Options range from modular setups to fully integrated systems
Dunedin, FL (February 23, 2010) – Miniature spectroscopy pioneer Ocean Optics  has enhanced its line of Raman offerings with the addition of new options for handheld, laboratory and educational applications, with retail pricing on some Raman analyzer models reduced by up to 40%. Modular, turnkey and application-ready kits are among the options available for 532 nm and 785 nm Raman laser analysis of aqueous solutions, powders and surface media.

Ocean Optics offers a complete line of Raman options for handheld, laboratory-grade and teaching lab applications.

Modular options allow users to configure custom Raman systems, tailored to their application. The Ocean Optics high-sensitivity QE65000 Spectrometer is a good foundation, with additional options that include Bragg grating-stabilized 532 nm and 785 nm diode lasers, probes for solid or liquid samples and add-on software modules for sophisticated data analysis. Among the software options are a package for chemometric analysis of various substances, including complex mixtures; a tool for creating and managing spectral libraries; and a tool for supporting compliance with 21 CFR 11, a Food and Drug Administration guideline on electronic records and signatures.

For off-the-shelf solutions, Ocean Optics has expanded its range of fully integrated Raman systems.  All system options include the spectrometer, a 532 nm or 785 nm laser, operating software and sampling accessories for probe- or cuvette-based analysis. The 532 nm laser version has spectral range of 200-3400 cm-1 (Stokes shift) and spectral resolution of ~10 cm-1. Several 785 nm laser options are available, including an economical (below $10,000) system ideal for teaching labs and a pair of robust laboratory-grade systems with slightly narrower spectral ranges (150-1800 cm-1 and 150-3200 cm-1) and spectral resolution of ~6-10 cm-1.  In addition, Ocean Optics has available a budget-friendly handheld Raman system, the RSL-Plus, which starts at less than $15,000 and includes an onboard mini-computer, fiber optic probe and sample compartment.

Ocean Optics also offers additional Raman accessories such as calibration standards, sample compartments and safety glasses. Application-ready combinations of Raman systems, software and accessories are available as off-the-shelf kits.

Comments (0) »

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.

Comments (0) »

Optical pH sensing cuvettes turn spectrophotometers into drift-free pH meters
Dunedin, FL (February 5, 2010) – Proprietary sol gel coating materials developed by Ocean Optics have enabled new technology for convenient, non-intrusive monitoring of biological samples. By encapsulating pH indicator dyes into coatings applied to its new Smart pH Cuvettes, Ocean Optics miniature fiber optic spectrometers and accessories can be used for optical pH sensing of 5.0-9.0 pH range samples.  With Smart pH Cuvettes, pH readings can be taken quickly and accurately using existing spectrometer setups, negating the need for a dedicated pH meter.  PH measurements are critical in applications ranging from DNA analysis, drug discovery, and blood analysis, to environmental monitoring and food and beverage production.

Ocean Optics’ Smart pH Cuvettes turn an existing spectrometer set up into a drift free optical pH meter.

The Smart pH Cuvettes’ immobilized indicator dye is encapsulated into a robust sol gel matrix, allowing for the diffusion of ions while preventing leaching of the dye. Unlike traditional pH electrode meters, Smart pH Cuvettes can be used for monitoring low conductivity samples such as boiler water. In addition, fully integrated Smart Cuvette pH systems provide full spectral analysis to help eliminate errors from changes in turbidity, temperature and ionic strength. The physical properties of the immobilized indicator dye eliminate the need for frequent calibration.

Smart pH Cuvettes are 1-cm square, come in plastic Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or quartz and are coated on their inner walls with a sol gel embedded with Bromocresol Green pH indicator dye. The cuvettes are available separately (in 8-, 50- and 100-cuvette packs) or as part of a fully integrated desktop or handheld spectrometer-based pH system.

The PMMA Cuvettes have a temperature range of -5 °C to 70 °C, while quartz is available for high-temperature applications. The PMMA Cuvettes are compatible with aqueous solutions, ethanol/methanol solutions, ammonia, peroxides and sodium hypochlorite solutions. The quartz cuvettes also can be used in acetone and concentrated acids (including nitric, sulfuric and acetic). Although PMMA cuvettes are designed to be disposable, they can be used multiple times depending on sample environments. 

For additional applications, such as through-package monitoring, Ocean Optics’ proprietary pH-sensitive transducer materials can also be formulated as self-adhesive patches and integrated into biological and other types of sample containers.

Comments (0) »

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.

Comments (0) »

Fluorescence-based optical O2 sensor is portable and battery-operated
Dunedin, FL (January 11, 2010) – The NeoFox Sport is a portable, handheld optical oxygen sensor for measuring dissolved and gaseous oxygen pressure in a variety of media. The sensor uses a proprietary sol-gel coating that is embedded with an oxygen indicator and can be applied to patches or probes. Patches are useful for measuring headspace gases and other parameters inside packages and containers; probe options range from slender, 300 µm-diameter fiber assemblies for fine spatial resolution applications to robust, ¼-inch OD stainless steel configurations for process environments. Coating formulations are available for general lab use, high-sensitivity applications and hydrocarbon-rich sample environments.

The portable Ocean Optics NeoFox Sport measures dissolved and gaseous oxygen pressure in a variety of media.

Comprised of a probe- or patch-based oxygen sensor, plus a phase fluorometer, the NeoFox Sport fluorescence-based optical oxygen system includes an onboard microprocessor with low-power OLED display, a user interface and a battery pack. The user interface permits such functions as setting single- or multi-point calibration and displaying oxygen readings in percent oxygen, partial pressure, moles per liter and other parameters. Data is captured and stored to a 2-GB SD card for retrieval on the NeoFox Sport itself or via an SD card reader connected to a PC. Response times range from <1.0 seconds in gas to ~30 seconds in liquids, with dissolved oxygen range (O2% at 1 Atmosphere) of 0-100% for most applications. 

NeoFox Sport sensors combine the best of advances in materials sciences and phase fluorometry. A fluorescence-based transducer material is trapped in a sol-gel coating that is applied to the probe or patch. When the material, or indicator changes optical properties in response to specific analytes in its immediate environment, the NeoFox Sport measures the response. Unlike polarographic and galvanic oxygen meters, the NeoFox Sport optical oxygen sensor is immune to environmental changes in pH, salinity and ionic strength. Other advantages of optical oxygen sensors include no sample consumption, no need for frequent calibration and no interference from electromagnetic interference.

Optional add-on accessories for NeoFox Sport include a battery-life extender for up to 25 hours of continuous operation and a field-friendly carrying pack with shoulder strap. OEM options are also available.

Comments (0) »

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.

Comments (0) »

Saves OEMs time and money in developing custom software
Dunedin, FL (November 17, 2009) – Initially developed for OEM use in embedded system applications, Ocean Optics  has introduced the new SeaBreeze OEM Driver Software. This compact, fast and flexible software saves OEMs time and money with a basic starting platform that can be customized, by developers, for their own unique applications and instruments.

SeaBreeze OEM Software Development Platform

Without the typical Java run time load of other platforms, SeaBreeze delivers faster processing and is compact enough to be built directly into spectral libraries smaller than 500k. Its superior speed is achieved by minimal overhead between requesting and reading out data. SeaBreeze communicates with devices using different protocols and buses and easily accommodates the addition of support for new features within existing devices. The portable software design enables SeaBreeze to be adapted to new platforms simply by providing a native implementation of the bus interfaces for the target.

Intended for use by experienced C/C++ programmers, SeaBreeze provides a starting point for developers that would otherwise have to create an equivalent device interface because existing options are too large or complex for their application.  It supports most Ocean Optics’ USB spectrometers for Linux and Windows operating systems, and is extensible so developers can add required enhancements to increase functionality and device compatibility.

Ocean Optics’ dedicated OEM engineering team provides expert integration support to assist OEMs with their development challenges.  As the result of specifying and delivering over 100,000 custom-system spectrometers since 1992, the OEM team is able to address any mechanical, software, optical, or electronic integration need. 

To learn more about SeaBreeze, or the company’s full range of sophisticated software, contact Ocean Optics’ dedicated engineering team through its new website, www.oceanoem.com, by phone +1 727-733-2447, or by e-mail oem@oceanoptics.com.

Comments (0) »

Versatile InGaAs-array spectrometer for a host of applications from 900-2500 nm 
Dunedin, FL (September 23, 2009) – A high-performance optical bench, low-noise electronics and various wavelength range options make the NIRQuest Spectrometer from Ocean Optics (www.oceanoptics.com) versatile enough for NIR applications ranging from moisture detection and chemical analysis to high-resolution laser and optical fiber characterization. This robust, plug-and-play spectrometer is available in versions for 900-1700 nm, 900-2050 nm and 900-2500 nm coverage.

NIRQuest uses a high-performance Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs)-array detector in a compact optical bench with thermoelectric cooler and low-noise electronics. A high gain mode option improves system sensitivity for low light-level and low-concentration measurements. In addition, integration times as rapid as 1 ms are possible.

NIRQuest’s modular design and new grating options deliver more customization for a wider variety of applications: moisture analysis in grains and cereals; chemical analysis of blood and tissue; bacterial detection in food and beverage production; nitrogen content monitoring of plants and soils; and chemical composition of pharmaceuticals. A special grating option and external triggering are useful tools for high-resolution (to 0.25 nm FWHM) laser characterization. NIRQuest Spectrometers are also available for integration into OEM devices.

The NIRQuest uses SpectraSuite Spectrometer Operating Software – a modular, Java-based spectroscopy platform that operates in Windows, Mac OS and Linux operating systems. Plus, NIRQuest can be bundled with the Remora Network Adapter from Ocean Optics to turn the system into a multi-user spectral data server over Ethernet or your existing Wi-Fi connection.

Comments (0) »

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.

Comments (0) »

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.

Comments (0) »