AXIS-QVM: Lightweight Visible Streak Camera

AXIS-QVM is a high-performance entry-level streak camera that can sweep 150 points (8 mm slit) with a time resolution of 3 ps (FWHM).

It is a portable instrument that features a new PHOTONIS intensified streak tube.

Its lightweight head can easily be coupled to a spectrometer or a microscope.

axis px streak camera

Lightweight system with:

  • New PHOTONIS intensified streak tube

  • Available with S20, S25 and S1 photocathode

  • 12-bit CCD coupled by fiber optics

  • EMI-rugged electronics

  • Internal computer with remote control

  • Customized mounts for all spectrometers and microscopes

  • Full calibration on a femtosecond laser

Applications:

  • Physical chemistry

  • Transient Absorption Spectroscopy

  • Photoluminescence Studies

  • Material Science

  • Raman spectroscopy

  • Plasma diagnostics

  • Laser Metrology

AXIS-QVM SPECIFICATIONS

STREAK TUBE

This streak camera uses a new generation of streak tubes based on the 75-year night vision heritage of PHOTONIS.

The tube is built according to high quality standards and features:

  • Picosecond time resolution
  • High spatial resolution
  • Integrated input slit (no need for a mechanical slit)
  • High-gain internal microchannel intensifier
  • Ruggedized for harsh environment

It can be built with different cathodes and matched with a spectrometer grating for optimal throughput:

photonis bilamellar streak tube

SPATIAL RESOLUTION

Photocathode length (X): 8 mm

Spatial Resolution (dx):  50µm with 50% contrast at the center of the screen

Number of spatial resolution units in screen (X/dx):  150 points

TIME RESOLUTION

Available Ranges (ΔT):  1 ns to 1 ms

Number of time-resolution units in screen (Nt):  275

Single-shot time resolution (δt):  δt = ΔT / Nt     * Limited to 3 ps

TRIGGER

Standard Sweep Unit MHz Sweep Unit
Trigger pulse Electrical Electrical
Requirements 5-10 V in 50Ω 5-10 V in 50Ω
Maximum repetition rate  < 100 Hz 2 MHz
Jitter  < 15 ps RMS  < 15 ps RMS

READOUT

Readout type: CCD Digital camera

CCD chip size: 1024×1392 pixels; 7 mm x 9 mm

Digitizer: 12 bit

Coupling to streak tube: 1.8:1 Fiber optic taper

OPERATION MODES

streak camera-normal-mode Normal sweep
The sweep crosses the whole screen and ends outside.
streak camera-timing-mode Timing mode
The sweep always remains in the screen. It is used to synchronize the streak camera to the experiment.
streak camera-focus-mode Focus mode
The slit image is positioned at the center of the screen. The sweep trigger is disabled. This mode is used to align the experimental setup and to adjust the incident light level.

INTERNAL COMPUTER and SOFTWARE

AXIS-QVM is an all-in-one system that is operated locally by connecting a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse.

It comes with an internal computer that controls the streak tube supplies, the sweep circuits, monitors voltage stability, performs different self tests and safety checks. It can also control other optional peripherals via the USB port (a laser system, for example).

All required software comes pre-installed on the system. It is used to:

  • Control whole system and acquire images
  • Control the laser system (optional)
  • Plot lineouts along time axis or space axis
  • save image in different formats

Remote control over Gigabit Ethernet :

  • “Windows Remote Desktop”
  • Web base GUI
  • High level device servers (TANGO, OPC, etc…) are available.

GENERAL

Electrical input: Universal AC, 110-240V, 50-60 Hz

Certification: CE

Tests and Calibration: Before shipping, each system is tested on a femtosecond laser at the Advanced Laser Light Source.

Installation and Training: A qualified engineer is sent to your laboratory to install the system and train users.

OPTIONS

Photocathode
S20, S25, and S1 cathodes are available

Blanking circuits
With the blanking option, streak tube is blocked during the time the signals sweeps back to its start position. This feature is required when the optical signal lasts longer than the sweep range.