Princeton 4300 User Manual

10 

PI-SCX System Manual 

Version 2.E 

 

10 

The PI-SCX system provides either a forced-air or water-cooling option to reduce dark 

current. The thermoelectric (Peltier) design and precision electronics provide very high 

precision as well as the capability to set the required temperature.  
For higher performance, models with the phosphor, fiberoptic, and CCD all entirely 

contained within a vacuum are also available. This configuration allows deeper cooling 

while eliminating condensation on the phosphor surface. Another configuration, one in 

which the fiberoptic extends outside the vacuum, allows the flexibility of changing 

scintillators/phosphors for specific x-ray energy without breaking vacuum or coupling the 

camera system to streak tubes or image intensifiers. 

The PI-SCX camera runs under WinView and WinSpec, Princeton Instruments' 32-bit 

Windows

®

 

software packages designed for imaging and spectroscopy, respectively. They 

provide comprehensive image or spectra capture and display functions, so you can 

perform data acquisition without having to rely on third-party software. The packages 

also facilitate snap-ins to permit easy user customization of any function or sequence. 

Windows DLLs are available, which allows you to write your own software. This makes 

integrating the system into larger experiments or instruments a straightforward endeavor. 

On a special-order basis, custom fiberoptic-taper configurations can be provided, 

including designs that support electron backscatter imaging, simultaneous wide- and 

small-angle x-ray scattering imaging, or nondestructive testing. Configurations with 

multiple CCD / taper assemblies can also be provided.  
Contact Princeton Instruments for the latest information concerning these and other 

options for fiberoptically-coupled camera needs. 

The Princeton Instruments PI-SCX system normally contains the major components 

shown in Figure 1 and described below. Actual system components will depend on the 

system configuration ordered. 



  Fiberoptic Taper CCD Camera:

 X-rays pass through the Beryllium window and 

are absorbed by a phosphor screen that emits visible light. This light is coupled to the 

CCD by a reducing fused fiber optic taper. The CCD detects one or more visible 

photons per X-ray photon absorbed. Detected photons are converted to electrical 

signals. These are then transferred from the camera to the ST-133 Controller.  

Do not touch the Beryllium window at the front of the camera.  
Avoid abrasion of the Beryllium window since powdered Beryllium is highly toxic if 

ingested. Beryllium should never be handled in a way that places personnel at risk.  
Units are shipped with a protective label over the Beryllium window. This label should 

be removed and discarded. Damage to the Beryllium window may result in loss of 

vacuum and improper camera operation.