Raptor Photonics Kestrel User manual

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Kestrel
Model: KE60V-BV-CL
USER MANUAL

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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 4
1.1 Scope .......................................................................................................................... 4
2. CAMERA CARE ............................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Cleaning the Sensor Window ....................................................................................... 4
3. SPECIFICATION .............................................................................................................. 5
3.1 Camera Overview ........................................................................................................ 5
3.2 Datasheet .................................................................................................................... 5
4. DESIGN OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................ 6
4.1 Mechanical Model ........................................................................................................ 6
4.2 Physical Interface ........................................................................................................ 7
4.3 Power Consumption .................................................................................................... 7
4.4 Mounting to Microscope ............................................................................................... 7
4.5 Mounting to a Tripod or Optical Table .......................................................................... 7
5. SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY ......................................................................................... 8
5.1 XCAP Compatibility ..................................................................................................... 8
5.2 LabView Compatibility ................................................................................................. 8
5.3 Custom Software Interfacing ........................................................................................ 8
6. CAMERA AND CHILLER SETUP .................................................................................... 9
6.1 Connecting Camera to Frame Grabber ........................................................................ 9
6.2 Connecting Camera to Chiller ...................................................................................... 9
6.3 Recommended Coolants for Chiller ............................................................................. 9
6.4 Setting the Coolant Temperature for Re-circulation ..................................................... 9
6.5 Draining the Chiller, Camera and Tubing ................................................................... 10
7. FRAME GRABBER AND SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ................................................... 11
7.1 Computer/Laptop System Requirements ................................................................... 11
7.2 Frame Grabber Requirements ................................................................................... 11
8. XCAP IMAGING SOFTWARE ........................................................................................ 12
8.1 Downloading and Installing XCAP ............................................................................. 12
8.2 Opening the Camera Configuration ........................................................................... 12
8.3 Acquiring a Live Image Sequence ............................................................................. 14
9. CONTROLLING THE CAMERA (XCAP) ........................................................................ 15
9.1 EM Gain .................................................................................................................... 15
9.2 Triggering Modes and Pixel Clock Rate ..................................................................... 16
9.3 Region of Interest and Binning ................................................................................... 16
9.4 Exposure Time and Frame Period ............................................................................. 17

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9.5 Maximum Frame Rates ............................................................................................. 18
9.6 Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC) ..................................................................................... 18
9.7 Information Tab ......................................................................................................... 19
10. XCAP CONTROL FEATURES ..................................................................................... 20
10.1 Saving Preset Settings ............................................................................................ 20
10.2 Contrast Modification (XCAP Std. Only) ................................................................... 21

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1. INTRODUCTION
This document provides detailed instructions for the operation of the Kestrel, Scientific
EMCCD camera. Raptor Photonics Limited reserves the right to change this document at
any time without notice and disclaims liability for editorial, pictorial or typographical errors.
1.1 Scope
This manual covers the Kestrel digital camera and all applicable components. Raptor
recommends that this manual be used to optimize camera operation. Details of the camera’s
mechanical and electrical interfaces are provided, as well as information on setting the
camera up with liquid cooling. Important precautions to be taken when using the camera are
also stated.
Detailed information is also provided on each of the cameras control parameters. Each
camera control is discussed and explained with the use of XCAP Imaging software, which is
the core plug and play software package that is offered with Raptor cameras. An image of
the camera is shown in Figure 1.
2. CAMERA CARE
2.1 Cleaning the Sensor Window
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).
Use optical grade isopropyl to clean this window. A cotton swab can be used, but may leave
some fibres on the window, so be careful. To avoid this, you could also use a lens tissue or a
cleaning swap such as a Texwipe Swab. Forced air can be applied to remove any loose
particles. Should any other issues occur please contact your local agent.
CAUTION — The camera’s sensor and circuits are sensitive to static discharge. Ensure that
you are using a static strap or completely grounded at all times to release any static energy
before you clean the window.
CAUTION — Do not use acetone.
Figure 1: Complete Camera Module.

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3. SPECIFICATION
3.1 Camera Overview
The Kestrel is designed for applications that require high sensitivity and speed. The camera
uses the CCD 60 sensor from e2v with a resolution of 128 x 128. 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 frame grabber.
3.2 Datasheet
For the full specification of the Kestrel, the datasheet for the camera can be downloaded
from the Raptor Photonics website:
https://www.raptorphotonics.com/products/kestrel-emccd/

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4. DESIGN OVERVIEW
4.1 Mechanical Model
PDF of mechanical model available from our website:
https://www.raptorphotonics.com/products/kestrel-emccd/
Units shown in mm and [inches]

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4.2 Physical Interface
4.3 Power Consumption
The camera input power specification is 12V +/- 10% with a maximum of 10 Watts power
dissipation with the TEC cooler switched off. Additional current is required when the cooler
power is switched from low to high. The total, maximum steady state, unit power dissipation
is < 30W.
4.4 Mounting to Microscope
The camera has a standard C-mount that should easily screw onto any microscope port.
4.5 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.
2
3
4
1
6
1. Label Recess
2. 3M Camera Link connector
Part #: 12226-1150-00FR
3. SMA connector: Trigger Out (Frame).
Single ended, source impedance = 51 Ω,
capable of sinking and sourcing 32mA
and will have an output voltage of 3.3v
i.e. TTL compatible.
4. SMA connector: Trigger In.
Single ended, termination impedance =
510 Ω, capacitive load = 200 pF, TTL
compatible.
5. SMA connector: Trigger Out (Exp).
Single ended, source impedance = 51 Ω,
capable of sinking and sourcing 32mA
and will have an output voltage of 3.3v
i.e. TTL compatible.
6. 4 Pin KYCON Power Connector
Part#: KPJX-PM-4S
7. Water taps
Part#: CPC; MCD2402
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5. SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY
This section outlines the options relating to software that are available for the Kestrel
camera.
5.1 XCAP Compatibility
Raptor works closely with EPIX who integrate all the Raptor camera models into their XCAP
Imaging Software package. XCAP is the core plug and play software package that is offered
with Raptor cameras.
5.2 LabView Compatibility
Upon request, Raptor can create a LabView .icd file which can be used to control the
camera on National Instruments imaging tool NI MAX. The file may also be useful if
attempting to create your own LabView VI.
5.3 Custom Software Interfacing
Raptor works closely with EPIX Inc, who integrates all of our cameras into their software
package, XCAP. The EPIX frame grabbers are the models that we offer with our cameras.
We offer their Software Development Kit (SDK) for interfacing with custom software (XCLIB).
If using a frame grabber from a different company, you will have to obtain their SDK to
implement a custom solution.

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6. CAMERA AND CHILLER SETUP
This section will give instruction on setting up the camera and other components, including
connecting to the frame grabber and chiller (if applicable).
6.1 Connecting Camera to Frame Grabber
The camera has the shrunk SDR port on the interface. The main frame grabber that Raptor offer
with this camera has the normal MDR port (EPIX EB1). Therefore, one MDR – SDR Camera Link
cable is required to connect the camera to this frame grabber.
If demoing the camera with the Mini PC system that Raptor provides, you should connect to
the left port of the frame grabber in the Mini PC. This should be stated on the Mini PC.
6.2 Connecting Camera to Chiller
Raptor use a Chiller from Thermotek, the T257P Precision Chiller. For the datasheet and full
user manual from Thermotek, please contact Raptor and we will provide this. The
instructions to set up the chiller are as follows:
1. Connect the T257P chiller to the Kestrel using the tubing provided. You will hear a click
which indicates a solid connection. The polarity of the tubing connections does not matter.
2. Keep the chiller horizontal and on a level surface.
3. Make sure there is a minimum 12” clearance and free path for flow of air entry and exit at
the left side and right side of the T257P chiller prior to operation.
4. Remove the reservoir cap and add coolant to the reservoir until the fluid reaches the
bottom of the neck. Please refer to section 6.3 for recommended coolants.
5. Close the cap securely to the reservoir. Make sure not to overfill the reservoir.
6. Install the appropriate end of the power cord into the unit and connect to the mains
electricity.
If using another chiller model, please refer to it’s manual for start-up instructions.
6.3 Recommended Coolants for Chiller
The recommended coolants are:
Option 1: Distilled Water
Option 2: 95% distilled water and 5% isopropyl alcohol mixture prevents bio growth.
Option 3: 80% distilled water and 20% inhibited glycol mixture for set temperatures below
5C.
Raptor recommends using option 3. If purchasing the Thermotek model from Raptor or using
a demo kit provided by Raptor, there will be inhibited glycol mixture provided to mix with
water.
6.4 Setting the Coolant Temperature for Re-circulation
When powering up the chiller, the screen will immediately give the option to set the
temperature of the coolant. It is recommended to set a 20 C set point. After the set point has
been configured, selecting start will initiate the coolant re-circulation. For more detailed
information on all the operating modes of the T257P Precision Chiller, please refer to the

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Thermotek user manual.
WARNING: Please ensure the temperature set point of the chiller is above your ambient
dew point, otherwise condensation can form around the sensor package and cause
damage.
6.5 Draining the Chiller, Camera and Tubing
If using the Thermotek T257P Precision Chiller, it is recommended that a coolant change be
implemented at a minimum, every six months, to keep the system in working order. Based
on the amount of use, you may need to perform this more frequently. For more detailed
information, please refer to the Thermotek user manual. If using another model of chiller,
please refer to its user manual for the recommended time frame for coolant changes.
If finishing the testing of a demo kit, please disconnect the tubing and drain all of the camera,
chiller and tubing before sending the equipment back to Raptor. Shorter draining tubes will
be supplied with the demo kit. Two draining tubes (with the appropriate mating connectors)
need to be connected to both connecters on each of the camera, chiller and tubing to drain
each individually.

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7. FRAME GRABBER AND SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
7.1 Computer/Laptop System Requirements
The basic requirement is that the PCIe bus of the system must provide sufficient bandwidth
to handle video rate transfers. The amount of bandwidth required depends on the camera in-
hand. The Kestrel uses a Base Camera Link interface which can be handled with a x1 PCIe
bus and PIXCI EB1, providing roughly 200MB/sec maximum bandwidth. Contact EPIX Inc.
for further information regarding minimum computer/laptop specification requirements to run
the XCAP Imaging Software. http://www.epixinc.com/products/xcap.htm
7.2 Frame Grabber Requirements
If using a computer, it is a minimum requirement to use an PIXCI EB1 frame grabber. If
using a frame grabber from another company, the specification requirements of this frame
grabber must meet those supplied by the PIXCI EB1 model.
If using a laptop, EPIX offers base Camera Link frame grabbers for a laptop system, such as
the ECB1/ECB1-34.

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8. XCAP IMAGING SOFTWARE
This section will discuss downloading and installing XCAP, as well as acquiring an initial
image using the software package.
8.1 Downloading and Installing XCAP
The latest version of XCAP can be downloaded from the link below:
http://www.epixinc.com/support/files.php
please select the appropriate version of XCAP for your computer. Ensure that you download
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 in the installation wizard. If a pop-up message appears asking whether
to install the PIXCI driver, ensure that you click yes.
8.2 Opening the Camera Configuration
After opening XCAP, select “PIXCI Open/Close” from the “PIXCI” tab from the top menu bar
in the main window. A PIXCI Open/Close pop-up box will open as shown in Figure 2.
Click on “Camera & Format” that is highlighted in Figure 2 and a “PIXCI Open Camera &
Format” box will appear, as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 2: PIXCI Open/Close.

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Using the dropdown menu highlighted, search for “Raptor Photonics Kestrel”. Alternatively,
you can use the search button and typing Kestrel will bring up the correct configuration.
Selecting “Open w. Default Video Setup” will open the control panel with all control
parameters set to the default states. “Open w. Last used Video Setup” will open the control
panel with all parameters set at the last known state. Once this option between the two has
been selected, click “Ok”. To open the camera control panel and imaging window, click
“Open” in the “PIXCI Open/Close” window (Figure 2).
Two windows will now open in XCAP, and imaging window and control panel, as shown in
Figure 4.
Figure 3: PIXCI Open Camera & Format.
Figure 4: Imaging Window & Control Panel.

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8.3 Acquiring a Live Image Sequence
There are two things to observe in the control panel that inform you that the camera is
connected and ready to image.
The serial connect checkbox must be ticked in the control panel. This informs you that you
have established a serial connection with the camera and can control the camera.
Secondly, the symbol near the bottom right of the control panel will have three moving dots.
This indicates that you are obtaining video data from the camera. The imaging statistics
displayed directly underneath the imaging window will also inform you if you are receiving a
video feed from the camera.
Once you have established a serial connection with the camera and are receiving video
data, you can now grab a live image feed. Clicking the “Live” button will grab a live image
sequence which you will now see in the imaging window.
For the Kestrel, you will have to enable contrast modification after going live. For
instruction on how to do this on XCAP, please refer to section 10.2.
The symbols in the control app discussed above are displayed in Figure 5.
Figure 5: Port Tab – Checking Camera.

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9. CONTROLLING THE CAMERA (XCAP)
The sections below will give information on using each control of the Kestrel, giving a
description on how to use each control parameter and their effect on the camera’s
performance. The software used to illustrate the camera controls is XCAP.
9.1 EM Gain
The EM gain applied can be controlled from the “Gain” tab of the XCAP GUI, shown in
Figure 6. The user can either manually input a value to apply EM Gain or use the slider bar
provided. By default, the EM Gain slider bar is set to zero (Gain = 1).
The values in the EM Gain slider bar on XCAP are not real/linear gain values. More detailed
information on why Raptor does not calibrate “real gain” controls can be seen from the
“Understanding Electron Multiplying Gain” technical note from our website:
https://www.raptorphotonics.com/products/kestrel-emccd/
The values on XCAP are the DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) values. During the
calibration of the camera, the DAC value vs EM Gain ratio is characterized and stored in
memory locations of the camera. The slider is directly controlling the amount of voltage that
the EM gain register in the camera is seeing. The relationship of gain to the DAC value is
exponential, so up until around 3000 on the slider, there is a minimal gain being applied
(roughly in the region of 1-10x). Once you go above 3000, as the gain ramps exponentially,
small changes in the slider will equate to larger changes in the gain. A gain of X1000 should
be achievable by setting a DAC value of roughly 3500, as long as the camera is water
cooled to roughly -20 C. There isn’t any real benefit to using a gain larger than this. For
most applications, a gain in the region of X200 is sufficient.
Please note that EM gain should only ever be used when it is required and leaving the
EM gain running indefinitely may cause irreparable damage to the camera. EM Gain
should only be used during the experimental test. If the camera is in idle mode and
not being used, EM Gain should be disabled. Extreme caution must be used when
setting the DAC value for the EM Gain. As the relationship between the DAC value and
gain is exponential, DAC values greater than 3000 result in large changes of real gain
being applied. Using gains in the upper region (3500 – 4096) for longer lengths of time
will cause the sensor to age and could cause damage to the camera.
Figure 6: EM Gain.

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9.2 Triggering Modes and Pixel Clock Rate
The cameras triggering mode can be toggled from the “Trigger” tab, shown in Figure 7. A
summary of the triggering modes is below:
Live – ITR: The is the default mode of the camera, using the internal trigger, Integrate then
Read. In this mode, the camera will run at the highest possible frame rate given the current
exposure time set. The frame period will be:
Frame period = Exposure time – Readout time
Using an exposure time of 1.93ms with a 10MHz pixel readout speed, the maximum frame
rate of 510.5Hz in full frame resolution can be achieved.
Live – FFR: This is fixed frame rate mode. In this mode, the user will be allowed to set a
fixed frame period. If an exposure time set is greater than the maximum exposure time for
the set frame period, the exposure time will dominate, and the frame period will be
increased.
Ext Triggered: This mode sets the camera into external trigger mode. Enabling the external
trigger will open the trigger polarity options (rising or falling edge).
There is a slight drop off in the maximum frame rate in external trigger mode. The maximum
frame rate achievable in full frame resolution is roughly 510.5Hz.
In ITR mode, the camera is in full control of the trigger and is aware that repeated frames will
be requested one after another as quickly as possible. Therefore, the vertical clear is
skipped before the start of each acquisition. In external trigger mode, the camera has no
knowledge of when the next trigger will arrive, and hence conducts the vertical clear before
the beginning of the next exposure. This vertical clear accounts for the slight drop in frame
rate in external trigger. The lack of the vertical clear in ITR mode also means that the
effective exposure time in ITR mode is closer to exposure time + readout time.
Btn. Triggered: This mode enables the user to capture a single exposure. The “Single
Exposure” button in the GUI will become active and clicking it will trigger an exposure time
and capture.
Figure 7: Trigger Tab.

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9.3 Region of Interest and Binning
The region of interest and binning can be controlled from the “AOI” tab in the control panel.
A region of interest within the main active region of 128x128 may be defined. The ROI is
setup using a bank of registers to control the X offset, the ROI width, the Y offset and the
ROI height. These parameters are shown pictorially below in Figure 8.
The user must ensure that X offset + ROI width is ≤ 128 and similarly the Y offset + ROI
height is ≤ 128. Also, ROI width and ROI height must be > 0.
Binning can be set from 2x2 and 4x4.
9.4 Exposure Time and Frame Period
The exposure time and frame period controls are active in the control panel under all tabs,
except the port and info tabs. Unless “Live – FFR” mode (discussed in section 7.6.2) is
active, the frame period will set automatically to the maximum possible given the current
exposure time set. The minimum exposure time in the internal trigger is 0 seconds.
If fixed frame rate mode is selected, then the user will now be able to set a fixed frame
period. If the exposure time set exceeds the maximum possible under the given frame
period, then exposure will dominate, and the frame period will be increased. The frame
period and exposure time controls on XCAP are shown in Figure 9.
Figure 8: Region of Interest.
Figure 9: Exposure Time & Frame Period

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9.5 Maximum Frame Rates
The maximum frame rates achievable with each binning level 128x128 resolution are shown
in the two tables below. These frame rates where measured using internal trigger mode.
9.6 Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC)
The “TEC” tab in the GUI gives the user control over the TEC and fan. The minimum cooling
temperature using both the fan and liquid cooling is -20 C. If only using the fan, the
minimum cooling temperature is -20 C. For important information on using the liquid cooling
with the chiller, please refer to sections 6.2 – 6.5.
The actual TEC set point of the camera should be within ±2 C of the TEC set point set by
the user. The sensor temperature will then have a stability of ±0.5 C around the actual TEC
set point.
The TEC controls in XCAP are shown in Figure 10.
1
0MHz Pixel Clock
Binning Factor Frame Rate
1x1 508.9
2x2
9
28
4x4
1
324
10MHz Pixel Clock
ROI
Factor
Frame Rate
Full Frame 508.9
64 ROI
94
0.9
32 ROI 1635.2
Figure 10: TEC Control Tab.

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9.7 Information Tab
The “Info” tab displays the manufacturers data of the camera, such as the firmware version,
serial number etc. The sensor and PCB temperature can also be read from this tab. The
“Info” tab is shown in Figure 11.
Figure 11: Info Tab.

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10. XCAP CONTROL FEATURES
XCAP has many different control functions and analytical tools that can be used when
imaging the camera. For the full XCAP user guide, please refer to the link below:
http://epixinc.com/manuals/pixci_e14el/index.htm
This section will discuss in detail a few features on XCAP that Raptor feel would be of
immediate use when using the camera.
10.1 Saving Preset Settings
Different camera and frame grabber settings can be saved in the “Preset” tab under the
PIXCI (relevant frame grabber model number) section of the GUI, as shown in Figure 12.
Up to three different presets can be saved per settings file. If the camera is set to a desired
state outside of the default state, clicking “Save 1” will save all the current parameter states
that have been set. This can be done a further two times. These camera states can be
recalled at any time by using the recall buttons. The overall settings file can then be saved
and loaded in this tab also. Three preset states is the maximum number that can be saved in
a settings file.
Figure 12: Preset Settings.