Ocean FX Spectrometer Delivers High Acquisition Speed for Light Measurement

Nov. 2, 2017

The Ocean FX miniature spectrometer from Ocean Optics offers high-sensitivity CMOS detector performance, acquisition speed of up to 4,500 scans per second, and integration times as low as 10 µs. With flexible features to manage saturation intensity, it is ideal for high-intensity LED and light source measurement, laser characterization, spectral analysis of rapid events, and plasma monitoring.

Depending on the performance of the operating system to which it is connected, Ocean FX can acquire up to 4500 scans per second. This speed allows users to collect more spectral information over shorter periods of time, contributing to better results. The high speed is also useful to capture rapidly occurring modulation of light output, such as flicker in LEDs and other sources (see Ocean Optics Application Note: https://oceanoptics.com/ocean-fx-high-speed-applications-in-home-lighting/). The powerful onboard processor holds up to 50,000 spectra in its memory and can perform averaging of up to 5,000 spectra, significantly speeding transfer times and reducing bandwidth requirements.

Ocean FX is anchored by a high sensitivity CMOS detector that is responsive from 200-1100 nm. To account for varying light intensity, its adjustable integration time ranges from 10 seconds down to 10 µs. This ability to integrate over much briefer periods – microseconds instead of milliseconds – avoids saturating the detector in even extremely high-intensity applications. Ocean FX’s interchangeable slits give users the ability to further adjust for differences in light source intensity.

Users can operate the Ocean FX via Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB and now SPI communication protocols. The addition gives OEM users greater design flexibility, eliminating the need for cables or additional circuitry to convert signals. Ocean FX is available in versions optimized for the UV-Vis (200-850 nm), Vis-NIR (350-1000 nm) and extended (200-1025 nm) wavelength ranges. Enhanced-sensitivity, and custom and OEM configurations are also available.

To learn more about Ocean FX, contact an Ocean Optics Applications Scientist at [email protected], visit the website at www.OceanOptics.com, or call Ocean Optics World Headquarters at +1 727-733-2447.