Features

• Models for Broadband, Visible, and NIR Spectral Ranges
• Internal Shutter (<10 ms Switching Time) Allows Fast Background Subtraction
• Amplitude Corrected and Wavelength Calibrated
• Input and Output Triggers with Low Jitter (1 μs) for External Synchronization (TTL)
• PC Connection via USB or Ethernet Interface
• Rugged Crossed Czerney-Turner Spectrometer Design
• 2048 or 4096 Pixel CMOS Line Array
• Includes Multimode Fiber Patch Cable
• Compact Size: 112.0 mm x 93.8 mm x 41.5 mm (4.41" x 3.69" x 1.63")
• Horizontal or Vertical Mounting Options:
  
  • Horizontal Mounting Using Two Through Holes for 1/4"-20 (M6) Screws
  • Two Slots for Vertical Mounting with CL4 Clamps
• Cosine Correctors Available Separately Allow Free-Space Input
• Round-to-Linear Fiber Bundles Optimized for Spectrometer Use Available Separately Below

Thorlabs' compact Crossed Czerny-Turner Spectrometers are available in three models that accept input from an SMA-terminated patch cable. The CCT10 spectrometer offers a wide 200 - 1000 nm spectral range with better than 2 nm resolution. The CCT11 and CCT12 spectrometers have sub-nanometer resolution; one provides detection in the 350 - 700 nm range and the other in the 500 - 1000 nm range, respectively. With dimensions of 112.0 mm x 93.8 mm x 41.5 mm that measure roughly the size of a portable hard drive, the performance of these spectrometers is ideal for educational, research, and OEM applications and for fiber-based systems. Each unit comes wavelength calibrated and amplitude corrected and is shipped with a calibration report and test data.

Although small, these units share features with larger, more expensive spectrometers, such as the ability to be synchronized with other devices via TTL trigger input or output and to automatically compensate for the background from the dark current. Both the input and output triggers have low jitter (1 µs), and can be used for applications which require precise timing, such as Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy. These fiber-coupled spectrometers also integrate naturally into any fiber-based optical system, such as a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) testing station; see the PIC Testing Demo tab for details.

Each spectrometer ships with a 2 m high-speed USB 2.0 type-A to type-C cable and a 2 m long fiber optic patch cable with SMA905 connectors; see the Specs tab for the fiber type included with each spectrometer. These spectrometers are factory calibrated and amplitude corrected with the included patch cable prior to shipment.

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A CCT10 Spectrometer Mounted Using Two CL4 Clamps

Mounting Options
For ease and stability of mounting, our compact CMOS spectrometers are each equipped with two holes through the housing for horizontally mounting to optical tables with 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) screws. Additionally, the spectrometers have two slots for use with CL4 clamps for vertical mounting, as shown in the image to the left.

Software Package for CCT Series Spectrometers
The ThorSpectra software package provides full control of the CCT series spectrometers by a PC with a USB type-B input port, using the included cable, or an Ethernet input port. If a USB type-A input port to the PC that will be used to control the spectrometer is not available, any shielded USB type-C cable can be used to connect the spectrometer to a USB type-C input port on the PC.

The software package features a graphical user interface (GUI) and a set of drivers for .NET, Python, and NI LabVIEW^a. 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. The measurement results can be compared with other stored profiles. If a calibrated spectral source is available, a user wavelength calibration can be performed; the user can then select either the user or factory calibration.

Please see the User Interface tab for more details. The drivers included in the software package allow for complete functional control of the 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. The link to download the software can be found on the Software tab. This software package can also control Thorlabs' optical spectrum analyzers, although a separate software download is required for each instrument series in order to install the necessary device drivers.

Cosine Correctors
Thorlabs cosine correctors (available below) are designed to mate with either an SMA connectorized fiber or the input port of our CCT series spectrometer. They feature diffusers at the input apertures and allow the spectrometers to be used for free-space measurements.

Fiber Bundles
In addition to the SMA-to-SMA patch cable included with each spectrometer (detailed above), Thorlabs offers linear-to-round fiber bundles, which are sold below. These bundles are optimized for use with spectrometers and have a linear fiber array on the spectrometer side of the cable, which matches the geometry of the spectrometer slit. This provides higher signal levels in the spectrometer. See the Bundles vs Cables tab for details.

Thorlabs also offers a large selection of alternative fiber optic patch cables and bundles that may be purchased separately. For example, the M16L01 SMA-to-FC/PC-connectorized cable contains the same fiber as the M14L02 patch cable included with our CCT12 spectrometer. Our reflection probe fiber bundles are a single-cable solution that connects to the spectrometer, light source, and sample for reflection spectroscopy applications (see the Application tab for details). We also offer custom patch cables, which can be ordered here.

For accurate measurements, Thorlabs recommends updating the amplitude correction when using a different patch cable than the one included with the spectrometer through our recalibration service.

Recalibration Service for CCT Series Spectrometers
Thorlabs recommends recalibrating these spectrometers every 12 months and offers a factory recalibration service that includes wavelength calibration and amplitude correction. Although a user wavelength calibration can be performed in the software, amplitude correction requires a factory recalibration. If a replacement or alternative patch cable is used with the spectrometer, Thorlabs recommends factory recalibration using the new cable to update the amplitude correction. To order this service, scroll to the bottom of the page and select Item # CAL-CCT.

• The software package supports LabVIEW versions 14 and up.

Graphical User Interface

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CCT Series Spectrometer GUI Peak Track Analysis Tool
The Peak Track analysis tool tracks the position, amplitude, and width of peaks in the spectrum over time.

Features

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

Adjustable Parameters

• Integration Time
• Trigger Modes: Internal, External, Continuous, Single Shot
• Averaging Method: Gliding or Block Average
• Smoothing Method: Block Smoothing
• Display Mode: nm or Pixel

The CCT Series Spectrometers feature an easy-to-use software package with a 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, with the output from all of the devices presented in a single graph.

The screenshot to the upper right shows the Peak Track analysis mode, which allows the position, amplitude, and width of peaks in the spectrum to be tracked over time. As long as track peak mode is active, the track peak analysis area will be displayed below the graph. A table with information on each peak is to the lower right while the lower left of the screen contains a small toolbox used to set the criteria for identifying the peaks.

Additionally, Thorlabs provides drivers for .NET, Python, and NI LabVIEW for more specific demands. The software package supports LabVIEW versions 14 and up.

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

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CCT Series Spectrometer GUI Split View Screen
The Split View display option shows the full spectrum at the top of the screen, while a user-selectable portion of the spectrum is shown below.

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CCT Series Spectrometer GUI Color Analysis Tool
The Color Analysis tool calculates the chromaticity coordinates and the main wavelength in the spectrum using the CIE 1931, CIE 1960, or CIE 1976 color space.

Software for CCT Spectrometers

The software package for Thorlabs' Compact CCT Series Spectrometers includes a GUI and instrument drivers. For information on writing your own application, including information on additional drivers and tools, see chapter 4 of the CCT Series Spectrometers manual.

This software package can also control Thorlabs' optical spectrum analyzers, although a separate software download is required for each instrument series in order to install the necessary device drivers.

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The CCTxx Spectrometer is shipped with an appropriate patch cable, USB cable, and paper copies of the Amplitude Correction Test Report, Certificate of Calibration, and Quick Reference Guide.

The CCT10 Spectrometer contains the following components:

• Compact Spectrometer for 200 - 1000 nm
• M111L02 SMA MM Fiber Patch Cable, NA 0.22, 105 µm Core, 2 m^*
• USB 2.0 Type-A to Type-C Cable, 2 m
• Test Report
• Certificate of Calibration
• Quick Reference Guide

The CCT11 Spectrometer contains the following components:

• Compact Spectrometer for 350 - 700 nm
• SMA MM Fiber Patch Cable (Contains FG050UGA Fiber), High OH, NA 0.22, 50 µm Core, 2 m^*
• USB 2.0 Type-A to Type-C Cable, 2 m
• Test Report
• Certificate of Calibration
• Quick Reference Guide

The CCT12 Spectrometer contains the following components:

• Compact Spectrometer for 500 - 1000 nm
• M14L02 SMA MM Fiber Patch Cable, Low OH, NA 0.22, 50 µm Core, 2 m^*
• USB 2.0 Type-A to Type-C Cable, 2 m
• Test Report
• Certificate of Calibration
• Quick Reference Guide

*Each spectrometer is calibrated with the included patch cable.

PIC Demo Testing Station

Thorlabs offers a variety of components that enable construction of a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) testing station, including imaging systems, fiber optics, precision piezos, and manual stages. This page presents a demo system that drives an on-chip laser and collects and analyzes the emitted light. The laser chip employed in this example PIC testing setup is a fully integrated, heterogeneous GaAs-on-SiN platform with an array of tunable lasers, with each source capable of coarsely covering the range from 765 to 795 nm. This PIC chip was supplied by Nexus Photonics. The scheme of this PIC testing demo can be generalized and customized to meet the needs of testing various PIC chips and is not restricted to the specific circuit used here. Click on the highlighted areas in Figure 787B or the links in Table 787A to find descriptions of the subsystems that comprise the demo testing station. Tables 787C and 787D provide a comprehensive list of all parts used in the demo.

Figure 787B  PIC Testing Demo Setup

Imaging

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Figure 787E  Image of PIC chip, probes, and collection fiber acquired by the imaging system. The lensed fiber used for light collection can be seen in the lower left of the image. The scale bar shows 1 mm.

A widefield imaging system^a is necessary to facilitate alignment of the probe card and light collection (lensed fiber) systems relative to the the PIC chip. Thorlabs' SFM2 Cerna^® Mini Microscope provides a simple means to construct an imaging system^b. An LP126CU Kiralux^® Scientific Camera attached to the SFM2 Mini Microscope displays the image of the PIC chip, probe card, and collection fiber (shown in Figure 787E). Illumination from a light source like the OSL2 High-Intensity Fiber-Coupled Illuminator can be guided to the chip via the OSL2YFB gooseneck fiber bundle. The combination of an MCM301 Stepper Motor Controller and an MCMK3 USB Joystick with the PLSXY and PLSZ Motorized Translation Stages enables three-dimensional motorized control of the imaging system.

1. In this context widefield means an imaging field comparable to the size of the PIC chip.
2. An EF-Mount Adapter Ring such as the SM2CEFM can be used to connect the camera lens to the Cerna microscope.

Cerna® Mini Microscopes	Halogen Fiber Optic Illuminators	Gooseneck Fiber Bundles	EF-Mount Adapter Rings	Kiralux® Scientific Cameras	Compact Stepper Motor Controller	Joystick for Stepper Motor Controller

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Figure 787F  PIC Chip Close Up Showing Probe Card, Collection Fiber, Illumination, and Imaging Microscope

Light Collection

Figure 787F shows a close up of the light collection geometry. Light emitted from the chip is collected by an LFM1F-1 Lensed Multimode Fiber and coupled into an optical spectrum analyzer (as discussed in the previous section). If multiple facets of analysis are desired, the signal can be split using a multimode fiber optic coupler such as the TM50R2F1B. To achieve adequate signal-to-noise ratio, fine positional control of the collection fiber is necessary. Thorlabs offers many components enabling precision control of fiber optics. Thorlabs' NanoMax™ line provides precision fiber positioning, and a PY004 base allows pitch and yaw control. The NanoMax MAX311D contains piezos, which can be controlled for auto-alignment with a combination of the KNA-VIS and KPC101 K-Cube^® Controllers. The KCH301 and KCH601 K-Cube mounts are available as a USB hubs for the K-Cubes.

Lensed Multimode Fibers	Multimode Fiber Optic Couplers	NanoMax™ Fiber Flexure Stages	High-Load Pitch and Yaw Platform	K-Cube Auto-Alignment Controllers	K-Cube Piezo Controller	K-Cube USB Controller Hubs

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Figure 787G  Screenshot of Spectrum Acquired with the OSA202C

PIC Control and Readout

In order to drive the laser circuit on the chip, current is supplied to the PIC chip via the probe card. Two LDC202C Laser Diode Drivers serve as the current sources here. Emitted light collected from the chip is directed into the fiber-coupled OSA202C Optical Spectrum Analyzer, which provides analysis and display of the signal. Figure 787G shows an example screenshot of the spectrum acquired by the OSA202C.

Depending on the particular PIC chip/testing application, various beam characterization and polarization measurement instruments can be used to construct a custom analysis setup to meet specific needs. Examples include the CCT10 Compact CMOS Spectrometer for spectroscopy, the PNA1 Intensity Noise Analyzer for high frequency-axis noise analysis, and the PAX1000IR1 Polarimeter for polarization measurements.

Laser Diode Drivers	Optical Spectrum Analyzers	Compact CMOS Spectrometers	Intensity Noise Analyzer	Polarimeters

Positioning

MVS05 Vertical Translation Stage	XRV1 Vertical Translation Stage	Compact X-Y Translation Stages

PIC Chip Stage

Vertical (Z-axis) control of the PIC chip aids in focusing the widefield imaging system. A vertical drive stage such as the MVS05 Stage provides this additional degree of freedom. If more range is needed, the MVS1 Vertical Translation Stage allows up to 1" of travel.

Probe Card

The probe card serves to supply a multipoint electrical contact directly to the on-chip devices. To achieve optimal/flush contact with the chip multiple degrees of freedom are necessary. A vertical translation stage such as the XRV1 Stage provides vertical translation, and the LX20 Stage allows XY translation.

Thorlabs offers a wide selection of manual stages including linear translation, rotation, and multi-axis stages.

Optical Tables, Breadboards, and Supports	Solid Aluminum Breadboards	ScienceDesk Workstations	ScienceDesk Shelving	Cable Management

General Setup, Organization, and Cable Management

Thorlabs offers a wide selection of general components and tools for construction, organization, and management of a PIC testing station. Optical tables, breadboards, and supports provide the foundation of any testing setup. ScienceDesk™ workstations can provide a convenient means to construct a vibration isolated table with a small footprint, and shelving affords convenient options for holding tools, equipment, and instruments. Cable management products for electric and fiber optic cables are also available.

Custom Capabilities

Both the lensed fiber holder and probe card holder were custom made for this specific PIC testing station demo application. Thorlabs offers a wide variety of custom solutions and manufacturing capabilities for various applications. Contact techsales@thorlabs.com for further information.

Reflection Spectroscopy Application

Our reflection spectroscopy probes, CMOS spectrometers, lamp-based light sources, and fiber probe holders can be used together to take diffuse reflection, specular reflection, and color measurements.

Spectrometers
Thorlabs offers several CMOS-based spectrometers for use in the visible, NIR, or UV to NIR spectral ranges. The extended-range CCT10 spectrometer operates in the 200 - 1000 nm spectral range with <2.0 nm resolution. The CCT11 and CCT12 spectrometers operate in the 350 - 700 nm or 500 - 1000 nm spectral ranges with <0.5 nm or <0.6 nm resolution, respectively.

Light Sources
The SLS201L tungsten-halogen fiber-coupled light source delivers a 2796 K blackbody-type spectrum in the 360 - 2600 nm wavelength range and has active electronic stabilization for low spectral and intensity drift. Alternatively, the SLS203F Globar fiber-coupled light source provides a 1500 K temperature and 500 - 9000 nm emission range. We also offer fiber-coupled LEDs available with a selection of peak wavelengths or a broadband white-light emission spectra and our line of fiber-coupled laser sources offers a selection of options for intense single-wavelength illumination.

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Diffuse Measurement Taken at 45° Using RPH Holder Block

Reflection Probe Fiber Bundles
Thorlabs offers reflection probes with either high-OH or low-OH multimode fiber for wavelengths from 250 - 1200 nm and 400 - 2400 nm, respectively. Probes are available with a sample end that terminates in either a Ø1/4" probe or an SMA905 connector. We also offer Ø1/4" and SMA-terminated probes with linear fiber bundle spectrometer ends that provide increased spectrometer coupling efficiency for samples with low reflectance. See the Bundles vs Cables tab for details.

If the coaxial illumination provided by a reflection probe bundle is not critical, separate fiber patch cables or bundles with SMA connectors can be used for illumination and signal collection. Our large-core round bundles maximize illumination intensity, while our single-fiber multimode SMA patch cables are useful for precise illumination, or for connection to a fiber-coupled laser. We also offer round-to-linear fiber bundles, which maximize signal strength at the spectrometer.

Reflection Probe Holders
Thorlabs offers the RPS and RPS-SMA fiber probe stands (RPS-SMA shown above and to the right), which allow for precise, stable positioning of the fiber optic probe at an angle of 90° or 45° relative to the sample. The probe holder arms (also sold separately) can also be integrated into other optomechanical setups using Ø1/2" posts. Alternatively, the RPH and RPH-SMA probe holder blocks sit directly on a sample, allowing the fiber tip to be positioned close to the surface and also blocking out room lights from the area under test.

Linear Fiber Bundles vs. Single-Fiber Patch Cables

Entrance Slit Throughput Comparison
Our linear fiber bundles (sold below) can be used in place of the single-fiber patch cables included with these spectrometers to provide a significant increase in signal strength. The images below show how light exiting a linear fiber bundle more closely matches the geometry of the spectrometer's entrance slit than that from a standard patch cable. The accompanying graphs show comparison spectra of an SLS201L broadband light source measured with a CCT10 spectrometer when using a linear bundle versus a standard patch cable. As shown in the graphs below, the Ø105 µm core linear bundles provide a maximum power increase of ~50% versus a comparable single-fiber cable, while the Ø200 µm core linear bundles provide a maximum power increase of ~70%.

Note that, if a replacement or alternative patch cable or fiber bundle is used with the spectrometer, Thorlabs recommends factory recalibration using the new cable to update the amplitude correction.

Ø105 µm Core Cable Comparison

7 Fiber Bundle

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Single-Fiber Cable

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Left: Light exiting the end face of a BFL105LS02 linear bundle placed behind the 20 µm x 1 mm entrance slit of the spectrometer.
Right: Light exiting the end face of an M111L02 fiber patch cable placed behind the 20 µm x 1 mm entrance slit of the spectrometer.

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Comparison of the spectra of an SLS201L broadband light source obtained with a CCT10 spectrometer when using the BFL105LS02 linear fiber bundle versus an M111L02 single-fiber patch cable. The linear bundle provides a ~50% increase in maximum signal strength.

Ø200 µm Core Cable Comparison

7 Fiber Bundle

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Single-Fiber Cable

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Left: Light exiting the end face of a BFL200LS02 linear bundle placed behind the 20 µm x 1 mm entrance slit of the spectrometer.
Right: Light exiting the end face of an FG200UCC fiber patch cable placed behind the 20 µm x 1 mm entrance slit of the spectrometer.

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Comparison of the spectra of an SLS201L broadband light source obtained with a CCT10 spectrometer when using the BFL200LS02 linear fiber bundle versus an FG200UCC single-fiber patch cable. The linear bundle provides a ~70% increase in maximum signal strength.