THORLABS CM401 User manual

Hyperspectral Imaging System
CM401
User Guide

Copyright June 27, 2017 ThorLabs, Inc.. All rights reserved.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement or
nondisclosure agreement. The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of those agreements. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording for any
purpose other than the purchaser's personal use without the written permission of ThorLabs, Inc..
ThorLabs, Inc.
108 Powers Court
Sterling, VA 20166
703-651-1700

Chapter 1 Warning Symbols and Definitions 1
Chapter 2 Safety 2
Chapter 3 Description 3
3.1. Features at a Glance 3
3.2. Specifications Overview 4
Chapter 4 Getting Started 6
4.1. Unpacking and Inspection 6
4.2. Setting up the CM401 7
4.2.1. General Setup 7
4.2.2. System Installation 8
Chapter 5 Capturing an Image 11
Chapter 6 Maintaining the CM401 16
6.1. Cleaning 16
Chapter 7 Specifications 17
7.1. Microscope Body Specifications 17
7.2. Sample Holder Specifications 17
7.3. XY Translation Stage Specifications 17
7.4. Objective Specifications 18
7.5. Condenser Specifications 18
7.6. Tunable Bandpass Filter Specifications 19
7.7. Camera Port Specifications 20
7.8. Camera Specifications 20
7.9. Motorized Controller Specifications 21
7.10. Plasma Light Source Specifications 22
Chapter 8 Mechanical Drawing 24
Chapter 9 Regulatory 26
9.1. Waste Treatment is Your Own Responsibility 26
9.2. Ecological Background 26
Chapter 10 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts 27
Table of Contents
CM401

Chapter 1 Warning Symbols and Definitions
Below is a list of warning symbols you may encounter in this manual or on your device.
Symbol Description
Direct Current
Alternating Current
Both Direct and Alternating Current
Earth Ground Terminal
Protective Conductor Terminal
Frame or Chassis Terminal
Equipotentiality
On (Supply)
Off (Supply)
In Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Out Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Caution: Risk of Electric Shock
Caution: Hot Surface
Caution: Risk of Danger
Caution: Laser Radiation
Caution: Spinning Blades May Cause Harm
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CM401 Chapter 1: Warning Symbols and Definitions

Chapter 2 Safety
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this user guide will only apply
when the unit is operated correctly. Refer to the relevant User Guide of the individual product for
safety instructions. Please read the following warnings and cautions carefully before operating the
device.
WARNING
DO NOT use the device for anything other than its intended use. If the device is used in a
manner not specified by Thorlabs, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
WARRANTYWARNING
DO NOT open the controller, electronics enclosure, detector module, or computer. There are
no serviceable parts in these products. DONOTperform instrumentation maintenance or
service except as specifically stated. Any modification or servicing of this system by
unqualified personnel renders Thorlabs free of any liability. Only personnel authorized by
Thorlabs and trained in the maintenance of this equipment should remove any covers or
housings or attempt any repairs or adjustments.
CAUTION
The computer supplied with this system requires configuration for specific ACline voltages
of 110 VAC or 230 VAC nominal. Refer to the computer's User Guide for details.
WARNING
DONOT operate in a wet, damp, or explosive environment.
Rev A, June 27, 2017 Page 2
CM401 Chapter 2: Safety

Chapter 3 Description
Thorlabs' Hyperspectral Imaging System provides a platform to study a sample with co-located
features. In hyperspectral imaging, a stack of spectrally separated, two-dimensional images is
acquired. This allows quick sample identification and analysis.
The Hyperspectral Imaging system consists of Thorlabs' flexible Cerna®microscope, Kurios®
tunable filter, and scientific-grade camera. The tunable bandpass filter allows narrow spectral
regions to be individually imaged with a monochrome camera. It helps to acquire images with
quantitative spectral data for each pixel. Since the filter is not moved or exchanged during
measurement, the data is not subject to pixel shift image registration issues. In addition, Kurios filter
includes a benchtop controller with external triggers.
3.1. Features at a Glance
● General Microscope Features
♦Microscope body with 7.74" Throat Depth
♦10X Magnification Plan Fluor Objective
♦Nosepiece with 1" of Fine Z Travel
♦0.9 NA Condenser Suitable for Brightfield, Phase Contrast, Darkfield, and DIC (Differential
Interference Contrast)
♦Condenser Holder with 1" of Fine Z Travel
♦Two 3-Axis Controllers and Knob Boxes
● Sample Holder
♦Adjustable-Height Slide Holder
♦XY Translation Stage with 1" Motorized Travel
● Image Collection
♦Low-Noise 4 MP Scientific Camera
♦Monochrome CCD with High Quantum Efficiency
● Computer
♦High Performance Computer for Rapid Image Acquisition and Data Transfer
♦Automated Wavelength Switching and Image Capture using DAQ and ThorImage®LS
Software
● Illumination
♦High Power Plasma Light Source
♦Liquid Crystal Tunable Bandpass Filter for Vibrationless Wavelength Switching from 420 to
730 nm
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CM401 Chapter 3: Description

3.2. Specifications Overview
The following table provides an overview of the CM401 specifications. For detailed specifications
on individual devices, see Specifications Chapter on Page 17.
Specification Value
Microscope Cerna Series Modular Microscope
Objective Nikon 10X Plan Fluorite Objective (N10X-PF)
Condenser 0.9 NAAir Condenser (CSC1002)
Tunable Filter Specifications
Item # KURIOS-VB1
Wavelength Range 420–730 nm
Bandwidth, CWL = 550 nma
Narrow: 10 nm FWHM
Medium: 21 nm FWHM
Wide: 55 nm FWHM
Minimum Incremental Step Size 1 nm
Tuning Accuracy ±FWHM/10
Switching Speedb
Narrow: <200 ms
Medium: <80 ms
Wide: <50 ms
Scientific Camera Specifications
Item# 4070M-GE
Sensor Type ONSemiconductor KAI-04070M Monochrome CCD
Number of Active Pixels 2048 x 2048 (Horizontal x Vertical)
Pixel Size 7.4 µm x 7.4 µm
Imaging Area 15.2 mm x 15.2 mm (Horizontal x Vertical)
Host PC Interface Gigabit Ethernet
Vertical Hardware BinningcContinuous Integer Values from 1 to 10
Horizontal Software BinningcContinuous Integer Values from 1 to 10
Exposure Time 0 to 1000 s in 1 ms Increments
CCD Size and BinningcOne Tap Two Taps
20 MHz 40 MHz 20 MHz 40 MHz
Full Sensor (2048 x 2048) 4.1 fps 7.7 fps 7.4 fps 13 fps
Full Sensor, Bin by 2 (1024 x 1024) 7.5 fps 13.1 fps 12.8 fps 20.5 fps
Full Sensor, Bin by 10 (204 x 204) 21.6 fps 30.5 fps 30.0 fps 38.1 fps
Rev A, June 27, 2017 Page 4
CM401 Chapter 3: Description

Specification Value
Light Source Specifications
Item# HPLS343
Type High-Power Plasma Light Source and Ø3 mm LLG (Liquid
Light Guide)
Wavelength Range 350–800 nm
Optical Output Powerd4.0 W (Typical) 3.5 W (Minimum)
Automated Stage Specifications
1" (25.4 mm) Motorized Travel Nosepiece and Condenser Holder
1" (25.4 mm) Motorized Travel Sample Holder
Bidirectional Repeatability 1µm
Backlash 1µm
Minimum Achievable Incremental
Movement 100 nm
Minimum Repeatable Incremental
Movement 200 nm
Included Software
ThorImageLS 3.1 with Lifetime Support
a. The bandpass width increases linearly with wavelength.
b. The switching speed depends upon the bandpass width setting and the initial and final
wavelength.
c. Camera Frame Rate is impacted by the Vertical Hardware Binning parameter.
d. Measured at the output of the liquid light guide, when bulb and LLG are at start-of-life.
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CM401 Chapter 3: Description

Chapter 4 Getting Started
This section is provided for those interested in getting the Hyperspectral Imaging System up and
running quickly.
4.1. Unpacking and Inspection
Open the package, and carefully remove the CM401 and its accessories. The table lists the
standard accessories shipped with the device.
Name Quantity
Microscope Body 1
Monochrome Scientific Camera (4070M-GE) 1
I/O Breakout Board for Scientific Camera (TSI-IOBOB) 1
Computer with Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse 1
3 Axis Controller with Knob Box (MCM3001) 2
High Power Light Source with Liquid Light Guide
(HPLS343) 1
KURIOS Filter Controller with Optical Head Cable
(KURIOS) 1
10X Nikon Plan Fluor Objective (N10X-PF) 1
Nikon D-CUD Universal Condenser 0.90 NA
(CSC1002) 1
Rigid Stand on PLS-XY Translation Stage 1
BNC to SMA Cable 2
Auxiliary Cable (8050-CAB1) 2
M6 Socket Head Cap Screw 16
1/4-20x1/2" Socket Head Cap Screw 14
M6 Flat Washer 10
ThorCam Camera Software CD 1
Thorlabs Digital Camera Quick Start Guide 1
Inspect the device and its accessories for any missing parts or damage. If there is any problem,
please contact our nearest office (see Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts Chapter on Page 27 for details).
Rev A, June 27, 2017 Page 6
CM401 Chapter 4: Getting Started

4.2. Setting up the CM401
4.2.1. General Setup
For optimal image acquisition, we strongly advise that the following standard practices are
met:
● Acquire images using actively isolated or anti-vibrational table platforms. Failure to
utilize appropriate platforms results in poor quality images. Thorlabs offers a wide
array of optical tables and platforms that provide the stability for your imaging
needs.
● Whenever appropriate, avoid the placement of other instruments or machines that
vibrate in close proximity to your imaging setup. Such items include refrigeration
units, cell culture incubators, hoods, etc.
● Minimize air drafts as it can result in movement of your imaging system. This can
result in problems related to focusing on your sample. Furthermore, drafts can also
lead to particulate contamination that can damage your hardware and/or introduce
artifacts into your imaging field.
● Operate in light-controlled environments to make sure of best quality images.
● Make sure that your hardware setup is operated within the appropriate
environmental settings according to the manufacturer's specifications. Such
considerations include enough space from surrounding walls and ceilings from
your hardware, sufficient sources of electrical power, and proper regulation of
temperature and humidity, etc.
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CM401 Chapter 4: Getting Started