January 13, 2016 — New Jersey, USA. Princeton Instruments is pleased to introduce the new incarnation of its extremely popular PI-MTE in-vacuum x-ray camera line, now featuring specially designed higher-sensitivity CCDs. As the smallest commercially available scientific cameras engineered for in-vacuum use, the PI-MTE series provides all of the advanced features and functions needed to tackle demanding soft x-ray spectroscopy and imaging applications, including x-ray microscopy, x-ray plasma diagnostics, coherent x-ray diffraction imaging, EUV lithography, and x-ray holography.
Every PI-MTE delivers highly flexible multiple-speed readout capabilities and allows researchers to optimize Princeton Instruments’ renowned ultra-low-noise and wide-dynamic-range performance for their specific soft x-ray applications. These thermoelectrically cooled cameras, which can support CCDs that offer spatial resolution of up to 4 megapixels, are utilized at labs and synchrotrons worldwide.
Compact PI-MTE cameras measure 4.57” (116.0 mm) x 2.36” (60.0 mm) x 3.15” (80.0 mm) and weigh just 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg). The complete system includes an ST-133 controller, Princeton Instruments optional LightField® or WinX software, and in-vacuum electrical and cooling interface technologies that permit uninterrupted camera operation inside a vacuum chamber without compromising performance.
“We are the only camera manufacturer to design thermoelectrically cooled scientific in-vacuum cameras,” explains Manjul Shah, Princeton Instruments’ application specialist for imaging and x-ray products. “One of the challenges associated with thermoelectrically cooling a scientific in-vacuum camera is the extraction of the immense amount of heat generated by the CCD and electronics, which could usually be removed by a built-in fan using forced air. The unique liquid-cooling design of our PI-MTE cameras overcomes this obstacle by cooling the detector to –55°C, virtually eliminating dark charge generated by the CCD.”
PI-MTE systems utilize an industry-standard USB 2.0 data interface to enable seamless camera operation with the latest laptop and desktop computers. For long-distance operation (up to 1000 meters), a fiberoptic communication kit is also available. Integration of the PI-MTE with other instruments is easy via use of the TTL signals from the ST-133 controller and National Instruments’ LabVIEW® drivers.
