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36 I-PentaMAX System Manual Version 3.A
Overexposure Protection
Image intensifiers can be destroyed if continuously exposed to light levels higher than
twice the A/D saturation level. To prevent damage to the camera, check that the
following conditions are met before making any system connections.
➧ Any HV pulsers present are turned off.
➧ The
MCP POWER/OFF switch (do not confuse with the AC power switch.) on the
IIC-200 (IIC-300, IIC-100, or MCP-100) is set to
OFF. The
MCP POWER/OFF
switch controls the high voltage but not the IIC-200 (IIC-300, IIC-100, or MCP-100)
chassis power.
➧ The IIC-200 (IIC-300, IIC-100, or MCP-100)
SHUTTER/GATE switch is set to
GATE. If there is no pulser for gating the IIC-200, IIC-300, or IIC-100, set the
switch to
GATE
and before beginning data acquisition, set the switch to
SHUTTER
.
➧ Light to the camera is completely blocked off.
➧ The lens aperture is set as small as possible (largest f-number).
➧ Neutral density filters are placed in front of the camera.
If the experimental conditions dictate that only a small portion of the photocathode is
illuminated over relatively long periods of time, change the illuminated region of the
photocathode periodically to avoid long-term localized photocathode or MCP damage.
Alarm
To reduce the risk of camera damage, an overload detection circuit in the high voltage
power supply (IIC-200, IIC-100, or MCP-100) monitors the intensifier current and
activates an alarm if the current exceeds the preset safety threshold. This alarm will save
the intensifier if there is a light overload that is integrated over the whole intensifier. It
will not protect the intensifier from damage due to small diameter light pattern overloads
(as might occur with a laser).
While the alarm is sounding, the photocathode and MCP power are temporarily disabled.
It is normal for the alarm to sound briefly when the high-voltage supply is first turned on.
If it sounds continuously, the camera window must be immediately covered or the
camera must be turned off until the illumination level is readjusted. If the alarm sounds
continuously even when the illumination level is adequately low, its threshold must be
internally readjusted by qualified personnel.
Contact the factory at once if sporadic or continuous unwarranted alarms occur. They
may indicate intensifier damage or another situation that requires immediate attention.
Shutter vs. Gated Operation
The I-PentaMAX camera has two basic operating modes, Shutter and Gated, selected by a
mode switch on the IIC-200 (IIC-300, IIC-100, or MCP-100). Setting this switch to
SHUTTER (or CW) selects shutter mode operation. Setting it to GATE selects gate
mode operation.
WARNING!
CAUTION