THORLABS CS165 Series User manual

Compact Scientific
Digital Cameras
User Guide
CS165 Series CMOS Scientific
Cameras

Compact Scientific Digital Cameras
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Safety...................................................................................................................................1
1.1. Precautions................................................................................................................... 1
1.2. Warning Symbol Definitions........................................................................................ 2
1.3. Product Care................................................................................................................. 3
1.3.1. Service ..................................................................................................................................3
1.3.2. Accessories and Customization............................................................................................3
Chapter 2 Description .........................................................................................................................4
2.1. Introduction................................................................................................................... 4
2.2. Receiving and Unpacking............................................................................................ 4
2.3. Supplied Equipment..................................................................................................... 5
2.3.1. Optional Items.......................................................................................................................5
Chapter 3 Setup & Installation ...........................................................................................................6
3.1. Pre-Installation –USB 2.0 and USB 3.0....................................................................... 6
3.2. Installing the Software.................................................................................................. 6
3.2.1. Run the Installation file..........................................................................................................6
3.2.3. Driver Selection.....................................................................................................................6
3.2.4. Installing 3rd Party Software Application Support................................................................10
3.3. Connecting the Camera.............................................................................................. 11
3.3.1. Multiple Camera Operation.................................................................................................11
3.4. Optical and Mechanical Mounting Considerations .................................................. 12
3.4.1. Using a C-Mount Lens ........................................................................................................12
3.4.2. Using a CS-Mount Lens......................................................................................................12
3.4.3. Mounting the Camera..........................................................................................................13
3.4.4. Using the Camera with a Cage System..............................................................................13
3.4.5. SM1 Compatible Threads ...................................................................................................14
3.5. Optical Front End........................................................................................................ 14
3.5.1. Description of Components.................................................................................................15
3.6. Optical Front End Procedures................................................................................... 16
3.6.1. Window Removal and Replacement Procedure.................................................................16
3.6.2. Re-Assembly of the Window...............................................................................................16
3.7. Auxiliary I/O Connectors............................................................................................ 17
3.7.1. I/O Port Descriptions...........................................................................................................17
3.7.2. Auxiliary Cable ....................................................................................................................17
Chapter 4 Operation..........................................................................................................................18
4.1. Starting the Camera.................................................................................................... 18
4.2. Camera Timing Diagrams........................................................................................... 19
4.2.1. Camera-Specific Timing Considerations.............................................................................20
4.3. Frame-Rate Control .................................................................................................... 21
Chapter 5 CS165MU Specifications.................................................................................................22
5.1. CMOS Sensor Specifications..................................................................................... 22
5.2. Quantum Efficiency.................................................................................................... 22

Compact Scientific Digital Cameras
5.3. Imaging Specifications............................................................................................... 22
5.4. Example Frame Rates (USB 3.0)................................................................................ 23
5.5. CS165MU Power Consumption.................................................................................. 23
5.6. Operating/Storage Temperatures.............................................................................. 23
Chapter 6 CS165CU Specifications.................................................................................................24
6.1. CMOS Sensor Specifications..................................................................................... 24
6.2. Quantum Efficiency.................................................................................................... 24
6.3. Imaging Specifications............................................................................................... 24
6.4. Example Frame Rates (USB 3.0)................................................................................ 25
6.5. CS165CU Power Consumption.................................................................................. 25
6.6. Operating/Storage Temperatures.............................................................................. 25
Chapter 7 Protective Glass Windows..............................................................................................26
7.1. Protective Glass Window Dimensions...................................................................... 26
7.2. AR-Coated Window Specifications............................................................................ 26
7.3. IR Filter Transmission Curve..................................................................................... 27
Chapter 8 Mechanical Drawings......................................................................................................28
Chapter 9 Troubleshooting...............................................................................................................29
9.1. Interface ...................................................................................................................... 29
9.2. Optical......................................................................................................................... 29
9.3. Operational.................................................................................................................. 30
9.4. Software...................................................................................................................... 30
Chapter 10 Maintenance .....................................................................................................................31
10.1. Cleaning Guidelines ................................................................................................... 31
Chapter 11 Regulatory ........................................................................................................................33
11.1. Certifications and Compliance –CE Declaration of Conformity ............................. 34
11.2. FCC Statement............................................................................................................ 35
Chapter 12 Warranty............................................................................................................................36
12.1. General Product Warranty ......................................................................................... 36
12.2. Specific Warranties and Repairs ............................................................................... 36
Chapter 13 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts........................................................................................37

Compact Scientific Digital Cameras Chapter 1: Safety
Rev C, August 27, 2021 Page 1
Chapter 1 Safety
1.1. Precautions
Please read the instruction manual carefully before operating your Digital Camera. All statements regarding safety
and technical specifications will only apply when the unit is operated correctly.
Refer to this User’s Guide whenever the following symbols are encountered on the Digital Camera and Power
Supply.
ATTENTION
This symbol indicates that additional information is available in this user guide.
This equipment is intended for laboratory use only and is not certified for medical applications,
including but not limited to, life support situations.
Transportation and delivery may cause the Digital Camera to be warm or cool upon receipt.
Please wait for the device to reach room temperature before attempting to operate.
WARRANTY WARNING
Do not open the Digital Camera. There are no user serviceable parts in this product. Opening the
device will void your warranty. Any modification or servicing of this system by unqualified
personnel renders Thorlabs free of any liability. This device can only be returned when packed into
the complete original packaging, including all foam packing inserts. If necessary, ask for
replacement packaging. Please contact Thorlabs’ Technical Support at techsup[email protected]
and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
CAUTION
This product is powered directly from the USB 3.0 port of a host computer (not included). To ensure
optimal performance and the safety of the user, the host computer must use a properly grounded
UL Listed or Recognized AC-DC power supply (or comparable regulatory approvals).
Dangerous voltage exists within the power supply. Do not tamper with or open the supply under any
circumstances. Doing so may expose lethal voltage to personnel and will void the warranty of the
computer.

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1.2. Warning Symbol 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
Warning: Laser Radiation
Caution: Spinning Blades May Cause Harm

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1.3. Product Care
Handle the system with care during transportation and unpacking. Bumping or dropping the system can damage
the unit or lower system performance. If the system is mishandled during shipment, the optical components may
become misaligned, which could lead to a decrease in the image quality. If this happens, the system will need to
be realigned by qualified personnel. To ensure proper care and operation of your Compact Scientific Digital Camera,
please follow the handling instructions below.
•Do not store or operate in a damp, closed environment.
•Do not use solvents on or near the equipment.
•Keep away from dust, dirt, and air-borne pollutants (including cigarette smoke). The system is not designed
for outdoor use. Protect the equipment from rain, snow, and humidity.
•Do not expose to mechanical or thermal extremes. Protect the equipment from rapid variation in
temperature.
•Handle all connectors with care. Do not use unnecessary force as this may damage the connectors.
•Clean using a soft, lint free cloth. Use of isopropyl alcohol is permitted, however do not immerse in any
liquid or solvent.
•Clean any accessible optical surfaces with an appropriate optics grade tissue or cloth.
1.3.1. Service
Only trained and approved Thorlabs’ personnel should service the system. Please contact Thorlabs’ Technical
Support at [e-mail] and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
1.3.2. Accessories and Customization
Although the system is easily adapted for custom interfaces, to achieve the listed specifications, this system should
only be used with accessories provided by Thorlabs. Any modification or servicing by unqualified personnel renders
the warranty null and void, leaving Thorlabs free of liability. Please contact Thorlabs for questions on customization.
All cameras are supplied with one USB3-MBA-118 cable. These cables are constructed to provide reliable data
throughput at a length of 3 m. Do not replace this cable with a 3 m cable from a different vendor. The use of a
shorter cable (1 m or 2 m) might be acceptable but is not guaranteed. Never use any cable that is longer than 3 m
on a USB 3.0 system.
The safety of any system incorporating this camera is the responsibility of the system integrator. If the camera is
used in a manner not specified by Thorlabs, Inc., the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.

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Chapter 2 Description
2.1. Introduction
This Compact Scientific camera series consists of various monochrome and color models with USB 3.0 interfaces.
All models are compatible with many Thorlabs supporting products, including CS-mount and C-mount lenses, our
30 mm cage system, and SM1 tubes and accessories. They are designed specifically to work “out of the box”in
conjunction with our ThorCam software tool, and can also be operated with a variety of other imaging tools, as well
as from a USB 2.0 port.
The model format for the Zelux series is CSxxy{M/C}U{1}{/M} where:
xxy is the number of pixels, where “xx” is the multiplier and “y” is the exponent of 10. A value of “505” is then 50 x
105indicating 5 megapixels, M/C denotes monochrome or color, Uindicates a USB2.0/3.0 interface, 1indicates
I/O capable, and /M indicates a metric M-6 mounting option, as opposed to an Imperial ¼″-20 thread.
The cameras are bundled with the full complement of Thorlabs Scientific Imaging (TSI) software. For end-users,
the ThorCam software application provides fullcontrol of the camera through an intuitive user interface, and it allows
the user to acquire, pan, zoom, analyze, and save images and metadata.
For developers, TSI also offers a Software Developer’s Kit (SDK), which includes a comprehensive Application
Programming Interface (API) to streamline the integration of any TSI camera into your system. After software
installation, the SDK can be found in a sub-folder under C:\Program Files\Thorlabs. This is the same directory for
32- and 64-bit distributions.
This manual is a functional overview of the camera, and it is meant to be a companion to the Camera Quick Start
Guide, ThorCam User Guide, and the TSI Application Programming Interface Guide. All support documentation is
available at www.thorlabs.com as well as in the C:\Program Files\Thorlabs folder following the installation of
ThorCam.
The current list of CS165 series digital cameras consists of:
CS165MU, CS165CU monochrome or color 1.6 MP camera with imperial ¼″-20 mounting threads
CS165MU/M, CS165CU/M monochrome or color 1.6 MP camera with metric M6 mounting threads
CS165MU1, CS165CU1 monochrome or color 1.6 MP camera with ¼″-20 threads and I/O.
CS165MU1/M, CS165CU1/M monochrome or color 1.6 MP camera with M6 threads and I/O.
2.2. Receiving and Unpacking
Your camera was thoroughly tested and carefully packed at the factory. Once the camera shipment is accepted for
delivery, the carrier assumes full responsibility for its safe arrival. Should you receive your shipment with any
damage—concealed or apparent—please contact the carrier at once. The carrier will instruct you on how to initiate
a damage claim. If a visual inspection reveals damage upon receipt, it must be noted on the freight bill or express
receipt and the notation signed by the carrier’s agent. Failure to do so can result in the carrier refusing to honor the
claim.
To return your camera to TSI for service, you must first contact your local Thorlabs office or distributor and request
a Return Material Authorization (RMA). Returns will not be accepted without an RMA. See Chapter 12, titled
“Warranty” for details.

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2.3. Supplied Equipment
The following is a list of equipment that is supplied with your camera
Supplied Equipment
Interface Accessories
3Meter USB 3.0 Cable 1
Accessories
SM1 Compatible Lens Cap
CA3339 BNC-to-MMCX Coax Cable (QTY 2) 2
Software
Thorlabs Camera Software and SDK
Available for Download from www.thorlabs.com/software
Note 1 - All cameras are supplied with one USB3-MBA-118 cable. These cables are constructed to provide reliable data throughput at
a length of 3 m. Do not replace this cable with a 3 m cable from a different vendor. The use of a shorter cable (1 m or 2 m) may be
acceptable but is not guaranteed. Never use any cable that is longer than 3 m on a USB 3.0 system.
Note 2 –Included with CS165xU1 and CS165xU1/M models.
2.3.1. Optional Items
•Auxiliary I/O Patch cable –The optional I/O connectors on CS165xU1 and CS165xU1/M models allows
the user to access Trigger Input and Strobe Output functions (see Section 3.7).
Thorlabs CA3339 BNC-to-MMCX cables are included, or order Thorlabs CA3439 for the SMA-to-MMCX
version, which is compatible with the Thorlabs IOBOB2 Arduino Shield.

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Chapter 3 Setup & Installation
3.1. Pre-Installation –USB 2.0 and USB 3.0
Your camera will operate when connected to a USB 3.0 “SS” (Super Speed) port on your PC (preferred), as well as
a USB 2.0 port. A USB 3.0 compatible port is typically blue - but not always. Look for this symbol above the port to
be sure:
If your computer does not have a USB 3.0 port, it is likely an indication that it is an older machine. The camera will
function normally, but the frame rate will be slower than on a USB 3.0 port. Thorlabs recommends our PCIe USB
3.0 card (Thorlabs’ part number USB3-PCIE) if you wish to get the full frame rate capability of your camera.
Recommended Installation Sequence
1. Run the software installer, follow the steps outlined in the next section.
2. Connect the camera, power will be applied when connected to a USB port.
3. Your PC should discover the new USB device and install the necessary drivers. This may take a minute or
so for the first instance.
4. Run the ThorCam application software.
3.2. Installing the Software
The Thorlabs camera software runs on Windows 7 and 10 operating systems ONLY.
3.2.1. Run the Installation file
3.2.2. You may download the latest version of software from our webpage ThorCam™ Software for Scientific
and Compact USB Cameras.Choose the appropriate installation format, 32-bit or 64-bit and download the file to
your host computer. Double-click the file to run the installation.
Software Designer Kits (SDKs) for Windows and Linux are also available at the same download page.
3.2.3. Driver Selection
Your camera requires a driver to be installed on your computer. After the welcome screen, acceptance of the license
agreement, and entering your user information, you will be presented with a choice of drivers. Select the driver that
matches the interface on your camera, in this case USB. Thorlabs offers various cameras with Gigabit Ethernet or
Camera Link interfaces. If you have more than one camera, and they have different interfaces, select all that apply.
If you’re unsure, select them all.

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Select a driver for installation by clicking on the dropdown arrow and selecting either of the two choices; “This
feature will be installed on local hard drive,” or “This feature, and all sub-features, will be installed on local hard
drive.” There are no sub-features, so both choices do the same thing.
ALL compact series cameras must have the USB driver selected.
Once a driver is selected, the red X will be replaced with a hard drive icon as shown in the USB selection below.

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Click Next to proceed with the driver installation. Depending on your PC’s configuration and the drivers you selected,
you might encounter the additional Windows security dialogs below. Be sure to click “install”to complete the
operation, otherwise the installer will “roll back” and exit.
USB Driver Installation. Click “Install”. This is required for compact series cameras.
Gigabit Ethernet Driver Installation (if selected - not required for Compact Scientific cameras). Click
“Install”.

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Once setup is complete, you may now proceed to the next section that will describe how to connect and power on
your camera. When the camera is connected and powered up, you can navigate to the ThorCam Imaging
Software as shown below:
“Start”→”All Programs”→”ThorIabs”→”ThorCam”
Or simply double-click on the ThorCam shortcut icon that was placed on your desktop during installation of the
software:

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3.2.4. Installing 3rd Party Software Application Support
After installation of Thorlabs components is complete, you have access to interfaces for select 3rd-party image
analysis packages you may already have installed on your computer, such as MATLAB®.
3rd-party application software interfaces are located in Zip files in the following directory:
C:\Program Files\Thorlabs\Scientific Imaging\Scientific Camera Support
Important: Do not develop 3rd-party solutions in this directory, as they will be deleted if you update your
ThorCam software.
To use the MATLAB and LabVIEW interfaces, extract from the Zip file and place in the appropriate directory on
your system.
Special note for users of Micro-Manager (µManager) software: support for Thorlabs scientific cameras (excluding
the CS505MUP polarization camera) is included when you run versions 2.0 and later. If you wish to download or
update your Micro-Manager software, please visit
https://micro-manager.org/wiki/Micro-Manager_Open_Source_Microscopy_Software
Before using your camera within Micro-Manager, first make sure that your camera is properly installed and powered-
on. You may run a session of ThorCam to confirm that the camera, software and drivers are properly installed.
Then, shut down your ThorCam session and start a Micro-Manager session.

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3.3. Connecting the Camera
To connect the camera, follow the steps below.
1. Connect the provided USB 3.0 cable1into the mating connector on the side of the camera. The camera
end of the cable will have two thumb screws. Make sure the connector is fully inserted, and then hand
tighten the thumbscrews into the camera housing.
2. Connect the other end of the USB 3.0 cable into a USB 3.0 port (USB SS) or USB 2.0 port on the host
computer.
Note 1 - All cameras are supplied with one USB3-MBA-118 cable. These cables are constructed to provide reliable data throughput at a length of 3 m. Do not
replace this cable with a 3 m cable from a different vendor. The use of a shorter cable (1 m or 2 m) may be acceptable but is not guaranteed. Never use any cable
that is longer than 3 m on a USB 3.0 system.
3.3.1. Multiple Camera Operation
If multiple camera operation is required on the same computer, it is recommended that each camera uses a
dedicated USB port. Do not use a USB hub.

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3.4. Optical and Mechanical Mounting Considerations
For the best results, the use of a C-mount lens that matches the optical format of the sensor’s imaging area is
recommended (refer to the sensor specifications starting at Chapter 5). For more information on Thorlabs C-
Mount lenses, please visit www.thorlabs.com.
3.4.1. Using a C-Mount Lens
C-mount lenses are specified with a flange focal distance of 17.5 mm. The Zelux cameras come with a standard
SM1 threaded bore. Thorlabs offers a fixed depth SM1 to C-mount adapter, catalog number SM1A10Z that can
be purchased on our web site.
Figure 1 Camera Shown with C-Mount Lens Adapter SM1A10Z (Not Supplied)
3.4.2. Using a CS-Mount Lens
CS-mount lenses are specified with a flange focal distance of 12.5 mm. The Zelux cameras come with a standard
SM1 threaded bore. Thorlabs offers a fixed depth SM1 to CS-mount adapter, catalog number SM1A10 that can
be purchased on our web site.
Figure 2 Camera Shown with CS-Mount Lens Adapter SM1A10 (Not Supplied)
SM1A10
SM1A10Z

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3.4.3. Mounting the Camera
Two 1/4"-20 or M6 tapped holes are provided, one on the bottom and one on the side of the housing. These may
be used with tripods or other optical mounting devices. These tapped holes are compatible with Thorlabs posts.
For more information on Thorlabs posts, please visit www.thorlabs.com.
Figure 3 Arrow Indicates One of the Tapped Holes on Camera
3.4.4. Using the Camera with a Cage System
The cameras have 4-40 tapped holes for compatibility with Thorlabs’30 mm Cage systems.
For more information on Thorlabs’30 mm Cage system components, please visit www.thorlabs.com.
Figure 4 Camera Shown as Part of a 30 mm Thorlabs Cage System
Tapped Holes
1/4"-20 or M6
(2 Places Side & Bottom)

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3.4.5. SM1 Compatible Threads
The main sensor access bore has an internal SM1 (1.035"-40) thread that is directly compatible with Thorlabs Ø1"
Lens Tubes.
Figure 5 Camera Shown Using Ø1″ Lens Tube
3.5. Optical Front End
The images below show the components located on the front end of the camera.
Figure 6 Exploded View of Optical and Mechanical Components
Protective Window
Retaining Ring

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3.5.1. Description of Components
•Lens Cap: A protective cover that should always be installed during movement or shipment, and also when
the camera is not in use. Included but not shown here.
•Protective Window: Unless otherwise requested, a protective glass window is installed and held in place
by a retaining ring.
oUsers may, at their discretion, remove the protective glass window, or replace it with a custom
optical filter. When using a CS-mount or C-mount adapter the maximum filter thickness is 0.050"
(1.270 mm) with Ø1", otherwise the maximum filter thickness is 0.173" (4.4 mm) with Ø1".
oCMOS imagers have responsivity that extends beyond the visible range, into the NIR spectral
range. When installed, an NIR blocking filter cuts off light at higher wavelengths.
oAll monochrome Compact Scientific cameras are configured with an AR-coated protective window.
For imaging that is limited to the visible region, users may install an NIR blocking filter in its place.
oAll color models are configured with an NIR blocking filter as the protective window. The NIR
blocking filter is installed in order to achieve realistic colors in white light.
oSee Chapter 7 for more information on both types of windows. See Section 3.6.1 for instructions
related to removing and replacing the glass window.

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3.6. Optical Front End Procedures
3.6.1. Window Removal and Replacement Procedure
TSI Compact Scientific cameras are provided with a protective glass window installed (See Chapter 7).
The optical front end is designed to accommodate standard Ø1" windows. Users may, at their discretion, operate
the camera without any glass installed, or install custom filters in front of the sensor. The maximum filter thickness
when using a CS-mount or C-mount adapter is 0.050" (1.270 mm). With the adapter removed the maximum filter
thickness is 0.173" (4.4 mm). See Chapter 7 for more information on both types of windows.
Note: If no glass is installed, dust and debris may collect on the sensor faceplate. Care must be taken when cleaning
a sensor faceplate to avoid damage to the sensor. Please use every precaution to avoid contact with the sensor
faceplate and to keep the camera securely mounted to the optical system or capped when not in use.
Removal of the Window from the Camera
1. If installed, remove any CS-mount or C-mount adapters.
2. Using an SPW606 spanner wrench or equivalent tool carefully remove the SM1 retaining ring and window
as shown below.
Figure 7 Removing the Window
3.6.2. Re-Assembly of the Window
Replacement of the window is done in the reverse order as shown in Section 3.6.1.
Care must be taken when handling the filter. Do NOT over-tighten the retaining ring.

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3.7. Auxiliary I/O Connectors
Two auxiliary I/O connectors on the CS165xU1 and CS165xU1/M cameras allow the user to access optional camera
control and internal status signals. The connectors are coax MMCX connectors.
Figure 8 I/O Ports
3.7.1. I/O Port Descriptions
•STROBE OUT (Output): STROBE OUT is an LVTTL output (0 to 3.3 V) that is high during the actual sensor
exposure time. STROBE OUT is typically used to synchronize an external flash lamp or other device with
the camera.
•TRIGGER IN (Input): TRIGGER IN is an LVTTL input (0 to 3.3 V) used to trigger exposures on the camera.
Transitions can occur from the HIGH to LOW states or LOW to HIGH, as selected using the ThorCam
interface. Default is Low to High. Minimum Trigger Pulse-width is 100 µs. Maximum trigger voltage may
not exceed +5 V or go below -0.7 V.
3.7.2. Auxiliary Cable
Two Thorlabs CA3339 BNC-to-MMCX 1m cables are supplied with each CS165xU1 and CS165xU1/M camera.