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Cricket™² offers plug and play intensified imaging or single photon counting functionality. Recognized for best value, Cricket™² sets an unmatched standard for connectivity with scientific microscopes and cameras.
Specifications
| Mechanical connections | |
|---|---|
| Lens mount interface | c-mount |
| Camera mount interface | c-mount |
| Electrical connections | |
|---|---|
| PSU | Micro-Usb(100mW @ 5 Volt) |
| Gating (Optional) | SMA Connector (50 Ω) |
| Gain control integrated | Lemo connector (0-5V) |
| Mechanical specifications | |
|---|---|
| Housing material | Aluminium (Black anodized) |
| Housing dimension (HxWxL) | 95x58x112 |
| Weight | 450 gramms |
| Optical specifications | |
|---|---|
| 2/3" Sensor format | 4:3 aspect ratio |
| 1/1.2" Sensor format | 16:10 aspect ratio |
| Magnification | 1:1 |
| Cricket™² Image Intensifier specifications |
|---|
Image Intensifier Tube:
Basic operation
The IIT is the actual image intensification device embedded in the Cricket™2 and is capable of enhancing a low light level image up to 400.000 times in the case of a single MCP based IIT. The optical image input is converted to photoelectrons at the Photocathode. The photoelectrons are drawn by an electrical field into the MCP where they impinge multiple times on the inner walls and thereby multiplies several thousands of times. The electrons then hit the phosphor screen where they are converted back to an optical image.
Image intensifier
| Input window | Quartz or Glass (Fiber/mgF2 optional) |
|---|---|
| Photocathode | Hi-QE range, SolarBlind or Broadband |
| Micro Channel Plate | High resolution, Hi-CE (Collection efficiency) (High dynamic range optional) |
| Phosphor type | P43 or P46 |
Normal Gating (Optional)
| Gate unit | Integrated |
|---|---|
| Gate on/off | 0-5 Volt (TTL) |
| Gate on/off time (HI-QE Red) | 30ns |
| Gate on/off time (Other) | 200ns |
| Gate repition rate | 20 kHz |
| Delay time (gate to cathode) | 100ns |
| Rise time | 20ns |
| Fall time | 20ns |
Fast gating (Optional)
| Gate unit | External |
|---|---|
| Gate on/off | 0-5 Volt (TTL) |
| Gate on/off time | 3ns |
| Gate repition rate | 300 kHz |
| Gate repition rate (burst) | 2,5 MHz |
| Delay time (gate to cathode) | 100 ns |
| Jitter | 30 ps RMS |
Description
The Cricket™² is a plug & play camera image intensifier attachment enabling low light level imaging and extreme high shutter speeds for CMOS and CCD cameras. The Cricket™² fitted with a Single MCP (Micro Channel Plate) based IIT (Image Intensifier Tube) enables an all in one camera upgrade for high resolution, low light level imaging. By straight forward C-Mount attachment and USB power supply, the Cricket™² offers an unmatched standard for connectivity.
High speed gating down to 3ns for time-domain imaging using the photocathode as electro-optical shutter. High repetition rate up to 300 kHz and 2.5 MHz in burst mode. Cricket™² is an all in one solution with integrated optics and electronics.
Features
Customization
Cricket™2 typical application example
The c-mount in and c-mount out mounting enables easy coupling of a wide range of optics, cameras and microscopes. Optionally a c-mount to f-mount adapter can be applied to attach devices fitted with a f-mount.
Configuring the right IIT for your Cricket™²
In order to configure the right Cricket™2 Image Intensifier Tube matching your application, please consider the following key Image Intensifier parts:
Photocathode |
|---|
Select a photocathode matching the spectral region of interest of the phenomena you want observe. Choose a Photonis SolarBlind, Broadband or Hi-QE photocathodes, and make your camera sensitive in the UV, VIS or NIR (120-900nm).
Photocathode overview :
MCP Type |
|---|
The single MCP setup with Hi-CE technology ensures a resolution of up to 64 lp/mm and a collection efficiency exceeding 90%. Choose the high dynamic range MCP option for high linearity.
MCP linearity :
Gating |
|---|
For time resolved imaging the photocathode can be used as an electro-optical shutter. Choose between the normal gating or fast gating option. A gate unit is integrated in the Cricket™2. Repetition rate up to 300 kHz and 2.5 MHz in burst mode.
Phosphor |
|---|
Depending on imaging speed, choose the P43 phosphor for high efficiency and frame rates up to 1000 frames per second or the P46 phosphor for up to 4000 frames per second.
Phosphor spectral response :
Couple your Cricket™2 with Mantis³
The Mantis³ consists of a Timepix3-based visible light camera coupled to a Cricket™2 containing one of Photonis' high-end image intensifier tubes. The TPX3Cam* is a high-rate, event-driven, time-stamping camera. The coupled image intensifier enables single photon sensitivity and offers a choice of low noise photocathodes optimized for your application.
Documentation
Brochure/Leaflet
Cricket™² Brochure(2.35 MB)
Photon Detector Brochure(349.29 KB)
Datasheet
Datasheet Cricket™² - Single MCP(1.42 MB)
