Specifications

Chapter 3

First Light

Note: The instructions in this chapter are for an ST-133 or ST-133A operated with a

series TE or RTE camera. They do not apply to the PI-MAX or LN/CCD. See the

PI-MAX manual (formerly the ICCD-MAX manual) for detailed information regarding

that camera. In the case of an LN/CCD detector, Dewar and liquid nitrogen

considerations make placing the system in operation more complex. Because these issues

are not discussed in this manual, if the system includes a type LN/CCD detector, refer to

the LN detector manual for guidance.

Image intensified CCD detectors (ICCDs) can be destroyed if continuously exposed to

light levels higher than twice the A/D saturation level. If you are using an intensified

detector, it is critical that you not establish conditions that could result in damage to the

intensifier. High intensity sources such as lasers can even cause spot damage to occur

without the protection circuits detecting the overload at all. For simplicity, the following

checks are done in the shutter mode in which the intensifier sees light continuously. To

prevent damage to the detector, do not turn on the controller power until directed to do

so. Also, it is important that the lab lighting be subdued when working with an

intensified detector. If a sustained alarm indication occurs when the controller is turned

on, either completely cover the intensifier with a black cloth or reduce the laboratory

illumination to reduce the light to a safe level still further until safe operating conditions

are established. See your detector manual for additional information!

Introduction to Imaging

This section provides step-by-step instructions for making an imaging measurement. A

section on making a spectroscopy measurement is also provided starting on page 30.

At this point a lens should be mounted on the camera or the camera mounted on a

microscope. See your camera manual for lens and camera mounting instructions. A

suggested procedure for operating the system and viewing your first images follows.

Note that the intent of this simple procedure is to help you gain basic familiarity with the

operation of your ST-133 or ST-133A based system and to demonstrate that it is

functioning properly. Once basic familiarity has been established, then operation with

other operating configurations, ones with more complex timing modes, can be

established as described in Chapter 5, Timing Modes. An underlying assumption of this

procedure is that a video monitor is available. Although it is possible to dispense with the

monitor and simply view the images on the computer monitor’s screen, operations such

as focusing will be much easier with a video monitor because the displayed data is

updated much more quickly and will be as close to current as possible.

WARNING