Princeton Instruments PhotonMAX System, Manual, Page: 45 / 98

Chapter 5 Operation 45
Port #1: Multiplication Gain amplifier
Port #2: Normal amplifier
If your camera is configured with two readout amplifiers (ports), the software
automatically allows port selection (Multiplication Gain or Normal). An example of a
software dialogue to select the ports is shown in Figure 29.
Figure 29. Selecting the Readout Port (Experiment Setup|Main tab page)
Note:
As the user interface may be different, please refer to your software manual for
specific information on readout amplifier/port selection.
1. Multiplication Gain: When this port is selected, the gain value can be entered
on the
Experiment Setup|Main
tab page. A setting of 0 (zero) results in unity
gain and the subsequent DAC settings are exponentially related to the
multiplication gain. Since the multiplication gain can be used to overcome the
read noise of the fast amplifier, this mode is most useful in applications requiring
low-light sensitivity at high frame rates (e.g., Single molecule fluorescence, ion
imaging, etc.).
Note:
When used with a standard lens, the Multiplication Gain port produces an
image in the correct orientation. The first pixel is read out at the bottom left of
the array.
2. Normal: When the camera is using this amplifier, electrons (signal) generated in
pixels are clocked through the standard serial register. The amplifier is designed
to take advantage of the dynamic range of the CCD and is most useful when the
frame rate is not critical. (e.g., bright field, fixed cell fluorescence, etc.)
Readout Port
selection