Raptor Photonics OWL 640 M User manual

OWL 640 M
Model: OW1.7-VS-CL-LP-640
USER MANUAL

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CONTENT
CONTENT........................................................................................................................................... 2
1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 3
2. SPECIFICATION ....................................................................................................................... 4
3. GETTING STARTED .................................................................................................................. 6
4. EPIX XCAP .............................................................................................................................. 8
5. MICRO-MANAGER ................................................................................................................ 18

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Scope
This manual covers the Owl 640 M digital camera and all applicable components. Raptor recommends
that this manual be used to optimize camera operation.
1.2 Camera Care
Raptor cameras require no regular maintenance except occasional external cleaning of the sensor
window (the glass window between the camera sensor and the microscope or lens). Should any other
issues occur please contact your local agent.
To clean the sensor window: gently wipe the face of the sensor window with a small amount of optical
grade isopropyl alcohol and lens paper. Apply forced air again to remove any loose particles.
CAUTION — The camera’s sensor, and circuits are sensitive to static discharge. Ensure you are using a
static strap or are completely grounded at all times to release any static energy before you clean the
window.
CAUTION — Do not use acetone.
1.3 CameraLink Cable
If using a CameraLink cable not supplied direct from Raptor, for CE compliance we recommend using a
screened CameraLink cable with ferrite (100 ohms at 100MHz) fitted as close to the camera as possible.

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2. SPECIFICATION
2.1 Camera Specification
The OWL 640 M digital camera is designed for high-resolution applications requiring visible to SWIR
imaging (400-1700nm). The OWL M camera uses an InGaAS sensor with a resolution of 640 x 512 in a
14-bit digital output. High-speed low-noise electronics provide linear response and sensitivity for rapid
image capture.
The Camera Link digital interface provides the most stable platform for data transfer and the camera
will work on any Camera Link standard card.
A Software Development Kit (SDK) is available for interfacing with custom software.
SPECIFICATION
Sensor Type
InGaAs PIN
-
Photodiode
Active Pixel 640 x 512
Pixel Pitch 15μm x 15μm
Active Area 9.6mm x 7.68mm
Spectral response
1
0.4μm to 1.7μm
Readout Noise (RMS)
LG = Low Gain HG = High Gain
LG: <190 electrons (174 electrons typical)
HG: <50 electrons (38 electrons typical)
Quantum Efficiency >80% @ 1.55μm
Full Well Capacity LG: 650ke-
HG: 9ke-
Pixel Operability
>99%
Digital Output Format 14 bit Camera Link (Base Configuration)
Exposure time 10μs to 26.8s
Frame Rate Up to 120Hz
Dynamic Range
LG: 72dB, HG: 49dB
Optical Interface C-mount
Trigger interface Trigger IN and OUT – TLL compatible
Power supply 12V DC ± 0.5V
TE Cooling
None
Image Correction 2 point NUC (offset & Gain) + pixel correction
Functions Controlled by Serial
Communication
Exposure, Intelligent AGC, Non
-
Uniformity
Correction, Gamma, Pk/Av, ROI
Camera Power Consumption
2
<2.5W
Operating Case Temperature
3
-20°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature -30°C to +60°C
Dimensions & Weight 42mm x 62.21mm x 42mm / 170g
Latest version available on www.raptorphotonics.com
Note 1: Optional filters available: Shortpass, Longpass or Bandpass
Note 2: Measured in a 25°C ambient with adequate heat sinking
Note 3: Extended operating temperature range on request

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2.2 Mechanical Outline
3D drawings (STEP) are available upon request.

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3. GETTING STARTED
3.1 System Overview
3.2 Mounting to Microscope
The OWL 640 has a standard C-Mount that should easily screw onto any microscope port.
3.3 Mounting to a tripod or optical table
The camera has a ¼-20 BSW (Whitworth), threaded hole to mount to a tripod or an optical table. The
image below shows an optical table mount with the ¼-20 BSW thread.
¼-20 BSW
Power
Trig in/SMA Trig out/SMA
Camera Link Connector/SDR
C
-
mount

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3.4 3rd PARTY SOFTWARE
Raptor supports a range of 3
rd
party software packages as per the matrix below.
In this guide, there is a quick overview of XCAP (http://www.epixinc.com/support/files.php) and Micro-
Manager (https://micro-manager.org). Should you have other software support specific needs, please
do not hesitate to contact our sales team on [email protected].
3.5 Connecting your camera to a computer
 If using a laptop insert the Express Card to Camera Link adapter while the PC is switched off
and make sure it is secure. If using a PC, insert the EPIX controller card into the correct slot of
your PC. You can visit http://www.epixinc.com for further support issues.
 Insert EPIX software key dongle into a USB port (the red light on the dongle should light up).
 Boot up the computer.
 Use the Camera Link cable to connect the camera to the computer.
 Connect the other end of the Camera Link cable to the camera.
 Carefully thread the C-mount lens onto the camera’s lens ring, rotating the lens in a clockwise
direction until it is securely fastened. Use the lens controls to adjust focus. We suggest that
the camera be mounted on a tri-pod or an optical bench.
 Connect the 12V power supply to the camera.
The Owl 640 camera is compatible with all types of Camera Link frame grabber. However, our cameras
are extensively tested using Epix Inc. equipment’s XCAP, for this reason we recommend XCAP software.
If using a CameraLink cable not supplied direct from Raptor, for CE compliance we recommend using
a screened CameraLink cable with ferrite (100 ohms at 100MHz) fitted as close to the camera as
possible.
XCAP XCLIB NI Labview Micromanager
Hawk 2
52
  
Falcon III
 


Eagle    
Owl 320 High Speed  


Owl 640 M    
Owl 640 II    
Ninox 640
II
   
Owl 1280
  

Ninox 1280    
 - Software tested by Raptor Photonics
 - Software tested by other companies
Blank -
The camera has not been tested or is not supported by this software

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4. EPIX XCAP
For minimum computer system requirements, please contact Epix for the latest information.
4.1 Download and Install XCAP
Using the following link, http://www.epixinc.com/support/files.php, please select the appropriate
version of XCAP for your computer. Please ensure you are downloading from the section labelled. Pre-
release version with support for the latest cameras and latest PIXCI® imaging boards. Open the
downloaded file when complete and follow the onscreen instructions. Be sure to accept the board
driver installation.
4.2 Operating your camera using XCAP
1. Open XCAP from within your operating system enabling administrative privileges.
2. Select PIXCI dropdown menu and select PIXCI Open Close, Figure 1 should appear.
Figure 1: Open / Close
3. Select Close, and then Click on the Camera & Format button.
4. Using the dropdown menu scroll down and select Raptor Photonics OWL-CL-640 from the list (Figure
2). Selecting OK when done.
Figure 2: Camera Selection

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5. Select Open and the viewing and control screens, Figure 3, will now open. Two windows should open
(Figure 3), a viewing window (Left) and a control window (Right).
Figure 3: XCAP Camera Control Screen
6. The camera controls are pre-configured in EPIX.
7. The control window on the right should reflect your chosen camera. For example, for the Owl 640,
it should read - EPIX PIXCI E8DB: Raptor Photonics OWL-CL-640. If not, you need to select a different
camera.
8. Check that the camera is communicating, see animated icon (Figure 4) on bottom right of control
screen.
Figure 4: Active Communication
9. You are now configured and connected, ready to acquire an image.
10. Check the Serial Connect box (to establish serial communication to the camera). This should contain
a tick (as circled in Figure 5).
11. Check the live button (as circled in Figure 5).

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Figure 5: Image Capture
12. You should now see an image. On the bottom of the screen, you should see something similar to
the following: Frame: 0 Size: 640 x 512 Resize 0.7x0.7 Video: 26.0fps Capture: 26.0 fps Display: 25.1fps.
Figure 6: Live Image Capture Window