Vinci

Instrument Control

Instrument Configuration and Initialization

The Instrument Configuration Editor of Vinci identifies and enables remote control of all automated devices installed and connected to the instrument. Using this tool, the operator can add or remove devices to or from an existing configuration and save it for future use.

Upon initialization of Vinci for data acquisition, the Instrument Configuration is uploaded, and the software checks the proper operation of each remotely controlled device and alerts the operator in case of malfunction.

Integration of External Devices

Computer-controlled, external devices connected to the spectrofluorometer are also identified and synchronized via the Instrument Configuration Editor. External devices may include a titrator, a stopped-flow apparatus, circulators for temperature control, an automated pressure pump, a thermometer and the frequency synthesizers utilized for time-resolved measurements.

Flexibility

Vinci is easily configured for PC1™, K2™, Chronos™, as well as Phoenix™ (SLM upgrade package). K2™ and Chronos™ can be configured to operate with a variety of light sources including laser diodes, light emitting diodes (LEDs), continuous wave lasers, mode-locked lasers and synchrotron radiation.

Instrument Diagnostic

Vinci contains automatic routines designed to ensure proper operation of the spectrofluorometer. Such routines include measurement of the signal-to-noise ratio using the Raman signal of water, recording of the stability of the signal intensity as well as routines for setting the proper discriminator threshold in photon-counting spectrofluorometers. These built-in diagnostic routines together with the remote access option to the instrument from the ISS Support Center help to maintain the optimal performance of the instrument.

Instrument Control Window

All active devices of the spectrofluorometer including all integrated external devices are displayed on the Instrument Control Window of Vinci. From here, the operator, like the pilot of an airplane, takes control of the entire instrument; the operator has direct control over each device during Experiment Setup and during Data Acquisition. Once the parameters and devices for the measurement are selected the Data Acquisition session is initiated by selecting the <start> button.