SpectraSuite-PAR module allows users to determine Photosynthetically Active Radiation parameters
Dunedin, Florida (July 21, 2010) – A new add-on module for Ocean Optics’  SpectraSuite Spectrometer Operating Software allows users of the company’s miniature spectrometers and Jaz optical sensing systems to calculate Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR), an important parameter for evaluating the effect of light on plant growth. SpectraSuite-PAR uses the absolute irradiance spectrum (captured by the spectrometer) of the light incident on plants and other samples and conveniently converts the irradiance values from µW/cm2 (microwatts per square centimeter) to µmol/m2/s (micromoles per square meter per second), the measurement unit more commonly used for PAR analysis.

New SpectraSuite-PAR software from Ocean Optics allows users of the company’s miniature spectrometers to easily calculate Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) for plant analysis.

In addition to calculating total PAR, SpectraSuite-PAR allows users to define up to five “wavelength bins” (the range of wavelengths to be covered in each data bin), which can be correlated to different phases of plant growth. For example, a bin can be configured over the 400-480 nm range to capture the effects of the blue region of the spectrum, which is typically associated with early stages of plant growth. Also, customers can calculate both the percentage of light in each bin and the red/far red ratio, a parameter associated with plant development and structure.

SpectraSuite-PAR is a particularly powerful analytical tool when used as part of a field-portable Jaz sensing system configured for horticultural applications. Jaz is a family of modular, stackable components — a typical setup for field use is about the size of a few decks of cards — 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 to an SD card without the need for a PC. Jaz irradiance measurement software is also available and nicely complements the SpectraSuite-PAR functions.

SpectraSuite is the standard operating software for Ocean Optics spectrometers. The modular, Java-based spectroscopy software platform operates on Windows, Macintosh and Linux operating systems. The SpectraSuite interface is virtually identical on all operating systems yet retains the familiar appearance of an application native to each OS. SpectraSuite has a wide range of standard functions, from managing multiple USB spectrometers and identifying center wavelength and other peak metrics to calculating color parameters such as CIE illuminants and Color Rendering Index and measuring photometric values such as luminous flux and photopic standard observer functions.

Ocean Optics’ Jaz modular optical sensing platform was chosen as a finalist in the Test and Measurement category of Design News’ annual Golden Mousetrap Awards, recognizing engineering innovation and creativity in product design.

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.

View the complete award entry: http://www.designnews.com/article/449968-Ocean_Optics_Jaz.php

Low-power source offers high pulse rate with great pulse-to-pulse stability
Dunedin, FL (February 12, 2010) – Miniature spectroscopy pioneer Ocean Optics has added a pulsed xenon light source option for its Jaz modular sensing system. The Jaz-PX is a high flash rate, short-arc xenon lamp especially useful for UV-Vis applications such as absorbance, bioreflectance, fluorescence and phosphorescence. The lamp has maximum pulse frequency of 500 Hz and spectral response from 190-1000 nm.

The Jaz-PX from Ocean Optics is ideal for UV-Vis reflection, fluorescence and other applications that require a high-intensity, low-power source. The onboard battery lasts up to 4 hours in the field.

Jaz is a family of stackable, modular components that share common electronics and communications. At its heart is a miniature linear CCD-array spectrometer, available with user-selected grating and entrance slit optimized for a variety of application needs, in a design that accommodates up to 8 spectrometer channels. Each Jaz stack includes a powerful onboard microprocessor and display, which eliminate the need for a PC. Additional Jaz modules are available for battery operation and Ethernet connectivity, as well as for sample illumination (via UV-Vis and Vis-NIR sources) and excitation (via LEDs).

The Jaz-PX operates in both free running and triggered modes, which allow its pulses to be coordinated with other devices in the Jaz stack. Flash-to-flash stability is <1% and the flash rate is 500 Hz. Jaz-PX has an SMA 905 connector that couples to Ocean Optics accessories, including optical fibers, cuvette holders, probes and other sampling optics. Because it produces a pulsed signal, the Jaz-PX is less likely to cause solarization in optical fiber assemblies, which can occur when fibers are illuminated with signal <260 nm.

In addition, Jaz can be configured for a variety of field, lab and process setups. The Jaz-PX is ideal for field applications such as bioreflectance that require a high-intensity, low-power source as no external power supply is required.  When used in the field, the lamp will operate from the power of the battery for approximately 3.5-4 hours. Additional power is available through an optional 50 Watt-hour Jaz battery extender.

Jaz goes beyond traditional light meters to provide full spectral analysis
Dunedin, FL (January 22, 2010) – Now available from Ocean Optics is a light-measurement system for spectroradiometric analysis of LEDs, lamps, flat panel displays and other radiant sources, as well as solar radiation. With its small footprint, powerful microprocessor and low-power display, the new Jaz-ULM-200 is a convenient, versatile alternative to standard light meters and radiometers.

The Ocean Optics Jaz-ULM-200 Light Measurement System collects spectral irradiance data from LEDs, light sources and radiant sources such as the sun.

Jaz is family of stackable components that share common electronics and communications and are configurable for a variety of applications. Included in the Jaz-ULM-200 stack is a CCD-array spectrometer that can be optimized for a variety of radiometric measurements and a microprocessor with onboard display.

Jaz provides functionality not found in traditional light meters, allowing users to capture, process and store full spectra without the need for a PC.  With only three pushes of a button, the system’s irradiance-measurement software, which is stored on an SD card, collects full spectral irradiance information from the selected light source. This data can then be post-processed to give the intensity parameter of choice, including W/cm2, lumens, lux, PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) or any other light intensity parameter. The system’s three-button wizard simplifies operation so that even non-spectroscopy experts are able to perform fast and accurate measurements.

In addition to the Jaz-ULM-200’s spectrometer and microprocessor, it includes an Ethernet module to store data via an SD card slot and allows users to connect to the Jaz unit via the Internet.  The internet capability enables remote measurements such as solar irradiance and the creation of networked sensing modules. Also included are a rechargeable lithium-ion battery module (with SD card slot) for portability and a special mounting fixture for orienting the Jaz stack horizontally to facilitate hands-free operation.

Additional system components include a direct-attach cosine corrector for collecting radiation within a 180-degree Field of View, a carrying case with shoulder strap and a rugged Pelican case for storing all related gear. Software includes the Jaz system software and JAZ-A-IRRAD, an irradiance-measurement application that comes on an SD card.

Extended spectral range with high optical resolution fits project needs and budget
Dunedin, FL (December 14, 2009) – Miniature spectroscopy pioneer Ocean Optics has expanded the wavelength capabilities of several of its popular miniature fiber optic spectrometers. The XR-Series, available for the USB2000+, JAZ-EL2000, and USB4000, covers all wavelengths from ~200-1050 nm with the convenience and affordability of a single, monolithic spectrometer.

XR-Series covers all wavelengths from ~200-1050 nm in a single, monolithic spectrometer.

The new XR-1 grating option developed by Ocean Optics overcomes the traditional challenges of providing broad UV-NIR coverage in a single miniature spectrometer.  With a 500 lines/mm density, the grating delivers high performance at a budget-friendly price, without increasing the system footprint.  The XR-1 grating is available pre-configured in the USB2000+, JAZ-EL2000, and USB4000 and may also be added as an option to custom-built systems.

The XR-Series spectrometers deliver an optical resolution of ~2.0 nm (FWHM).  Ocean Optics’ proprietary order-sorting filter is applied directly to the detector to eliminate second- and third-order effects.  The 25 µm slit on the preconfigured units delivers good optical resolution for most applications. XR-Series spectrometers are a convenient single-instrument solution for setups where both UV-VIS and VIS-NIR measurements are needed, and are well suited to measurement of samples with response across the entire wavelength range, such as solar irradiance, atomic emission line measurement and some plasma applications.

Catch a webcast featuring Scott Parazynski and Keith Cowing at
Mount Everest, using the Ocean Optics Jaz for UV Light analysis.

http://tinyurl.com/npaa3j

Sensing suite used in UV measurement experiments on Earth’s highest mountain
Dunedin, FL (June 9, 2009) – Ocean Optics (www.oceanoptics.com), the industry leader in miniature spectroscopy, recently provided a Jaz Modular Sensing Suite to the trek crew of Return to Everest 2009 – a crew including Keith Cowing, Miles O’Brien, NASA astronaut Scott Parazynski, and others – to measure solar irradiance at extreme altitude.

Jaz was utilized to determine UV intensity levels in the Everest region where levels are typically extremely high.  The handheld Jaz unit that accompanied the Back to Everest 2009 group included solar irradiance scripting language, an SD card for storage of spectra and Jaz’s lithium-ion battery.

The participants used Jaz to measure solar irradiance with a focus on UV levels at an extreme altitude. It is suggested that UV levels on Everest should be among the highest on Earth and Jaz was used to perform analysis of the nature of the sunlight during the experiment phase of the summit.  The amazing expedition was completed successfully on Monday, May 25.

Jaz performs in a number of challenging applications-its compact, handheld design makes it ideal for fieldwork, even in challenging environments like the world’s highest mountain.  Its portability was especially important for the Everest expedition as equipment had to be packed in by the climbers during the arduous ascent. The unit is also flexible enough to be configured with multiple spectrometer channels for process management, quality control and life sciences applications as well.

Jaz’s family of stackable, modular and autonomous components 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.

To learn more about Jaz visit www.oceanoptics.com/products/jaz.asp or contact Ocean Optics at +1 727-733-2447 for additional information.

Optical sensing pioneer’s offerings ideal for monitoring solar panel manufacture and panel operating conditions
Dunedin, FL (April 29, 2009) – Now available from Ocean Optics is a complete line of optical-sensing systems and components that addresses the needs of the growing market for photovoltaic solar cells – from characterization of the thin films comprising such cells to measurement of the spectral output of solar simulators.

Ocean Optics is the inventor of the world’s first miniature fiber optic spectrometer and a pioneer in optical sensing solutions. Its extensive line of low-cost, small-footprint modular spectrometers and accessories can be configured for millions of different UV-Vis-NIR applications. In particular, users can mix and match spectrometers and accessories to monitor photovoltaic thin films used in the manufacture and assembly of solar panels and to measure the spectral output of both the sun and radiant sources such as solar simulators. 

For solar cell production, Ocean Optics spectrometers can be configured for thin film thickness measurement and endpoint detection – important quality control parameters that can assist manufacturers in reducing waste, eliminating off-specification product and increasing yield.  For many manufacturers, small savings or improvements in processes can drive the difference between being successful versus merely surviving in such a competitive market.

Ocean Optics spectrometers, including the company’s flagship USB4000-series spectrometers and the new Jaz modular sensing suite (www.thejazclub.com), are also particularly valuable in monitoring the absolute and relative spectral irradiance of both the sun and artificial sunlight sources such as solar simulators. With the former, measurement of solar characteristics (the sun’s spectral output at various wavelengths and under varying conditions) can help solar system installers position photovoltaic panels most effectively. With solar simulators, the value is in monitoring how reliably the simulators mimic the sun’s light in various environments. Indeed, the promise of simulators is in making it possible to test solar panels and other components inexpensively, so accurate output of such simulators is critical.

Fully integrated Ocean Optics spectrometer systems for most systems designed to measure photovoltaic thin films or the spectral output of solar simulators are available for well under $10,000. Applications Scientists are available for consultation on the optimum setup for each application. Contact Ocean Optics for more information.

Absolute-irradiance and scripting language options increase range of possible applications for modular field portable spectrometer
Dunedin, FL (April 6, 2009) –Ocean Optics, the industry leader in miniature photonics, has increased the usability and flexibility of its Jaz modular optical sensing platform with two new software options, the Jaz-IRRAD for irradiance measurements and the Jaz Scripting Language for building custom applications.  The modular design of the Jaz family allows it to be customized for a range of applications in field, lab or process environments.  With the new software options, users will be able to further tailor measurements to their requirements, without any special programming knowledge.

With Jaz-IRRAD absolute irradiance measurement software, the handheld Jaz transforms into a dedicated light meter, allowing users to measure calibrated absolute irradiance without any need for an external computer. Characteristics such as color temperature, spectral intensity and color space values of LEDs, radiant sources and the sun are captured with just 3 pushes of a button.  Data captured can be post processed to the intensity parameter of choice-Watts/cm2, lumen, luz, PAR, or any other light intensity parameter.

The Jaz Scripting Language offers nearly endless possibilities for creating custom applications.  This powerful tool is simple enough for non-programmers to build measurement sequences into a self-contained application.  Operations such as measuring the sugar content of a liquid, or expressing reflected color in colorspace values such as L*a*b*, can be designed and tested on a PC and loaded onto the Jaz for execution.

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.