Q Imaging Rolera Thunder User manual

USER MANUAL
DIGITAL IMAGING MADE EASY

Rolera Thunder User Manual i
User Manual for ROLERA Thunder

Rolera Thunder User Manual ii
Rolera Thunder User Manual
Applicability
This document applies to the Rolera Thunder camera. For the latest updates, please visit WWW.QIMAGING.COM
Notice of Copyright
Cop right© 2011 Quantitative Imaging Corporation. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication of this
document is prohibited.
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QImaging, Rolera, and QCapture are trademarks of QImaging. Product names mentioned in this document
ma be trademarks or registered trademarks of QImaging or other hardware, software, or service providers
and are used herein for identification purposes onl . Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks in
the U.S. and other countries of Microsoft Corporation and are used herein for identification purposes onl .
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Suite 101
Surre , BC, Canada V3S 6K3
604.530.5800
WWW.QIMAGING.COM
QImaging Technical Support.
Technical support is available to all registered users of QImaging products from 9am to 5pm Pacific Standard
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WWW.QIMAGING.COM/SUPPORT/CONTACT/

Rolera Thunder User Manual iii
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Overview ............................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1
Technolog Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1
S stem Components ................................................................................................................... 2
About This Manual ...................................................................................................................... 3
Precautions .................................................................................................................................. 3
Environmental Requirements ...................................................................................................... 4
Storage Requirements ................................................................................................................. 4
Microscopes, Lenses, and Tripods .............................................................................................. 4
Repairs ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Cleaning ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 2 System Installation ................................................................................................. 5
Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 5
Software Compatibilit Requirements ......................................................................................... 5
Host Computer Requirements ..................................................................................................... 6
Multiple Cameras ......................................................................................................................... 6
Software Installation .................................................................................................................... 6
Installing the FireWire Interface Card ........................................................................................ 7
Connecting Your Rolera Thunder Camera ................................................................................... 7
To connect our Rolera Thunder camera ............................................................................. 7
Adjusting the C Mount Adapter ................................................................................................... 8
Travel Distance ..................................................................................................................... 8
Chapter 3 Operating Features .................................................................................................. 9
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 .......................................................................................................................... 15
Conversion Gain .................................................................................................................. 16
Readout Speed (T pical) ..................................................................................................... 16
Binning ................................................................................................................................ 16
Rolera Thunder Features ........................................................................................................... 17
Dual-Readout Port Operation ............................................................................................. 18
Conversion Gain ................................................................................................................. 19
Readout Speed (t pical) ...................................................................................................... 19
Binning ................................................................................................................................ 20
Rolera Thunder Application Examples ................................................................................ 20
Application Settings Summar ............................................................................................ 21
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting .................................................................................................... 22
S stem Does Not Boot Normall ........................................................................................ 22

Rolera Thunder User Manual iv
New Hardware Found Dialog Box Does Not Appear (Windows 2000/XP) ......................... 22
Images Not Displa ed ........................................................................................................ 23
Camera Running Too Warm ................................................................................................ 23
PVCAM Error Message Appears .......................................................................................... 23
Length Pauses During Imaging .......................................................................................... 23
Rolera Thunder Will Not Image When Attached to Certain Dual-processor or
H perthreading-capable PCs .............................................................................................. 23
Chapter 5 Basic Specifications ................................................................................................ 24
CCD Specifications and Orientation ........................................................................................... 24
Connectors ................................................................................................................................. 25
Power Connector Pinout ..................................................................................................... 25
I/O Connector Pinout .......................................................................................................... 26
Power Suppl Specifications and Dimensions ........................................................................... 27
Index ..................................................................................................................................... 28
Figures
Figure 1. Comparison of Traditional CCD and Rolera Thunder CCD Arra Structures ................2
Figure 2. Rolera Thunder Camera and DATA Cable ....................................................................2
Figure 3. FireWire interface Card ................................................................................................3
Figure 4. DATA Cable ...................................................................................................................7
Figure 5. Rolera Thunder Rear Panel ..........................................................................................8
Figure 6. Adjustable C-Mount Adapter .......................................................................................8
Figure 7. Non-overlap Mode Operational Sequence ................................................................10
Figure 8. Required Settings for Non-Overlap Mode Operation ................................................11
Figure 9. Timing Diagram for Non-Overlap Mode .....................................................................11
Figure 10. Required Settings for Overlap Mode Operation ......................................................12
Figure 11. Timing Diagram for Overlap Mode when Exposure Time < Readout Time .............13
Figure 12. Timing Diagram for Overlap Mode when Exposure Time > Readout Time .............13
Figure 13. Trigger-First Mode Timing Diagram: Overlap Mode ................................................14
Figure 14. Trigger-First Mode Timing Diagram: Non-Overlap Mode ........................................14
Figure 15. Strobe Mode Timing Diagram ..................................................................................15
Figure 16. Bulb Mode Timing Diagram ......................................................................................15
Figure 17. DAC Setting vs. Charge Multiplication Gain for Rolera Thunder ..............................17
Figure 18. Rolera Thunder CCD Arra Structure ......................................................................18
Figure 19. Software Selection of Readout Port .........................................................................18
Figure 23. Rolera Thunder CCD Orientation .............................................................................24
Figure 24. Rolera Thunder Rear Panel ......................................................................................25
Figure 25. Power Connector Pinout ..........................................................................................25
Figure 26. Input/Output Connector ..........................................................................................26
Figure 27. Power Suppl Front/Side & Top Views ....................................................................27
Tables
Table 1. Rolera Thunder Readout Speeds and T pical Conversion Gains .................................19
Table 2. Application T pe and Rolera Thunder Setup Parameters ...........................................21
Table 3. CCD Specifications .......................................................................................................24
Table 4. Input/Output Definitions .............................................................................................26

Rolera Thunder User Manual v
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Rolera Thunder Users Manual 1
Chapter 1
Overview
Introduction
The QImaging® Rolera Thunder camera emplo s an advanced CCD technolog called "impact
ionization" to achieve charge multiplication gain above the read noise. As a result, the cameras
offer unparalleled sensitivit even at high frame rates.
Rolera Thunder 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 Rolera Thunder can also be used for standard fluorescence and
imaging applications requiring higher d namic range.
Currentl the Rolera Thunder line consists of the following camera model:
• Rolera Thunder
o Uses a 512x512 Back-illuminated CCD with 16x16 µm pixels.
o Has two readout amplifiers – one that offers charge multiplication gain and
another for traditional readout.
Technology
Introduction
The principal difference between a charge-multipl ing 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) b appl ing higher-than-t pical CCD clock voltages. This causes secondar electrons to
be generated in the silicon b impact ionization. The degree of multiplication gain is controlled
b increasing or decreasing clock voltages for this register (gain is exponentiall proportional to
the voltage). Although the probabilit of generating secondar electrons is fairl low (t picall
0.01 per stage), over the large number of stages of a t pical multiplication register, the total gain
can be quite high.
This technolog 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 technolog with
frame-transfer readout makes the Rolera Thunder cameras excellent choices for experiments
where fast framing and low light sensitivit are required.

Rolera Thunder User Manual 2
Figure 1. Comparison of Traditional CCD and Rolera Thunder CCD Array Structures
The Rolera Thunder also offers a non-multiplication readout similar to the one available in
traditional CCD cameras. This makes these more versatile cameras that can be used for standard
imaging applications requiring higher d namic range.
System
Components
In addition to the components shown below and on the next page, the Rolera Thunder package
also includes PVCAM® drivers.
Figure 2. Rolera Thunder Camera and DATA Cable
Rolera Thunder CCD
Traditional CCD

Rolera Thunder User Manual 3
Figure 3. Fire ire interface Card
About This
Manual
The Rolera Thunder User Manual is divided into five chapters. It is suggested that ou read the
entire manual before operating the camera in order to ensure proper use. The chapter contents
are briefl described below.
Note: The information in these chapters applies only to the Rolera Thunder and is currently not applicable to
any other QImaging camera.
• Overview — This is a basic overview of the Rolera Thunder that includes precautions
and general maintenance/equipment information.
• S stem Installation — Instructions for connecting our Rolera Thunder camera to
our computer via the Rolera Thunder FireWire interface card.
• Operating Features — Discusses Rolera Thunder 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 s stem problems.
• Basic Specifications — Provides specifications for Rolera Thunder s stem
components.
recautions
The CCD and other s stem electronics are extremel sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). To
avoid permanentl damaging the s stem, please observe the following precautions:
• If ou are using high-voltage equipment (such as an arc lamp) with our camera
s stem, be sure to turn the camera power on last and power the camera off first.
• Never connect or disconnect an cable while the s stem is powered on.
• Although ou should switch off the camera’s power before disconnecting an
camera s stem cable, ou do not need to power off our computer to detach the
cables.