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Chapter 5 Operation 55
55
IsoPlane SCT-320 Spectrograph
Because the PIXIS is mounted directly to the mounting plate on the IsoPlane, focusing
and alignment is different from the way that focusing and alignment are performed for an
Acton Series spectrograph. The following information assumes that you are familiar with
the locations of the mounting plate, Micrometer Compartment, and the locking set screw.
If not, refer to the IsoPlane manual supplied with the spectrograph.
Note: If the PIXIS has an internal shutter, DO NOT USE the Shutter connector to drive
a shutter internal to an IsoPlane. If both the camera and spectrograph have shutters, the
IsoPlane shutter will have to be removed or a Princeton Instruments SHC-EXT Shutter
Control Box can be used to control the opening and closing of the IsoPlane’s internal
shutter. See the IsoPlane SCT 320 manual for more information.
1. Mount an Acton light source such as the dual HG/NeAr source in front of the
entrance slit of the spectrograph.
2. With the IsoPlane properly connected to the computer, turn the power on, wait for the
spectrograph to initialize.
3. With the PIXIS mounted to the spectrograph and connected to the computer, turn on
the power and wait for the detector to initialize.
4. Start the application software. Because you are using LightField, you will need to drag
the icons for the PIXIS and the IsoPlane into the Experiment Devices area.
5. Set the spectrograph to 500 nm if using a mercury source or to 0.0 nm if using a
broadband source.
6. Remove the cover from the Micrometer Compartment.
7. Using a 3/32” hex wrench, loosen the locking set screw.
8. Wait until the detector temperature locks at its default temperature.
9. Click on Run and while continuously acquiring data, adjust the micrometer until you
maximize the intensity level of a selected peak or peaks.
10. Tighten down the locking set screw.
11. Place the Micrometer Cover on the spectrograph. Replace and tighten all of the cover
screws.
12. Next adjust the rotation. First, use a 9/64” hex wrench to loosen the four screws at the
corners of the detector mounting plate. While watching a live display of the
spectrum, choose a peak to monitor and then rotate the detector (up to 4 degrees of
rotation are possible). The peak will go from broad to narrow and back to broad.
Leave the detector rotation set for the narrowest achievable peak.
Note: With LightField, you can use the Align Spectrometer function.
Alternatively, you can acquire an image, display the horizontal and vertical cursor
bars, and compare the vertical bar to the line shape on the screen. Rotate the detector
until the line shape on the screen is parallel with the vertical bar.
13. After completing the rotational alignment, re-tighten the four mounting plate screws
and stop acquisition.