Raptor Photonics OWL 640 User manual

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

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CONTENT
CONTENT................................................................................................................................................. 2
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 3
2. SPECIFICATION ............................................................................................................................4
3. GETTING STARTED....................................................................................................................... 6
4. EPIX XCAP .................................................................................................................................... 9
5. MICRO-MANAGER .....................................................................................................................19

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Scope
This manual covers the Owl 640 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.

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2. SPECIFICATION
2.1 Camera Specification
The OWL 640 digital camera is designed for high-resolution applications requiring visible to SWIR
imaging (400-1700nm). The OWL 640 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.
FPA Specification
Sensor
SCD
Sensor Type
InGaAs PIN-Photodiode
Active Pixel
640 x 512
Pixel Pitch
15μm x 15μm
Active Area
9.6mm x 7.68mm
Spectral response1
0.4μm to 1.7μm
Noise (RMS)
<195 electrons Low Gain (176 electrons typical)
<50 electrons High Gain (40 electrons typical)
Quantum Efficiency
Peak >92% (>87% @ 1.064nm, 82% @ 1.55nm)
Pixel Well Depth
Low Gain: 650Ke-
High Gain: 15Ke-
Pixel Operability
>99.5%
Camera Specification
Digital Output Format
14 bit Camera Link (Base Configuration)
Exposure time
1μs to 1 / frame rate
Shutter mode
Global shutter
Frame Rate
Up to 120Hz programmable, 25ns resolution
Optical Interface
C mount (selection of SWIR lens available) or M42
Camera Setup / Control
Camera Link
Dynamic Range
14 bit
Trigger interface
Trigger IN and OUT - TTL compatible
Power supply
12V DC ±10%
TE Cooling
ON / OFF
Image Correction
3 point NUC (offset, Gain & Dark Current) + pixel correction
Functions controlled by serial
communication
Exposure, intelligent AGC, Non Uniformity Correction,
Gamma, Pk/Av, TEC, ROI
Camera Power Consumption
< 3.5W (TEC OFF, NUC ON)
<4W (TEC ON in ambient, NUC ON)
Operating Case Temperature
-20°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature
-30°C to +60°C
Dimensions & Weight
50mm x 50mm x 82mm / 282g
Latest version available on www.raptorphotonics.com

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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

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3.4 3rd PARTY SOFTWARE
Raptor supports a range of 3rd party software packages as per the matrix below.
XCAP
XCLIB
NI
Labview
Micro-
Manager
Stream
Pix
Genika
Astro
Audela
Astro
Control
Kite








Hawk 247








Falcon II





Falcon III





Eagle






Owl 320








Owl 320 High Speed





Owl 'Mini'





Owl 640







Ninox 640





Owl 1280





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 [e-mail].
- Software tested by Raptor Photonics
- Software tested by other companies
Blank - The camera is not supported by this software

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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.

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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 ), 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).