Cricket™² advanced image intensifier adapter

Cricket2 advanced image intensifier adapter

 

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.

Capture images across a broad spectral range from 200 to 900 nm
Wide choice of Hi-QE™ photocathodes and gating options
Compatible with most CCD, CMOS, EMCCD and sCMOS cameras
Ideal for a large number of applications including physics, FLIM, plasma research and corona detection
Simple and cost-effective way to convert existing cameras into a complete plug and play intensified solution
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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 attachment enabling low light level imaging an 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.

Video

Features

Image
cricket 2

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

Photocathode
Image
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

MCP Type
Image
MCP

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

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

Phosphor
Image
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 :  

Image
Mantis

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.

 

Go to Mantis³ page

Documentation

Brochure/Leaflet

Datasheet

Related applications

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