Ocean Optics QE65 Pro User Manual

[e-mail]

(Technical support)

QE65 Pro Scientific-grade Spectrometer

Install ation and Operation Manual

Document Number 220-12200-000-02-201303

Offices: Ocean Optics, Inc. World Headquarters

830 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, FL, USA 34698

Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]

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

000-00000-000-02-A

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

[e-mail] (Questions about orders)

Additional

Ocean Optics Asia

Phone

86.21.5206.8686

Offices:

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

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

Ocean Optics EMEA

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

Phone [phone]

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

Regional Headquarters
Maybachstrasse 11
73760 Ostfildern

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

Copyright © 2012 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 binding or cover other than that in which it is published.

Trademarks

All products and services herein are the trademarks, servic e marks, registered trademarks or regi stered service marks of their respective owners.

Limit of Liability

Every effort has been made to make thi s m anual as complete 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

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

Product-Related Documentation ............................................................................................... iii

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

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

Product Overview .......................................................................................................... 1

Features ........................................................................................................................ 2

System Requirements ................................................................................................... 3

EEPROM Utili zat ion .................................................................................................................. 3

About Ocean Optics Software ................................................................................................... 3

How Sampling Works ............................................................................................................ 4

Modular Sampling Accessories ............................................................................................. 4

Interface Options ........................................................................................................... 4

Shipment Components .................................................................................................. 5

Other Accessories Available .......................................................................................... 6

Breakout Box ............................................................................................................................. 6

Chapter 2: Installing the QE65 Pro ................................................... 7

Overview ....................................................................................................................... 7

QE65 Pro Installation ..................................................................................................... 7

USB Mode ................................................................................................................................. 7

Serial Port Mode ........................................................................................................................ 8

Configuring the QE65 Pro .............................................................................................. 8

Configuring the QE65 Pro in SpectraSuite ................................................................................ 8

SpectraSuite QE65 Pro Spectrometer Features ....................................................................... 8

Connect Spectroscopic Accessories .............................................................................. 10

External Triggering Options ........................................................................................... 10

220-12200-000-02-201303 i

Table of Contents

Chapter 3: Troubleshooting .............................................................. 11

Overview ....................................................................................................................... 11

QE65 Pro Connected to Computer Prior to Software Installation ................................... 11

Windows Operating S yste m s .................................................................................................... 11

Remove the Unknown Device from Windows Device Manager ........................................... 11

Remove Improperly Installed Files ........................................................................................ 12

Mac Operating Systems ............................................................................................................ 12

Linux Operating Systems .......................................................................................................... 12

Appendix A: Calibrating the Wavelength of t he Q E 65 Pr o ............. 13

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

About Wavelength Calibration ....................................................................................... 13

Calibrating the Spectrometer ......................................................................................... 14

Preparing for Calibration ............................................................................................................ 14

Calibrating the Wavelength of the Spectrometer ...................................................................... 14

Saving the New Calibration Coefficients: USB Mode ..................................................... 16

Appendix B: Specifications ............................................................... 17

Overview ....................................................................................................................... 17

How the QE65 Pro Works .............................................................................................. 17

QE65 Pro Components Table ................................................................................................... 18

QE65 Pro Specifications ................................................................................................ 19

CCD Detector Specifications ..................................................................................................... 19

QE65 Pro Spectrometer Specif icatio ns ..................................................................................... 20

System Compatibility ..................................................................................................... 21

30-Pin Accessory Connector Pinout .............................................................................. 21

30-Pin Accessory Connector Pinout Diagram ........................................................................... 22

30-Pin Accessory Connector – Pin Definitions and Descriptions .............................................. 22

30-Pin J2 Accessory Connector - Part Num ber s....................................................................... 24

QE65 Pro 15-Pin Accessory Cable Pinout ..................................................................... 24

Index ................................................................................................... 25

ii 220-12200-000-02-201303

About This Manual

Document Purpose and Intended Audience

This document provides the user of the QE65 Pro Spectrometer with instructions for setting up,
calibrating and performing experiments with their spectrometer.

What’s New in this Document

This version of the QE65 Pro Scientific-grade Spectrometer Installation and Operation Manual

specification information.

Document Summary

Chapter Description

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Installing the QE65 Pro

Chapter 3: Troubleshooting

Appendix A: Calibrating the

Wavelength of the QE65 Pro

Appendix B: Specifications

Contains descriptive information about the QE65 Pro
Spectrometer and how sampling works. It also provides a list of
system requirements, interface options, and shipment
components.

Provides installation and configuration instructions.

Contains recommended steps to isolate and correct common
problems.

Provides instructions for calibrating the QE65 Pro Spectrometer.

Contains technical specifications and connector pinouts for the
QE65 Pro Spectrometer.

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.

. Select Technical → Operating Instructions, then choose the appropriate

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

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

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

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

220-12200-000-02-201303 iii

.

About This Manual

• Installation instructions for the replaceable slits are locate at:

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

• Detailed instructions for the Breakout Box are located at:

http://www.oceanoptics.com/technical/HR4_breakout.pdf

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

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

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

• http://www.oceanoptics.com/technical/engineering/engineering/OEM%20Data%20Sheet%

20--%20QE65Pro.pdf

You can also access operating instructions for Ocean Optics products from the Software and Technical
Resources CD that ships with the product.

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.

iv 220-12200-000-02-201303

Chapter 1

Introduction

Product Overview

Ocean Optics has taken its best scientific-grade spectrometer, the QE65000, and enhanced its optical
bench to provide unmatched performance to improve response in the UV and shortwave NIR regions. The
Ocean Optics QE65 Pro Spectrometer produces lower stray light and provides superior dynamic range
and high sensitivity for low-light level applications such as fluorescence, Raman analysis and DNA
sequencing.

Ocean Optics QE65 Pro High-Sensitivity Fiber Optic Spectrometer

The QE65 Pro features a Hamamatsu low-etaloning, back-thinned FFT-CCD detector with a 2-D
arrangement of pixels (1044 horizontal x 64 vertical) that is responsive from 200-1100 nm and has a peak
quantum efficiency of ~90% (with a QE of 65% at 250 nm). The detector’s columns are binned, or
summed, inside the detector prior to the readout process, thereby minimizing readout noise. Additionally,
the detector can be cooled down to –15 ºC with the onboard TE-Cooler to reduce dark noise. The
reduction of noise and dark signal allows integration times of the spectrometer (analogous to the shutter
speed of a camera) of up to 15 minutes, which greatly enhances the detection limit in low-light level
applications. The back-illuminated detector has great response in the UV. The inherent UV response
eliminates the need for UV-sensitive detector coatings that can be difficult to apply consistently from
batch to batch.

The combination of the spectrometer’s low-noise detector and 16-bit A/D Converter delivers a dynamic
range of 25000:1 (for a single acquisition) and a signal-to-noise ratio of 1000:1 (at full sign al ).

Replaceable slits are offered for added convenience.

220-12200-000-02-201303 1

1: Introduction

The QE65 Pro’s onboard module has 10 user-programmable digital I/O lines for interfacing to other
equipment; and a pulse generator for triggering other devices. You can use the I/Os to flash a lamp,
stop/start a process, and send a message/alarm during the spectrometer’s integration period. The
spectrometer’s operating parameters can be controlled through software. In fact, wavelength calibration
coefficients unique to each spectrometer are programmed into a memory chip right on the spectrometer.

TheQE65 Pro’s high-speed electronics have been designed for considerable flexibility in connecting to
various modules and external interfaces, including PCs, PLCs and other embedded controllers, through
USB 2.0 or RS-232 communications. Its USB 2.0 interface enables full spectral scans into memory every
7 milliseconds.

The QE65 Pro operates via USB interface. A +5 VDC external power supply is required for the TE
Cooler (TEC) and to operate the spectrometer via an RS-232 interface. This power supply is included
with your spectrometer.

Features

• Hamamatsu S7031-1006S Detector

• Peak QE: 90% at peak; 65% at @ 250 nm

• Back-thinned for good UV sensitivity

• MPP operation for low noise

• TE Cooled

• Spectrometer Design

• Symmetrical Crossed Czerny Turner

• 101mm focal length

• 14 gratings across UV-NIR; HC-1 composite grating for broad wavelength coverage

• 6 slit widths ranging from 50 to 200 µm

• Electrical Performance

• 16 bit, 500KHz A/D converter

• Integration times from 8ms to ~15min

• Embedded microcontroller allows programmatic control of all operating parameters and

standalone operation

• USB 2.0 480Mbps (high-speed) & 12Mbps (full speed)

• RS232 115Kbaud

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

• Onboard Pulse Generator

• 2 programmable strobe signals for triggering other devices

• Software control of nearly all pulse parameters

• Onboard GPIO

• 10 user-programmable digital I/Os

2 220-12200-000-02-201303

1: Introduction

• 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

System Requirements

You can use the QE65 Pro’s USB connectiv ity with any computer that meets the requirements for the
spectrometer operating software being used (W indow s XP/Vista/Windows 7, Mac OS X and Linux). See

About Ocean Optics Software

Alternately, the QE65 Pro has a serial port for connecting to PCs, PLCs, and other devices w ith a
Windows 32-bit operating system that support the RS-232 communication protocol. However, this
connection method requires an external power supply to power the QE65 Pro, the Breakout Box, and a
serial cable.

EEPROM Utilization

.

An EEPROM memory chip in each QE65 Pro contain s w avelength calibration coefficients, linearity
coefficients, and a serial number unique to each individual spectrometer. The OOI software application
reads these values directly from the spectrometer, enabling the ability to “hot-swap” spectrometers
between computers without entering the spectrometer coefficients manually on each computer.

About Ocean Optics 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

Overture software is available for free for limited spectroscopy operating functionality such as absorbance
and transmission measurements (see Product-Related Documentation

OOIBase32 software has been discontinued, but still functions with the QE65 Pro Spectrometer. Consult
the OOIBase32 manual for hardware requirements when using OOIBase32 (see

Documentation).

).

).

Product-Related

220-12200-000-02-201303 3

1: Introduction

Sampling System Overview

How Sampling Work s

Ocean Optics components function in a sampling system as follows:

1. The user stores reference and dark measurements to correct for instrument response variables.

2. The light transmits through an optical fiber to the sample.

3. The light interacts with the sample.

4. Another optical fiber collects and transmits the result of the interaction to the spectrometer.

5. The spectrometer measures the amount of light and transforms the data collected by the

spectrometer into digital information.

6. The spectrometer passes the sample information to OOI software.

7. OOI software compares the sample to the reference measurement and displays processed spectral

information.

Modular Sampling Accessories

Ocean Optics offers a complete line of spectro scop ic ac cesso ri es for use with the QE65 Pro. Most of our
spectroscopic accessories have SMA connectors for application flexibility. Accordingly, changing the
sampling system components is as easy as unscrewing a connector and replacing an accessory.

Interface Options

The QE65 Pro 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

Computer via
USB Port

Desktop or
Notebook PC
via Serial
Port

Operating System Requirements Part Needed Description of Part

SpectraSuite: Windows 2000/XP for
PC; OS X version 10.0 or later for
Mac, or Red Hat 9 or later, Fedora
(any version), Debian 3.1 or later
(Sarge), and SUSE (9.0 or later);
Centos and Ubuntu for Linux

Any 32-bit or 64-bit Windows
operating system

USB-CBL-1
(included)

HR4­BREAKOUT
(not included)

Cable that connects from USB port on
QE65 Pro to USB port on desktop or
notebook PC

Adapter block that enables connection
from serial port on QE 65 Pr o to serial
port on desktop or notebook PC; comes
with 5 VDC power supply (required
when connecting to serial port)

4 220-12200-000-02-201303

1: Introduction

Shipment Components

 QE65 Pro Spectrometer
 + 5VDC power supply

The following information and documentation also ships with the QE65 Pro Spectrometer:

 Packing List

The packing list is inside a plastic bag attached to the outside of the shipment box (the invoice

arrives separately). It lists all items in the order, including customized components in the

spectrometer (such as the grating, detector collection lens, and slit). The packing list also includes

the shipping and billing addresses, as well as any items on back order.

 Wavelength Calibration Data Sheet

Each spectrometer is shipped with a Wavelength Calibration Data Sheet that contains information

unique to your spectrometer. Your spectrometer operating software reads this calib ration dat a

from your spectrometer when it interfaces to a computer via the USB port. Any other interface

requires that you manually enter the calibration data in OOIBase32 (select Spectrometer |

Configure | Wavelength Calibration tab). See the OOIBase32 documentation for more

information (refer to Product-Related Documentation

documentation).

for instructions on accessing OOIBase32

Note

Please save the Wavelength Calibration Data Sheet for future reference.

 Software and Technical Resources CD

Each order ships with the Ocean Optics Software and Resources CD. This disc contains software,

operating instructions, and product information for all Ocean Optics software, spectrometers, and

spectroscopic accessories. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader version 6.0 or higher to view these

files. Ocean Optics includes the Adobe Acrobat Reader on the Software and Technical Resources

CD.

All Ocean Optics software requires a password during the installation process. You can locate

passwords for the other purchased software applications on the back of the Software and

Technical Resources CD package.

220-12200-000-02-201303 5

1: Introduction

Other Accessories Available

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

 Slits
 Fibers
 Light Sources
 Integrated Sampling Systems
 Cuvettes
 Filter Holders
 Lithium Ion Battery Pack
 HR4-BREAKOUT Breakout Box

Breakout Box

Ocean Optics also offers the Breakout Box (HR4-BREAKOUT), a passive module that separates the
signals from their 22-pin port to an array of standard connectors and headers, enabling easy access to a
variety of features found in Ocean Optics’ QE65 Pro 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.

6 220-12200-000-02-201303

Chapter 2

Installing the QE65 Pro

Overview

You must install the operating software application prior to connecting the QE65 Pro Spect rom eter to the
computer. The Ocean Optics spectrometer operating software installs the drivers required for the QE65
Pro spectrometer installation. If you do not install the software first, the system will not properly
recognize the QE65 Pro.

If you have already connected the QE65 Pro to the computer prior to installing the operating software,
consult Chapter 3: Troubleshooting

for information on correcting a corrupt QE65 Pro installation.

QE65 Pro Installation

This section contains instructions for connecting the QE65 Pro via both USB and serial modes.

Caution

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

power.

USB Mode

This section contains instructions for connecting the QE65 Pro in USB mode. To connect the QE65 Pro to
a computer via the USB port, the computer must be running a Windows 2000/XP, Mac OS X or Linux
operating system.

►

Procedure

Follow the steps below to connect the QE65 Pro to a computer via the USB port:

1. Install the spectrometer operating software on the destination computer.

2. If you intend to run the TE Cooler, plug the +5 VDC power supply into the QE65 Pro.

3. Locate the USB cable (USB-CBL-1) provided with the QE65 Pro.

4. Insert the square end of the cable into the side of the QE65 Pro.

5. Insert the rectangular end of the cable into the USB port of the PC.

220-12200-000-02-201303 7

2: Installing the QE65 Pro

If you installed the spectrometer operating software prior to connecting the QE65 Pro, the software
installs the QE65 Pro drivers. If the drivers do not successfully install (or if you connected the QE65 Pro
to the computer before installing the software), consult Chapter 3: Troubleshooting

.

Serial Port Mode

To use the serial port capacity of the QE65 Pro Spectrometer, the PC must be running a 32-bit version of
the Windows operating system (or Windows CE 2.11 or higher for handheld PCs).

►

Procedure

Follow the steps below to connect the QE65 Pro to the PC via serial port:

1. Plug the 5 VDC external power supply into an outlet and connect it to the QE65 Pro.

2. Connect the serial cable adapter block to the appropriate pins of the QE65 Pro’s 30-Pin

Accessory Connector.

3. Connect one end of the 9-pin serial cable to the adapter block on the QE65 Pro, and then connect

the other end to a serial port on the PC.

4. Note the number of the serial port (COM Port) to which you connected the QE65 Pro (some PCs

may not have numbered ports; handheld PCs typically have only one serial port).

Configuring the QE65 Pro

The QE65 Pro can be used with either SpectraSuite or OOIBase32 software when connected to the USB
port. The configuration process differs, depending on whether you are running SpectraSuite or
OOIBase32 software.

Configuring the QE65 Pro in SpectraSuite

If you have followed the previous steps and started SpectraSuite, the spectrometer is already acquiring
data. Even with no light in the spectrometer, there should be a dynamic trace displayed in the bottom of
the graph. If you allow light into the spectrometer, the graph trace should rise with increasing light
intensity. This means the software and hardware are correctly installed.

Note the spectrometer(s) that you have installed are listed in the Data Sources pane.

SpectraSuite QE65 Pro Spectrometer Features

Select Spectrometer | Spectrometer Features, then select the TEC tab to d isp la y the QE65 Pro
Spectrometer controls.

8 220-12200-000-02-201303

2: Installing the QE65 Pro

Control Description

Enable Fan Check this box to turn on the cooling fan.
Enable Thermo-

Electric Control

Check this box to enable (recommended setting for laboratory conditions) or
uncheck to disable the thermoelectric cooler. Be sure to always turn on TEC
power before applying USB power.

Detector Set Point Enter the target temperature of the QE65 Pro Spectrometer detector. The default

is -10ºC. The TEC and fans will operate until the detector reaches this
temperature.

Detector

Displays the current temperature of the detector in the QE65 Pro Spectrometer.

temperature
Enable Periodic

Update

Check this box to enable periodic update of the QE65 Pro detector temperature

controls.
Update Interval If you enabled periodic updates, enter the interval period (in seconds).
Show in Status Bar Check this box to display the detector temperature in the status bar.

220-12200-000-02-201303 9

2: Installing the QE65 Pro

Connect Spectroscopic Accessories

To find operating instructions for QE65 Pro-compatible products (such as light sources, sampling
chambers, and probes), consult the Software and Technical Resources CD or the Ocean Optics website at

http://www.oceanoptics.com/technical/operatinginstructions.asp.

External Triggering Options

You can trigger the QE65 Pro using a variety of External Triggering options through the 30-pin
Accessory Connector on the spectrometer.

For QE65 Pro firmware versions below 3.0, see the External Triggering Options document located at

http://www.oceanoptics.com/technical/External-Triggering.pdf.

For QE65 Pro firmware version 3.0 and above, see the External Triggering Options document located at

http://www.oceanoptics.com/technical/External-Triggering2.pdf. The triggering document contains

instructions for configuring External Triggering options for the QE65 Pro.

Note

Only the external software triggering option is available when using a handheld PC.

10 220-12200-000-02-201303

Chapter 3

Troubleshooting

Overview

The following sections contain information on troubleshooting issues you may encounter when using the
QE65 Pro Spectrometer.

QE65 Pro Connected to Computer Prior to Software Installation

Windows Operating Systems

If you connected your Ocean Optics QE65 Pro device to the computer prior to installing your
spectrometer operating software application (SpectraSuite, Overture or OOIBase32) on a Windows
platform, you may encounter installation issues that you must correct before your Ocean Optics device
will operate properly.

Follow the applicable steps below to remove the incorrectly installed device, device driver, and
installation files.

Note

If these procedures do not correct your device driver problem, you must obtain the

Correcting Device Driver Issues document from the Ocean Optics website:

http://www.oceanoptics.com/technical/engineering/correctingdevicedriverissues.pdf

Remove the Unknown Device from Windows Device Man ager

► Procedure

1. Open Windows Device Manager. Consult the Windows operating instructions for your computer

for directions, if needed.

2. Locate the Other Devices option and expand the Other Devices selection by clicking on the "+"

sign to the imme diate le ft.

.

Note

Improperly installed USB devices can also appear under the Universal Serial Bus
Controller option. Be sure to check this location if you cannot locate the unknown device.

220-12200-000-02-201303 11

3: Troubleshooting

3. Locate the unknown device (marked with a large question mark). Right-click on the Unknown

Device listing and select the Uninstall or Remove option.

4. Click the OK button to continue. A warning box appears confirming the removal of the Unknown

Device. Click the OK button to confirm the device removal.

5. Disconnect the QE65 Pro from your computer.

6. Locate the section in this chapter that is appropriate to your operating system and perform the

steps in the following Remove Improperly Installed Files section.

Remove Improperly Installed Files

► Procedure

1. Open Windows Explorer.

2. Navig ate to the Windows | INF directory.

Note

If the INF directory is not visible, you must disable the Hide System Files and Folders
and Hide File Extensions for Known File Types options in Windows Folder Options.
Access Windows Folder Options from Windows Explorer, under the Tools | Folder
Options menu selection.

3. Delete the OOI_USB.INF in the INF directory. If your computer is running either the Windows

2000 or XP operating system, you must also delete the OOI_USB.PNF file in the INF directory.

4. Navig ate to the Windows | System32 | Drivers directory.

5. Delete the EZUSB.SYS file.

6. Reinstall your Ocean Optics application and reboot the system when prompted.

7. Plug in the USB device.

The system is now able to locate and install the correct drivers for the USB device.

Mac Operating Systems

Since there are no device files for the QE65 Pro Spectrometer in a Mac operating system, you should not
encounter any problems if you installed the spectrometer before the operating software.

Linux Operating Systems

For Linux operating systems, all you need to do is install the softwar e, then unplug and replug in the
spectrometer. Technically, the driver files for Linux simply give nonprivileged users permission to use
newly connected hardware. There isn’t any long-term harm to plugging in the device before installing the
software.

12 220-12200-000-02-201303

Appendix A

Calibrating the W avelength of

the QE65 Pro

Overview

This appendix describes how to calibrate the wavelength of your spectrometer. Though each spectrometer
is calibrated before it leaves Ocean Optics, the wavelength for all spectrometers will drift slightly as a
function of time and environmental conditions. Ocean Optics recommends periodically recalibrating the
QE65 Pro.

About Wavelength Calibration

You are going to be solving the following equation, which shows that the relationship between pixel
number and wavelength is a third-order polynom ial:

λ

= I + C1 p + C2 p2 + C3 p

p

Where:

λ

= the wavelength of pixel p

I = the wavelength of pixel 0

= the first coefficient (nm/pixel)

C

1

= the second coefficient (nm/pixel2)

C

2

= the third coefficient (nm/pixel3)

C

3

You will be calculating the value for I and the three Cs.

3

220-12200-000-02-201303 13

A: Calibrating the Wavelength of the QE65 Pro

Calibrating the Spectrometer

Preparing for Calibration

To recalibrate the wavelength of your spectrometer, you need the following components:

• A light source capable of producing spectral lines

Note

Ocean Optics’ HG-1 Mercury-Argon lamp is ideal for recalibration. If you do not have an
HG-1, you need a light source that produces several (at least 4-6) spect ral lines in th e
wavelength region of your spectrometer.

• A QE65 Pro spectrometer

• An optical fiber (for spectrometers without a built-in slit, a 50-

• A spreadsheet program (Excel or Quattro Pro, for example) or a calculator that performs third-

order linear regressions

µm fiber works best)

Note

If you are using Microsoft Excel, choose Tools | Add-Ins and check AnalysisToolPak
and AnalysisTookPak-VBA.

Calibrating the Wavelength of the Spectrometer

► Procedure

Perform the steps below to calibrate the wavelength of the spectrometer:

1. Place the spectrometer operating software into Scope mode and take a spectrum of your light
source. Adjust the integration time (or the A/D conversion frequency) until there are several
peaks on the screen that are not off-scale.

2. Move the cursor to one of the peaks and position the cursor so that it is at the point of maximum
intensity.

3. Record the pixel number that is displayed in the status bar or legend (located beneath the graph).
Repeat this step for all of the peaks in your spectrum.

4. Use the spreadsheet program or calculator to create a table like the one shown in the following
figure. In the first column, place the exact or true wavelength of the spectral lines that you used.

In the second column of this worksheet, place the observed pixel number. In the third column,
calculate the pix e l number squared, and in the fourth column, calculate the pixel number cubed.

14 220-12200-000-02-201303

A: Calibrating the Wavelength of the QE65 Pro

Independent

Dependent

Values Computed

Variable

Variables

True Wavelength (nm) Pixel # Pixel # 2 Pixel # 3

253.65

296.73

302.15

313.16

334.15

365.02

404.66

407.78

435.84

546.07

576.96

579.07

696.54

706.72

727.29

738.40

751.47

175
296
312
342
402
490
604
613

694
1022
1116
1122
1491
1523
1590
1627
1669

30625
87616

97344
116964
161604
240100
364816
375769
481636

1044484
1245456
1258884
2223081
2319529
2528100
2647129
2785561

5359375
25934336
30371328
40001688
64964808

117649000
220348864
230346397

334255384
1067462648
1389928896
1412467848
3314613771
3532642667
4019679000
4306878883
4649101309

Predicted

Wavelength

from the Regressi o n

Output

253.56

296.72

302.40

313.02

334.19

365.05

404.67

407.78

435.65

546.13

577.05

579.01

696.70

706.62

727.24

738.53

751.27

Difference

0.09

0.01

-0.25

0.13

-0.05

-0.04

-0.01

0.00

0.19

-0.06

-0.09

0.06

-0.15

0.10

0.06

-0.13

0.19

5. Use the spreadsheet or calculator to calculate the wavelength calibration coefficients. In the
spreadsheet program, find the functions to perform linear regressions.

• If using Quattro Pro, look under Tools | Advanced Math

• If using Excel, look under Analysis ToolPak

6. Select the true wavelength as the dependent variable (Y). Select the pixel number, pixel number
squared, and the pixel number cubed as the independent variables (X). After executing the
regression, you will obtain an output similar to the one shown below. Numbers of importance are
noted.

Regression Statistics

Multiple R 0.999999831
R Square 0.999999663 R Squared
Adjusted R Square 0.999999607
Standard Error 0.125540214
Observations 22

Intercept

Coefficients Standard Error

Intercept 190.473993 0.369047536 First coefficient
X Variable 1 0.36263983 0.001684745
X Variable 2-1.174416E-05 8.35279E-07
X Variable 3-2.523787E-09 2.656608E-10 Second coefficient

Third coeffic ient

220-12200-000-02-201303 15

A: Calibrating the Wavelength of the QE65 Pro

7. Record the Intercept, as well as the First, Second, and Third Coefficients. Additionally, look at
the value for R squared. It should be very close to 1. If not, you have most likely assigned one of
your wavelengths incorrectly.

Keep these values at hand.

Saving the New Calibration Coefficients: USB Mode

Ocean Optics programs wavelength calibration coefficients unique to each QE65 Pro onto an EEPROM
memory chip in the QE65 Pro.

You can overwrite old calibration coefficients on the EEPROM if you are using the QE65 Pro via the
USB port.

►

Procedure

To save wavelength calibration coefficients using the USB mode, perform the following steps:

1. Ensure that the QE65 Pro is connected to the PC and that you have closed all other applications.

2. Point your browser to http://www.oceanoptics.com/technical/softwaredownloads.asp
scroll down to Microcode. S elect US B EE PRO M Progra mme r.

3. Save the setup file to your computer.

4. Run the Setup.exe file to install the software. The Welcome screen ap pe ar s.

5. Click the Next button. The Destination Location screen appears.

6. Accept the default installation location, or click the Browse button to specify a directory. Then,
click the Next button. The Program Manager Group screen appears.

7. Click the Next button. The Start Installation screen a ppear s.

8. Click the Next button to begin the installation. On ce the installatio n finishes, the Installation
Complete screen appe ars.

9. Click the Finish button and reboot the computer when prompted.

10. Navigate to the USB EEPROM Progra mmer from the Start menu and run the software.

11. Click on the desired QE65 Pro device displayed in the left pane of the USB Programmer screen.

12. Double-click on each of the calibration coefficients displayed in the right pane of the USB
Programmer screen and enter the new values acquired in Steps 5 and 6 of the

Wavelength of the Spectrometer section in this appendix.

13. Repeat Step 12 for all of the new values.

14. Click on the Save All Values button to save the information, and then Exit the USB Programmer
software.

Calibrating the

and

The new wavelength calibration coefficients are now loaded onto the EEPROM memory chip on the
QE65 Pro.

16 220-12200-000-02-201303

Appendix B

Specifications

Overview

This appendix contains information on spectrometer operation, specifications, and system compatibility.
It also includes accessory connector pinout diagrams and pin-specific information.

How the QE65 Pro Works

Below is a diagram of how light moves through the optical bench of a QE65 Pro Spect rometer. The
optical bench has no moving parts that can wear or break; all the components are fixed in place at the time
of manufacture.

QE65 Pro Spectrometer with Components

220-12200-000-02-201303 17

B: Specifications

QE65 Pro Components Table

Ocean Optics permanently secures all components in the QE65 Pro at the time of manufacture. Only
Ocean Optics technicians can replace interchangeable components, where noted.

Item Name Description

1

2 Slit

3 Filter

4

5 Grating

SMA
Connector

Collimating
Mirror

Secures the input fiber to the spectrometer. Light from the input fiber enters the
optical bench through this connector.

A dark piece of material containing a rectangular aperture, which is mounted directly
behind the SMA Connector. The size of the aperture regulates the amount of light
that enters the optical bench and controls spectral resolution.

You can also use the QE65 Pro without a Slit. In this configuration, the diameter of
the fiber connected to the QE65 Pro determines the size of the entrance aperture.

Only Ocean Optics technicians can change the Slit.
Restricts optical radiation to pre-determined wavelength regions. Li ght pas ses

through the Filter before entering the optical bench. Both bandpass and longpass
filters are available to restrict radiation to certain wavelength regions.

Only Ocean Optics technicians can change the Filter.
Focuses light entering the optical bench to wards the G rating of the spectrometer.

Light enters the spectrometer, passes through the SMA Connector, Slit, and Filter,
and then reflects off the Collimating Mirror onto the Grating.

Diffracts light from the Collimating Mirror and directs the diffracted light onto the
Focusing Mirror. Gratings are available in different groove densities, allowing you to
specify wavelength coverage and resolution in the spectrometer.

Only Ocean Optics technicians can change the Grating.

6

7

8

18 220-12200-000-02-201303

Focusing
Mirror

Back­thinned
Area
Detector
with TE
Cooling

Detector
with OFLV
Filter

Receives light reflected from the Grating and focuses the light onto the CCD
Detector or L2 Detector Collection Lens (depending on the spectrometer
configuration).

Provides 90% quantum efficiency and bins pixels in a vertical column to acquire
light form the entire height of the spectrometer’s slit image. This improves light
collection and signal-to-noise significantly. This 2D area detector is back-thinned
(back-illuminated) and does not require the detector upgrade that is normally
applied to other detectors.

Only Ocean Optics technicians can add or remove the Detector.

Eliminates second-order effects and is used with an HC-1 Grating in a 200-950 n m
wavelength system in a QE65 Pro.

B: Specifications

QE65 Pro Specifications

The following sections provide specification information for the CCD detector in the QE65 Pro, as well
as the QE65 Pro Spectrometer itse lf.

CCD Detector Specifications

Specification Value

Detector Hamamatsu S7031-1006 Low Etaloning
Detector range 200-1100 nm
Pixels 1024 x 58 (1044 x 64 total pixels)
Pixel size 24 μm2
Pixel well depth 300,000 electrons/well, 1.5 m elec/column
Sensitivity 22 electrons/count all λ; 26 photons/count @ 250 nm
Quantum efficiency

90% peak; 65% at 250 nm. See Quantum Efficiency of Detector graph
below.

Quantum Efficiency of Detector

220-12200-000-02-201303 19

B: Specifications

QE65 Pro Spectrometer Specifications

Specification Value

Dimensions (LxWxH) 182 mm (7.16 in.) x 110 mm (4.33 in.) x 47 mm (1.85 in.)
Weight

QE65 Pro
Power Supply

Temperature
Operation
Storage

Humidity 0 – 90% noncondensing
Power consumption

No TE Cooler
With TE Cooler

Supply Voltage 4.5 – 5.5 V
Power-up Time < 5 seconds
Signal-to-noise ratio 1000:1 (single acquisition)
Gratings 21 gratings available

1.18 kg (2.53 lbs.)

0.45 kg (1 lb.)
TE Cooler can only cool 40 °C below ambient temperature

0 °C to +50 °C
–30 °C to +70 °C

500 mA @ 5 VDC

3.5A at 5 VDC

Entrance aperture 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 or 200 µm wide slits

OFLV filters

Focal length f/4, 101.6 mm (input and output)
Optical resolution (FWHM) Depends on grating and size of entrance aperture
Stray light <0.08% at 600 nm; 0.4% at 435 nm
Dark noise 3 RMS counts
Dynamic range 7.5 x 109 (over integration range); 25000:1 for a single integration period
Fiber optic connector SMA 905 to s ingle-strand optical fiber (0.22 NA)
Integration time 8 ms to 15 minutes

20 220-12200-000-02-201303

OFLV-QE (200-950 nm); OFLV-QE-250 (250-1000 nm); OFLV-QE-300
(300-1050 nm); OFLV-QE-350

B: Specifications

Specification Value

Corrected linearity >99.8%
Thermal stability 2±1 pixel shift from -10 to 50°C
Interfaces USB 2.0, 480 Mbps (USB 1.1 compatible); RS-232 (3-wire)

System Compatibility

You can use the QE65 Pro’s USB conne ct iv ity with any compu ter that m eets the requi rements for the
spectrometer operating software being used (W indow s XP/Vista/Windows 7, Mac OS X and Linux). See

About Ocean Optics Software

Alternately, the QE65 Pro has a serial port for connecting to PCs, PLCs, and other devices with a
Windows 32-bit operating system that support the RS-232 comm unication protocol. However, this
connection method requires an external power supply to power the QE65 Pro, the HR4000 Breakout Box,
and a serial cable.

.

30-Pin Accessory Connector Pinout

The QE65 Pro features a 30-pin Accessory Connector, located on the side of the unit as shown:

Location of QE65 Pro 30-Pin Accessory Connector

220-12200-000-02-201303 21

B: Specifications

30-Pin Accessory Connector Pinout Diagram

When facing the 30-pin Accessory Connector on the front of the vertical wall of the QE65 Pro, pin
numbering is as follows:

USB

Port

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29

30-Pin Accessory Connector Pinout Diagram

30-Pin Accessory Connector – Pin Definitions and Descriptions

The following table contains information regarding the function of each pin in the QE65 Pro’s 30-Pin
Accessory Connector:

Pin
#

1 RS232 Rx Input RS232 receive signal – C o mmunicates with a PC over DB9 Pin 3
2 RS232 Tx Output RS232 transmit signal – Com m unic ates with a PC over DB9 Pin 2

3 GPIO (2) Input/Output

4 N/A N/A Reserved

Function Input/Output Description

General purpose software-programmable, digital input/output
(channel number)

5 Ground Input/Output Ground
6 I2C SCL Input/Output I2C clock signal for communication to other I2C peripherals

7 GPIO (0) Input/Output

8 I2C SDA Input/Output I2C data signal for communication to other I2C peripherals

9 GPIO (1) Input/Output

10

11 GPIO (3) Input/Output

12 VCC or 5VIN

22 220-12200-000-02-201303

Ext. Trigger
In

Input

Input or
Output

General purpose software-programmable, digital input/output
(channel number)

General purpose software-programmable, digital input/output
(channel number)

TTL input trigger signal -- See External Triggering Options
document for info

General purpose software-programmable, digital input/output
(channel number)

Input power pin for QE65 Pro – When operating via USB, this pin
can power other peripherals – Ensure that peripherals comply with
USB specifications (no TEC power)

B: Specifications

Pin
#

13

14 VCC or 5VIN

15 SPI Data In Input

16 GPIO (4) Input /Output

17

18 GPIO (5) Input/Output

Function Input/Output Description

SPI Data
Out

Single
Strobe

Output

Input or
Output

Output

SPI Master Out Slave In (MOSI) signal for communication to other
SPI peripherals

Input power pin for QE65 Pro – When operating via USB, this pin
can power other peripherals – Ensure that peripherals compl y with
USB specifications (no TEC power)

SPI Master In Slave Out (MISO) signal for communication to other
SPI peripherals

General purpose software-programmable, digital input/output
(channel number)

TTL output pulse used as a strobe signal – Has a programmable
delay relative to the beginning of the spectrometer integration
period

General purpose software-programmable, digital input/output
(channel number)

19 SPI Cl oc k Output SPI clock signal for communication to other SPI peripherals

20

21

Continuous
Strobe

SPI Chip
Select

Output

Output

22 GPIO (6) Input/Output

TTL output signal used to pulse a strobe – Divided down from the
master clock signal

SPI Chip/Device Select signal for communication to other SPI
peripherals

General purpose software-programmable, digital input/output

(channel number)
23 N/A N/A Reserved
24 N/A N/A Reserved

25

Lamp
Enable

Output

26 GPIO (7) Input/Output

TTL signal driven Active HIGH when the Lamp Enable command

is sent to the spectrometer

General purpose software-programmable, digital input/output

(channel number)
27 Ground Input/Output Ground

28 GPIO (8) Input/Output

General purpose software-programmable, digital input/output

(channel number)
29 Ground Input/Output Ground

220-12200-000-02-201303 23

B: Specifications

Pin
#

30 GPIO (9) Input/Output

Function Input/Output Description

General purpose software-programmable, digital input/output

(channel number)

30-Pin J2 Accessory Connector - Part Numbers

The part numbers for the 30-pin accessory connector on the QE65 Pro Spectrometer are as follows:

• The connector is Pak50™ model from 3M Corp. Headed Connector – Part Number

P50–030P1–RR1–TG.

• The mating connector is Part Number P50–030S–TGF.

• Mating the two components requires two 1.27 mm (50 mil) flat ribbon cables (3M 3365 Series is

recommended).

QE65 Pro 15-Pin Accessory Cable Pinout

Pin # Description Pin # Description

1 Single_strobe 9 GPIO-9
2 ContStrobe 10 GND_SIGNAL
3 V5_SW 11 SDA
4 ExtTrigIn 12 SCL
5 ExtTrigIn 13 LampEnable
6 GPIO-8 14 A_IN
7 A_OUT 15 GPIO-7

8 ExtTrigIn

24 220-12200-000-02-201303

15-pin accessory cable

pinouts, 26

1

Index

document

audience, iii
purpose, iii
summary, iii

E

3

30-pin accessory connector

diagram, 23
part numbers, 25
pin definitions, 23

A

accessories, 6, 10
Accessories, 4
accessory connector

pinout, 22

Adobe Acrobat Reader, 5

B

breakout box, 6

C

EEPROM, 3
External Triggering, 10

F

filter, 19
focusing mirror, 19

G

grating, 19

I

Installation, 7

Serial Port mode, 8

USB mode, 7
installed filter, 19
Interface, 4

Calibrating , iii, 14
calibration, 14

preparing for, 15
procedure, 15

calibration coefficients

saving in USB mode, 17
CCD Detector, 19
collimating mirror, 19
compatibility, 22
Components Table, 19

L2 Detector Collection Lens, 19
Lens, 19

memory chip, 3
mirror, 19

D

Detector Collection Lens, 19

220-12200-000-02-201303 25

Options

L

M

O

Index

Interface, 4

P

packing list, 5
passwords, 5
power supply (external), 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 21, 22
product-related documentation, iii

Q

QE65000

specifications, 20

S

Sampling

Accessories, 4

System, 4
Serial Port mode, 8
setup, 7
shipment components, 5
slit, 19
SMA Connector, 19
Software and Resources Library CD, 5
specifications, 18

QE65000, 20

spectrometer, 21
SpectraSuite, 8

Spectrometer Features

SpectraSuite, 8
spectroscopic accessori es, 10
System Requirements, 3

T

TE Cooler, 1, 2, 7, 21
Triggering, 10
troubleshooting

Linux systems, 12

Mac systems, 12
Troubleshooting, 11

U

upgrades, iv
USB mode, 7
USB-ADP-PC, 4
USB-CBL-1, 4

W

Wavelength Calibration

about, 14
Wavelength Calibration Data File, 5
Wavelength Calibration Data Sheet, 5
what's new, iii

26 220-12200-000-02-201303