Overview
For calibrating the parameters associated with the imaging system, e.g. a pair of scan mirrors in conjunction with a video camera.
File>Open
n/a
Name
A name for the scanner or other imaging device. A default name is provided.
'Horizontal' and 'Vertical' Panels
Enter the mirrors' board and channel ID's into the 'boardID' and 'channelID' windows, assigning the X and Y mirrors to the horizontal and vertical channels as desired.
Offset and Amplitude
Specifies the magnitude of the horizontal and vertical offsets and amplitudes, in the appropriate units for the scanning device (e.g. volts in the case of mirror galvonometers). Typically the offset and amplitude values are adjusted while observing the beam during one of the scan patterns (see below); the values are adjusted to achieve the desired calibration. For example, the offsets are modified to center the scan pattern on the video image, and the amplitudes are modified so that the maximal horizontal and vertical excursion of the scan pattern coincides with the limits of the video image.
Span
These are user-supplied measurements of the horizontal and vertical distances in the video camera's field of view. These distances must be measured empirically as they depend on the combination of the magnification in the optical system and the size of the camera's sensor. They are readily measured using a micrometer, or moving the stage or a pipet with a calibrated manipulator.
NOTE - failure to specify the span values will result in an error message, and the mapper will not work properly.
Phase Lag
Used for AOD scanners.
Invert
Inverts the polarity of the signals. Check/uncheck 'Invert' as needed so that positive values give rightward (for the horizontal channel) or upward (for the vertical channel) offsets.
Test Scan
Several types of test scans are available. All including 'stationary' are activated by hitting 'Start'.
The 'square' pattern is particularly useful, as its rectangular trajectory should coincide with the edges of the video image when calibrated correctly.
Remember to turn scanning off when you're done, or an error will occur.
Lens
Specify which lens the current calibration applies to.
Notes
Remember to save the settings, i.e., File>Program Manager>Save Configuration