Ocean Optics - a Halma PR news blog

Control and collect fiber optic measurements from up to 16 points with a single unit

Dunedin, Florida (March 23, 2007) – To tie together multiple sampling points requiring spectroscopic measurement with various probes, Ocean Optics’ Mikropack office introduces the MPM-2000 Fiber Optic Multiplexer.  The high precision instrument optically couples a light source to either 8 or 16 outputs in sequential order or a spectrometer to either 8 or 16 inputs.  The multiplexer can be used in a range of applications, such as chemical, pharmaceutical, laboratory and glass manufacturing, for accurate, repeatable measurements with fast switching times.

The MPM-2000 is ideally suited to settings where multiple locations need to be measured with multiple probes, all with one spectrometer channel and/or light source. It provides accurate measurements with a repeatability of 99% and optical throughput of greater than 60%.

The instrument distributes light in sequential order, with switching times between channels of less than 150 milliseconds. The instrument’s software and driver provide complete PC control.  Switching order, switching delay time and system calibration are controlled easily by the computer interface.

The MPM-2000 features a precisely controlled DC motor for speed control without sacrificing power. The incremental movements are then converted to a digital pulsed output to assure exact control of sampling sequence. Each channel features a collimating lens connecting to an internal optical fiber system for efficient light collection.

The Optical Multiplexer is available in a one I/O version for connecting a light source or a spectrometer to 16 channels, and a two I/O version for connecting both a light source and a spectrometer to 8 channels each. These are available in both UV/VIS (250-800 nm) and VIS/NIR (350-2000 nm) models.

Three day program offers insight into maximizing the latest technologies and applications in education, scientific research, and industry

Dunedin, Florida (March 15, 2007) – Expert spectrometer guidance geared to specific application needs, interaction with other industry professionals and hands-on testing of the newest field-portable technology are all on tap at Ocean Optics’ Customer Forum 2007, April 23-25.  The program, being held in St. Petersburg, Florida, is intended to provide intensive coverage of the latest technologies, applications and solutions in photonics.  The schedule includes a varied selection of educational sessions, roundtables and field experiments.

The forum is designed to promote a better understanding of miniature spectroscopy, with an optional pre-forum boot camp for those new to the industry, and sessions that range from choosing a spectrometer to fit a given application to getting the most from Java-based spectrometer operating software and programming packages.  In addition, OEM & Distributor roundtables will facilitate discussion of successful spectrometer integration in analytical instruments. Business and research applications of in-situ and non-invasive optical sensor systems will be also be explored.

The highlight of the program will be hands-on opportunities, working one-on-one with Ocean Optics Applications Scientists and Engineers, as well as test driving new product in field experiments.  Customers will have daily access to technical experts in the on-site lab, to learn how to maximize their use of Ocean Optics systems.  Attendees are encouraged to bring non-hazardous, application-specific samples to try.  The company will also debut its newest field-portable technology, the Jaz family of smart sensing Ethernet instruments.  A series of field experiments will allow customers to test out the measurement capabilities of this new system in locations not previously accessible with traditional technology.

For more information, and to register, visit www.OOICustomerForum.com, email CustomerForum@OceanOptics.com, or phone 727-450-5335.

Streamlined next-generation product packages improved sensitivity and upgraded software in a smaller footprint

Dunedin, Florida (February 21, 2007) – The LIBS2500, the next-generation laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system from Ocean Optics, takes LIBS technology to the next level, permitting instant qualitative measurements of elements in solids, solutions and gases for use in materials analysis, biomedical and forensic analysis, environmental monitoring, art restoration and security and defense. Designed to be smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the LIBS2000, the slimmed down system features an improved sensitivity of 10-50 ppm; a series of 2048-element, linear CCD detectors; and a seven-fiber optical sampling probe with a 74-UV collimating lens and a sampling lens.

Traditional LIBS systems typically operate over a small spectral range. In contrast, the LIBS2500 incorporates up to seven high-resolution spectrometers for spectral coverage as broad as 200 - 980 nm. The system operates with any 32-bit, USB-compatible Windows PC over a USB 1.1 or 2.0 interface.

Integral application software fires the laser and identifies the element being analyzed, performing element identification, reference correlation by full pixel, reference correlation by spectral line, time-dependent analysis, and line tracking over multiple samples. In addition, it allows the user to control the exact time of sampling during plasma decay and operates on Method Saving to set and perform procedures for an entire sample test. Elemental Identification and Correlation Software provides instant material identification and a spectral library consisting of 2000+ atomic emission lines from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The streamlined LIBS2500 detection system is portable, compact and rugged. Users can perform in situ real-time measurements in hostile industrial, chemical and biochemical environments.

The accessories required to complete the LIBS2500 system have also been upgraded. The redesigned LIBS Imaging Module, which comes with PixeLINK™ software, allows users to precisely adjust the laser to focus on the region of interest of the test piece. The new LIBS Sample Chamber (LIBS-SC) includes a manual x-y-z stage. The inside lens and spectrometer-probe mounting hardware are reconfigurable, with additional components readily available. The sample chamber also includes a laser safety cutoff switch, along with a blower and evacuation system to feed in alternate gases such as argon.

Ling Sun to lead local team in support of Pacific Rim customers and distributors

Dunedin, Florida (January 25, 2007) –  Optical sensing and spectroscopy manufacturer Ocean Optics has appointed Ling Sun, Ph.D. to head up its newly established Shanghai, China office, Ocean Optics Asia.  As Director of Asia Operations, Sun will provide a regional approach to the sales and service of the company’s optical sensing, display optics, and biophotonics technologies in the rapidly expanding Asian market.

In this new role, Sun will lead a team of application, sales and software engineers, supporting the company’s distributors and customers in the Pacific Rim.  She is responsible for bringing Ocean Optics’ miniature fiber optic spectrometers, optical sensors, sampling accessories, light sources, fibers, probes, thin films and optics to new applications and markets. 

Prior to accepting this position with Ocean Optics, Sun spent more than 2 years as the lead engineer for Ocean Optics products at BAS Japan (Tokyo, Japan), a local distributor for Ocean Optics. 

“With a regional team in place, we will be better positioned to bring Ocean Optics technologies to customers throughout Asia,” said Sun. “Our high-level customer service brings together product experience and technical expertise, enabling both customers and Ocean Optics to take advantage of the power of optical sensing.”

Originally from the Chengdu, Sichuan Province of China, Sun earned a doctorate in Material Sciences from the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo, Japan) in 2004 and a Master of Science Degree from Saitama University (Saitama-shi, Japan) in 2000.  Before moving to Japan to further her education, Sun worked as a newscaster for science and technology programs at Sichuan TV (China), and as a teaching assistant at University of Chengdu Physical Education (Chengdu, China). She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Sichuan Normal University (Chengdu, China) in 1989.

For more information, visit www.oceanopticschina.cn, or call +86 21-5206-8686.  Ocean Optics Asia is located at: 137 Xianxia Road, Suite 1801, Changning District, Shanghai 200051 PRC, China.

Novel Hexachromic Color Changer Turns Source Four Ellipsoidal into Dichroic Zoom Wash Light

Dunedin, Florida (January 12, 2007) – The SeaChanger Wash Color Engine is a novel CYMG hexachromic color changer that turns ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals into dichroic wash lights for theatrical, worship and architectural installations. The SeaChanger Wash consists of the four-filter CYMG color engine and a Fresnel lens barrel that attaches easily to the reflector housing of any Source Four Ellipsoidal. Its manual zoom allows users to adjust the field of view from 20­° to 70°. Color transitions from 0-100% saturation in less than one second are possible.

With the release of the SeaChanger Wash, users can now seamlessly match SeaChanger spot and wash colors in a single installation. 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-digital LED display. The SeaChanger Wash is compatible with 575 W or 750 W HPL and HID lamps, and will accommodate a variety of stage lighting accessories.
The SeaChanger Wash uses patented dichroic filter technology to create a virtually endless palette of stable, reproducible colors that do not shift or fade with time or temperature.

SeaChanger’s dichroic filters provide higher transmission efficiency than gels and other filter materials, and their resistance to temperature and humidity eliminates the need for noisy fans. Its novel xG “Extreme Green” filter combines with the CYM color wheels to produce hexachromic colors, expanding the available gamut to include deeper reds, blues and greens.

To learn more, contact Ocean Optics at 727.545.0741 or SeaChanger@OceanOptics.com, or visit the SeaChanger website at www.SeaChangerOnline.com – click on “Distributors” for information on distributors, direct purchase and rental options.

Flexible device from Ocean Optics quickly delivers multiple complex measurements

Dunedin, Florida (December 15, 2006) – Ocean Optics’ Mikropack office has introduced a compact, easy-to-use, benchtop spectroscopic ellipsometer for thin film measurement. The SpecEL-2000-VIS is ideal for semi-transparent flat samples such as wafers and glass plates. It provides fast, precise measurement of layer thickness, refractive index, absorption and components ratio at the touch of a button.

Half the price of standard spectroscopic ellipsometry equipment, the all-in-one system has a footprint of only 52 x 33 x 24 cm and features an integrated light source, spectrometer and two polarizers. It comes with a 32-bit Windows PC featuring easy-to-use software and measures polarized light reflected from the surface of the substrate to determine the thickness and the refractive index of the material as a function of wavelength.

Depending on the layer and substrate material, the SpecEl can detect layer thickness between 1 nm and 5 µm, and refractive indices over the full 450-900 nm spectral range. Analysis is carried out at the touch of a button within seconds of placing a sample on the wafer-chuck.

The software enables experiment methods to be configured and saved for one-step analysis. The powerful analysis software provides a range of modeling possibilities such as Cauchy, OJL, Tauc-Lorentz, Drude, EMA and different types of oscillators.

Compared to reflectometry, spectroscopic ellipsometry measures relative changes in the phase and amplitude of the light instead of absolute intensity. Ellipsometry’s independence from any reference measurement allows multiple parameters to be determined simultaneously.

XSR Solarization-resistant Fiber Offers Remarkable Resistance to UV Degradation

Dunedin, Florida (November 10, 2006) –XSR Xtreme Solarization-resistant Optical Fiber Assemblies for spectroscopy are manufactured by Ocean Optics using a proprietary process that provides enhanced UV transmission — signal will transmit to 180 nm — and remarkable resistance to UV degradation.  Ideal for deep-UV (<300 nm) applications, XSR Fiber comes in several core diameter sizes and lengths, and couples to Ocean Optics spectrometers and accessories via SMA 905 Connectors. Ocean Optics is the only spectroscopy manufacturer to offer XSR Fiber.

XSR Optical Fiber Assemblies are available in core diameters of 235 microns and 455 microns, in standard lengths of 25 centimeters, 1 meter and 2 meters, with custom lengths also available. A 6-around-1 reflection probe version is available for reflection and fluorescence from solid surfaces, or backscattering and fluorescence in liquids and powders. Shorter-length assemblies are recommended for applications requiring maximum UV throughput.

UV radiation below 300 nm degrades transmission in standard silica fibers, resulting in solarization (increased light absorption in the UV fiber that blocks transmission and can invalidate data). For such applications, Premium-grade XSR Xtreme Optical Fiber Assemblies are a viable alternative to less effective solarization-resistant fibers.
XSR assemblies are robust and durable; each assembly has aluminum coating, stainless-steel BX jacketing, and high-quality SMA 905 Connectors.