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Chapter 3
First Light
Introduction
Note: The instructions in this chapter are for an ST-133 operated with a TE-cooled
camera. They do not apply to the PI-MAX or LN-cooled cameras. See the PI-MAX
system manual for detailed information regarding that camera. In the case of an LN-
cooled camera, 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 an LN-cooled camera, refer to the system manual for guidance.
Image intensified CCD cameras (ICCDs) can be destroyed if continuously exposed to
light levels higher than twice the A/D saturation level. If you are using an intensified
camera, 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 camera, 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
camera. 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 system manual for additional information!
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 32.
At this point a lens should be mounted on the camera or the camera mounted on a
microscope. See your system 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 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.
To carry out this procedure, it will be necessary to have a basic grasp of the applications
software. Refer to your software manual for the required information.
WARNING