THORLABS LC100 User manual
Smart Line Camera
LC100
Operation Manual
2012
Version:
Date:
4.3.0
06.06.2012
Copyright © 2012 Thorlabs
Foreword
Contents
4
1 General Information 5
51.1 Safety
61.2 Ordering codes and accessories
61.3 Requirements
2 Installation 7
72.1 Parts List
82.2 Getting started
82.2.1 USB requirements
82.3 Installing Software
82.3.1 The installation menu
92.3.2 Installing SPLICCO
112.3.3 Driver Installation
122.3.4 Start the GUI
3 Operating Instruction LC100 Smart Line Camera 13
133.1 Connecting a Device
133.2 LC100 Software update
143.3 Integration time
163.4 Program navigation
183.5 Save and Export Data
203.6 Load and Import Data
223.7 Save and Load Device Settings
243.7.1 Save Settings
253.7.2 Load Settings
273.8 Sequential Recording
273.8.1 Timed Sequential Scan
283.8.2 Fast Sequential Recording
293.9 Print
303.10Device windows
303.11Zooming and panning
313.12 Markers
313.13 Device Settings
323.13.1 Tab Info
323.13.2 Tab Common
333.13.2.1 Trigger mode
343.13.2.2 Average Mode
343.13.2.3 Smoothing Method
363.13.2.4 Flip and revert picture
363.13.2.5 Progress Indicator
363.13.3 Tab LC100 Settings
363.13.3.1 Device Label
383.13.3.2 Background Correction
393.14 Peak finder
403.15 Logarithmic Y Scale
403.16 Color setup
403.17 Persistence
413.18Gaussian Transformation
413.19 References
433.20Copy to Clipboard
433.21Snapshot
433.22Input / Output Configuration
433.22.1 Analog Output
443.22.2 Trigger Setup
453.22.3 GPIO
483.22.4 Pattern Recognition
503.22.4.1 Editing an Evaluation Box
513.22.4.2 Area Of Interest (AOI)
523.22.4.3 Examples
533.22.5 Saving and Loading of I/O Configurations
553.22.6 Stand Alone Operation
563.23Application Note
4 Virtual Devices 58
584.1 What are virtual devices?
584.2 Configuration of virtual devices
594.3 The virtual devices description file
5 Write Your Own Application 61
625.1 CCS Series
635.2 LC100 Smart Line Camera
645.3 SPX Series
655.4 LC1 Line Camera
6 Maintenance and Service 67
676.1 Maintenance
676.2 Version Information
686.3 Troubleshooting
7 Appendix 71
717.1 Technical Data
727.1.1 GPIO port connector
737.2 Dimensions
747.3 Certifications and Compliances
757.4 Listings
© 2012 Thorlabs
We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application
in the field of optical measurement technique. To help us to live up to
your expectations and improve our products permanently we need
your ideas and suggestions. Therefore, please let us know about
possible criticism or ideas. We and our international partners are
looking forward to hearing from you.
Thorlabs GmbH
Warning
Sections marked by this symbol explain dangers that might result in
personal injury or death. Always read the associated information
carefully, before performing the indicated procedure.
Please read these advices carefully!
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.
Attention
Paragraphs preceeded by this symbol explain hazards that could
damage the instrument and the connected equipment or may cause
loss of data.
Note
4
© 2012 Thorlabs
1 General Information
5
1 General Information
The Smart Line Camera is designed for general laboratory use. Integrated routines allows
averaging, smoothing, as well as saving and recalling data sets.
The initial setup is simple to complete. Following installation of the software, the LC100 line
camera is ready to use. Simply plug it into a USB 2.0 port and run the application software
SPLICCO. The remainder of this manual is devoted to the setup procedure and features of the
line camera. A troubleshooting section and detailed specifications of the various components
are provided to further assist. The description of the instrument driver commands can be found
in the VXIpnp VISA instrument driver package.
Application software SPLICCO
SPLICCO is an acronym for "SPectrometer and LIne Camera COntrol". This software can be
used for acquiring direct, transmittance and absorbance measurements in conjunction with
Thorlabs line cameras and spectrometers.
After the installation the software is able to communicate with the line camera. Additionally, two
virtual devices are included: a line camera and a spectrometer, to demonstrate the functionality
of SPLICCO.
1.1 Safety
Attention
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction
manual will only apply when the unit is operated correctly as it was designed for.
All modules must only be operated with proper shielded connection cables.
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single components be carried
out or components not supplied by Thorlabs be used.
This precision device is only serviceable if properly packed into the complete original
packaging including the plastic foam sleeves. If necessary, ask for a replacement
package.
© 2012 Thorlabs6
SPLICCO
1.2 Ordering codes and accessories
Ordering code
Short description
LC100
Smart Line Camera, 350 - 1100 nm
1.3 Requirements
Hardware Requirements:
CPU: 1 GHz or higher
RAM: 256 MB
Graphic card with at least 32 MB memory
Hard disc with at least 100 MB free storage space
free USB2.0 port
USB cable according the USB 2.0 specification
Software Requirements:
Windows ® XP (32-bit) SP3,
Windows ® Vista (32-bit, 64-bit),
Windows ® 7 (32-bit, 64-bit)
VISA runtime (version 5.1 or higher)
© 2012 Thorlabs
2 Installation
7
2 Installation
2.1 Parts List
Inspect the packaging for damage. If the shipping container seems to be damaged, keep it until
you have inspected the contents and you have inspected the LC100 smart line camera
mechanically and electrically.
Please verify that you have received the following items:
1x
LC100 USB 2.0 CCD line camera
1x
Line camera user manual
1x
SM2 to Nikon F-mount Objective adapter
1x
CD-ROM with application software SPLICCO and drivers
1x
USB 2.0 A -B cable 2 meters
1x
Trigger Input Cable
LC100 USB line camera with all user relevant ports and signal LEDs
(1)
USB port
(2)
Linear CCD array
(3)
Status LEDs
LED "ON" - Green: Lights up, when the device is ready for operation
LED "BUSY"- Orange: Lights up every time the CCD exposure starts
(4)
Trigger Input and GPIO connector
(5)
a) SM2 internal thread
b) mounting threads for Thorlabs cage systems
c) mounting threads for Thorlabs posts
© 2012 Thorlabs8
SPLICCO
2.2 Getting started
The line camera must NOT be connected to your PC while the software is being installed.
Once the software has been installed, please connect the USB cable to the USB 2.0 port on
your PC and the USB B mini connector to the line camera . You will be prompted to allow the
automatic installation of the drivers. After completing, run the application program SPLICCO.
2.2.1 USB requirements
To achieve the maximum performance benefit from your LC100 USB line camera, you must
have a dedicated USB 2.0 port available on your PC (a built-in USB 2.0 port is recommended).
2.3 Installing Software
2.3.1 The installation menu
Before installing SPLICCO, please make sure that no LC100 USB line camera is connected.
After you inserted the SPLICCO installation CD an autorun menu will appear, see figure below.
If autorun is disabled on your system you have to browse the installation CD and run
"[CD-Drive]:\Autorun\Autorun.exe".
Note
Please be aware that SPLICCO software requires the NI VISA runtime engine V5.1 or above
installed on your system. The installer checks for installed VISA software and, if necessary, will
install the NI VISA automatically. You will be notified accordingly:
Administrator privileges are required for installation. Please contact your system administrator,
if you get an appropriate error message.
In the following section are shown in detail the installation steps for an installation on a
Windows 7© operating system.
© 2012 Thorlabs
2 Installation
9
2.3.2 Installing SPLICCO
Select "SPLICCO - Application software" from the installation menu to start the installation
wizard. You will be prompted to specify the installation path. Confirm with "Next" when you
selected the installation path of your choice.
Please read the end user agreement carefully, choose "I accept the License Agreement(s)" if
you do so and press "Next" in the following two screens:
The following window states the next installation steps and notifies, which software will be
installed. Click the "Next" button to begin installation or click the "Back" button to change the
installation settings.
© 2012 Thorlabs10
SPLICCO
After the installation was successful you will see a window containing information about a log
file (change log) and other notes. Press "Next" to finish installation.
Now the device drivers will be copied into the system folders. This might take a few moments
and a command prompt window will pop up, which will start the driver installation routine of
windows.
Windows Security system will notify you about device driver installation. You may check the
box "Always trust software from "Thorlabs GmbH" prior to click the Install button. A firmware
and driver package for all supported devices will be installed as SPLICCO software is designed
to control several hardware devices.
© 2012 Thorlabs
2 Installation
11
Finally, you will be prompted to restart you computer in order make changes effective:
2.3.3 Driver Installation
Upon first connect of a LC100 smart line camera Windows recognizes a new hardware and
starts the driver installation.
Using Windows XP©
Windows starts the driver installation. A popup in the left bottom corner appears, displaying the
name of the device.
The "Found New Hardware Wizard" starts to install the new device. Depending on the
configuration of your system, you may be asked if you want to connect to "Windows Update to
search for software" shown in the following figure.
Please select "No, not this time" and click "Next" to continue.
© 2012 Thorlabs12
SPLICCO
Select "Install the software automatically" and click "Next" to continue.
Finalize the installation by clicking "Finish". Now the device is installed and can be used by
SPLICCO.
The green status LED lights up, the device is installed and ready for use with SPLICCO.
Using Windows 7©
Connect your LC100 line camera. Windows recognizes the connected device and automatically
installs the driver:
The green status LED lights up, the device is installed and ready for use with SPLICCO.
2.3.4 Start the GUI
To start SPLICCO click on the desktop icon or select 'Programs' via the START button in
the Windows task bar and navigate to 'All Programs / Thorlabs / SPLICCO / SPLICCO'.
© 2012 Thorlabs
3 Operating Instruction LC100 Smart Line Camera
13
3 Operating Instruction LC100 Smart Line Camera
3.1 Connecting a Device
1. To start a measurement with a LC100 Line Camera connect it to a USB port of your PC
with the supplied cable.
2. The SPLICCO connects automatically to all detected devices.
3. A device can be connected manually: Select 'Connect...' from the Devices menu or click to
the Connect icon from the tool bar.
The following window appears and shows all connected devices and additionally two virtual
devices. Now you can select a device to be used. A panel will be created according to your
selection by default. If the "Create a device window automatically" option is not checked,
please use the according panel icon from the main interface.
Press "Cancel" to leave this dialog and "Rescan" to scan the system again for new devices.
Every device can only be opened once. Devices already opened by SPLICCO are marked with
the "running" status and are grayed out in the device selection dialog. Devices used by another
application than SPLICCO are marked with the "locked" status.
Press "Open Window" to switch to the "Open Window" dialog to connect a window to an
already running device.
Furthermore, you can start a virtual line camera, which can simulate a scan. Through this
feature you can familiarize yourself with SPLICCO, without the need of a light source or signal.
You can select to display or hide those virtual devices by checking or unchecking the "Show
virtual devices" box.
For a detailed description about the virtual devices refer to section Virtual devices .
3.2 LC100 Software update
The SPLICCO software comes with a driver update function. The LC100 has a software for the
internal FPGA and one the for the USB interface, their versions are being checked upon
Connecting a device by SPLICCO software. In case that the installed SPLICCO version
requires a firmware update, the following warning appears:
58
© 2012 Thorlabs14
SPLICCO
Click "Yes" to update. Several message windows appear:
After successful installation, the above Connect Device window appears.
If you decline the LC-100 update, the camera might not work properly with the current
SPLICCO version.
Note
The content of the LC100's internal memory (EEPROM), i.e., the device label and a saved I/
O Setup configuration , are not being overwritten.
3.3 Integration time
The integration time represents how long the CCD interacts with incoming light. CCD pixels act
like light buckets, gathering photons. The integration time displays the duration for which the
bucket is open. For very bright sources, low integration times are required, whereas for weak
sources, longer integration times should be used. As in the light bucket analogy, CCD pixels
can be overfilled ("blooming"). This is called saturation and will cause the output to be
misleading.
Note
If no intensities are displayed, please enter the shortest integration time and increase it
continuously until an intensity curve is displayed. As mentioned above, CCDs are very
sensitive, and if over-exposure occurs, no intensity can be displayed.
Also, please make sure the background correction is disabled (see section Background
Correction )
36
53
38
© 2012 Thorlabs
3 Operating Instruction LC100 Smart Line Camera
15
Integration time can be set via the
control on the lower left corner of the
device window. The supported range is
defined by the line camera and ranges
from 1.054 ms to 50 s. The integration
time input window uses milli seconds,
therefore the values of 1.054 ms -
50000 ms have to be used to cover the
range. A window, which only shows a
loaded from a file spectrum does not
offer those controls in the left bottom
corner.
For integration time values below 1000
ms, in the lower right corner is
displayed the actual frame rate ("fps" =
frames per second). When exceed 1s
integration time, the according parameter is changing to "sec per frame".
A change of the integration time affects all windows connected to this device, which are then
updated to show the same integration time.
The status LED "BUSY" (orange) lights up every time the CCD exposure starts. At short
exposure time values this appears to the human eye as "continuous ON".
Higher integration times results in higher peaks in the measurement data.
© 2012 Thorlabs16
SPLICCO
3.4 Program navigation
SPLICCO can be operated by using the menu or the toolbar.
Menu
File menu
The 'File' menu contains all functions for saving, loading and exporting measurement data.
You can save the current measurement data as a *.jdx or *.csv file. This kind of file can be
loaded into the application. You can also save and load reference data directly.
Devices menu
In the 'Devices' menu you find all functions regarding your actual connected devices. You can
connect / disconnect devices as well as set the properties of the devices.
View menu
The 'View' menu contains all functions to configure the display windows. All active windows are
listed here. Windows can be opened/closed/zoomed or you can switch between the released
and tabbed view.
Tools menu
All functions to calculate with reference curves like transmittance can be found here.
Furthermore there are tools like taking snapshots from the actual window or copying the current
measurement data to the clipboard.
Help menu
You will find the online help in this menu. Furthermore, there is a link to the Thorlabs web page
to check for the latest drivers or software version. You can check the current version by
selecting 'About...'.
Tool Bar
The toolbar offers quick access to important functions.
Opens an existing file (*.jdx)
Saves the current measurement in a file (*.jdx)
Prints the current window with user's comment and timestamp
Connect a device
Disconnect a device
Creates and connects a new window to a device
Closes the actual window
Switches to released windows view
Switches to tabbed windows view
Zooms in by factor 2
Zooms out by factor 2
Resets the zoom to full scale
Opens the Devices Settings Panel
Switches between logarithmic and normal y scale
Opens a dialog to configure persistence
Opens a dialog to configure Gaussian transformation
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3 Operating Instruction LC100 Smart Line Camera
17
Opens a dialog to configure colors
Stores the actual measurement plot as reference plot
Loads a reference plot out of a JCAMP-DX file
Deletes the actual windows reference curve
Switches to scope view
Switches to division view
Switches to absorbance view
Switches to transmittance view
Opens the peak finder dialog for the actual window
Copies actual measurement data values to clipboard
Makes a snapshot from the actual window
Opens the windows help for SPLICCO
© 2012 Thorlabs18
SPLICCO
3.5 Save and Export Data
SPLICCO can save data either in JCAMP-DX or CSV format.
JCAMP-DX:
stores data and comments
visit "http://www.jcamp-dx.org/" for more information
CSV:
comma separated values
later use with third party software like Microsoft Excel™ or Mathlab™
human readable
To save the measurement data to a JCAMP-DX file select 'Save As ...' from the File menu or
click the button from the toolbar. A file dialog window appears and you can choose the
filename and directory.
Click to "Browse" to define the location of the file to be saved to:
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