Characterization of the series 1000 camera system

Abstract

The National Ignition Facility requires a compact network addressable scientific grade charge coupled device (CCD) camera for use in diagnostics ranging from streak cameras to gated x-ray imaging cameras. Due to the limited space inside the diagnostic, an analog and digital input/output option in the camera controller permits control of both the camera and the diagnostic by a single Ethernet link. The system consists of a Spectral Instruments Series 1000 camera, a PC104+ controller, and power supply. The 4k by 4k CCD camera has a dynamic range of 70 dB with less than 14 electron read noise at a 1 MHz readout rate. The PC104+ controller includes 16 analog inputs, four analog outputs, and 16 digital input/output lines for interfacing to diagnostic instrumentation. A description of the system and performance characterization is reported.