high speed intensifier
high speed intensifier
HiCATT attached to high-speed camera
HiCATT w Lens 6
high speed intensifier
high speed intensifier

HiCATT | Ultra High Speed Intensifier

Nb of stages

2

Tube size

18 or 25 mm

Max Rep Rate

0.1 to 1 MHz continuous/ <10 MHz in burst mode

Shortest Gate duration

3 ns/25 ns/40 ns/ 100 ns/ 200ns

Photocathodes/spectral sensitivity

Gen 2 (S20, S20B, S25) or Gen 3 (GaAs, GaAsP )

Phosphors

P46 or P47

HiCATT –  Ultra High Speed Intensifier reaching 1,000,000 fps and above

The HiCATT is a high speed intensifier specifically designed for use in combination with high speed and ultra high speed cameras (1MHz and above). It is used to amplify low light level images up to 500,000 times ( tube and wavelength dependent)  thereby boosting the sensitivity of the attached high-speed camera and enabling high-speed, low light-level imaging.

Reach higher frame rates , image faster

The following video is a blue flame coming out of a torch imaged without and with the HICATT coupled to a Vision Research TMX 7150 at 200,000 fps. The image quality at 200,000 fps using HICATT is significantly better. The 1 MHz version of the HICATT can help you reach 1,000,000 fps and above ( burst mode).

Make your Camera Sensitive to UV light, and Image Combustion 

All high speed cameras are  insensitive to UV light because optical elements in the camera prevent UV light to even reach the detector.  The HICATT can be used to convert incident UV light into visible light at 532 mn which becomes observable by the camera. The following video is the same flame observed with an OH filter (10 nm bandpass centered around 310 nm) at 100,000 fps .  The level of light emitted by the natural emission of the flame at atmospheric pressure and passing through the filter is incredibly low.  Despite these conditions, this video shows a satisfying SNR/image quality. This recording was performed at Axiom Optics Lab in Somerville, MA, USA with a HICATT Gen2 1 MHz coupled to a Vision Research TMX 7150 at 100,000 fps, and a 100 mm CERCO UV lens.

High Speed OH Imaging
OH imaging at 100 khz, at 310 nm with HICATT

A Versatile and Customizable High Speed Intensifier

The HiCATT attaches to all major brand high-speed cameras by using a high quality, high NA lens coupling. The hybrid Image Intensifier of the HiCATT consists of 2 stages and can be delivered with a diameter of either 25 mm or 18 mm. The first stage is a Gen II or Gen III proximity-focused MCP intensifier and offers a very high, adjustable gain. The second stage is a proximity-focussed Gen I booster, producing the extra high output brightness required for imaging at high frame rates. In its gating mode the first stage functions as a fast electro-optical shutter with effective exposure times down to the nanosecond regime.

The ultra high speed intensifier can be operated at repetition rates of up to 1 Mhz in continuous mode and 10 MHz in bursts. A series of different intensifier control units provide functionality ranging from analog gain control to full digital control including an internal trigger generator and programmable gate trains. With a wide range of Gen II and Gen III image intensifiers the HiCATT offers high sensitivity down to single photon level and the optimal spectral bandwidth for your application. Different models covering a range in spectral sensitivity, phosphor, spatial resolution, gain, linearity, minimum gate width and gating frequency are available. Standard, the first stage image intensifier of the HiCATT is equipped with a single MCP. Dual MCP image intensifiers are available on request.

High Quality UV lenses from CERCO

Axiom Optics offers three uv lenses with 28, 45, and 100 mm focal length from CERCO that have been designed for video cameras with image intensifier working with UV light. These UV lenses are usable from ultraviolet to near infrared without focusing adjustment. Two types are proposed: standard multicoated type, optimized from 240 nm to 410 nm wavelength range, and uncoated type, usable from 190 nm to 900 nm. The 100 mm focal length was specifically designed for 25 mm images and therefore is a perfect match for the HICATT 25. Visit the downloads tab for more information on these lenses. 

Image Intensifier Layout

When the HiCATT is mounted to a lens or microscope, the incoming light (a) is focused onto the entrance window of the image intensifier (b). The image intensifier converts the optical image to electrons at the photocathode, amplifies this electron image at the micro-channel plate (MCP), and re-converts the electrons into photons at the anode screen. The second image intensifier (booster, c) further amplifies the signal. At the output of the hybrid intensifier a relay objective (d) is mounted with a magnification that matches the intensifier to the high-speed camera sensor (e).

For time-resolved imaging a gate unit (f) is used together with the image intensifier to yield an electro-optical shutter. The gate unit either generates a high voltage pulse signal or follows an external TTL pulse. The pulse width is variable and follows a TTL input pulse over the range from less than 3 ns to DC at a repetition rate up to 300 kHz.

Spectral response and phosphor decay time

Phosphor Efficiency Decay time to 10% Decay time to 1%
P43 (optional) 20 photons/e-/kV 1.5 ms 3 ms
P46 (standard) 6 photons/e-/kV 500 ns 2000 ns

**P20, P24 and P47 available on request

 

High Speed Intensifier working principle

On the photocathode(1) photons get converted into electrons. These are accelerated in an electric field towards the Multi Channel Plate (MCP, 2) and hit the channel walls. Depending on the voltage across the channel, multiple electrons are generated by secondary emission. This cloud of electrons gets accelerated towards the anode screen (3), where the electrons are converted back into photons by the phosphor layer. These photons are guided by a fiberoptic faceplate (3) to the entrance of the second stage (booster). Again photons are converted to electrons by the photocathode (4) and accelerated to the anode screen (5) where the image appears. The relay lens (6) transfers the image from the back of the intensifier onto the mounted camera.

Lambert mechanical shutter

The Lambert Instruments shutter attachment is designed as an option for the intensified products HiCAM, HiCATT and TRiCATT. Attaching the shutter prevents damage to the image intensifier caused by stray light, laser bundles, etc. that may occur during the alignment of the light source. The shutter can also be closed between measurements to increase the lifespan of the image intensifier. The shutter is encased in an aluminum housing with a standard F-mount input that replaces the original F-mount adapter. The back focal distance of the F-mount input is unchanged so any F-mount objective can be used. The shutter comes with a controller with a timer that can be used to automatically close the shutter after a predetermined time. The timer has a large LED screen. The shutter can also be controlled by an external TTL signal.

 

Read our important technical blog posts about the HICATT

To access our intensified imaging product page, click here .

To visit Lambert Instrument’s  (the manufacturer) page, click here.

HiCATT –  Ultra High Speed Intensifier for 1,000,000 fps Imaging

The HiCATT is a high speed intensifier specifically designed for use in combination with high-speed and ultra-high speed cameras (1MHz and above). It is used to amplify low light level images up to 500,000 times ( tube and wavelength dependent)  thereby boosting the sensitivity of the attached high-speed camera and enabling high-speed, low light-level imaging.

Reach higher frame rates , image faster

The following video is a blue flame coming out of a torch imaged without and with the HICATT coupled to a Vision Research TMX 7150 at 200,000 fps. The image quality at 200,000 fps using HICATT is significantly better. The 1 MHz version of the HICATT can help you reach 1,000,000 fps and above.

High speed combustion imaging

Make your Camera Sensitive to UV light 

All high speed cameras are  insensitive to UV light because optical elements in the camera prevent UV light to even reach the detector.  The HICATT can be used to convert UV  into visible light observable with your camera. The following video is the same flame observed with an OH filter at 100,000 fps (10 nm bandpass centered around 310 nm).  The level of light emitted by the natural emission of the flame at atmospheric pressure and passing through the filter is incredibly low.  Despite these conditions, this video shows a satisfying SNR. This recording was shot at Axiom Optics Lab in Somerville, MA, USA with a HICATT Gen2 1 MHz coupled to a Vision Research TMX 7150 at 100,000 fps, and a 100 mm CERCO UV lens.

High Speed OH Imaging
OH imaging at 100 khz, at 310 nm with HICATT

 

A Versatile and Customizable High Speed Image Intensifier

The HiCATT attaches to all major brand high-speed cameras by using a high quality lens coupling. The hybrid Image Intensifier of the HiCATT consists of 2 stages and can be delivered with a diameter of either 25 mm or 18 mm. The first stage is a Gen II or Gen III proximity-focused MCP intensifier and offers a very high, adjustable gain. The second stage is a proximity-focussed Gen I booster, producing the extra high output brightness required for imaging at high frame rates. In its gating mode the first stage functions as a fast electro-optical shutter with effective exposure times down to the nanosecond regime.

The ultra high speed intensifier can be operated at repetition rates of up to 1 Mhz in continuous mode and 10 MHz in bursts. A series of different intensifier control units provide functionality ranging from analog gain control to full digital control including an internal trigger generator and programmable gate trains. With a wide range of Gen II and Gen III image intensifiers the HiCATT offers high sensitivity down to single photon level and the optimal spectral bandwidth for your application. Different models covering a range in spectral sensitivity, phosphor, spatial resolution, gain, linearity, minimum gate width and gating frequency are available. Standard, the first stage image intensifier of the HiCATT is equipped with a single MCP. Dual MCP image intensifiers are available on request.

High Quality UV lenses from CERCO

Axiom Optics offers three uv lenses with 28, 45, and 100 mm focal length from CERCO that have been designed for video cameras with image intensifier working with UV light. These UV lenses are usable from ultraviolet to near infrared without focusing adjustment. Two types are proposed: standard multicoated type, optimized from 240 nm to 410 nm wavelength range, and uncoated type, usable from 190 nm to 900 nm. Visit the downloads tab for more information on these lenses. 

Image Intensifier Layout

When the HiCATT is mounted to a lens or microscope, the incoming light (a) is focused onto the entrance window of the image intensifier (b). The image intensifier converts the optical image to electrons at the photocathode, amplifies this electron image at the micro-channel plate (MCP), and re-converts the electrons into photons at the anode screen. The second image intensifier (booster, c) further amplifies the signal. At the output of the hybrid intensifier a relay objective (d) is mounted with a magnification that matches the intensifier to the high-speed camera sensor (e).

For time-resolved imaging a gate unit (f) is used together with the image intensifier to yield an electro-optical shutter. The gate unit either generates a high voltage pulse signal or follows an external TTL pulse. The pulse width is variable and follows a TTL input pulse over the range from less than 3 ns to DC at a repetition rate up to 300 kHz.

Spectral response and phosphor decay time

Phosphor Efficiency Decay time to 10% Decay time to 1%
P43 (optional) 20 photons/e-/kV 1.5 ms 3 ms
P46 (standard) 6 photons/e-/kV 500 ns 2000 ns

**P20, P24 and P47 available on request

 

High Speed Intensifier working principle

On the photocathode(1) photons get converted into electrons. These are accelerated in an electric field towards the Multi Channel Plate (MCP, 2) and hit the channel walls. Depending on the voltage across the channel, multiple electrons are generated by secondary emission. This cloud of electrons gets accelerated towards the anode screen (3), where the electrons are converted back into photons by the phosphor layer. These photons are guided by a fiberoptic faceplate (3) to the entrance of the second stage (booster). Again photons are converted to electrons by the photocathode (4) and accelerated to the anode screen (5) where the image appears. The relay lens (6) transfers the image from the back of the intensifier onto the mounted camera.

Lambert mechanical shutter

The Lambert Instruments shutter attachment is designed as an option for the intensified products HiCAM, HiCATT and TRiCATT. Attaching the shutter prevents damage to the image intensifier caused by stray light, laser bundles, etc. that may occur during the alignment of the light source. The shutter can also be closed between measurements to increase the lifespan of the image intensifier. The shutter is encased in an aluminum housing with a standard F-mount input that replaces the original F-mount adapter. The back focal distance of the F-mount input is unchanged so any F-mount objective can be used. The shutter comes with a controller with a timer that can be used to automatically close the shutter after a predetermined time. The timer has a large LED screen. The shutter can also be controlled by an external TTL signal.
To access our intensified imaging product page, click here .
To visit Lambert Instrument’s  (the manufacturer) page, click here.
Applications

Life Science, Physics
Manufacturer

Lambert Instruments
Frame Rate

> 1,000 fps
Spectral Range

UV (200 – 400 nm), VIS (400 – 750 nm)
Interface

USB
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