Ocean Optics - a Halma PR news blog

The Jaz brings harmony to applications where multi-channel spectral analysis is necessary
Dunedin, Florida (June 18, 2008) – Now available from Ocean Optics is a modular optical sensing platform that easily integrates multi-point spectral sampling and reference monitoring into process streams and other sample environments. 

Jaz is a family of stackable, modular and autonomous components that share common electronics and communications. At its heart is a miniature CCD-array spectrometer, available with user-selected grating and slit options optimized for a variety of application needs, in a design that accommodates up to 8 spectrometer channels.

Each Jaz stack includes a powerful microprocessor and display, so that full spectra data can be acquired, processed and stored onboard the unit — without the need for a PC. Spectral data also can be transferred to a laptop or desktop PC for additional post-acquisition processing, such as displaying x-axis values in wavenumbers or nanometers or combining data from multiple spectrometer channels in a single graph.

“Smaller, lower-cost optical sensing systems like Jaz make feasible some spectral applications that were previously cost-prohibitive,” says Mike Kayat, Ocean Optics Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “For example, instead of using expensive laboratory spectrophotometers to monitor the chemical composition of a finished product, a series of less expensive Jaz modules can be installed into process lines or used as rugged handheld instruments in the field.”

In addition, Jaz systems can be rapidly configured for a variety of absorbance, reflectance and emission measurements, with potential applications as far-ranging as monitoring of dye baths for carpeting, verification of color and appearance of food, and analysis of chemical dissolution processes for pharmaceuticals production.

Jaz is also available with an Ethernet module that allows users to connect to the Jaz unit via the Internet, making remote measurements possible and enabling the creation of networked sensing modules. The Ethernet module also has data storage capability via an SD card slot.

The Jaz Lithium-Ion battery module is rechargeable in the field via a solar cell, or in the QC lab or process stream using the Power over Ethernet connection (100 Mbps, IEEE 802.3-compliant 10/100 single-cable), the USB 2.0 port or an external power supply. The battery module also has a power-conserving sleep mode for long-term measurements and two additional SD card slots for storing data. Additional Jaz modules include VIS/NIR or LED light sources.

Jaz can be connected to a variety of fiber optic sampling accessories, including process-ready optical multiplexers, transmission dip probes and flow cells, and temperature-regulated cuvette holders. An add-on holster accessory makes the Jaz wearable, freeing hands to manipulate sampling devices.

Unlike traditional light meters, Jaz provides full spectral analysis in a simple, handheld unit
Dunedin, Florida (June 17, 2008) – The Jaz from Ocean Optics is a modular, handheld optical-sensing instrument now available for radiometric analysis of LEDs, flat panel displays, lamps and other radiant sources. With its small footprint and convenient onboard display, Jaz is ideal for relative intensity measurements of incandescent, high-intensity discharge, UV curing and fluorescent lamps, as well as low-power sources such as LEDs and OLEDs. 

Jaz is family of stackable, modular and autonomous components that share common electronics and communications. Included in the Jaz stack is a CCD-array spectrometer that can be optimized for a variety of radiometric measurements and a microprocessor with onboard display. Unlike traditional light meters, Jaz allows users to capture, process and store full spectra without the need for a PC.  Spectral data can be transferred to a laptop or desktop PC for additional post-acquisition processing, such as calculating color temperature, spectral intensity and color space values.

Jaz’s Ethernet and battery modules offer unmatched portability. The Ethernet module has data storage capability via an SD card slot and allows users to connect to the Jaz unit via the Internet — making remote measurements such as solar irradiance possible and enabling the creation of networked sensing modules. The Lithium-Ion battery module is rechargeable in the field via a solar cell or in the QC lab using the Power over Ethernet connection (100 Mbps, IEEE 802.3-compliant 10/100 single-cable), the USB 2.0 port or an external power supply. The battery module also has a power-conserving sleep mode for long-term measurements and two additional SD card slots for storing data.

“Jaz offers an attractive combination of spectral sensing power and handheld portability for all sorts of lighting measurements,” says Mike Kayat, Ocean Optics Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “As energy savings and cost concerns help drive demand for more efficient LEDs and other types of lighting, the value of simple, convenient diagnostic instrumentation is magnified.”

The Jaz platform also expands to include light sources (VIS-NIR or LED) and additional spectrometer channels. Jaz can be connected to fiber optic sampling accessories such as integrating spheres (for collecting emission with a 360-degree Field of View), cosine correctors (collecting with 180-degree Field of View) and optical fibers. An add-on holster accessory makes the Jaz wearable, freeing hands to manipulate sampling devices.

Jaz build-to-suit instrument puts big spectral sensing power into palm-sized package
Dunedin, Florida (June 16, 2008) – Valuable real-time data can now be collected in a variety of settings with the Jaz, a handheld, field-portable analytical instrument from Ocean Optics that combines the power of optical sensing with onboard computing power.  The level of flexibility Jaz provides will change analysis in custom applications ranging from crop management and environmental analysis to UV radiation and ozone monitoring.

Because of its size and versatility, Jaz is a convenient analytical tool for applications across various industries and disciplines. The spectral data collected and analyzed by Jaz can help growers and horticulturists determine crop ripeness, measure chlorophyll and light levels, and assess reflectance of petals and leaves to gauge plant health. Environmentalists, ecologists and geologists can take accurate forest canopy measurements, examine mineral and soil composition on-site, evaluate water quality, monitor pollution, and study volcanic gas. In marine settings, Jaz measures upwelling/downwellling and delivers fluorescence readings indicating the health of corals and other sea life.  The system can even be used by the military and other emergency responders to detect biological and chemical threats.

Jaz is a family of stackable, modular and autonomous components — a typical setup for field use is about the size of a few decks of cards stacked atop each other — that share common electronics and communications. At its heart is a miniature CCD-array spectrometer, or light measuring device, available with user-selected grating and slit options optimized for a variety of optical sensing application needs. Also incorporated into the Jaz stack is a powerful microprocessor and onboard display with data logging capability, so that full spectra data can be acquired, processed and stored without the need for a PC.

Jaz’s Ethernet and battery modules offer additional functionality for field use. The Ethernet module has data storage capability via an SD card slot and allows users to connect to the Jaz unit via the Internet, making remote measurements possible and enabling the creation of networked sensing modules. For example, a community of Jaz users could map atmospheric ozone measurements around the world and share the data nearly instantaneously.

“The Jaz system is very versatile, as our early adopter customers have demonstrated,” says Mike Kayat, Ocean Optics Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “We have customers now involved in field applications such as environmental engineering, as well as in drug discovery and materials analysis. That’s the power of Jaz – that it is easily adaptable for field, lab or process environments.”

The Lithium-Ion battery module is rechargeable in the field via the solar cell or back in the lab using the Power over Ethernet connection (100 Mbps, IEEE 802.3-compliant 10/100 single-cable), the USB 2.0 port or an external power supply. The battery module also has a power-conserving sleep mode for long-term measurements and two additional SD card slots for storing data.

The Jaz platform also expands to include light sources (VIS-NIR or LED) and additional spectrometer channels. Jaz can be connected to field-ready fiber optic accessories such as cosine corrected irradiance probes for solar irradiance measurements, optical fibers and probes for immersing in fluids or sampling solid surfaces, and devices for adjusting the field of view of the sampling optic. A special holster makes the Jaz wearable, freeing hands to manipulate sampling devices.

Ambitious school project yields color-match data for more than 1,500 gels
Dunedin, Florida (June 10, 2008) – Thanks to a group of enterprising young students from a Lakeland, Fla. high school, lighting designers and other users of the SeaChanger Color Engine (www.seachangeronline.com) by Ocean Optics can now more easily match the dichroic color changer’s extensive palette to gel colors from a variety of leading gel filter manufacturers.

Thirteen students from Santa Fe Catholic High School (www.santafecatholic.org) spent time before and after school hours analyzing more than 1,500 filter gels, which are commonly used in theatrical lighting to create colors. According to student Susan Ritchie, her classmates first collected optical transmission data for each gel using spectrometers and accessories from Ocean Optics, and then matched colors by setting up a stage light with gels and visually comparing the color for each gel with colors produced by the SeaChanger. The SeaChanger product uses dichroic optical filters, which split light into different wavelengths, to create lighting color.

“The students involved in the project came to learn the many different applications of light in addition to theatrical uses,” said Ritchie. “We not only gained experience working in research, but also the knowledge that the matched colors will light future Broadway productions.”

At a May 15, 2008 ice cream social sponsored by Ocean Optics at the high school, company president Rob Randelman presented the students and their project supervisor, fine arts teacher Scott Morris, with certificates of appreciation and a framed poster thanking the students for their work.

“It’s very gratifying to see these students so engaged in a science project that produced tangible, very useful data,” said Randelman. “We are very appreciative of their effort, which occurred on their own time and without the need for significant supervision. It’s nice to be able to continue our long tradition of supporting education with a group of students having such enthusiasm and curiosity about art and science.”

In addition to Ritchie, the students who participated in the project were A.J. Allemang, Eric Bodolay, Kiet Nguyen, Morgan Boatwright, Kathleen Whitfield, Nick Presiozi, Paul McNally, Emma Voithofer, Lindsey Held, Joseph Kedzuf, Desiree Hernandez and Amanda Marconi.

The SeaChanger by Ocean Optics is a CMYG color changer for ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals. Through unique, patented processes, the ESTA Award-winning SeaChanger yields the most robust and highest transmission dichroics available. Users control the color, intensity and saturation of theatrical and studio lighting with unprecedented levels of precision and ease. SeaChanger is available in Profile, Wash and “Studio Dichroics” (extra-saturation) versions.

To learn more, call +1 727.545.0741, send an e-mail to SeaChanger@OceanOptics.com, or visit the SeaChanger website at www.SeaChangerOnline.com.

Spectroscopy Leader Opens its Doors to Teachers June 17, 2008
Dunedin, Florida (May 8, 2008) – Ocean Optics is hosting an open house for high school educators at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida, on June 17, 2008 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. (GMT-5).

Founded by former University of South Florida and University of Central Florida researchers nearly 20 years ago, Ocean Optics continues to be a strong advocate of education and scientific discovery in the community.

The free event will allow local science teachers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience using spectrometers in chemistry, physics and biology instruction. Experiments will be conducted to demonstrate the fundamental principles of absorbance, Beer’s Law and kinetics, using Ocean Optics spectrometers and software.

Lunch will be provided and attendees will receive a free optical fiber as well as a copy of the company’s Applications in Spectroscopy curriculum – a $200 value.

“Our goal is to help educators bring excitement back into the classroom,” says event host, Monde Qhobosheane (Dr. Q). “This is an opportunity for us to advocate for teachers and pupils alike by giving them the tools they need to inspire the next generation of scientists and researchers.”

Those interested in attending this free event can obtain information at www.spectroscopy101.com, by calling Ocean Optics at 727-733-2447 or by emailing education@oceanoptics.com.

Two-Day Learning Conference for Science Teachers June 18-19, 2008
Dunedin, Florida (May 1, 2008) – Ocean Optics, the industry leader in miniature spectroscopy, has announced a two-day learning conference for science educators to be held June 18-19, 2008 at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

The conference is part of the company’s Spectroscopy 101 (www.spectroscopy101.com) learning program, a structured guide that leads educators through the use of Ocean Optics spectrometers by conducting lab experiments in chemistry, physics and biology.  The Education Division of Ocean Optics is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists with curricula that brings excitement and creativity back into the science classroom experience.

Learning conference attendees will be introduced to the basics of spectrometers, spectroscopy software, optical-sensing technologies, and principles such as Beer’s Law, pH measurement and kinetic measurements.

Additionally, attendees will receive a full conference manual with experiments, a SpectraSuite software site license and a 10% discount off any Ocean Optics spectrometer.

The event is co-sponsored by Vernier Software & Technology, publishers of Logger Pro data collection software and is presented by Monde Qhobosheane, Ph.D., known industry-wide as Dr. Q.  Registration for the full conference is only $99.  Additional information and registration details can be obtained at www.spectroscopy101.com, by calling 727-733-2447 or by emailing education@oceanoptics.com.

Color changer produces even deeper blues and more robust reds for dramatic lighting effects
Dunedin, Florida (April 22, 2008) – To meet the increasing demand for more dramatic and saturated lighting options, the SeaChanger Color Engine product line has added the Studio Dichroics Series CYMG hexachromic color changer.  Compatible with all beam-shaping ETC Source Four accessories, the SeaChanger Studio produces rich, vibrant lighting hues for broadcast and film, club and corporate event lighting, and subtractive gobo mixing applications. 

The four-filter CYMG color engine attaches to the reflector housing of any Source Four Ellipsoidal and uses robust dichroic filter technology to create a virtually endless palette of stable, reproducible colors that do not shift or fade with time or temperature.  Color transitions from clear to 100% saturation are possible in less than one second.

The SeaChanger Studio’s patterned filters allow users to control color, intensity and saturation with unprecedented levels of precision.  Users can configure filters in up to 4 billion combinations to create a nearly infinite variety of colors, with an emphasis on deeper blues and truer reds.  The deeper colors are ideal for creating impact for all in-studio and broadcast applications.  The extra saturation is especially useful for modern theater, concert series and event production, where lighting designers are constantly challenged to create more spectacular effects.

The filters have a higher transmission efficiency than gels and other filter materials, and their resistance to temperature and humidity eliminates the need for noisy fans that may interfere with production audio.  Each SeaChanger is a self-contained unit with internal power supply and is controlled via 4-channel DMX, RDM device, or its front-panel membrane keypad with three-digit LCD display. The SeaChanger Studio is compatible with either HMI or tungsten lighting, and will accommodate a variety of stage lighting accessories.

To learn more, call 727.545.0741, send an e-mail to SeaChanger@OceanOptics.com, or visit the SeaChanger website at www.SeaChangerOnline.com.

Choice of stackable modules for lab and field work in optical sensing
Dunedin, Florida (April 9, 2008) – Ocean Optics, a global leader in miniature photonics, has developed a family of modular optical sensing instruments easily adaptable for the field, lab or process environments. 

Jaz is a family of stackable, modular and autonomous components that share common electronics and communications, able to operate together or separately.  By incorporating a powerful microprocessor and onboard display, the need for a PC is eliminated, freeing the Jaz for applications outside the lab.  Ethernet connectivity for Internet-addressable sensing, SD card for data storage and battery module enable completely untethered measurements and data collection.

Jaz features a crossed Czerny-Turner optical bench with a linear CCD-array detector and grating and slit options for a variety of configurations.  The RoHS compliant platform expands to include a UV-VIS light source, rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery and up to eight spectrometer modules, allowing the system to be customized to changing application needs.  The Jaz also accommodates fiber optic accessories such as cuvette holders and fibers.  The OLED display has a wide viewing angle and two user-specified configurations. 

New, long-term warranty the first of its kind in the photonics industry
Dunedin, Florida (April 4, 2008) – Ocean Optics, the industry leader in miniature spectroscopy has instituted an exclusive 3-Year Warranty for the company’s entire line of spectrometers.

Beginning April 1, 2008, spectrometers purchased from Ocean Optics and its authorized distributors are now covered for a full three years against manufacturing defects – regardless of application.  The warranty covers parts and labor needed to repair manufacturing defects that occur during the coverage period and also covers the costs of shipping warranty-related repairs from U.S. customers to Ocean Optics and from Ocean Optics back to the customers.

“To my knowledge, no other manufacturer makes such a bold guarantee,” said Ocean Optics President, Rob Randelman.  “Our spectrometers have gone from the lab to inside active volcanoes and have stood up to rigorous use for years.  That experience, combined with our continuing improvements in quality and manufacturing, ensure the reliability and durability our customers have come to expect.”

More details about Ocean Optics new 3-Year Warranty are available online at www.oceanoptics.com/warranty.asp.

Michael Kayat to lead global sales and marketing activities for leading optical sensing company
Dunedin, Florida (March 25, 2008) – Ocean Optics, a global leader in optical sensing solutions, has appointed Michael Kayat, Ph.D., to the position of Vice President, Sales and Marketing.  He succeeds Rob Randelman, Ph.D., who was promoted to company President.

As Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Kayat will be responsible for managing all sales and marketing activities for the company’s line of miniature fiber optic spectrometers, optical sensors, sampling accessories, light sources, fibers, probe, thin films and optics.  He will supervise a team of application and software sales engineers and identify new applications and markets worldwide for Ocean Optics’ existing and new products.  With world headquarters in Dunedin, Fla. and locations in Europe and Asia, the company is able to provide regional sales and service for its global customers.

Prior to Ocean Optics, Kayat served as President of the Intellectual Capital Consulting division at UTEK Corporation, a specialty finance company focused on open innovation solutions for customers in a wide range of industries including biopharmaceuticals, consumer products, entertainment, semiconductors and telecommunications.  He was previously Director, OEM Sales at semiconductor sensor products company SMaL Camera Technologies, which was acquired by Cypress Semiconductor.  While at SMaL, he was successful in winning multi-year production programs with top global OEMs.  Earlier positions include Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Exa Corporation and sales management positions with two supercomputer companies.  He began his career at LogicaCMG, a global management and systems consulting company. 

“Ocean Optics is a recognized leader in applying cost-effective photonics technologies to a wide range of optical sensing solutions.  Our miniature spectrometer really did change the world,” commented Dr. Kayat.  “We will continue to address our customer’s needs in current and new markets.  As a member of a world class team, together we will take the company to new levels of corporate growth providing innovative products that truly give our customers compelling returns on their investments.”

Before entering the commercial world, Kayat was a research physicist developing and using imaging and spectroscopy instruments on board rockets and satellites.  Together with a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Leicester University (UK) and an undergraduate Physics degree from University of Bristol (UK), Kayat holds an MBA degree from Pepperdine University (USA).  He is a member of several professional organizations including OSA and SPIE, and a member of the Sales and Marketing Executives International.