RGB Photonics Qwave User Manual

User Manual
RGB Photonics GmbH
Qwave Spectrometer
Version: 1.3.0
Date: July 11, 2016

This document is protected by copyright. Do not copy or publish this document or parts
of it without written permission of RGB Photonics GmbH.

Product specifications and descriptions in this manual are subject to change without
notice. RGB Photonics GmbH will not be responsible for errors and omissions in this
manual or for direct or incidental damages in connection with the use of this device or
information.

© 2016 RGB Photonics GmbH
Donaupark 13
93309 Kelheim
Germany

Telephone: [phone]
Website: http://www.rgb-photonics.com
E-Mail: [e-mail]

Contents

1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 1

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

1.2 System Requirements ............................................................................................................... 2

1.3 Package Contents....................................................................................................................... 2

1.4 Optional Accessories ................................................................................................................. 2

2 Installation ......................................................................................................................... 3

2.1 Device with USB interface........................................................................................................ 3

2.2 Device with UART interface ..................................................................................................... 3

2.3 Optical Setup ............................................................................................................................... 4

2.4 Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................................... 5

3 Operation ........................................................................................................................... 7

3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 7

3.2 Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 7

3.3 Taking Spectra ............................................................................................................................. 8

3.4 Spectrum Display ....................................................................................................................... 9

3.5 Working with spectra .............................................................................................................. 10

3.6 File Operations .......................................................................................................................... 11

3.7 Spectrum Analysis .................................................................................................................... 11

3.8 Absorption, Reflection and Transmission Measurements ........................................... 13

3.9 Calibration .................................................................................................................................. 15

3.10 Triggering and I/O Port ........................................................................................................ 18

4 Software Development Kit ....................................................................................... 20

4.1 Prerequisites .............................................................................................................................. 20

4.2 Getting started .......................................................................................................................... 20

4.3 Classes Overview ...................................................................................................................... 20

4.4 Adding the SDK library to your project ............................................................................ 21

4.5 Taking a spectrum .................................................................................................................... 22

4.6 Deploying your project .......................................................................................................... 22

5 Technical Support ........................................................................................................ 23

5.1 Getting Help ............................................................................................................................... 23

5.2 Software Updates ..................................................................................................................... 23

6 Specifications ................................................................................................................. 24

6.2 Pin Assignment ......................................................................................................................... 26

7 Certifications and Compliance ................................................................................ 28

Introduction

1

1 Introduction

1.1 Product Overview

With its focal length of 75 mm, the Qwave spectrometer offers technical specifications
that you would normally expect to find in much larger spectrometers. It is controlled and

sophisticated algorithms for data acquisition and evaluation, but also provides these
features through a clear and straightforward interface. This makes the Qwave to be the
ideal spectroscopic instrument for all scientific applications that require a resolution of

0.2 to 0.5 nm and a numerical aperture of up to 0.10.

Qwave Hardware Features

Miniature design
Spectral resolution of 0.5 nm (across full VIS range)
High sensitivity and dynamic range
Exceptional thermal stability
Optical input via SMA fiber connector or free focused beam (other options

available)

4 I/O channels for external triggering, light source control and general purpose I/O
Controlled and powered via USB 2.0

Waves Software Features

Take and display series of spectra
Dynamic exposure control with dark spectrum interpolation
Import most ASCII-based file formats
Export as ASCII table to almost any numerical analysis software
Comprehensive tools for displaying and analyzing spectra
for comparing characteristic values between multiple spectra

including peak follower

Graph printing and export to PDF
Dynamic peak finder (no need to set a threshold level)
Automated wavelength calibration
Dark spectrum interpolation
Transmission, Reflection and Absorption measurements
Colorimetry

Qwave User Manual

2

Applications

Light analysis
Chemical research
Raman spectroscopy
Forensic analysis
System integration
Process control and monitoring
and many more

1.2 System Requirements

Windows 7, Vista or XP (32 or 64 bit)
.NET Framework Version 3.5 (available on the CD and as a free download)
USB 2.0

1.3 Package Contents

Qwave spectrometer
USB cable
CD-ROM with Waves spectroscopy software including device driver, software

development kit and this manual as PDF

Printed user manual

1.4 Optional Accessories

I/O port adapter
IllumiCell cuvette holder with light source
Fiber optical cable
LightBox broadband light sources

Visit us at www.rgb-photonics.com if you need any accessories for your spectrometer.

Installation

3

2 Installation

2.1 Device with USB interface

Installing the Qwave spectrometer is very straightforward. You just need to install the
software and then connect the device to a USB port.

Please install the software by double-clicking on the WavesSetup.exe file on the CD­ROM. The setup package then installs the application software and the device driver. For

first before attaching the device.
The software is tested with 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows 8.1, 8, 7, Vista and XP. It

requires the Microsoft .NET framework version 3.5 or 4.0, which is already installed on
most PCs. If this framework is not installed, the setup package asks you to install it first.
You can find the setup file for the .NET framework on the CD or download it from

You can install the software on as many computers as you like. For example, you may
want to install it in the lab for measurements and in your office for further spectrum

-ROM at hand, you can also download the software from

our website.
After the software is installed, please connect your Qwave spectrometer to a USB port on

the computer. You can use the provided USB cable or almost any other Mini-USB cable.
The USB port needs to supply an electrical current of up to 500 mA, so you need to either
connect the spectrometer directly to your computer or to an externally powered USB
hub. A flashing red LED on the device indicates that the port does not supply enough
power.

When you start the Waves software, it automatically searches for spectrometers and, if it
finds one, initializes the device. If you attached it just before, it may take a few seconds
before the spectrometer is properly recognized by the operating system.

If the software finds no or several spectrometers while starting, it displays a dialog

ed to evaluate the software

without connecting an actual device. You can access this dialog window later on by

2.2 Device with UART interface

The Qwave is optionally available with a UART interface. This is almost the same as a
regular RS-232 interface, but the voltage levels on the data lines are 0 V (low) and +3.3 V
(high) instead of the RS-232-specified positive and negative voltages. This makes it easier

Qwave User Manual

4

to connect the spectrometer to an embedded microcontroller, but if you would like to
connect it to a regular RS- special cable with a level shifter.
This cable is included with the regular retail version of the Qwave with UART interface.

The mechanical connector for the interface on the device is the same Mini-USB
receptacle as for the USB version, but the data lines on this connector for the UART
interface are RX and TX instead of the USB data lines. Please see chapter 6.2 for the
pinout.

Do not connect a Qwave with UART interface to a USB host! Doing so may
damage the device or the host.

Even though most users of this interface are going to connect the device to their own
custom hardware, we recommend that you try to operate the spectrometer using a PC
and our application software Waves first in order to get familiar with the device.

To use the Qwave with UART interface with a PC, please use the data cable that was
included with the spectrometer and connect it to a serial port on a PC. Because a regular
serial port does not provide a supply voltage, you also need an external power supply to
power the spectrometer. Please connect the red and black wires coming from the data
cable to a 5 V power supply (+ 5 V and GND, respectively).

When you connect the device to power, the red LED should flash briefly and the green
LED should be lit continuously. If the green LED is off, the device probably does not get
enough power.

To install the application software Waves, please proceed as described in the previous
chapter. When using Waves with a UART interface, please note that there are two
differences to the USB version:

The data transfer is slower. The speed was intentionally reduced to 230400 baud in

order to ensure compatibility with most serial port interfaces. If you use your own
hardware, you can set the data rate as high as 3 Mbaud.

­rrect COM port.

In order to connect the Qwave with UART interface to your own custom hardware, please
refer to the connector pinout in chapter 6.2

2.3 Optical Setup

The light enters the Qwave spectrometer through a 20 µm slit (other slits are available as
custom modifications). You can see this slit if you look into the fiber optical connector on
the front side of the device.

If the light you wish to measure is quite strong, you may simply point the spectrometer
towards it. For example, you can test the spectrometer by pointing it towards your
computer screen or your desk light.

Installation

5

possible. In order to guide the light from the probe to the spectrometer, most users
prefer a simple fiber optical cable with SMA connectors. Alternatively, you may also focus
the light directly onto the entrance slit without fibers using your own optics.

We recommend standard fiber optical cables with a core diameter of 200 µm and a small
better resolution and sensitivity, but you may find it more difficult to focus the light into
coming out of the fiber and the stray light is slightly increased.

PLEASE NOTE: The calibration for the spectral sensitivity correction and the optical
power was made with a 200 µm fiber optical cable. If you use a different fiber or
especially if you just point the spectrometer towards the light source, the measured
spectrum might not be accurate. If you have a calibrated light source, you can always
recalibrate the spectral sensitivity for any optical setup (see chapter 3.9).

lowest stray light if you make sure that:

The focused light is centered on the entrance slit,
the height of the light spot on the entrance slit is 200 µm or smaller and
the numerical aperture of your focusing optics is close to 0.1, matching the

numerical aperture of the spectrometer.

The Qwave spectrometer does not detect light from outside a cone that corresponds to a
numerical aperture of about 0.1. Therefore, if your focusing optics has a larger aperture,
you lose some intensity inside the spectrometer. On the other hand, numerical apertures
significantly smaller than 0.1 may lead to a decrease in resolution.

2.4 Troubleshooting

The green light on the spectrometer is off, the red light is flashing or lit
continuously and the device does not react

This indicates that the device has turned itself off because the USB port was not able to
supply enough power. This also may happen if the USB cable is too long or damaged.
Please disconnect the device and try a different USB port or cable.

Waves cannot find the device

P
please restart your computer and try again.

Please also check our website www.rgb-photonics.com for software updates.
If the software still cannot find the device, you may check the Device Manager in the

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6

branch. If you double click on this
should read: "Driver Provider: RGB Photonics" and "Driver Version: 2.8.14.0" (or later). If
your spectrometer is marked with an exclamation or question mark, please remove the
device, uninstall the software from the Windows Control Panel, restart the computer and
install the software again.

If your spectrometer is not listed at all in the Device Manager, please try a different USB
port. If the device does not work on one computer, but works on others, the USB port

externally powered USB hub.

al Support Team (see chapter 5.1).

Operation

7

3 Operation

3.1 Introduction

Waves was designed from the ground up to provide a clean and straightforward user
interface that does not stand in your way, without compromising advanced features or
precision.

spectra without having to worry about details like calibration or dark spectra.

otice a few

differences:

There is just one mode of operation that includes all relevant types of

measurements (absorption, irradiance, scope and so on) through a consistent and
clear interface.

Waves favors a simple self-explanatory terminology instead of complicated terms

that need to be explained. For example, we
integrated here.

There are no wizards to help you with complicated tasks, because wizards tend to

3.2 Overview

When you start Waves, the software searches for an attached Qwave spectrometer. If it
finds one, it automatically initializes it. Afterwards, the software presents the main
window:

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8

The main window consists of several panels:

1. The Exposure Toolbar, where you can start and stop taking spectra and set the
acquisition parameters.

2. The Spectrum List shows all spectra that are currently in memory.

3. The Properties Panel consists of four tab pages and displays many parameters and
values of the spectrum currently selected in the Spectrum List.

4. The Main Diagram Panel shows all spectra marked with a check mark in the list.

5. The Display Parameters Panel determines how the spectra are displayed.

In order to get more screen space for the main diagram, the other panels can be
minimized by clicking on the buttons with two triangles next to the panel title.

3.3 Taking Spectra

In order to take a spectrum, just choose an exposure time or select auto exposure and
click on one of the green buttons ([ ] for a single shot or [ ] to start a continuous
measurement). You can increase the exposure time in order to decrease the noise level. If
the amount of light detected during the exposure is too large for the CCD detector inside

appears at the top of the diagram. In this case, you need to decrease the exposure time.
You can further increase the sensitivity by averaging across multiple exposures with the

If a spectrum acquisition takes longer than one second, you can monitor the progress in
the status bar at the bottom of the window. The acquisition may finish before the
progress indication reaches the end position, because the spectrometer is triggering on
the end of the exposure period (see chapter 3.10 for details). You can stop the data
acquisition by clicking on the red stop button [ ].

If you choose auto exposure, the exposure time for each new spectrum is set
automatically based on the intensity of the previous spectrum. It may take a few spectra
before the auto exposure control has reached its optimum. In auto exposure mode, you

Operation

9

can set a maximum exposure time in order to prevent very long exposure times in cases
when there is simply no signal.

Spectra can be taken with or without spectral sensitivity correction (see chapter 3.9 for
more details). If the lightmeter button [ ] is selected, the spectral sensitivity of the
spectrometer is automatically corrected and the intensity axis is measured in nW/nm.

PLEASE NOTE: If you take a spectrum with spectral sensitivity correction, the noise in the
spectrum is not evenly distributed, because some parts of the spectrum are more
amplified than others. On the other hand, if this button is not selected, the spectral
sensitivity is not corrected and the intensity axis displays values as they are produced by
the spectrometer hardware. In this case, you may find an uneven distribution of the
sensitivity across the spectrum. For precise measurements, it is recommended to turn on
spectral sensitivity correction.

Dark spectra for the spectrometer are stored in the device and used automatically when
taking spectra (see chapter 3.9 for details). If you have background radiation, you can
compensate for it by taking a background spectrum (see chapter 3.8). In the Exposure
Toolbar you can also select the triggering mode (see chapter 3.10) and choose a
reference spectrum for absorption, reflection and transmission spectroscopy (see chapter

3.8).

3.4 Spectrum Display

The Main Diagram Panel displays all spectra that are marked by a check mark in the
Spectrum List. If no spectrum is checked in the list, then the currently selected spectrum
(marked by a gray bar) is displayed. You can check and uncheck all spectra at once by
clicking on the corresponding button [ ] or [ ] on top of the Spectrum List.

The peaks in the spectra are automatically determined. This not only works pretty reliable
for clearly defined peaks, but also for those lying in the side of another peak or those that
are just above the noise level. If necessary, you can fine-tune the parameters for finding

In this window

you can choose three settings:

in order to be considered as a peak.
minima before and after it in order to be considered as a peak.
considered when calculating the peak position.

Peak positions and widths are only displayed for the currently selected spectrum. The
peak positions, heights and widths are also displayed in the Properties Panel and can be

In the Display Parameters Panel below the diagram you can select how the spectra are
displayed. These settings affect the diagram display, but do not modify the actual data.

Qwave User Manual

10

Here you can change the scaling of both axes, the unit of the wavelength axis, turn the
display of the grid, peak positions and peak heights on and off and see the coordinates of
the current position of the mouse pointer.

If you zoom into the wavelength axis, a scrollbar appears at the bottom of the diagram
for easily moving the displayed part of the spectrum. Alternatively, you can grab and
move the axis with the mouse. You can also drag the intensity axis in order to change the
maximum value and quickly enlarge weaker parts of the spectrum.

If you would like to determine the intensity value at the position of the mouse pointer
relative to a reference value, just move the mouse to that reference value, click with the

You can select a single wavelength or a range of wavelengths by clicking or clicking and
dragging in the diagram. This selection can be used to compare wavelength values, to
display statistical data just for the selection (see chapter 3.5) and to zoom into it (by right­clicking).

3.5 Working with spectra

In Waves, you can have several spectra loaded at the same time for easy comparison and
analysis. On the upper left side you can see the Spectrum List. Whenever you take a new

keep this spectrum and take another one, just

click on the single push pin button [ ]. This prevents the current spectrum from being

t from being overwritten. You can also choose to
keep all new spectra by selecting the button with multiple push pins [ ] in the Exposure
Toolbar.

When you have multiple spectra in the list, one spectrum is always selected (marked by a
gray bar). All metadata and additional information for this spectrum is displayed in the
Properties Panel on the lower left side. The Properties Panel has five Tab pages:

General:

matically set to the current Windows user name, but
user. You can change the color of the spectrum by clicking on the color box. Please
the list.

Values: Displays statistical values both for the whole spectrum and within the

selection (if you have selected a range of wavelengths in the diagram).

Color: Displays colorimetric values. For precise color measurements please also

read the section on calibration accuracy in chapter 3.9.

Peaks: Displays peak positions, heights and widths. This list can be saved to a file
Data: Displays a list of all values of the spectrum.

Operation

11

Some of the values in the Properties Panel are saved when saving the spectrum to a file.
The others are recalculated when the spectrum is reloaded.

3.6 File Operations

You can save the selected spectrum or the whole Spectrum List using the commands in
the File menu. You can also open spectrum files to load them back into Waves for further
evaluation (sounds obvious, but surprisingly, many spectroscopy
support this).

The file format for spectra is a simple ASCII table with columns delimited by the TAB
character and some header lines containing the metadata. This allows the spectrum files
saved by Waves to be read by almost any numerical analysis software like Origin, Excel or

.spz .spz file in

Window Explorer, it is opened with the Waves application.
In Waves, you can also open spectrum data files written by other applications, if they are

saved as ASCII tables or .csv files. Waves tries its best to automatically determine the file
structure and is able to open many different file formats.1

you choose the page

half shows selected metadata and values.
The printing options are designed for the most common tasks. If you have further specific

requirements for printing, you may also decide to export the diagram and then use a
graphical design software or word processor for printing.

You can export the diagram either as a bitmap image or as a PDF vector graphic. Both

After choosing a file name, you can set the height and width of the image and the
resolution, if applicable. Please note that the text sizes and line widths are constant.
Therefore, if you choose a larger export size, the labels and line widths appear to be
smaller.

3.7 Spectrum Analysis

The Analysis menu offers several ways to evaluate and modify spectra:

1

In case you have a spectrum file written as ASCII data and you are unable to open it in Waves, please

Qwave User Manual

12

Adjust Offset

This adds a constant value to all data points of the selected spectrum. The software
suggests an estimated value for compensating an offset, but you may also choose any
other value.

Normalize

This multiplies all data points of the selected spectrum by a constant factor. The default
factor is chosen for the maximum value to be scaled to 100.

Differentiate

This differentiates the spectrum with respect to the wavelength.

Spectral Averaging

This substitutes each data point by the average of the surrounding data points. You can
choose how many data

Arithmetic Operations

This creates a new spectrum by adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing two spectra.

Adjust Wavelength

This allows to assign a new wavelength scale to all spectra in the list based on the
parameters for the fourth-order polynomial function used for wavelength calibration. It
may be useful if you took spectra with an incorrect wavelength calibration.

Duplicate

This creates a copy of the selected spectrum and may be useful if you would like to
modify a spectrum, but also keep the original one.

Peak Width Diagram

This opens a window displaying the widths of the detected peaks (Full width at half
maximum).

Operation

13

Show Strip Chart

You can use the Strip Chart window to display a characteristic spectrum value as a
function of another value for all spectra in the list. The most common task is to display
the temporal evolution of a characteristic value. This window can be kept open while
taking new spectra to see the changes as they happen.

In the lower left side of the Strip Chart window, you can choose which values to assign to
the x and y axis of the chart. You can choose all numerical values that are displayed in the
Properties Panel in the main window. If you want to view the temporal evolution of a

spectrum into a number. So for example,
value are used for the corresponding axis.

In the Strip Chart diagram, the currently selected spectrum is marked by a slightly larger
point. Points corresponding to spectra that are currently not visible in the main window
are drawn in a lighter red color.

Show Loupe

This opens a window with a magnified display of the spectrum around the mouse
pointer. It may be used in order to study small features in the spectrum as an alternative
to zooming in.

3.8 Absorption, Reflection and Transmission Measurements

Principle

In absorption, reflection and transmission spectroscopy you direct light from a
broadband light source onto a sample. Then you take a spectrum 𝐼(λ) of the light that is
transmitted through or reflected from the sample. In order to get meaningful results that
are independent of the light source, you also take a spectrum of the light source 𝐼0(λ) as
a reference.

The spectral transmittance 𝑇

(λ)

or reflectance is then simply the fraction of transmitted

or reflected light:

𝑇(λ) =

𝐼(λ)

𝐼0(λ)

This formula gives values in the range between 0 and 1. The transmittance is usually
written as a percentage. The spectral absorbance 𝐴

(λ)

is defined as:

𝐴(λ)= log

𝐼0(λ)

𝐼(λ)

Qwave User Manual

14

Please note that the absorbance is sometimes defined as the base 10 logarithm and
sometimes as the natural (base e) logarithm. In Waves, you can choose in the Options
window from the File menu which logarithm to use.

Measurement

In order to measure absorption, reflection or transmission you need to take a reference
spectrum of the light source first. If your measurement setup is not in complete darkness,
it is also generally recommended to take a background spectrum before the
measurement.

To take a background spectrum, turn off the light source, set an appropriate exposure
time and click ] on the Exposure Toolbar. In

].
If you take a spectrum afterwards, the background spectrum is automatically subtracted
from the measured spectrum, eliminating unwanted background signals.

To take a reference spectrum for transmission or absorption spectroscopy, turn on the
light source again, remove the sample, set an appropriate exposure time and temporal

se

], you can take spectra of your sample for measuring

absorption or transmission.
To take a reference spectrum for reflection spectroscopy, you need a white reference

sample to calibrate the setup for 100 % reflection. However, all real-world reference
samples have a reflection of less than 100 % and an uneven spectral distribution.
Therefore, for accurate measurements you also need to supply a reference spectrum for
your reference sample. To take a reference spectrum, place the white reference sample

time and ]. In the
following dialog window, you can also specify a data file that includes a calibrated

[ ], you can measure reflectivity spectra.
The y axis of the spectrum now shows the relative intensity of the measured spectrum

choose different units for displaying the spectra:

Ratio shows the ratio of the measured spectrum to the reference spectrum as in

the formula for 𝑇

(λ)

above.

Percentage shows the same value 𝑇

(λ)

, but written as a percentage (i.e. multiplied

by 100).2 This unit is usually used for transmittance.

Absorbance shows the spectral absorbance 𝐴

(λ)

according to the formula above.

You can choose between natural and base 10 logarithm.

2

Operation

15

These options only determine how to display the spectra in the diagram. The do not
modify the actual spectrum data.

If your light source does not cover the full range of the spectrometer, the calculated
spectrum may show large amounts of noise outside of the wavelength range of your
light source. This is normal and reflects the fact that the measurement has a large
uncertainty at these wavelengths.

These measurements are quite sensitive to changes of the sample illumination. If in
doubt, you may want to take another reference spectrum to check if it is still valid.

3.9 Calibration

The calibration for the wavelengths, dark spectra and spectral sensitivity are stored on
the device and loaded automatically during device initialization. So in contrast to almost

e automatically.

If the device has been used for a long time or if you need a very precise measurement,
you can easily recalibrate the spectrometer within Waves, if you have a suitable light
source. Recalibration may also be required if the device temperature is outside of the
calibrated temperature range. The device temperature is continuously monitored by the
spectrometer and a warning is displayed, if the temperature has changed considerably.

After you have recalibrated the spectrometer, you can always restore the factory

Calibration Accuracy

The wavelength calibration is very accurate and changes only little with time or

wavelengths.

The dark spectrum calibration depends on the temperature. If the temperature has
changed considerably, a warning message is displayed recommending recalibration.
However, if in doubt or if you need as little noise as possible, you can always easily
recalibrate it because no calibration light source is required.

The calibration for the spectral sensitivity depends a lot on your optical fiber, your
measurement probe and how the light is coupled into the spectrometer. During
production of the Qwa
to be. Therefore the factory calibration for the spectral sensitivity and especially the
absolute intensity is not to be considered as a precise measurement, but rather as a first
estimate. If
sensitivity of the whole system including fiber and probe.

In addition, please note that after changing the exposure time, it takes a few spectra
before the CCD sensor inside the spectrometer reaches its new equilibrium. This means
that after changing the exposure time, the intensities of the following 5 to 10 spectra

Qwave User Manual

16

may not be as accurate as later measurements. Therefore, for precise measurements we
recommend not to use the auto-exposure feature and to set a fixed exposure time
instead.

Wavelengths

The mapping of the individual pixels of the spectrum to wavelengths is done using a
third-order polynomial. The four parameters for this function are measured during
manufacturing and stored in the device. Usually, this wavelength calibration does not

However, if the ambient temperature has changed substantially, if the device has been
used for a very long time or if you just would like to make sure that the wavelengths are
really correct, you can recalibrate the wavelength if you have a suitable light source with
several sharp atomic emission lines. These wavelength calibration sources are usually
low-pressure gas discharge lamps filled with Krypton, Neon, Mercury, Argon or Xenon
gas.

To recalibrate, take a spectrum of this light source first. Make sure that the relevant peaks

Menu.

list, you need to supply your own calibration lines. In this case, please take a look at the

CalibrationLines xxx.dat

create a new similar file containing the spectrum lines of your light source.

e tries to match
the peaks in the measured spectrum and the given spectrum lines for your light source
automatically. Not all of the given spectrum lines have to be present in the measured
spectrum, but all measured peaks must be known spectrum lines. If a match has been
found, the average deviation is displayed. If the match seems to be successful, it is
displayed in green, otherwise in red. You can also graphically display the deviations by

fully been identified,

device.

Dark Spectra

Inside the Qwave spectrometer, the spectra are detected with a CCD line sensor. Like all
image sensors, this sensor detects a small signal even if there is no light entering the
spectrometer. This signal depends on the individual pixel, the exposure time and the
temperature. In order to obtain

from the actual measurement.

Operation

17

For your Qwave spectrometer, this dark spectrum has already been taken, is stored in the
device and automatically subtracted from the measured spectrum each time you take a
new spectrum. Because the dark spectrum depends on the exposure time in a non-linear
way, there are actually multiple dark spectra stored in the device for a certain number of
exposure times. The dark spectrum that is needed for a chosen exposure time is then
obtained by interpolating between these dark spectra.

In case you find that the spectra you get are not zero on the average, even if no light
enters the spectrometer, then you probably need to recalibrate the dark spectra. You can

(see below).
To recalibrate the dark spectra, simply close the spectrometer entrance, make sure that

no
taken dark spectra for a series of exposure times. You can check the new dark spectra by
spectra taken without (red) and with (green) dark spectrum correction. In the upper

diagram you can see the noise level, also without (red) and with (green) dark spectrum
correction for a series of exposure times. You can see that the noise level of the raw data
(red) increases significantly with increasing exposure time. With dark spectrum correction
(green) however, the noise level should remain pretty much at the same level for
exposure times less than 1 second and increase slower for exposure times larger than 1

and the new dark spectrum calibration is saved into the device. Otherwise you may

Spectral Sensitivity

Like in all spectrometers, the sensitivity of the Qwave spectrometer is not uniform across
can be corrected by dividing each value of the spectrum by the corresponding sensitivity.

This sensitivity calibration is also stored in the device. However, it is not always used
when taking spectra, because if the sensitivity is corrected, the noise level is unevenly
distributed across the spectrum. Instead, you can choose to use the spectral sensitivity

If you would like to recalibrate the spectral sensitivity, you need a light source with a
continuous spectrum (like a tungsten halogen lamp) and a calibrated spectrum for this
lamp.

To recalibrate, take a spectrum of your light source with spectral sensitivity correction
turned off. Make sure the spectrum contains as little noise as possible by using a strong
light source, a suitable exposure time and use Temporal Averaging. Then choose

button to load the calibrated reference spectrum (in other words: a spectrum file that
shows how your light source really looks like). Based on the measured spectrum and this

Qwave User Manual

18

file, the software calculated the spectral sensitivity of your spectrometer and shows it as a
dark green line. To save this new calibration to th

If you also want to calibrate the absolute scale of the intensity axis, you need to take a
spectrum and also need to know the absolute optical power (in Watts) of this spectrum. If
you measure the actual optical power with an optical powermeter, please make sure that
the powermeter only detects wavelengths that are within the wavelength range of your

calibration is stored in the device and used for scaling the intensity axis. This axis then
displays the spectral power density in nW/nm.

For
instance, you could calibrate the power that enters your measurement probe or any
other power in your setup, as long as it is proportional to the power that enters the
spectrometer. Just remember that the optical powers and power densities displayed by
the software refer to this value.

3.10 Triggering and I/O Port

Trigger Options

Spectra are generally taken after you click on one of the green buttons ([ ] or [ ]) in the
Exposure Toolbar. In addition, you can set the spectrometer to wait for an additional

can select one of three different trigger modes:

continuous: Spectra are taken as soon as possible.
interval: Spectra are taken in regular time intervals. You can specify the time

between two spectra and also a time period after which the measurement is
stopped. The timer progress is shown in the status bar. Obviously, this trigger
mode does not apply to single shot measurements.

external: Spectra are taken after the input voltage on one of the external I/O

channels has changed. You can use this to synchronize the exposure to other
devices or external events.

select further
trigger options. These trigger options apply to the external as well as to the internal
(continuous and interval) trigger modes.

Trigger on end of exposure: This is the default mode. The spectrometer is

continuously taking spectra and when the trigger event occurs, the current
spectrum is read out. This causes a random trigger delay between zero and the
exposure time.

Trigger on start of exposure: The spectrometer is continuously taking spectra and

when the trigger event occurs, the next spectrum after the one currently being

Operation

19

taken is read out. Choose this mode if you need to make sure that no light is
collected for the spectrum before the trigger event occurs or before you click the
button. This mode requires more time to take a spectrum. It also causes a random
trigger delay between zero and the exposure time.

Trigger on start of exposure with low-jitter mode: The spectrometer is

continuously taking spectra with a very short exposure time of 50 µs and when the
trigger event occurs, a new spectrum is started with the selected exposure time.
This causes a trigger delay of less than 50 µs. However, in this mode the accuracy of
the intensity values is reduced. Therefore, only use low-jitter mode if your
application really requires it. In this mode the CCD sensor has different dark signal
properties. Therefore, when turning low-jitter mode on or off, it is recommended to
take a new set of dark spectra.

For external triggering, there are a few more options described below.

I/O Channels

The Qwave includes an I/O port on the front side with 4 channels that can be configured
as general-purpose I/O pins, for light source or shutter control or as trigger input. You can

then 6 for the pin assignment
of the external connector.

In order to use a channel as an external trigger source, please:

Set the trigger pin number
Select either Falling Edge (trigger occurs when the input voltage drops from 5 to 0

V) or Rising Edge (trigger occurs when the voltage rises from 0 to 5 V).

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20

4 Software Development Kit

The CD-ROM also includes a Software Development Kit (SDK) for the Qwave
spectrometer that can be used to control the spectrometer and take spectra from your
own custom software. It includes a Windows Dynamic Link Library (DLL) for the .NET
framework, documentation and sample code.

4.1 Prerequisites

The system requirements are the same as for Waves (see chapter 1.2).
You can use the Qwave SDK with any programming language that can connect to .NET

DLLs. This includes C#, Visual Basic .NET, C++/CLI, Delphi, LabView, Matlab and
Mathematica. You should have a basic understanding of the concepts of object-oriented
programming in order to understand the structure and functionality of the SDK library.
The SDK includes sample code that demonstrates how to access the DLL from LabView,
Matlab, C#, C++ and using COM.

4.2 Getting started

In order to get familiar with the SDK quickly, we suggest to:

1. Read the next chapter 4.3 to understand the structure of the SDK library.

2. Read the basic steps required in order to take a spectrum (chapter 4.5).

3. Study the sample projects included in the SDK.

4. Add the SDK library to your own project (chapter 4.4).

5. Implement the basic functionality of taking a spectrum in your project.

6. Implement advanced features as required.

4.3 Classes Overview

The SDK library contains classes for controlling a spectrometer or laser as well as abstract
base classes for various types of measurement and control devices.

The main class that you need in order to communicate with the spectrometer is:
RgbSpectrometer
which is a descendant of the ThreadedCalibratedSpectrometer class,
which is a descendant of the CalibratedSpectrometer class,
which is a descendant of the Spectrometer class,
which is a descendant of the Device class.

Software Development Kit

21

The Device class includes basic features used by all kinds of measurement and control
devices. Spectrometer is a base class for a simple spectrometer.
CalibratedSpectrometer is a base class for a spectrometer that supports pre­processing of the spectra. ThreadedCalibratedSpectrometer is a base class for a
spectrometer that uses a separate thread to poll the spectrometer. RgbSpectrometer
implements all the features specified in the abstract base classes in order to control a
Qwave or Qmini spectrometer.

The library also includes the SimulatedSpectrometer class, that may be used instead
of RgbSpectrometer to test your software in case you don't have a real device available,

You can find the full documentation for all relevant classes in the SDK documentation
contained in the RgbDriverKit documentation.chm help file.

4.4 Adding the SDK library to your project

The main library to connect to your spectrometer is in the RgbDriverKit.dll file. You
also need the FTD2XX_NET.dll file. Please copy both to your main project folder. The
Qwave device driver for Windows, which is installed during the installation of Waves,
must also be present.

Visual Studio

please add both libraries in Visual Studio to

your project references (in the Solution Explorer window). Then import the

RgbDriverKit librar using

RgbDriverKit;

want to copy the RgbDriverKit.xml file into the same folder as the library.

LabVIEW

In order to use a .NET DLL in LabVIEW, you need to:

Use the .NET palette (Connectivity -> .NET) to find all of the functions available.
Use a constructor node in order to instantiate a class within the .NET assembly.
Use property nodes and invoke nodes to access properties and methods of the

class by wiring in the class reference from the constructor node to the property or
invoke node.

Specific LabVIEW VIs for controlling the Qwave spectrometer are planned for a later
release of the SDK.

Other languages

For more information on how to connect to the library from other programming
languages, please try a Google search for something like NET DLL in [your

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22

4.5 Taking a spectrum

First you need to instantiate an RgbSpectrometer object to control your spectrometer.
You could use the class constructor,
for spectrometers by calling the static SearchDevices() method and then choose from
one of the returned objects, which are actual instances of the RgbSpectrometer class.

Then, the steps required for taking a simple spectrum are:

1. Open the connection to the device using the Open() method.

2. If you need the wavelengths, get an array containing the wavelengths of each
pixel with GetWavelengths().

3. Set the exposure time using the ExposureTime property.

4. Start the exposure with the StartExposure() method.

5. Wait (or do something else) while the Status property is
SpectrometerStatus.TakingSpectrum.

6. Read the spectrum with the GetData() method.

The full documentation for these methods and properties can be found in the
RgbDriverKit documentation.chm help file.

All methods and some properties may throw an exception as described in the SDK
documentation help file. Always make sure that these exceptions are properly handled
by placing these methods inside a try{} catch{} block.

4.6 Deploying your project

If you would like to deploy your project to other users, please:

Include both DLL files (RgbDriverKit.dll and FTD2XX_NET.dll).
Make sure that the .NET framework 3.5 is installed.
Make sure that the Qwave device driver is installed.

The device driver is normally installed during the installation of Waves. If you would like
to use the spectrometer without installing Waves, you can find the files for the device

nside the program folder of a Waves installation.

Technical Support

23

5 Technical Support

5.1 Getting Help

If you have any questions, comments or requests concerning your Qwave spectrometer
or the Waves software, please go to

http://www.rgb-photonics.com

the menu bar.

-mail or

telephone.

5.2 Software Updates

Software Updates are expected to be released about twice a year. To check for updates,
on our website www.rgb-photonics.com.

These are some of the features planned for future software releases (subject to change):

More colorimetry values and options
Trigger on beginning of exposure
External shutter and light source control
Sensor nonlinearity correction
More options for printing and export
Working with multiple spectrometers
More spectrum analysis features

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24

6 Specifications

Optical

Focal length: 75 mm
Numerical Aperture: 0.10
Grating: 600, 1200 or 1800 lines/mm
Entrance slit: 20 µm
Spectral resolution (FWHM): VIS: 0.5 nm
UV: 0.2 nm
NIR: 0.3 nm
Raman: 0.4 nm
Stray light: < 0.05 %
Optical interface: SMA connector

Electronic

Dynamic range: 2000 : 1 (full scale, t

exp

= 1 s)
Detector: 3648 pixel linear CCD detector
(VIS, UV: coated for enhanced UV detection)
A/D converter: 16 bit 15 MHz
Calibration: Wavelength, sensitivity and multiple dark spectra stored
within device
Transfer speed to PC: 70 ms per spectrum
Digital Interface: USB 2.0
Extension port: 4 General purpose I/O channels
Configurable as trigger input
Digital interface for accessories
Power supply: 5 V DC via USB (no power adapter required)
Power consumption: typical: 180 mA, maximum: 500 mA (with accessory)
PC operating system: Windows 7, Vista, XP

Mechanical

Dimensions: 89.5 × 68.0 × 19.5 mm
Weight: 155 g
Operating temperature: -15°C to 60°C (non-condensing)
Storage temperature: -25°C to 70°C

Specifications

25

Technical Drawing

All dimensions in mm.
3D CAD files are available for download on www.rgb-photonics.com.

Qwave User Manual

26

6.2 Pin Assignment

Pins 4, 5 and 6 are only present on the square connector on the device and intended for
communication with optional accessories. Please do not use these pins.

All other pins are also present on the optional I/O port adapter. Use these pins for trigger
input and general-purpose I/O. You can use the power supply on pin 1 to supply small
custom electronics.

1: + 5 V Power Supply (max. 300 mA)
2: I/O Pin 0
3: I/O Pin 1
4: Extension Present (for accessories)
5: Digital Interface SCL (for accessories)
6: Digital Interface SDA (for accessories)
7: I/O Pin 2
8: I/O Pin 3
9: Ground

1 4 7 2 5

8

3 6 9

Qwave Extension Port

(Connector viewed towards

front side of device)

1 2 3 7 8

9

I/O Port Adapter

(Screw terminal block viewed

towards front side of device)

Specifications

27

Pin Assignment for UART Interface

If your Qwave has the optional UART interface instead of
USB, the pinout of the digital connector on the back of the
device is this:

Pin number

Signal

USB cable color

Description

1

VCC

red

Voltage Supply +5 VDC

2

TX

white

Data sent from device to host

3

RX

green

Data received by device from host

4

Not used

5

GND

black

Ground

Qwave User Manual

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7 Certifications and Compliance

CE Declaration of Conformity

The manufacturer
RGB Photonics GmbH

Donaupark 13
93309 Kelheim

declares that the following product
Qwave Version 1.0
complies with the following normative documents
EN55022: 2010

EN61000-6-2: 2005
and therefore with the following EG requirements

Electromagnetic compatibility (2004/108/EG)

This declaration applies to all models of the above named product
version, in case it will be used in the configuration of the test
assembly.

Kelheim, 27.03.2012 Mathias Reichl

Certifications and Compliance

29

FCC Compliance

This declaration applies to the following product:
Qwave Version 1.0
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is

subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which
case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own
expense.

Qwave User Manual

30

RoHS Declaration of Conformity

The manufacturer
RGB Photonics GmbH

Donaupark 13
93309 Kelheim

declares that the following product
Qwave Version 1.0
contains no toxic substances which are specified in the
RoHS Directive 2002/95/EG.
The conformity to RoHS Directive 2002/95/EG is confirmed.
This declaration applies to all models of the above named product

version.

Kelheim, 09.06.2011 Mathias Reichl