Ultra Start KE-6 Specifications download pdf (Page 79)

Version 1.1 rev Jan 2013

Page 79

iXon Ultra

, Features and Functionality

3.8 - OPTACQUIRE

OptAcquire is a unique control interface, whereby a user can conveniently choose from a predetermined list of set-

up congurations, each designed to optimize the camera for different experimental acquisition types, thus removing

complexity from the extremely adaptable control architecture of the iXon Ultra. The control architecture of the iXon Ultra

is extremely tuneable, meaning the camera can be adapted and optimized for a wide variety of quantitative experimental

requirements, ranging from fast single photon counting through to slower scan, 16-bit dynamic range measurements.

However, successfully optimizing EMCCD technology is not a trivial exercise, with various set-up parameters directly

inuencing different camera performance characteristics.

OptAcquire has been designed as a unique interface whereby a user can choose from a predetermined list of eleven

camera set-up congurations. A variety of set-up parameters are balanced behind the scenes through the OptAquire

menu. Furthermore, advanced users may wish to create their own additional OptAcquire conguation. iXon Ultra control

parameters include:

• EM Gain – This parameter has a direct bearing on both sensitivity and dynamic range.

• Vertical clock speed – Flexibility in this parameter is critical to optimizing the camera for lowest noise, fastest

speed, minimal frame transfer smear or maximum pixel well depth.

• Vertical Clock Amplitude – Can be used to compensate charge transfer when the sensor is being ‘over-

clocked’ and also to reduce charge leakage into the image area when there is saturated signal in the frame

transfer storage area (e.g. when combining very short exposure with a slow readout speed).

• Horizontal readout speed – Ranging between 17 MHz and 0.08MHz. 17MHz for faster frame rates, 0.08MHz

for best dynamic range.

• Pre-amplier gain – Trading off reduced digitization noise versus accessing full pixel well depth.

• EM / Conventional amplier – To choose between ultra-sensitive EMCCD operation or traditional high dynamic

range CCD operation, the latter recommended for relatively ‘brighter’ signals or when it is possible to apply long

exposures to overcome read noise oor.

• Frame Transfer (overlap) – Overlapped readout is used to achieve 100% duty cycle, ideal for fastest frame rate

measurements without switching exposure time between frames. This mode should be deselected for time-

lapse experiments.

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Ultra Start KE-6 Specifications Page 79