Ocean Optics has introduced 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 200-1100nm 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; eight 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 400nm, and optical resolution (FWHM) ranging from 0.3-10.0nm.
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 5V 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.