User`s guide

READOUT MODES
SDK SECTION 3
Page 29
Full Vertical Binning
Full Vertical Binning (FVB) is the simplest mode of operation. It allows you to use the CCD chip as a Linear
Image Sensor (similar to a photo diode array). The charge from each column of pixels is vertically binned
into the shift register. This results in a net single charge per column. Therefore, for a 30-11 CCD an
acquisition using FVB will result in 1024 data points.
To set-up a Full Vertical Binning acquisition call:
SetReadMode(0)
Figure 2: Full Vertical Binning
Single-Track
Single-Track mode is similar to the Full Vertical Binning mode discussed previously in that upon completion
of an acquisition you will have a single spectrum. However, that is where the similarities end.
With Single-Track you can specify not only the height (in pixels) of the area to be acquired but also its vertical
position on the CCD. To ensure the best possible Signal to Noise ratio all the rows within the specified area
are binned together into the shift register of the CCD and then digitized.
Figure 3: Single-track
Single-Track mode is useful because you are able to precisely define only the area of the CCD sensor that is
illuminated by light. This is particularly important in low light level applications as it allows you to minimize the
contribution of dark current in the measured signal. Also, if you are using an imaging spectrograph, such as
the Shamrock, with a multiple core fiber, this mode allows you to select a single fiber for examination.
To set-up a Single-Track acquisition you need to call the following functions:
SetReadMode(3);
SetSingleTrack(128,20);
NOTE: If a non frame-transfer camera is used, a shutter may be required to prevent light (which would
otherwise fall on the CCD-chip outside the specified track) from corrupting the data during binning.
Please refer to SECTION 8 - SHUTTER CONTROL for further information.