New Slow-Scan CCD Cameras (SSC) with Frame/Interline CCD Architecture Avoid TEM Shutter Control, Provide Excellent Image Quality and can be Easily Retrofitted

Abstract

<jats:p>Since it's introduction into TEM in 1986 [1] SSCs have become an effective and easy-to-use solution for acquiring high quality digital images electronically. Their main advantages are excellent linearity, very high dynamic, high sensitivity, and low noise. These advantages have made SSCs a nondispensable tool for quantitative image analysis. Moreover, since SSCs make high quality TEM images available in a computer within fraction of seconds, on-line image processing and software driven automated TEM tuning has become possible [2]. Many of the experiments which are performed nowadays in the area of high resolution, low dose, holographic reconstruction, and EFTEM [3] would not be possible without the digital input coming from SSCs.</jats:p><jats:p>Like recording images with a film sheet camera, digital recording of images with SSC requires control of the TEM beam blanker (shutter) by the SSC synchronised with the image acquisition process.</jats:p><jats:p>This blanker (shutter) control is a critical link in the chain to the digital image. Many older TEMs do not have direct access to beam blanking coils, or contrary to modern TEMs their coils are not designed to support hysteresis-free fast beam blanking, what is essential for acquisition of high quality digital images by a SSC.</jats:p>

New Frame-Transfer Wide-Angle Slow-Scan CCD Camera Allows Recording of Distortion-Free Images for Digital Montages

“…In contrast to all other wide angle camera systems, which are inserted and retracted horizontally, the ProScan camera [3] is inserted by tilting the camera head from a vertical into a horizontal position ( fig. 1).…”

Performance Data of a New 2048 X 2048 Pixel Slow-Scan CCD Camera For TEM

“…In addition to their product line of 1k SSCs [2], ProScan has developed a new SSC camera based on a 2048 x 2048 pixel CCD (14 x 14 urn pixel size) with full frame technology. The new camera can be installed in on-axis position on the bottom flange below the viewing screen (or below the sheet film camera) on any LEO TEM.…”