User manual

Rolera Thunder User Manual 19
Note: As the user interface may be different, please refer to your software manual for specific information
on readout amplifier/port selection.
On-Chip Multiplication Amplifier (Port #1): Operation of multiplication gain in the Rolera
Thunder is different from the previous generation of these cameras. The new “Rolera Thunder”
generation of cameras have new functionality that was not available on previous models. A
setting of 0 (zero) results in unity gain and the subsequent settings are linearly related to the
actual multiplication gain. Since the multiplication gain can be used to overcome the read noise
of the fast amplifier, this mode is most useful in applications requiring low-light sensitivity at high
frame rates (e.g., Single molecule fluorescence, ion imaging, etc.).
Note: When used with a standard lens, Port #1 (multiplication port) produces an image in the correct
orientation. The first pixel is read out at the bottom left of the array.
Traditional or Non-Multiplication amplifier (Port #2): When the camera is using this amplifier,
electrons (signal) generated in pixels are clocked through the standard serial register. The
amplifier is designed to take advantage of the dynamic range of the CCD and is most useful when
the frame rate is not critical, (e.g., bright field, fixed cell fluorescence, etc.).
Note: Since the first pixel to be read out from Port #2 is at the bottom right (closest to the Port #2), the
resulting image is a mirror image of the same image if it were read out of Port #1. Some software packages
do a "horizontal-flip" in the software when Port #2 is selected to ensure the correct orientation for all ports.
Please check your software documentation.
Conversion
Gain
Apart from multiplication gain, which actually multiplies the number of electrons generated in
each pixel, the Rolera Thunder also has three (3) conversion gains. Conversion gain simply
quantifies how the resulting electrons are converted into ADU (Analog-to-Digital units) and
displayed on the display screen.
Typical conversion gains for different ports are listed in Table 1. Your camera is individually
calibrated for these gains. So, please refer to the certificate of performance that accompanied
your camera.
Readout Speed
(typical)
The Rolera Thunder has two readout speeds available on each of the two ports as listed in the
table below:
Readout Amplifier (Port) Readout Speeds
Conversion Gain
(e
-
/ADU)
Port #1 (Multiplication) 5 MHz
10 MHz
#1: 12e
-
/ADU
#2: 6e
-
/ADU
#3: 3e
-
/ADU
Port #2 (Non-multiplication) 1.25 MHz
5 MHz
#1: 4e
-
/ADU
#2: 2e
-
/ADU
#3: 1e
-
/ADU
Table 1. Rolera Thunder Readout Speeds and Typical Conversion Gains