
FEATURES
 Temporal resolution of within 2 ps
A temporal resolution of 2 ps is achieved for both synchroscan 
and single shot.
 Ultra-high sensitivity (detection of single photons)
The streak tube converts light into electrons which are then 
multiplied by an electron multiplier. This enables detection of 
extremely faint light (at the single-photon level).
(See photon counting integration principle)
Several plug-in module, operating mode.
Accommodates a diverse range of experimental setups 
from single light emitting phenomena to high-speed 
repeated phenomena in the GHz.
Can be used in X-ray to near infrared fields
By selecting the appropriate streak tube (light sensor), the 
C5680 can be used in a wide range of measurement appli-
cations, from X-rays to near infrared light.
Simultaneous measurement of light intensity on 
temporal and spatial (wavelength) axes
Spectrograph can be placed in front of the streak camera, to 
convert the spatial axis to a wavelength axis. This enables 
changes in the light intensity to be measured over various 
wavelength (time-resolved spectroscopy).
IEEE-488 (GP-IB) control
Computer control enables remote control and advanced 
measurements to be performed out using very simple op-
eration.
Diverse selection of peripheral equipment
A full lineup of peripheral devices is available, including 
spectroscopes, optical trigger heads, and expansion units.
OPERATING PRINCIPLE
The light pulse to be measured is projected onto the slit and is 
focused by the lens into an optical image on the photocathode 
of the streak tube.  Changing the temporal and spatial offset 
slightly each time, four light pulses, each with a different light 
itensity, are introduced through the slit and conducted to the 
photocathode.
Here, the photons are converted into a number of electrons   
proportional to the intensity of the incident light. The four light 
pulses are converted sequentially to electrons which are then 
accelerated and conducted towards the photocathode.
As the group of electrons created from the four light pulses 
passes between a pair of sweep electrodes, a high voltage is 
applied (see above), resulting in a high-speed sweep (the elec-
trons are swept in the direction from top to bottom). The elec-
trons are deflected at different times, and at slightly different 
angles in the perpendicular direction, and are then conducted 
to the MCP (micro-channel plate).
As the electrons pass the MCP, they are multiplied several 
thousands of times and are then bombarded against the phos-
phorscreen, where they are converted back into light.
The fluorescence image corresponding to the first incident 
light pulse is positioned at the top of the phosphor screen, follo-
wedby the others, with images proceeding in descending or-
der; inother words, the axis in the perpendicular direction on 
the phosphor screen serves as the temporal axis. The bright-
nesses ofthe various fluorescence images are proportional to 
theintensities of the corresponding incident light pulses. The 
positions in the horizontal direction on the phosphor screen 
correspond to the positions of the incident light in the horizon-
tal direction.
THE PRINCIPLE OF PHOTON COUNTING INTEGRATION
Photoelectrons given off from the photocathode of the streak 
tube are multiplied at a high integration rate by the MCP, and 
one photoelectron is counted as one intensity point on the 
phosphor screen. A threshold value is then used with this pho-
toelectron image to clearly separate out noise.
The operating principle of the streak camera
Positions in the photoelectron image which are above the 
threshold value are detected and are integrated in the memory, 
enabling noise to be eliminated completely. This makes it possi-
ble to achieve data measurements with a high dynamic range 
and high S/N.
Photon Counting Integration
Separation of Photoelectron
Image and Noise
Optical
intensity
Time
Space
Trigger signal
Slit
Lens
Incident light
Photocathode
(light
electrons)
Ac(where electrons 
are accelerated)
Phosphor screen
 → 
light)
The intensity of the incident light 
time and space from the position 
MCP
(welectrons)
Streak image
on phosphor screen
Time
Space
Sweep electrode
(where electrons 
to bottom)
Sweep circuit
A/D
conversion
value
Signal output from CCD camera
Time
(wavelength)
Noise
Photoelectron image
Threshold
value
0ps
Light source: PLP (
 = 800 nm)
Integration time: 1 min.
200ps400ps600ps800ps 1ns 1.2ns 1.4ns 1.6ns 1.8ns
2