Princeton 4300 User Manual

 

15 

CCD Array: PI-SCX currently offers three CCD formats: the 1340x1300 array with 

20x20 µm pixels, the 2084x2084 array with 24x24 µm pixels, and the 4096x4096 array 

with 15x15 µm pixels. All are scientific grade full-frame arrays with MPP.  The 

application of indium tin oxide (ITO) technology to the PI-SCX:4300 array provides a 

QE of approximately 65% to 550 nm. When used with an x-ray scintillator screen and a 

software-programmable, high-capacity or high-sensitivity amplifier, these systems can 

effectively provide x-ray photon-counting capability with up to 16-bit dynamic range.  
CCD Chamber: The vacuum-sealed CCD chamber protects the CCD from 

contamination as well as insulates it from the warmer air in the camera body. The 

inherent low humidity prevents condensation on the cooled surface of the array. The 

thermal barrier provided by the fiberoptic prevents the condensation from forming on the 

front of the fiberoptic . 
PI-SCX cameras are normally shipped with a vacuum level of  ~10 mTorr or better. 

Because this vacuum may deteriorate over time due to outgassing of electrical 

components, some PI-SCX cameras are designed with a built-in vacuum port that can be 

used to restore the vacuum to its original level. Instructions for repumping the vacuum 

are provided in Appendix C. 
Fiber Optic: The PI-SCX fiberoptic tapers are bonded to the face of the CCD arrays 

with Princeton Instruments' patented fiberoptic-coupling technology. The direct bonding 

to the face of the array eliminates the need for an intermediate fiberoptic faceplate or an 

oil layer between surfaces, thereby increasing sensitivity. The PI-SCX:1300 is bonded to 

a 1:1 or 1.5:1 fiberoptic taper which extends outside the vacuum for a resolution of 

25 lp/mm for the 1:1 taper or 16 lp/mm for the 1.5:1 taper. The PI-SCX:4096 is available 

with either a 1:1 fiberoptic taper (31 lp/mm, 61x61 mm field of view) or a 1.9:1 

fiberoptic taper (120x120 mm field of view). The PI-SCX:4300 is available with either a 

1:1 fiberoptic taper (20 lp/mm) or a 2.4:1 taper (120x120 mm field of view).   
Thermoelectric Cooler: While the CCD accumulates charge, thermal activity releases 

electrons, generating dark current. Cooling the CCD enhances the low-light sensitivity by 

reducing thermally generated charge. With forced-air assistance, the PI-SCX:1300 

camera’s thermoelectric cooler is capable of cooling the CCD to -30°C with ±0.05°C 

stability at temperature lock. With 25°C water for water-assisted cooling, the 

PI-SCX:1300 camera can reach -35°C. With +5°C water, the PI-SCX:4096 (≤1.5:1 fiber 

ratio) and the PI-SCX:4300 are designed to reach -50°C. With +0°C water, the             

PI-SCX:4096 (>1.5:1 fiber ratio) is designed to reach -45°C 
Cooling is accomplished by mounting the CCD on a cold finger, which in turn is seated 

on a thermoelectric (Peltier-effect) cooler. With air-cooling, the heat is transferred 

through the Peltier stages to internal fins and is removed by forced air. With water-

cooling, a 50:50 ethylene glycol-water coolant is circulated through a heatsink thermally