Ocean Optics NIRQuest User Manual

Phone

727.733.2447

[e-mail]

(Questions about orders)

Near Infrared Spectrometer

Install ation and Operation Manual

Document Number 016-70000-000-02-201301

Offices:

Ocean Optics, Inc. World Headquarters

830 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, FL, USA 34698

Fax [phone]

8 a.m.– 8 p.m. (Mon-Thu), 8 a.m.– 6 p.m. (Fri) EST

E-mail: [e-mail] (General sales inquiries)

[e-mail] (Technical support)

Additional

Offices:

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Phone

86.21.5206.8686

E-Mail

666 Gubei Road, Kirin Tower, Suite 601B, Changning District, Shanghai,
PRC. 200336

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E-Mail [e-mail]

Ocean Optics EMEA

Sales and Support Center
Geograaf 24, 6921 EW DUIVEN, The Netherlands

Phone [phone]

Fax [phone]

[e-mail]

Regional Headquarters

Maybachstrasse 11
73760 Ostfildern

Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-Mail [e-mail]

Copyright © 2010 Ocean Optics, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from Ocean Optics, Inc.
This manual is sold a s part of an order and subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out or otherwise
circulated without the prior consent of Ocean Optics, Inc. in any form of bind ing or cover other than that in which it is published.

Trademarks

All products and servic es herein are th e trademark s, service mar ks, registered trademarks or registered service marks of their r espective owners .

Limit of Liability

Every effort has been mad e to make this manual as comp lete and as accurate as possible, but no warranty or fitness is implied. The information provided is
on an “as is” basis. Ocean Optics, Inc. shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages arising from
the information contained in this manual.

Table of Contents

About This Manual ......................................................................................................... iii

Document Purpose and Intended Audience .............................................................................. iii

What’s New in this Document ................................................................................................... iii

Document Summary .................................................................................................................. iii

Product-Related Documentation ............................................................................................... iv

Upgrades ....................................................................................................................... iv

Service .......................................................................................................................... iv

Chapter 1: Introduction ..................................................................... 1

Product Description ....................................................................................................... 1

About the Modular Approach ..................................................................................................... 2

Features ........................................................................................................................ 3

Advantages Over NIR Series Spectrometers ................................................................. 4

Interface Options ........................................................................................................... 6

Items Included with Shipment ........................................................................................ 6

Other Accessories Available .......................................................................................... 7

Breakout Box ............................................................................................................................. 7

Chapter 2: Installing the NI RQ ue s t Spect rometer ........................... 9

Overview ....................................................................................................................... 9

NIRQuest Spectrometer Installation............................................................................... 9

USB Mode ................................................................................................................................. 9

Serial Port Mode ........................................................................................................................ 10

Configuring the NIRQuest Spectrometer ....................................................................... 11

Connect Spectroscopic Accessories .............................................................................. 11

External Triggering Options ........................................................................................... 11

NIR Controls .................................................................................................................. 11

SpectraSuite NIRQuest Sp ectrometer Features ....................................................................... 12

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Table of Contents

Chapter 3: Troubleshooting .............................................................. 13

Overview ....................................................................................................................... 13

NIRQuest Spectrometer Connected to Computer Prior to Operating Software .............. 13

Windows Operating Systems .................................................................................................... 13

Remove the Unknown Device from Windows Device Manager ................................................ 14

Remove Improperly Installed Files ............................................................................................ 14

Mac Operating Systems ............................................................................................................ 15

Linux Operating Systems .......................................................................................................... 15

Appendix A: Calibrating the Wavelength of t he NIRQuest

Spectrometer ...................................................................................... 17

About Wavelength Calibration ....................................................................................... 17

Calibrating the Spectrometer ......................................................................................... 17

Preparing for Calibration ............................................................................................................ 17

Calibrating the Wavelength of the Spectrometer ............................................................ 18

Saving the New Calibration Coefficients: USB Mode ..................................................... 20

Appendix B: Specifications ............................................................... 23

How the Spectrometer Works ........................................................................................ 23

NIRQuest Spectrometer Component Table .............................................................................. 24

NIRQuest512 Specific atio n s ..................................................................................................... 25

NIRQuest256 Spectrometer Specifications .................................................................... 28

NIRQuest Spectrometer – Slit Size vs. Resolution and Throughput ............................... 32

NIRQuest Gratings ........................................................................................................ 32

Grating Efficiency Curves .............................................................................................. 34

NIRQuest Optical Resolution for Standard Setups ......................................................... 38

30-Pin Accessory Connector Pinout .............................................................................. 39

30-Pin Accessory Connector Pinout Diagram ........................................................................... 39

30-Pin Accessory Connector – Pin Definitions and Descriptions .............................................. 39

30-Pin J2 Accessory Connector - Part Num ber s....................................................................... 41

NIRQuest 15-Pin Accessory Cable Pinout ..................................................................... 42

Appendix C: NIRQuest512-2.5 and NIRQuest256-2.5 Sensitivity ... 43

Index ................................................................................................... 45

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About This Manual

Document Purpose and Intended Audience

This document provides you with instructions to get your system up and running. In addition to the
NIRQuest Spectrometer installation and operation instructions, this manual also includes information for
locating the SpectraSuite installation instruc t io ns (s e e Product-Related Documentation

What’s New in this Document

This version of the NIRQuest Near Infrared Fiber Optics Spectrometers Installation and Operation

Manual clarifies the installation procedure.

Document Summary

below).

Chapter Description

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Installing the NIRQuest

Spectrometer

Chapter 3: Troubleshooting

Appendix A: Calibrating the Wavelength of

the NIRQuest Spectrometer

Appendix B: Specifications

Appendix C: NIRQuest512-2.5 and

NIRQuest256-2.5 Sensitivity

Introduces the product features. Also contains a list
of items included in the shipment.

Contains information for installing and configuring
your NIRQuest Spectrometer. These instructions
include information on using your NIRQuest
Spectrometer with the spectrometer operating
software.

Contains typical problems and suggested
resolutions.

Contains instructions for calibrating your NIRQuest
Spectrometer.

Contains technical specifications for the NIRQuest
Spectrometer and the NIR Detector. It also includes
grating efficiency graphs and pinout information.

Provides some additional sensitivity specifications
for the NIRQuest256-2.5 and NIRQuest512-2.5
Spectrometer.

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1: Introduction

Product-Related Documentation

You can access documentation for Ocean Optics products by visiting our website at

http://www.oceanoptics.com

document from the available drop-down lists. Or, use the Search by Model Number field at the bottom
of the web page.

• Detailed instructions for SpectraSuite Spectrometer Operating Software are located at:

http://www.oceanoptics.com/technical/SpectraSuite.pdf

• Detailed instructions for External Triggering for firmware versions below 3.0 are located at:

http://www.oceanoptics.com/technical/external-triggering.pdf

• Detailed instructions for External Triggering for firmware versions 3.0 and above are located at:

http://www.oceanoptics.com/technical/external-triggering2.pdf

You can also access operating instructions for Ocean Optics products on the Software and Technical
Resources CD included with the system.

Engineering-level documentation is located on our website at Technical → Engineering Docs.

. Select Technical → Operating Instructions, then choose the appropriate

.

.

.

Upgrades

Occasionally, you may find that you need Ocean Optics to make a change or an upgrade to your system.
To facilitate these changes, you must first contact Customer Support and obtain a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) number. Please contact Ocean Optics for specific instructions when returning a
product.

Service

Our Total Technical Service protection plans protect your spectrometer for one year for any contingency -

- no matter what the circumstances, including total loss. Under these plans, Ocean Optics will repair or
replace your instrument with no deductible or any other out-of-pocket expense required from you.
NIRQuest service plans include the following:

• TTS-NIR: Protects your Ocean Optics NIR spectrometer for any contingency for 1 year.

Provides for full spectrometer replacement, if necessary. Limited to 1 full replacement per year.

• TTS-NIR-E: This special plan for Ocean Optics NIR spectrometers not previously covered

protects for any contingency for 1 year. Provides for full spectrometer replacement, if necessary.
Limited to 1 full replacement per year. This coverage starts 30 days after purchasing the plan.

iv 016-700000-000-02-201301

Chapter 1

Introduction

Product Description

A high-performance optical bench, low-noise electronics and various grating options make NIRQuest
Spectrometers truly extraordinary. This new generation of small-footprint, near infrared spectrometers is
available in four models that cover various ranges between 900 nm and 2500 nm and are ideal for
applications ranging from analyzing moisture content in food and beverage products to analyzing trace
metals in wastewater. In addition to improved optical bench performance, NIRQuest Spectrometers are
available with more grating options than our previous NIR Spectrometers. This enables you to take
advantage of the different grating characteristics to maximize experiment setups. The High Gain Mode
option improves sensitivity (5x) for low light-level applications and low concentration absorption
applications (not recommended for NIRQuest512-2.2 and NIRQuest512-2.5). See

Series Spectrometers for more inform a tion.

Advantages Over NIR

Note

High Gain Mode is not recommended for NIRQuest512-2.2 and NIRQuest512-2.5
spectrometers, but can be used. An additional 30 minute warm-up time is necessary to
stabilize the detector response.

The NIRQuest (Near Infrared) Fiber Optic Spectrometer combines the high-performance InGaAs array
detector with the high-sensitivity NIRQuest optical bench. The NIRQuest Spectrometer and the 16-bit
A/D converter share a single housing, forming a small-footprint plug-and-play system.

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1: Introduction

The NIRQuest Spectrometer can connect via the USB port to any PC that uses a Windows Me/2000/XP
operating system and has spectrometer operat ing soft ware installed and configured for use with your
NIRQuest Spectrometer. Furthermore, the NIRQuest Spectrometer has a serial port for interfacing to PCs,
PLCs, and other devices that support the RS-232 communication protocol.

An EEPROM memory chip in each NIRQuest Spectrometer contains wavelength calibration coefficients,
linearity coefficients, and the serial number unique to each spectrometer. Ocean Optics SpectraSuite
spectrometer operating software reads these values from the spectrometer, which allows “hot-swapping”
of spectrometers among multiple PCs.

As with all other Ocean Optics user-configured spectrometers, you can choose from six slit sizes and
hundreds of fiber optic accessories (such as light sources, probes, and optical fibers) to create the system
just right for your application.

NIRQuest can be used with a Wireless Spectral Server to capture spectral data wirelessly or via Ethernet.

About the Modular Approach

Ocean Optics fiber optic spectrometer systems are based on low-cost, modular data acquisition principles.
A typical NIRQuest Spectrometer system contains four basic elements:

• The NIRQuest Spectrometer (see NIRQuest Spectrometer Models

• The Ocean Optics SpectraSuite spectrometer operating software (see

• Software)

• A light (excitation source) (see Accessories

• A variety of sampling optics (depending on application need) (see Accessories)

The light (excitation source) sends light through an optical fiber to the sample. The light interacts with the
sample, and the results are collected and transmitted through another optical fiber to the spectrometer.
The spectrometer measures the amount of light and transforms the data collected by the spectrometer into
digital information. Finally, the spectrometer passes that information to the operating software.

)

)

NIRQuest Spectrometer Models

The NIRQuest family of spectrometers consists of the following models:

• NIRQuest512 with a detector range of 850 – 1700 nm ; usable range of 900 – 2700 nm

• NIRQuest512-1.9 with a detector range of 1000 – 1900 nm; usable range 1100 – 1900 nm

• NIRQuest512-2.2 with a detector range 900 – 2200 nm; usable range of 900 – 2200 nm

• NIRQuest512-2.5 with a detector range 900 – 2550 nm; usable range of 900 – 2500 nm

• NIRQuest256-2.1 with a detector range of 900 – 2100 nm; usable range of 900 – 2050 nm

• NIRQuest256-2.5 with a detector range of 900 – 2550 nm; usable range of 900 – 2500 nm

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1: Introduction

Software

SpectraSuite is the latest generation of operating software for all Ocean Optics spectrometers. It is a
completely modular, Java-based spectroscopy software platform that operates on Windows, Macintosh
and Linux operating systems. The software can control any Ocean Optics USB spectrometer and device,
as well as any other manufacturer’s USB instrumentation using the appropriate drivers.

SpectraSuite is a user-customizable, advanced acquisition and display program that provides a real-time
interface to a variety of signal-processing functions. With SpectraSuite, you have the ability to perform
spectroscopic measurements (such as absorbance, reflectance, and emission), control all system
parameters, collect and display data in real time, and perform reference monitoring and time acquisition
experiments. Consult the SpectraSuite manual for hardware requirements when using SpectraSuite (see

Product-Related Documentation

).

Accessories

Ocean Optics also offers a complete line of spectroscopic accessories to use with the NIRQuest
Spectrometer. Most spectroscopic accessories have SMA connectors for application flexibility. Thus,
changing the sampling system is as easy as unscrewing a connector and adding a new component or
accessory. A partial list of Ocean Optics spectroscopic accessories includes light sources, sampling
holders, filter holders, flow cells, fiber optic probes and sensors, collimating lenses, attenuators, diffuse
reflectance standards, integrating spheres and an extensive line of optical fibers.

This modular approach, where components are easily mixed and matched, offers remarkable applications
flexibility. You can select from hundreds of products to create distinctive systems for an almost endless
variety of optical-sensing applications.

Breakout Box

Ocean Optics also offers the Breakout Box (HR4-BREAKOUT), a passive module that separates the
signals from their 30-pin port to an array of standard connectors and headers, enabling easy access to a
variety of features found in Ocean Optics’ NIRQuest Spectrometer. In addition to the accessory
connector, the breakout box features a circuit board based on a neutral breadboard pattern that allows
custom circuitry to be prototyped on the board itself.

Features

• Hamamatsu G9204-512 (NIRQuest512), G9205-512 (NIRQUEST512-1.9), G9206-512W

(NIRQuest512-2.2), G9208-512W (NIRQuest512-2.5), G9206-256 (NIRQuest256-2.1), G9208­256 (NIRQuest256-2.5) InGaAs linear array detector

• Wide dynamic range

• Low noise and low dark current

• Spectrometer Design

• Symmetrical Crossed Czerny Turner

• 101mm focal length

• 4 gratings (model-dependent)

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1: Introduction

• 6 slit widths

• Electrical Performance

• 16 bit, 500KHz A/D converter

• Integration times from 1 ms to 120 seconds (depending on spectrometer model)

• Embedded microcontroller allows programmatic control of all operating parameters and

standalone operation

• USB 2.0 480Mbps

• RS232 (2-wire) 115Kbaud

• Multiple communication standards for digital accessories (SPI, I2C)

• Onboard Pulse Generator

• 3 programmable strobe signals for triggering other devices

• Software control of nearly all pulse parameters

• Onboard GPIO

• 10 user-programmable digital I/Os

• EEPROM storage for

• Wavelength Calibration Coefficients

• Linearity Correction Coefficients

• Absolute Irradiance Calibration (optional)

• Plug-n-play interface for PC applications

• 30-pin connector for interfacing to external products

• CE certification

Advantages Over NIR Series Spectrometer s

The NIRQuest Spectrometers offer a high-performance optical bench with low-noise electronics and more
gratings than have been available in the past. The following list of improved features shows how the
NIRQuest offers improved functionality over our previous NIR Spectrometers at a lower cost to you..

• 20 % Higher Throughput. Higher throughput means higher sensitivity and shorter integration

times needed. The chart below compares spectra from the NIR512 with the NIRQuest 512.

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1: Introduction

• 2 to 3 Times Better Noise Performance. This permits integration for longer periods of time and

detection of smaller changes in absorbance. The charts below show 3x noise improvement for the
NIRQuest512 over the NIR512 at a 10-second integ ration time.

• Considerably Better Signal-to-Noise Ratio (now >15000:1 at 100 ms). This allows better

detection in low light levels, use of a smaller slit size (provides higher optical resolution without
sacrificing throughput), and simpler measurement of higher concentration samples.

• True External Trigger with a fixed 1-ms delay after an external event before integration begins.

• Thermoelectric Cooler stabilizes after 1 minute in the NIRQuest 512 vs. 2 minutes in the NIR512.

• More Grating Options are provided (up to 6) to better optimize your application setup.

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1: Introduction

Operating System

Interface Options

The NIRQuest Spectrometer has both USB and serial port connectors (with the use of an adapter),
enabling you to connect the spectrometer to a desktop or notebook computer via a USB port or serial port.
However, you must create custom software if using the serial port. SpectraSuite software is available if
you are connecting via the USB port.

Computer Interface

Desktop or
Notebook PC via
USB Port

Desktop or
Notebook PC via
Serial Port

Requirements

Windows Me/
2000/XP

Any 32-bit Windows
operating system

Cable Needed Description of Cable

USB-CBL-1
(included)

HR4­BREAKOUT
(not included)

Cable connects from USB port on
NIRQuest Spectrometer to USB port on
desktop or notebook PC

Adapter block that enables connection
from serial port on NIRQuest to serial
port on desktop or notebook PC; comes
with 5 VDC power supply (required
when connecting to serial port)

Items Included with Shipment

 NIRQuest Spectrometer
 + 5VDC power supply

Important information and documentation accompany your NIRQuest Spectrometer upon shipment. This
includes:

 Packing List – The packing list is located inside a plastic bag attached to the outside of the

shipment box (the invoice is mailed separately). The items listed on the packing slip include all of
the components in the order, including customized items installed in the spectrometer, such as the
slit. The packing list also includes important information, such as the shipping and billing
addresses, as well as any components on back order.

6 016-700000-000-02-201301

 Wavelength Calibration Data Sheet – Each spectrometer is shipped with a Wavelength

Calibration Data Sheet that contains information unique to your spectrometer. SpectraSuite
Operating Software reads this calibration data from your spectrometer when it interfaces to a PC
via the USB port.

Note

Please save the Wavelength Calibration Data Sheet for future reference.

 15-Pin Accessory Cable (se e NIRQuest 15-Pin Accessory Cable Pinout)
 Software and Resources Library CD – Each spectrometer order comes with Ocean Optics’

Software and Resources Library CD. This disc contains all Ocean Optics software and manuals
for software operation, spectrometers, and spectroscopic accessories. Documentation is provided
in Portable Document Format (PDF). You need Adobe Acrobat Reader version 6.0 or higher to
view these files. Adobe Acrobat Reader is included on the CD.

1: Introduction

Passwords for software applications can be found on the back of the Software and Resources
Library CD package.

Other Accessories Available

Visit us at www.OceanOptics.com for a complete list of products available for all of your spectroscopy
needs.

 Fibers
 Light Sources
 Integrated Sampling Systems
 Cuvettes
 Filter Holders
 Lithium Ion Battery Pack
 HR4-BREAKOUT Breakout Box
 Remora Wireless Spectral Server

Breakout Box

Ocean Optics also offers the Breakout Box (HR4-BREAKOUT), a passive module that separates the
signals from their 30-pin port to an array of standard connectors and headers, enabling easy access to a
variety of features found in Ocean Optics’ NIRQuest Spectrometers. In addition to the accessory
connector, the breakout box features a circuit board based on a neutral breadboard pattern that allows
custom circuitry to be prototyped on the board itself.

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1: Introduction

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8 016-700000-000-02-201301

Chapter 2

Installing the NIRQuest

Spectrometer

Overview

You must install the operating software application prior to connecting the NIRQuest Spec tro meter to the
PC. The Ocean Optics spectrometer operating software installs the drivers require d for NIRQuest
Spectrometer installation. If you do not install the software first, the system will not properly recognize
the NIRQuest Spectrometer.

If you have already connected the NIRQuest Spectrometer to the PC prior to installing the software,
consult Chapter 3: Troubleshooting
installation.

Once you have properly installed the spectrometer, refer to either the SpectraSuite operating instructions
for information on taking measurements.

for information on correcting a corrupt NIRQuest Spectrometer

NIRQuest Spectrometer Installation

This section contains instructions for connecting the NIRQuest Spectrometer via both USB and serial
modes.

Caution

Ensure that TEC power is always applied (using SpectraSuite software) before USB
power.

USB Mode

Follow the steps in this section to interface the NIRQuest Spectrometer via the USB port to a desktop or
notebook PC.

To connect the NIRQuest Spectrometer to a PC via the USB port, the PC must be running the Windows
ME/2000/XP operating system.

016-700000-000-02-201301 9

3:Troubleshooting

► Procedure

1. Install spectrometer operating software on the destinati on computer, and then reboot the

system.

2. Plug the +5VDC wall adapter into an electrical outlet, then connect the power cord to the

2.5 mm power jack (older versions may have a 1.3 mm power jack) on the rear of the
NIRQuest Spectrometer.

3. Locate the USB cable (USB-CBL-1) that came with the NIRQuest Spectrometer.

4. Insert the square end of the cable into the rear of the NIRQuest Spectrometer, and then

insert the recta ngular end into the USB port of the computer.

If the software was installed prior to connecting the NIRQuest Spectrometer, the Add New Hardware
Wizard appears and installs the NIRQuest Spectrometer drivers. If the drivers do not successfully install,
or if you connected the NIRQuest Spectrometer to the computer before installing the software, consult
Chapter 4: Troubleshooting

.

Note

Windows XP users may encounter a Hardware Installation w arning window regarding
Windows XP driver testing. Click the Continue Installation button at this screen, as this
is an expected warning.

Serial Port Mode

To use the serial port capacity of the NIRQuest Spectrometer, the PC must be running a 32-bit version of
the Windows operating system.

►

Procedure

Follow the steps below to connect the NIRQuest Spectrometer to the PC via serial port:

1. Plug the +5VDC wall adapter into an electrical outlet, then connect the power cord to the 2.5 mm
power jack (older versions may have a 1.3 mm power jack) on the rear of the NIRQuest
Spectrometer.

2. Connect one end of the serial cable to the RS-232 connector on the rear of the NIRQuest
Spectrometer, and then connect the other end to a serial port on the PC.

3. Note the serial port number (also called COM Port) on the PC to which the NIRQuest
Spectrometer is connected (some PCs may not have numbered ports).

The NIRQuest Spectrometer is now connected to the PC’s serial port.

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