Teledyne Princeton Instruments NIRvana User guide

www.princetoninstruments.com
PhotonMAX System Manual
4411-0107
Issue 2
June 5, 2019

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the written permission of Teledyne Princeton
Instruments.
Printed in the United States of America.
LabVIEW is a registered trademark of National Instruments, Inc.
LEMO is a registered trademark of INTERLEMO HOLDING SA
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The information in this publication is believed to be accurate as of the publication release date. However, Teledyne 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.
Copyright 2005-2019
All Rights Reserved
Teledyne Princeton Instruments
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Trenton, NJ 08619
TEL: [phone]
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2 PhotonMAX System Manual Issue 2
Revision History
Issue Date List of Changes
Issue 2 June 5, 2019 Issue 2 of this document incorporates the following changes:
•Converted to Standard FrameMaker template;
•Rebranded as Teledyne Princeton Instruments.
Issue 1.D January 26, 2009 Issue 1.D of this document incorporates the following changes:
•Replaced Warranty with new one;
•Updated air-cooled outline drawing for the different distances of
vacuum window from front of nose (Added Note 5 and See Note 5 for
drawing);
•Changed all PIActon references to Princeton Instruments;
•Updated title and copyright dates.
Issue 1.C November 11, 2007 Issue 1.C of this document incorporates the following changes:
•Added a footnote with the 1024B dimension on the outline drawing
on page 83.
Issue 1.B Unknown Issue 1.B of this document.
Issue 1.A 2005 This is the initial release of this document.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: About this Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.1 Intended Audience. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.2 Related Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.3 Document Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.4 Safety Related Symbols Used in this Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.5 PhotonMAX Safety Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.6 Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.6.1 UV Coatings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Chapter 2: PhotonMAX Camera System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.1 PhotonMAX Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.1.1 EMCCD Technology and On-Chip Multiplication Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.1.2 Integrated Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.1.3 CCD Array . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.1.4 Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.1.4.1 Internal Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.1.5 Connectors and Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.2 CoolCUBE Coolant Circulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.3 Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.4 Certificate of Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.5 User Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.6 Optional Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.6.1 Application Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.6.2 Fiber Optic Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.6.3 Fiber Optic Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.6.4 C- to Spectroscopy Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.7 PhotonMAX Camera and System Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.7.1 Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.7.2 Optical Surfaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.7.3 Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Chapter 3: Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.1 System Block Diagrams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter 4: System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
4.1 Unpack the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.1.1 Verify Equipment and Parts Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.2 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.2.1 Environmental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.2.2 Ventilation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4.2.3 Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4.2.4 Host Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4.3 Attach a Lens to a C-Mount Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.3.1 Mount the Lens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.4 Adjust the C-Mount Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

4 PhotonMAX System Manual Issue 2
4.5 Make Camera-Circulator Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
4.6 Software Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
4.7 Configure Default Camera System Parameters in WinX/32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
4.7.1 WinX/32 Version 2.5.19.6 and Later . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
4.7.2 WinX/32 Version 2.5.19.5 and Older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
4.8 System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Chapter 5: Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5.1 First Light: Imaging Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
5.2 First Light: Spectroscopy Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
5.3 Focusing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
5.4 Exposure and Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
5.4.1 Exposure Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
5.4.2 Avalanche Gain (Multiplication Gain) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
5.4.3 CCD Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
5.4.4 Dark Charge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
5.4.5 Saturation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
5.4.6 Offset (Bias) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
5.4.7 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
5.5 Readout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
5.5.1 Dual-Readout Port Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
5.5.2 Controller Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
5.5.3 Readout Rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
5.5.4 Binning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
5.5.4.1 Array Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
5.6 Exposure-Readout Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
5.6.1 Overlap Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
5.6.1.1 Example 1: Overlap Mode when Exposure Time <
Readout Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
5.6.1.2 Example 2: Overlap Mode when Exposure Time >
Readout Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
5.6.2 Non-Overlap Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
5.6.2.1 Non-Overlap Mode Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Chapter 6: Advanced Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
6.1 External Shutter Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
6.2 Timing Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
6.2.1 Free Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
6.2.2 External Sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
6.2.3 Bulb Trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
6.2.4 Single Trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
6.3 Fast and Safe Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
6.3.1 Fast Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
6.3.2 Safe Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
6.4 TTL Status Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
6.5 Kinetics Mode [optional] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
6.5.1 Kinetics Readout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
6.5.2 Triggered Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
6.5.3 Cleaning the CCD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
6.5.4 Configuring a Kinetics Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
6.5.5 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Issue 2 Table of Contents 5
Chapter 7: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
7.1 Baseline Signal Suddenly Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
7.2 Camera Stops Working . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
7.3 Camera1 (or Similar Name) in Camera Name Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
7.4 Controller Is Not Responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
7.5 Cooling Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
7.5.1 Temperature Lock Cannot be Achieved or Maintained. . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
7.5.2 Gradual Deterioration of Cooling Capability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
7.6 Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
7.7 Demo is only Choice on Hardware Wizard: Interface Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
7.8 Demo, High Speed PCI, and PCI (Timer) are Choices on Hardware Wizard:
Interface Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
7.9 Detector Temperature, Acquire, and Focus are Grayed Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
7.10 Edit the PVCAM.INI File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
7.11 Error Creating Controller Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
7.12 Program Error Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
7.13 Serial Violations Have Occurred. Check Interface Cable.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
7.14 Smeared Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Appendix A: Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
A.1 Vacuum Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
A.2 CCD Arrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
A.3 Mounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
A.4 Focal Distance (Optical) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
A.5 Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
A.6 CoolCUBE Circulator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
A.7 Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Appendix B: Outline Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Warranty and Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Basic Limited One (1) Year Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Limited One (1) Year Warranty on Refurbished or Discontinued
Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
XP Vacuum Chamber Limited Lifetime Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Sealed Chamber Integrity Limited 12 Month Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Vacuum Integrity Limited 12 Month Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Image Intensifier Detector Limited One Year Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
X-Ray Detector Limited One Year Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Software Limited Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Owner's Manual and Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Your Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Contact Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

6 PhotonMAX System Manual Issue 2
List of Figures
Figure 2-1: Typical PhotonMAX System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Figure 2-2: Typical PhotonMAX: 512B Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Figure 2-3: Traditional CCD Array versus PhotonMAX EMCCD Array . . . . . . . . . . .13
Figure 2-4: PhotonMAX Rear Panel Connectors and Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Figure 2-5: Typical CoolCUBE Coolant Circulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Figure 3-1: Block Diagram: Typical Imaging Experiment with Air-Cooled
PhotonMAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Figure 3-2: Block Diagram: Typical Spectroscopy Experiment with
Air-Cooled PhotonMAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Figure 3-3: Block Diagram: Typical Imaging Experiment with Liquid-Cooled
PhotonMAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Figure 3-4: Block Diagram: Typical Spectroscopy Experiment with
Liquid-Cooled PhotonMAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Figure 4-1: Adjustable C-Mount Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Figure 4-2: Typical WinView/32 Installation Dialog: Select Components . . . . . . .32
Figure 4-3: Typical WinX/32 Camera Detection Wizard Welcome Dialog . . . . . . .33
Figure 4-4: Typical Hardware Setup Dialog: Controller/Camera Tab . . . . . . . . . . 34
Figure 4-5: Typical Hardware Setup Dialog: Cleans Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Figure 4-6: Typical RSConfig Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Figure 4-7: Typical Hardware Setup Wizard: PVCAM Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Figure 5-1: Block Diagram: PhotonMAX Light Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Figure 5-2: Typical Hardware Setup Dialog: Controller/Camera Tab . . . . . . . . . . 42
Figure 5-3: Typical Hardware Setup Dialog: Cleans Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Figure 5-4: Typical PhotonMAX Detector Temperature Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Figure 5-5: Typical Experiment Setup ►Timing Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Figure 5-6: Typical Hardware Setup Dialog: Controller/Camera Tab . . . . . . . . . . .47
Figure 5-7: Typical Hardware Setup Dialog: Cleans Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Figure 5-8: Typical PhotonMAX Detector Temperature Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Figure 5-9: Typical Experiment Setup ►Timing Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Figure 5-10: Typical Experiment Setup ►Main Tab: Configure Exposure Time . . .51
Figure 5-11: Typical Experiment Setup ►Main Tab: Configure Avalanche
Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Figure 5-12: DAC Setting versus Charge Multiplication Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Figure 5-13: Typical PhotonMAX Detector Temperature Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Figure 5-14: Typical Hardware Setup Dialog: Cleans Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Figure 5-15: Typical EMCCD Array Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Figure 5-16: Typical Experiment Setup ►Main Tab: Configure Readout Port. . . . 59
Figure 5-17: Typical Experiment Setup ►ADC Tab: Configure Controller Gain . . .61
Figure 5-18: Typical Experiment Setup ►ADC Tab: Configure Readout Rate. . . . 62
Figure 5-19: Binning and Array Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Figure 5-20: Typical Experiment Setup ►Main Tab: Number of Images/Spectra . 64
Figure 5-21: Typical Experiment Setup ►Timing Tab: Slow vs. Fast Mode . . . . . . 65
Figure 5-22: Typical Hardware Setup Dialog ►Controller/Camera Tab:
Readout Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Figure 5-23: Typical Hardware Setup Dialog ►Cleans Tab: Clean Mode . . . . . . . . 66
Figure 5-24: Timing Diagram: Overlap Mode, Exposure Time < Readout Time. . . .67
Figure 5-25: Timing Diagram: Overlap Mode, Exposure Time > Readout Time. . . 68
Figure 5-26: Typical EMCCD Array Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Figure 5-27: Typical Experiment Setup ►Timing Tab: Slow vs. Fast Mode . . . . . . 70
Figure 5-28: Typical Hardware Setup Dialog ►Controller/Camera Tab:
Readout Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Issue 2 List of Figures 7
Figure 5-29: Typical Hardware Setup Dialog ►Cleans Tab: Clean Mode . . . . . . . . 71
Figure 5-30: Timing Diagram: Non-Overlap Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Figure 6-1: Typical Experiment Setup ►Timing Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Figure 6-2: Timing Diagram: External Shutter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Figure 6-3: Timing Diagram: Free Run, Non-Overlap Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Figure 6-4: Timing Diagram: Free Run, Overlap Mode, texp > tR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Figure 6-5: Timing Diagram: External Sync, Non-Overlap Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Figure 6-6: Timing Diagram: Bulb Trigger, Non-Overlap Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Figure 6-7: Timing Diagram: Single Trigger, Overlap Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Figure 6-8: Timing Diagram: Single Trigger, Non-Overlap Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Figure 6-9: Flowchart: Safe Mode versus Fast Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Figure 6-10: Typical PhotonMAX Rear Panel with I/O Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Figure 6-11: Timing Diagram: SHUTTER OUT, EXPOSE OUT,
FRAME READOUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Figure 6-12: Typical Hardware Setup Dialog: Controller/Camera Tab. . . . . . . . . . . 82
Figure 6-13: PhotonMAX: 512B Kinetics Mode CCD Partial Illumination
Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Figure 6-14: Acquired Image Data Using Masked Images. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Figure 6-15: Timing Diagram: Kinetics Exposure-Readout Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Figure 6-16: Typical Experiment Setup ►Timing Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Figure 6-17: Timing Diagram: Kinetics Mode, Single Trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Figure 6-18: Timing Diagram: Kinetics Mode, Multiple Trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Figure 6-19: Block Diagram: Typical Kinetics Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Figure 7-1: Typical Hardware ►Controller/CCD Tab: Camera1 in
Camera Name Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Figure 7-2: Typical Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Figure 7-3: Typical Hardware Wizard: Interface Dialog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Figure 7-4: Typical RSConfig Dialog: Camera1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Figure 7-5: Typical Hardware Wizard: PVCAM Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Figure 7-6: Typical Hardware Wizard: Interface Dialog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Figure 7-7: Typical RSConfig Dialog: Camera1 and Camera2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Figure 7-8: Typical RSConfig Dialog: Camera1 and Camera2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Figure 7-9: Typical Hardware Wizard: PVCAM Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Figure 7-10: Typical Error Creating Controller Dialog: Error 129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Figure 7-11: Typical Error Creating Controller Dialog: Error 183 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Figure 7-12: Typical Program Error Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Figure 7-13: Typical Serial Violations Have Occurred… Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Figure A-1: PhotonMAX Rear Panel Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Figure A-2: PhotonMAX POWER Connector Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Figure A-3: PhotonMAX I/O Connector Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Figure B-1: Outline Drawing: PhotonMAX Camera: C-Mount, Air-Cooled . . . . . 113
Figure B-2: Outline Drawing: PhotonMAX Camera: C-Mount,
Liquid-Cooled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Figure B-3: Outline Drawing: CoolCUBE Circulator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

8 PhotonMAX System Manual Issue 2
List of Tables
Revision History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Table 1-1: Related Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Table 2-1: PhotonMAX Camera Connectors and Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Table 2-2: Standard PhotonMAX Camera System Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Table 3-1: PhotonMAX Installation Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Table 4-1: Typical Driver Files and Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Table 5-1: Typical Controller Gain Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Table 7-1: List of Recommended Troubleshooting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
Table 7-2: PVCAM.INI File Edits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Table A-1: CCD Array Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Table A-2: Default Operating Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Table A-3: Pin Assignments: PhotonMAX POWER Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
Table A-4: Pin Assignments: PhotonMAX I/O Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

7
Chapter 1: About this Manual
Thank you for purchasing a PhotonMAX camera system from Teledyne Princeton
Instruments. Since 1981 Teledyne Princeton Instruments has been the legendary name
behind the most revolutionary spectroscopy and imaging products for cutting edge
research.
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.
If you have any questions about the information contained in this manual, contact the
Teledyne Princeton Instruments customer service department. Refer to Contact
Information on page 120 for complete contact information.
1.1 Intended Audience
This manual is intended to be used by scientists and other personnel responsible for the
installation, setup, configuration, and acquisition of imaging data collected using an
PhotonMAX system.
This document provides all information necessary to safely install, configure, and
operate the PhotonMAX, beginning with the system’s initial installation.
1.2 Related Documentation
Table 1-1 provides a list of related documentation and user manuals that may be useful
when working with the PhotonMAX camera system. To guarantee up-to-date
information, always refer to the current release of each document listed.
Teledyne Princeton Instruments maintains updated documentation and user manuals
on their FTP site. Visit the Teledyne Princeton Instruments FTP Site to verify that the
most recent user manual is available and being referenced:
ftp://ftp.piacton.com/Public/Manuals/Princeton Instruments
ftp://ftp.piacton.com/Public/Manuals/Acton
Table 1-1: Related Documentation
Document Number Document Title
– PhotonMAX Camera System Data Sheet
—On Chip Gain Technical Note
4411-0046 WinView/32 Imaging Software User Manual
4411-0048 WinSpec/32 Spectroscopy Software User Manual
4411-0094 PVCam®Software Users Manual

8 PhotonMAX System Manual Issue 2
1.3 Document Organization
This manual includes the following chapters and appendices:
•Chapter 1, About this Manual
This chapter provides information about the organization of this document, as
well as related documents, safety information, and conventions used
throughout the manual.
•Chapter 2, PhotonMAX Camera System
This chapter provides information about the components included with a
standard PhotonMAX camera system, as well as options that are available for
purchase from Teledyne Princeton Instruments.
•Chapter 3, Installation Overview
This chapter provides information about the installation of a standard
PhotonMAX camera system, including high-level application block diagrams.
•Chapter 4, System Setup
This chapter provides detailed information and procedures about the
configuring of imaging and spectroscopic applications. Also included is
information about protecting against system over-exposure.
•Chapter 5, Operation
This chapter provides information about system cooling as well as the effects of
high humidity on image acquisition. Also included are step-by-step procedures
for verifying proper system operation for imaging and spectroscopic
applications.
•Chapter 6, Advanced Topics
This chapter discusses standard timing modes (i.e., Free Run, External Sync, and
Continuous Cleans,) Fast ans Safe Modes, Logic Level control, and Kinetics
Mode.
•Chapter 7, Troubleshooting
This chapter provides recommended troubleshooting procedures for many of
the common issues that may occur when operating a PhotonMAX camera
system.
•Appendix A, Technical Specifications
This appendix provides CCD, system, and other technical specifications for the
PhotonMAX camera system.
•Appendix B, Outline Drawings
This appendix provides outline drawings for the PhotonMAX camera system.
•Warranty and Service
This chapter provides the Teledyne Princeton Instruments warranty and
customer support contact information.

Chapter 1 About this Manual 9
1.4 Safety Related Symbols Used in this Manual
CAUTION!
!
A Caution provides detailed information about actions
and/or hazards that may result in damage to the equipment
being used, including but not limited to the possible loss of
data.
WARNING!
A Warning provides detailed information about actions
and/or hazards that may result in personal injury or death to
individuals operating the equipment.
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.
1.5 PhotonMAX Safety Information
Before turning on the power supply (air-cooled camera) or circulator (liquid-cooled
camera), 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.
WARNINGS!
1. If the PhotonMAX camera system is used in a manner
not specified by Teledyne Princeton Instruments, the
protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
2. If the equipment or 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.
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.
WARNING!
Replacement power cords or power plugs must have the
same polarity and power rating as that of the original ones
to avoid hazard due to electrical shock.

10 PhotonMAX System Manual Issue 2
1.6 Precautions
To prevent permanently damaging the PhotonMAX system, observe the following
precautions at all times.
CAUTION!
!
1. 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.
2. When using high-voltage equipment (e.g., an arc lamp,)
with the camera system, be sure to turn the camera power
ON LAST and turn the camera power OFF FIRST.
3. Use caution when triggering high-current switching
devices near the system (e.g., an arc lamp.) 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.
4. Do not block air vents on the camera. Preventing the free
flow of air overheats the camera and may damage it.
5. If the PhotonMAX camera system is used in a manner not
specified by Teledyne Princeton Instruments, the
protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
1.6.1 UV Coatings
CAUTION!
!
If using 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.

11
Chapter 2: PhotonMAX Camera System
This chapter provides an introduction to, and overview information about, Teledyne
Princeton Instruments’s PhotonMAX camera system. Figure 2-1 shows those items that
are typically included as part of a standard PhotonMAX Camera system.
Figure 2-1: Typical PhotonMAX System Components
Standard items for a typical air-cooled system include:
Standard items for a typical liquid-cooled system include:
Refer to Section 2.6, Optional Items, on page 17 for information about available
optional items that are compatible with the PhotonMAX camera system.
•PhotonMAX Camera;
•Power Supply and Cable;
•PCI Card;
•Data and I/O Cablesa;
•Certificate of Performance;
•User Manuals.
a. Lengths may vary
•PhotonMAX Camera;
•Power Supply and Cable;
•PCI Card;
•Data and I/O Cablesa;
a. Lengths may vary
•External Coolant Circulator and hosesb;
•Certificate of Performance;
•User Manual(s).
b. Not illustrated in Figure 2-1.
4411-0107_0001

12 PhotonMAX System Manual Issue 2
2.1 PhotonMAX Camera
The new PhotonMAX 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 PhotonMAX: 512B, the first in the series, features square, 16 x 16 m pixels
in a 512 x 512, frame-transfer format.
•The PhotonMAX: 1024B incorporates a larger 1024 x 1024, 13 m pixels frame
transfer CCD.
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 camera can be operated at 10 MHz for high-speed imaging or more
slowly for high-precision photometry. Supravideo frame rates are achievable via
subregion readout.
A typical PhotonMAX: 512B camera is shown in Figure 2-2.
Figure 2-2: Typical PhotonMAX: 512B Camera
2.1.1 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.
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
voltage). Although the probability of generating secondary electrons is fairly low (i.e.,
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 PhotonMAX cameras excellent
choices for experiments where fast framing and low light sensitivity are required.
4411-0107_0002

Chapter 2 PhotonMAX Camera System 13
Figure 2-3 compares the array structure for a traditional CCD with that of an EMCCD
array.
Figure 2-3: Traditional CCD Array versus PhotonMAX EMCCD Array
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 technical note
titled On Chip Gain. Refer to Table 1-1, Related
Documentation, on page 7 for complete information about
downloading this document.
2.1.2 Integrated Controller
The operation of the PhotonMAX 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 PhotonMAX
system with the rest of the experiment. The controlling electronics also collect the
analog signal from the CCD, digitize it, and send it to the computer.
The PhotonMAX allows read rate, binning parameters, and regions of interest to be
configured under software control. For instance, if an experiment requires rapid image
acquisition, then the CCD's on-chip binning can be set to increase frame rates.
2.1.3 CCD Array
The PhotonMAX camera system offers CCDs in a variety of array sizes that allow you to
precisely match the sensor to your application. Only scientific-grade devices are used in
order to ensure the highest image fidelity, resolution, and acquisition flexibility required
for scientific imaging. Large full wells, square pixels, and 100% fill factors provide high
dynamic range and excellent spatial resolution. Unichrome (exclusive Teledyne
Princeton Instruments technology) and other UV-enhancement coatings can be used
to further improve the quantum efficiency of these CCDs in the ultraviolet.
Normal Voltage Clock Standard Serial Register
Frame-transfer Area
Sensor Area
High Voltage Clock
Readout
Amplifier
Output or Sensor Node
Extended Multiplication Register
Readout
Amplifier
Output or Sensor Node
Normal
For standard, high dynamic range
applications.
Multiplication Gain
For high speed, low light level
applications.
PhotonMAX:512B EMCCD
Normal Voltage Clock Standard
Serial Register
Output or
Sensor Node
Frame-transfer Area
Sensor Area
Traditional CCD
Readout
Amplifier
4411-0107_0003

14 PhotonMAX System Manual Issue 2
2.1.4 Cooling
Dark current is reduced in PhotonMAX camera systems through thermoelectric cooling
of the CCD arrays. Cooling by this method uses a four-stage Peltier cooler in
combination with air-circulation 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
PhotonMAX model to the next. Please refer to the specific system's data sheet for
cooling performance.
The camera needs to have a minimum of two (2) inches [50 mm] clearance around the
vented covers. The ambient temperature needs to be less than 20°C (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.
2.1.4.1 Internal Fan
Air-cooled PhotonMAX cameras are equipped with an internal cooling fan that:
•Removes heat from the Peltier device that cools the CCD array, and
•Cools 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 slots on the side panels removes the heat
produced by the Peltier device and then vents out through the front slots on the side
panels. The fan is always in operation and air-cooling of both the Peltier and the
internal electronics takes place continuously. The fan is designed for low-vibration and
does not adversely affect the image.
For the fan to function properly, free circulation must be maintained between the sides
of the camera and the laboratory atmosphere as specified in Section 2.1.4, Cooling,
above.
2.1.5 Connectors and Ports
Figure 2-4 illustrates the rear panel connectors and ports that are included on a
PhotonMAX camera.
Figure 2-4: PhotonMAX Rear Panel Connectors and Ports
4411-0107_0004

Chapter 2 PhotonMAX Camera System 15
Refer to Table 2-1 for information about each of these connectors and ports.
2.2 CoolCUBE Coolant Circulator
Liquid-cooled PhotonMAX cameras provide a low vibration system for data acquisition.
Instead of using a fan to remove heat, these cameras incorporate a closed loop system
of circulating fluid. The CoolCUBE circulator unit provides the power to the camera and
continuously pumps the 50:50 mixture of room temperature (i.e., 20°C,) water and
ethylene glycol. To prevent voiding the warranty, use only the circulator and hoses
shipped with your system.
Figure 2-5 illustrates a typical CoolCUBE Coolant Circulator that is compatible with the
PhotonMAX system.
Figure 2-5: Typical CoolCUBE Coolant Circulator
Table 2-1: PhotonMAX Camera Connectors and Ports
Connector/Port Description
Data 20-pin, high-density connector for data transfer.
I/O DB-26 high-density connector for input/output control signals.
Power 5-pin LEMO connector for camera power.
Coolant Ports Liquid-cooled PhotonMAX systems only.
Interchangeable inlet/outlet ports. Use only with the hoses and coolant
circulator provided with the system. Attaching any other hoses or
circulator voids the warranty.
4411-0107_0005

16 PhotonMAX System Manual Issue 2
2.3 Cables
Table 2-2 describes the cables included with a standard PhotonMAX Camera System.
Table 2-2: Standard PhotonMAX Camera System Cables
Cable Part
Number Description/Purpose
Data Cable 6050-0545 The Data cable has 20-pin, high-density (MDR-20)
connectors for interconnecting the camera and the
host computer.
I/O Cable 6050-0546 The optional I/O cable has a female, DB-26,
high-density connector that connects to the I/O
connector. The five (5) BNCs at other end of the cable
provide access to the following five I/O signals that can
be used to input a trigger to initiate data acquisition, to
monitor frame readout status, and to control an
external shutter:
• Trigger In;
• Trigger Invert;
•FrameReadout;
•ExposeOut;
• Shutter Out.
Refer to I/O Connector on page 108 for complete
information.
Circulator-Camera
Power Cable
6050-0654 The 10-foot [3 m] power cable has a LEMO connector
on each end and connects between the circulator and
the PhotonMAX to supply the camera with power.
4411-0107_0006
4411-0107_0007
4411-0107_0008

Chapter 2 PhotonMAX Camera System 17
2.4 Certificate of Performance
Each PhotonMAX camera is shipped with a Certificate of Performance which states that
the camera system has been assembled and tested according to approved Teledyne
Princeton Instruments procedures. It documents the camera’s performance data as
measured during the testing of the PhotonMAX and lists the following camera- and
customer-specific information:
•Sales Order Number;
•Purchase Order Number;
•Camera Serial Numbers
This information is useful when contacting Teledyne Princeton Instruments Customer
Support.
2.5 User Manual
This manual describes how to install and use the PhotonMAX camera system.
2.6 Optional Items
Teledyne Princeton Instruments offers a number of optional items that are compatible
with PhotonMAX. For complete ordering information, contact Teledyne Princeton
Instruments.
2.6.1 Application Software
Teledyne Princeton Instruments offers a number of data acquisition software packages
for use with PhotonMAX camera systems, including:
•WinX/32 (WinView/32 or WinSpec/32)
The PhotonMAX camera can be operated by using either WinView/32 or
WinSpec/32, Teledyne Princeton Instruments’ 32-bit Windows®software
packages designed specifically for high-end imaging and spectroscopy,
respectively. Teledyne Princeton Instruments’ software provides
comprehensive image/spectral capture and display functions. The package also
facilitates snap-ins to permit advanced operation. Using the optional built-in
macro record function, you can also create and edit your own macros to
automate a variety of operations. WinView/32 and WinSpec/32 take full
advantage of the versatility of the PhotonMAX camera and even enhance it by
making integration of the detection system into larger experiments or
instruments an easy, straightforward endeavor.
Included with the software is a User Manual that describes how to install and
use the application program. A PDF version of this manual is provided on the
installation CD. Additional information is available in the program's online help.
•PVCam®
The standard software interface for cooled CCD cameras from Teledyne
Princeton Instruments. It is a library of functions that can be used to control and
acquire data from the camera when a custom application is being written. For
example, in the case of Windows, PVCAM is a Dynamic Link Library (DLL.) Also, it
should be understood that PVCAM is solely for camera control and image
acquisition, not for image processing. PVCAM places acquired images into a
buffer, where they can then be manipulated using either custom written code
or by extensions to other commercially available image processing packages.
Refer to the PVCam Programmer’s Manual for the list of supported operating
systems. Refer to Table 1-1, Related Documentation, on page 7 for complete
information.

18 PhotonMAX System Manual Issue 2
•Scientific Imaging ToolKit™ (SITK™)
A collection of LabVIEW®VIs for scientific detectors and spectrographs. This
third party software can be purchased from Teledyne Princeton Instruments.
NOTE:
PhotonMAX cameras may also be operated by several other
third-party software packages. Please check with the
providers of the packages for compatibility and support
information.
2.6.2 Fiber Optic Interface
2.6.3 Fiber Optic Cable
2.6.4 C- to Spectroscopy Adapter
A C- to Spectroscopy-mount adapter can be ordered separately.
4411-0107_0009
The optional fiber optic interface (P/N: 2475-0041) allows
you to operate the PhotonMAX from up to 300 meters away.
This is an excellent solution for operating the camera at
telescopes or in hazardous locations.
The two transceiver boxes are connected via an LC-to-LC,
duplex, 62.5/125 m fiber optic cable. Refer to Section 2.6.3,
Fiber Optic Cable, for additional information.
4411-0107_0010
Optional fiber optic cables can be ordered separately in the
following lengths:
•100 m (P/N: 2475-0042);
•200 m (P/N: 2475-0043);
•300 m (P/N: 2475-0044).