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PIXIS: 256
1024 pixel CCD array
TThe PIXIS series from Princeton Instruments (PI) are fully integrated, low noise cameras designed for quantitative scientific imaging
optical spectroscopy applications. Designed utilizing PI’s exclusive XP cooling technology, PIXIS offer thermoelectric cooling down
to -75°C, while the all-metal, hermetically sealed design, with the industry’s only lifetime vacuum guarantee, ensures maintenance
free operation. The PIXIS: 256 uses high performance, spectroscopic-format industry standard CCDs, with deep cooling to provide
the lowest dark charge. The 1024 array wth 6.7 mm chip height and 26 mm spectral coverage is ideal for multistripe spectroscopy
and maximum light collecting area. This detector provides excellent response from the vacuum UV to the NIR, and with its proven
system reliability, is ideal for OEM and laboratory applications.

FEATURES BENEFITS
Permanent vacuum Our all-metal brazed seals eliminate the outgassing that occurs with epoxy seals and
allows us to offer the industry’s only lifetime vacuum guarantee
Deep thermoelectric cooling Low temperature operation minimizes dark current without the need for liquid nitrogen
Single fused silica vacuum window Minimizes reflection losses from the UV to the NIR;
Optional AR coating and wedge windows are available
Optional UV phosphor coating Enhances sensitivity throughout the UV to below 200 nm
Industry standard 1024 pixel imaging array High performance at low cost
Open electrode architecture Provides higher QE than standard front-illuminated sensors
Back-illuminated, deep depletion sensor (BR) Enhanced NIR response relative to conventional back-illuminated detectors, with extremely
low etaloning
Extremely low bin noise Improves signal-to-noise ratio when binning spectra over multiple rows
Dual-digitizer option Multiple speed digitization allows complete freedom to select between slow operation for
low noise and highest SNR, or fast operation for rapid spectral acquisition
Compact design Complete system integrated into a small footprint - NO external controller needed;
Ideal for applications where space is at a premium.
TTL input and output and shuttering External control and triggering
USB 2.0 interface Plug-and-play operation with desktops or laptops;
Optional fiber optic interface for remote operation; Easy OEM integration
Optional: LightField® (for Windows 8/7, 64-bit) Flexible software packages for data acquisition, display and analysis;
Or WinView/Spec (for Windows 8/7/XP, 32-bit) LightField offers intuitive, cutting edge user interface, IntelliCal® and more.
PICAM (64-bit) / PVCAM (32-bit) Compatible with Windows 8/7/XP, and Linux;
software development kits (SDKs) Universal programming interfaces for easy custom programming.

Applications:
Raman, LIBS, Emission, Absorbance Page 1 of 5
PIXIS: 256 Rev. N5
Reflectance, Fluorescence, PL/EL
 SPECTROSCOPY GROUP

SPECIFICATIONS

PIXIS: 256E PIXIS: 256BR

Features Front-illuminated CCD. Open electrode Back-illuminated, deep depletion CCD.
architecture allows for an increased response High QE in the NIR with minimal etaloning.
in the UV compared to standard
front-illuminated detectors.
CCD format 1024 x 256, 1024 x 252,
26 µm x 26 µm pixels with 100% fill factor, 26 µm x 26 µm pixels with 100% fill factor,
26 mm x 6.7 mm height 26 mm x 6.6 mm height
Dark current @ - 75°C (e-/p/s) 0.003 (typical) 0.3 (typical)
System read noise
@ 100 kHz readout 6 e- rms 6 e- rms
@ 2 MHz readout 22 e- rms 22 e- rms
Vertical shift rate
(software adjustable) 30 µsec/row 15 µsec/row
Minimum Typical Minimum Typical
Spectrometric well capacity*
Single pixel 200 ke- 300 ke- 400 ke- 500 ke-
Binned 500 ke- 800 ke- 750 ke- 1000 ke-
Optional UV phosphor coatings Enhanced sensitivity for UV operation to below 200 nm
Deepest cooling temperature - 75°C
Thermostating precision ±0.05°C across entire temperature range
Software-selectable gains High Mid Low
3 e-/ct 6 e-/ct 12 e-/ct
Dynamic range 16 bits
Nonlinearity
@ 100 kHz readout <1%
@ 2 MHz readout <2%
Dimensions Without shutter: 4.65" (118 mm) Ø x 6.43" (163 mm)
With shutter: 4.65" (118 mm) Ø x 6.69" (170 mm)

SPECTRAL Rate
PIXIS: 256E PIXIS: 256BR
@ 100 kHz Full Vertical Binning (FVB) 52 spectra/sec 65 spectra/sec
@ 2 MHz Full Vertical Binning (FVB) 118 spectra/sec 190 spectra/sec

All specifications are subject to change.

*CCD manufacturer's data. Actual full well is
determined by the gain selection.

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PIXIS: 256 Rev. N5
 SPECTROSCOPY GROUP

QE DATA

100%

90%

80%

70%
Quantum Efficiency (%)

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%
200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 950 1000 1050 1100

BR E With optional UV coating

Wavelength (nm)
NOTE:
Graph shows typical Quantum Efficiency (QE) data measured at + 25°C. QE decreases at normal operating temperatures. For the best results
for your application, please discuss the specific parameters of your experiment with your sales representative.

VACUUM WINDOW AR COATINGS 100

95
90
Transmission (%)

85
NOTES: 80
 Standard anti-reflection (AR) coating options shown on graph NIR -AR
75
 Designed by Acton Optics, our BBAR coating offers unmatched NO -AR
performance for 400 nm - 1100 nm 70
MgF2
 Custom wedge window options and other AR coatings are also 65
BBAR (400 -1100nm)
available 60
Contact your local sales representative for more information 55
50
200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000

Wavelength (nm)

Page 3 of 5
PIXIS: 256 Rev. N5
 SPECTROSCOPY GROUP

PIXIS DRAWINGS (aIR cooled)

PIXIS with
Spectroscopy Mount

/ 2.27 KG

PIXIS with
Spectroscopy Mount;
with Shutter

/ 2.27 KG

Page 4 of 5
PIXIS: 256 Rev. N5
 SPECTROSCOPY GROUP

PIXIS DRAWINGS (LIQUID cooled)

35°
TYP.
17.5°
TYP. COOLANT INLET/OUT QUICK 2 MCX

0.23
5.77
0.23
5.77
DISCONNECT FITTINGS CONNECTORS USB 2.0
0.358 0.203 CONNECTOR

0
3.600 B.C.
1.851
47.02

0.821
120° TYP. 20.85

0 0

0.450
11.43
0.500
12.70
4.65

2.14 2 PIN LEMO

54.4 CONNECTOR
SHUTTER
9 PIN DIN
CONNECTOR
POWER
0

0
0.06
1.6

107.6

129.2

162.9

0.250
CCD TO MOUNT

4.24

5.09

6.41

6.35
1.780
45.21

0.593
15.06
MOUNTING SURFACE
TO FRONT SURFACE

SURFACE
OF WINDOW
0.600
15.2
0.310

1/4-20 UNC

1.45
36.8

NOTES:
1. WEIGHT 5.5 lbs / 2.49 kg

2. POWER DISSIPATION 110 WATTS AT FULL POWER

3. EXTERNAL WATER CIRCULATOR COOL CUBE II 7567-0002

www.princetoninstruments.com [email protected]
TOLL-FREE +1.877.474.2286 | PHONE +1 609.587.9797
Page 5 of 5
Visit the Princeton Instruments website to find a dealer in your area. PIXIS: 256 Rev. N5