Spectrometer Features

• Models for the UV, VIS, or NIR Spectral Ranges (One Model Covering the Complete Range)
• Rugged Czerny-Turner-Spectrometer Design with No Moving Parts
• Auto Compensation for Dark Current Noise
• High-Speed USB Connection Offers up to 200 Scans per Second
• Trigger Input for External Synchronization (TTL)
• 16-Bit A/D-Converter
• 3648 Pixel CCD Line Array

Thorlabs' series of fiber-based, compact, Czerny-Turner spectrometers comprises three models. Two are sub-nanometer resolution models that provide detection in the 350 - 700 nm or 500 - 1000 nm range. A third model offers a wide 200 - 1000 nm spectral range with better than 2 nm resolution. With a footprint that measures roughly the size of a pocket calculator or portable hard drive [122 mm (4.8") x 79 mm (3.11") x 29.5 mm (1.16")], the performance of these spectrometers is ideal for educational applications or fiber-based systems.

Although small, the unit shares features with larger, more expensive spectrometers such as the ability to be synchronized via a TTL trigger input (up to 100 Hz) and to automatically compensate for noise created by dark current. The four models share the same design with the CCD chips, gratings, and lenses being optimized for the specified wavelength range.

Mounting Options
For ease and stability of mounting, our compact CCD spectrometers are each equipped with two bottom-located taps separated by 1" (25.4 mm). The imperial versions feature 1/4"-20 taps, while the metric versions are equipped with M6 taps.

Each spectrometer ships with a manual, software CD-ROM, SMB-to-BNC adapter cable for external trigger input, high-speed USB cable (1.5 m), and fiber optic patch cable with SMA connectors (CCS100, CCS175: 50 µm core diameter; CCS200: 200 µm core diameter). All units are factory calibrated by Thorlabs prior to shipment. Recalibration can be easily done by the user at any point.

The SPLICCO Software Package
The spectrometer comes with a software package, called SPLICCO, that has a graphical user interface (GUI) and an extensive set of drivers (C/C++, LabWindows/CVI, Dot NET, NI LabVIEW**, and Visual Basic). The GUI can display the spectra, background, and peaks in a single window if desired. Additionally, diverse algorithms can be applied for smoothing, averaging, or calculating absorption and transmission. Additionally, the measurement results can be compared with other stored profiles. The included drivers allow for complete functional control of the Czerny-Turner Spectrometers featured here, allowing the user to design his or her own interface software or to integrate the unit with a test and measurement setup for automated testing. Please see the User Interface tab for more details. The link to download the software can be found on the Software tab.

**The software packages supports NI LabVIEW from version 8.5 onwards. For earlier versions the code can be converted. Please contact Technical Support for details.

• Ratio of saturation voltage to dark current voltage.
• Scan rates up to 200 Hz (with 5 ms integration time) are only possible when using internal triggering. In external triggering mode, the maximum scan rate for the same integration time is 100 Hz.
• With 10x averaging, depending on integration time; for single-shot applications, signal-to-noise is limited by the dynamic range of the CCD.

Note: These specs are valid only in combination with the included fiber patch cables. See the Shipping List tab for details about the included fibers.

Graphical User Interface

Features

• Operates up to 10 Devices Simultaneously
• Auto-Detection of Compatible Devices
• Available Filters: Peak Finder, Smoothing, Averaging, Flip/Revert Picture
• Algorithms: Gaussian Transformation, Absorbance, Transmittance and Relative Difference Measurement
• Normalized Y Axis
• Persistence Option
• User Wavelength Calibration
• Different Thread for Data Acquisition for Better Responsiveness to User Input
• User Selectable Colors and Shapes
• Saving and Retrieval of Scans (JCAMP-DX or CSV)
• Copy Function to Clipboard
• Printable Windows
• Tabbed or Floating Windows
• Polynomial or Gaussian Data Fitting

Adjustable Parameters

• Integration Time
• Trigger Modes: Internal, External, Continuous, Single Shot
• Averaging Method: Gliding or Block Average
• Smoothing Method: Block Smoothing
• Picture Flip and Revert
• Display Mode: nm or pixel

The CCS Series Spectrometer is featuring the easy-to-use SPLICCO software with graphical user interface. The package is designed for laboratory and manufacturing applications. The data, background, and peaks can be shown in a single graph. With the help of smoothing and averaging algorithms the user is able to enhance specific features of the spectra. Furthermore the software is able to handle several devices at one time which are presented in different windows. The above screen shows the peakfinder screen that lists all peaks with a given min. peak-height (threshold) and peak width.

Additionally, Thorlabs provides drivers for C/C++, LabWindows/CVI, Dot NET, NI LabVIEW**, and Visual Basic for more specific demands. E..g. with the SPLICCO software the spectrum profile can currently not be recorded as a function of time. This feature can be developed with LabVIEW for instance. For this application the expected scan rate would be system dependent, most likely in the range of 1-10 Hz.
(** The software packages supports NI LabVIEW from version 8.5 onwards. For earlier versions the code can be converted. Please contact our TechSupport for details)

Data Processing
The software offers the possibility to load stored data for comparison. This data can be used to calculate and show the absorbance, transmittance or relative difference view.

Relative Difference Measurement

Wavelength Calibration Screen

Software for Spectrometers and USB Line Cameras

This package also includes the instrument drivers for the National Instruments™, LabWindows™/CVI, and LabVIEW™* development environments. The drivers are intended for developers who want to extend or adapt the functionality of the device to their special requirements.

Software

Version 4.3

Standard full software application packages and graphical user interfaces.

OR

Advanced Beta Version*

Version 4.5.103.788 (April 22, 2013)

Full software version software application with latest bug fixes:

• Improved VXIpnp compatibility
• Includes 64bit versions of LabVIEW drivers/examples

*This release candidate software version, which incorporates new features and/or bug fixes as outlined in the change log file on the download page, has been through several rounds of testing and there are currently no significant bugs. Once full testing and documentation is available, this version will become the standard software package. In the interim, Thorlabs is making this complete software file available for those customers whose research endeavors would benefit from the updated features.