Ocean Optics - a Halma PR news blog

CCD-array spectrometer ensures accurate color measurement critical to sorting reliability

Dunedin, Florida (December 20, 2007) – Ocean Optics miniature fiber optic spectrometers have been chosen by Huge Winners CNC System (Shenzhen, China) Co. Ltd. for use in its LED (Light Emitting Diode) sorting systems.  After experiencing reliability and accuracy problems with its existing supplier, Huge Winners elected to switch Ocean Optics’ USB4000 Miniature Fiber Optic Spectrometer, a 3648-element CCD-array spectrometer with enhanced resolution and on-board electronics for convenient integration of spectrometer operation.

Each LED manufactured is unique and has slightly different electronic and optical features, requiring that all LEDs be tested and sorted. In LED sorting machines, color measurement is critical to a machine’s reliability and the quality of its results.

Ocean Optics offered Huge Winners a comprehensive plan to dramatically improve the reliability of its LED sorting system. Following close cooperation between the two companies to develop a workable solution, Huge Winners decided to transfer all its business from its existing spectrophotometer supplier to Ocean Optics Asia, based in Shanghai.

With bulbs moving through their sorters at a rate of approximately 8,000 pieces per hour, speed was another important factor for Huge Winners in selecting a spectrometer.  Ocean Optics’ USB4000 measures and processes individual LED spectral data within 10 to 50 milliseconds.  Spectral data is quickly digitized and processed by computer for dominant and peak value wavelength, CIE color and irradiance (lumens).  Based on these results, the sorter then transports each individual bulb to the appropriate collection bin for storage.  Even under rigorous 18 hour work days, the USB4000 maintains consistent speed and accuracy.

The USB4000 Spectrometer selected by Huge Winners is distinguished by enhanced electronics: 16-bit A/D resolution for auto nulling (an enhanced electrical dark-signal correction); EEPROM storage of calibration coefficients for simple spectrometer start-up; 8 programmable GPIO signals for controlling peripheral devices; and an electronic shutter for spectrometer integration times as fast as 3.8 microseconds – a feature that prevents detector saturation. In addition, the USB4000 has signal-to-noise of 300:1, sensitivity of 130 photons/count at 400 nm, and optical resolution (FWHM) ranging from 0.3-10.0 nm.

About Ocean Optics
Headquartered in Dunedin, Fla., Ocean Optics is a leading supplier of solutions for optical sensing - fundamental methods of measuring and interpreting the interaction of light with matter.  With branch offices in Asia and Europe, the company has sold nearly 100,000 spectrometers worldwide since 1989.  Ocean Optics’ extensive line of complementary technologies including chemical sensors, analytical instrumentation, optical fibers, thin films and optics is also used for diverse applications in medical and biological research, environmental monitoring, science education, and entertainment lighting and display. The company is part of the Halma group of safety and detection companies.

About Huge Winners
Located in Shenzhen, Huge Winners CNC System (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd. (www.hwincnc.com) is a technology leader in LED manufacturing, testing and sorting machines, precision laser machines, PCB drilling machines and semiconductor laser min-machines. The company has over 150 employees and over 40% of its technicians are involved in research and development.

Spectrometer Manufacturer looks to annual conference to introduce new products
Dunedin, Florida (December 14, 2007) – Ocean Optics, the industry leader in miniature photonics, will exhibit new spectrometer products at the 2008 Photonics West Conference and Expo, January 22 – 24, 2008 in San Jose, California.

During the annual conference and expo, Ocean Optics will introduce updates to its product line of spectrometers and measuring instruments including its new Jaz modular sensing suite.

Developed by Ocean Optics to be a stackable, multi-module optical sensing solution, Jaz boasts remote sensing capabilities, has a powerful onboard microprocessor with OLED display and is available with a battery module for field work.

Situated in Booth# 927, Ocean Optics will offer demonstrations of Jaz and other systems, provide visitors technical assistance and generate on-the-spot quotations.

“We anticipate that this Photonics West will be the most exciting one yet for Ocean Optics,” says Rob Morris, Director of Marketing and Customer Relations. “There is so much that is new to share with attendees, including some exciting UV and Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy technologies. But, people will be most amazed by Jaz, which we believe will change the entire face of optical sensing.”