Ocean Optics Introduces Miniature CCD-array Spectrometer with Enhanced Electronics

New USB4000 Spectrometer from Ocean Optics is Compact, Super-fast and Versatile

Dunedin, Florida (June 2006) – Ocean Optics, a global leader in optical sensing, display optics, and biophotonics technologies, introduces the USB4000 Miniature Fiber Optic Spectrometer, a 3648-element CCD-array spectrometer with enhanced resolution and on-board electronics for convenient integration of spectrometer operation and additional functions such as light source control and external device triggering. This modular spectrometer is responsive from 200-1100 nm and can be configured with various Ocean Optics optical bench accessories, light sources and sampling optics, to create application-specific systems for thousands of absorbance, reflection and emission applications.

The USB4000 Spectrometer is distinguished by its 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 10 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.

The USB4000 interfaces to PCs, PLCs or other embedded controllers via USB 2.0 or RS-232 serial port. Operated via the serial port, the USB4000 requires a single 5-volt power supply. Data unique to each spectrometer is programmed into a memory chip on the USB4000; Ocean Optics spectrometer operating software reads these values for easy setup and hot swapping among PCs.

The USB4000 replaces Ocean Optics’ USB2000 Spectrometer, one of the most frequently specified miniature fiber optic spectrometers in the world. Ocean Optics pioneered the field of miniature modular spectroscopy more than a decade ago.

Headquartered in Dunedin, Fla., Ocean Optics’ line of spectrometers, chemical sensors, metrology instrumentation, optical fibers, thin films and optics are used for diverse applications in medical and biological research, environmental monitoring, science education, and entertainment lighting and display. Ocean Optics and its German subsidiary, Mikropack, make up the photonics group of the worldwide safety and detection concern, Halma. For more information, phone 727-733-2447.