ cameras is software control of the fan On/Off status. When
vibration may affect results, the user can turn off the fan operation while makingsure that the
coolant is circulating through the camera to maintain the CCD cooling temperature.
The camera needs to have at least two (2) inches (50 mm) clearance around the vented
covers. The operating environment of the camera can be from 0 to 30°C with a 0 to 80%
relative humidity (non-condensing). For better performance the ambient temperature

Chapter 2 System Component Descriptions 19
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should be at or less than 20ºC (above this temperature, the CCD temperature can begin to
degrade). If the camera is inside an enclosure, the enclosure 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 of the camera removes the heat produced
by the Peltier device and then vents out through the slots on the side panels. By
default, the fan is always in operation and air-cooling of both the Peltier and the
internal electronics takes place continuously. In most cases, the low-vibration fan
action does not adversely affect the image. However, if vibration would reduce image
quality and the ProEM+ is also being cooled via a coolant circulator, the fan can be
turned Off. For the fan to function properly, free circulation must be maintained
between the sides of the camera and the laboratory atmosphere (see "Cooling"
paragraphs above).
Connectors:
GigE: Gigabit Ethernet connector. Used with the
Cat 5e/6 Gigabit Ethernet cable (supplied)
interconnecting the camera and the GigE interface
card in the host computer. A high quality cable
must be used to preserve data integrity during
transmission. The cable can extend the distance
between camera and the host computer by more
than 50 m.
Shutter: LEMO® connector provides the shutter
drive pulses for driving a Princeton Instruments-
supplied 25 mm external shutter. Camera power
must be OFF before connecting to or disconnecting from this connector.
Note: When there is an installed internal shutter, this connector cannot drive an
external shutter.
LOGIC OUT: 0 to +3.3V programmable logic level output (TTL-compatible). The
output of this connector can be programmed and can also be inverted via the
application software. For detailed information about each output signal, please see
"LOGIC OUT Control" (page 85).
EXT SYNC: 0-+3.3V logic level input (TTL-compatible) that has a 10 kpull-up
resistor. Allows data acquisition and readout to be synchronized with external events.
Through software, positive or negative (default) edge triggering can be selected.
Power: 24 VDC (5.3 A max) input and TEC control from power supply.
Coolant Ports: QDC (Low Profile) Male Shutoff Nozzles (Koolance, part number
VL2-MG). Located on the side of the camera, these are interchangeable quick-
disconnect inlet/outlet ports. ProEM+-compatible female barbs (part number VL2-
F10B-P) are available from Koolance (www.koolance.com).