THORLABS CCS Series, CCS200, CCS100, CCS175, CCS100/M Quick Start Manual

Spectrometer

CCS Series Spectrometer
Quick Start Manual

2018

Version:
Date:

2.1
09-Jul-2018

Item No.:

M0009-510-422

Copyright © 2018 Thorlabs

Contents

Foreword

2

1 General Information 3

2 Installation 6

3 Getting Started 12
4 Appendix 14

144.1 Certifications and Compliances

154.2 Warranty

164.3 Copyright and Exclusion of Reliability

174.4 Thorlabs 'End of Life' Policy (WEEE)

184.5 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

31.1 Safety

51.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories

51.3 Requirements

62.1 Parts List

72.2 Installing Software

We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application
in the field of optical measurement technique. To help us to live up to
your expectations and improve our products permanently we need
your ideas and suggestions. Therefore, please let us know about
possible criticism or ideas. We and our international partners are
looking forward to hearing from you.

Thorlabs GmbH

Warning

Sections marked by this symbol explain dangers that might result in
personal injury or death. Always read the associated information
carefully, before performing the indicated procedure.

Attention

Paragraphs preceded by this symbol explain hazards that could
damage the instrument and the connected equipment or may cause
loss of data.

Note

This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.

Please read these advices carefully!

2

© 2018 Thorlabs

1 General Information

1 General Information

The CCS Series Spectrometer is designed for general laboratory use. Integrated routines allow
averaging, smoothing, peak indexing, as well as saving and recalling data sets.

Attention

Do not connect the CCS Series Spectrometer to a PC prior to installingh the OSA-SW
Application! The installation package includes CCS Series Spectrometer specific drivers and
software that must be installed before the CCS Series Spectrometer is connected to the PC for the
first time.

A troubleshooting section and detailed specifications of the various components are provided in
this manual. The description of the instrument driver commands can be found in the VXIpnp VISA
instrument driver package.

Application software OSA-SW
OSA-SW is an acronym for "Optical Spectrum Analyzer Software". This software can be used for

acquiring direct, transmittance and absorbance measurements in conjunction with Thorlabs' optical
spectrum analyzers and CCD spectrometers.

After the installation, the software is able to communicate with all Thorlabs CCD based CCS
Series Spectrometers and OSA20x Optical Spectrum Analyzers. Additionally, a number of virtual
devices are included to demonstrate the functionality of OSA-SW: five for OSA20x Analyzers and
one for CCS spectrometers.

1.1 Safety

Attention

The safety of any system incorporating the equipment is the responsibility of the
assembler of the system.

All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual
will only apply when the unit is operated correctly as it was designed for.

The CCS Series Spectrometer must not be operated in explosion endangered
environments!

Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in the housing!
Do not remove covers!
Do not open the cabinet. There are no parts serviceable by the operator inside!
This precision device is only serviceable if properly packed into the complete original

packaging including the plastic foam sleeves. If necessary, ask for replacement
packaging.

Refer servicing to qualified personnel!
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single components be made or

components not supplied by Thorlabs be used.

Attention

The following statement applies to the products covered in this manual, unless otherwise
specified herein. The statement for other products will appear in the accompanying
documentation.

© 2018 Thorlabs

3

CCS Series Spectrometer

Note 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.

Users that change or modify the product described in this manual in a way not expressly
approved by Thorlabs (party responsible for compliance) could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.

Thorlabs is not responsible for any radio television interference caused by modifications
of this equipment or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment
other than those specified by Thorlabs. The correction of interference caused by such
unauthorized modification, substitution or attachment will be the responsibility of the
user.

The use of shielded I/O cables is required when connecting this equipment to any and all
optional peripheral or host devices. Failure to do so may violate FCC and ICES rules.

Attention

Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters are not to be used within
the range of three meters of this unit since the electromagnetic field intensity may then
exceed the maximum allowed disturbance values according to IEC61326-1.

This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to IEC61326­1 for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).

© 2018 Thorlabs4

1 General Information

Ordering code

Short description
CCS100(/M) 1)

CCS spectrometer, 350 - 700 nm

CCS175(/M) 1)

CCS spectrometer, 500 - 1000 nm

CCS200(/M) 1)

CCS spectrometer, 200 - 1000nm

M14L01

1 m SMA MMF Patch Cable, 50µm / 0.22 NA (to CCS100 and
CCS175)

FG200UCC

1 m SMA MMF Patch cable, 200µm / 0.22 NA, High OH (to
CCS200)

CVH100; CVH100/M

Cuvette holder (imperial and metric versions)

1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories

1

) CCSxxx = imperial version, mounting holes 1/4-20;

CCSxxx/M = metric version, mounting holes M6x1

Attention

Make sure to use your CCS spectrometer only with the included fiber (see above table). If using a
different fiber, the Amplitude Correction Calibration will be affected!

1.3 Requirements

These are the requirements to the PC intended to be used for remote operation of the CCS Series
Spectrometer.

Minimum Hardware and Software Requirements

• Operating System: Windows Vista or Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit)

• Free USB 2.0 high speed port (Notice that a USB 1.1 port cannot be used)

• Processor: Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 3000+

• 2.0 GB RAM

• .NET framework 4.0 or higher

Recommended Hardware and Software Requirement

• Operating System: Windows 7, 64 bit

• Free USB 2.0 high speed port (Notice that a USB 1.1 port cannot be used)

• Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD Athlon II

• 6.0 GB RAM

• .NET framework 4.0 or higher

Note

Please be aware that the OSA software requires a number of third party software installed on your
system. The installer checks for these software components and, if necessary, will install them
automatically. You will be notified accordingly.

© 2018 Thorlabs

5

CCS Series Spectrometer

1x

CCS Series Spectrometer

1x

This CCS Series Spectrometer Quick Reference

1x

CD-ROM with application software OSA-SW, drivers and PDF User Manual

1x

USB 2.0 A-B mini cable, 1.5 meters

1x

Optical Fiber, SMA to SMA, 50µm / 0.22 NA, 1 meter (CCS100, CCS175)
Quartz Fiber, SMA to SMA, 200µm / 0.22 NA, 1 meter (CCS200)

1x

Trigger Input cable SMB to BNC

(1)

USB port

(2)

Fiber input (SMA connector)

(3)

Status LED

(4)

Trigger Input (SMB connector)

2 Installation

Attention

Do not connect the CCS Series Spectrometer to a PC prior to install the OSA-SW Application!
The installation package includes CCS Series Spectrometer specific drivers and software that
must be installed before the CCS Series Spectrometer is connected to the PC for the first time.

2.1 Parts List

Inspect the shipping container for damage. If the shipping container seems to be damaged, keep it
until you have inspected the contents and you have inspected the CCS Series Spectrometer
mechanically and electrically.

Verify that you have received the following items within the package:

Attention

Make sure to use your CCS spectrometer only with the included fiber (see above table). If using a
different fiber, the Amplitude Correction Calibration will be affected.

CCS Spectrometer - Ports and Signal LEDs

© 2018 Thorlabs6

2 Installation

2.2 Installing Software

Before installing OSA Software, please make sure that no CCS Series Spectrometer is
connected. After you insert the OSA Software installation CD an autorun menu will appear (see
figure below). If autorun is disabled on your system, you will have to browse the installation CD and
run

"[CD-Drive]:\Autorun\Autorun.exe":

Click to "Install Software":

Note

Please be aware that the OSA software requires a number of third party software installed on your
system. The installer checks for these software components and, if necessary, will install them
automatically. You will be notified accordingly.

Administrator privileges are required for installation. Please contact your system administrator if
you get an error message.

Installation steps are shown below in detail for an installation on a Windows 7© operating system.
After selecting "Install Software", the installer checks your system and determines the software
components that need to be installed.

© 2018 Thorlabs

7

CCS Series Spectrometer

Click "Install" to continue. The necessary software components are being installed, followed by
installation of device driver software. The installation of all components is described below.

NI VISA installation

Click "I accept...", then "Next>>" to continue:

© 2018 Thorlabs8

2 Installation

After NI-VISA Installation, the computer must be restarted. After reboot, the setup wizard restarts
automatically and continues to install further software components:

© 2018 Thorlabs

9

CCS Series Spectrometer

Click "I accept...", then "Next>>" to continue:

© 2018 Thorlabs10

2 Installation

Depending on the set up security level, the Installation Wizard might ask to allow to install the driver
software:

To finalize the OSA Software installation, the computer must be restarted. Click "Finish" to restart
and complete installation.

© 2018 Thorlabs

11

CCS Series Spectrometer

3 Getting Started

Attention

Do not connect the CCS Series Spectrometer to a PC prior to installing the OSA-SW Application!
The installation package includes CCS Series Spectrometer specific drivers and software that
must be installed before the CCS Series Spectrometer is connected the first time to the PC.

The initial setup is simple to complete. Following installation of the software, connect the CCS
Series Spectrometer to a USB 2.0 port. The operating system recognizes the new hardware and
installs the firmware loader and the driver:

Then run the application software OSA-SW either from the desktop icon

1. Click to trace A and make sure that the topics below are checked.

·

Show

© 2018 Thorlabs12

3 Getting Started

·

Set as Active

·

Write

2. Check that the connected spectrometer is recognized. If not, click to
"Scan USB"

3. Apply an optical input signal to the fiber input. Increase the integration time until the spectrum is

displayed. A right click into the data display area zooms in the intensity axis to it's best fit to the
spectrum.

Note

If you are using a CCS200 broadband spectrometer and a continuous spectrum (e.g. of a white
light lamp) shall be measured, please note the following recommendation:

Due to the eccentricity between the fiber core and the ferrule of the delivered FG200UCC MMF
and the geometry of the input slit of the spectrometer, the displayed spectral intensity may vary
when the SMA connector of the fiber is rotated within the input receptacle of the CCS200. Please
find the maximum intensity by rotation and then fix the fiber connector with the lock bush. This
ensures best measurement results.

Please see details about the OSA software features, handling and CCS Series Spectrometer
settings in the advanced user manual, provided with the data carrier. After the software has been
installed, it can be found as well in the folder

"All Programs - Thorlabs - Thorlabs OSA - CCS".

© 2018 Thorlabs

13

CCS Series Spectrometer

4 Appendix

4.1 Certifications and Compliances

© 2018 Thorlabs14

4 Appendix

4.2 Warranty

Thorlabs warrants material and production of the CCS Series Spectrometer for a period of 24
months starting with the date of shipment. During this warranty period Thorlabs will see to defaults
by repair or by exchange if these are entitled to warranty.

For warranty repairs or service the unit must be sent back to Thorlabs. The customer will carry the
shipping costs to Thorlabs, in case of warranty repairs Thorlabs will carry the shipping costs back
to the customer.

If no warranty repair is applicable the customer also has to carry the costs for back shipment.
In case of shipment from outside EU duties, taxes etc. which should arise have to be carried by the

customer.

Thorlabs warrants the hard- and/or software determined by Thorlabs for this unit to operate fault­free provided that they are handled according to our requirements. However, Thorlabs does not
warrant a fault free and uninterrupted operation of the unit, of the software or firmware for special
applications nor this instruction manual to be error free. Thorlabs is not liable for consequential
damages.

Restriction of Warranty

The warranty mentioned before does not cover errors and defects being the result of improper
treatment, software or interface not supplied by us, modification, misuse or operation outside the
defined ambient stated by us or unauthorized maintenance.

Further claims will not be consented to and will not be acknowledged. Thorlabs does explicitly not
warrant the usability or the economical use for certain cases of application.

Thorlabs reserves the right to change this instruction manual or the technical data of the described
unit at any time.

© 2018 Thorlabs

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CCS Series Spectrometer

4.3 Copyright and Exclusion of Reliability

Thorlabs has taken every possible care in preparing this document. We however assume no
liability for the content, completeness or quality of the information contained therein. The content of
this document is regularly updated and adapted to reflect the current status of the hardware and/or
software. We furthermore do not guarantee that this product will function without errors, even if the
stated specifications are adhered to.

Under no circumstances can we guarantee that a particular objective can be achieved with the
purchase of this product.

Insofar as permitted under statutory regulations, we assume no liability for direct damage, indirect
damage or damages suffered by third parties resulting from the purchase of this product. In no
event shall any liability exceed the purchase price of the product.

Please note that the content of this document is neither part of any previous or existing agreement,
promise, representation or legal relationship, nor an alteration or amendment thereof. All
obligations of Thorlabs result from the respective contract of sale, which also includes the
complete and exclusively applicable warranty regulations. These contractual warranty regulations
are neither extended nor limited by the information contained in this document. Should you require
further information on this product, or encounter specific problems that are not discussed in
sufficient detail in the document, please contact your local Thorlabs dealer or system installer.

All rights reserved. This document may not be reproduced, transmitted or translated to another
language, either as a whole or in parts, without the prior written permission of Thorlabs.

Copyright © Thorlabs 2018. All rights reserved.

© 2018 Thorlabs16

4 Appendix

Crossed out

"Wheelie Bin" symbol

4.4 Thorlabs 'End of Life' Policy (WEEE)

As required by the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive) of the European
Community and the corresponding national laws, Thorlabs offers all end users in the EC the
possibility to return “end of life” units without incurring disposal charges.

This offer is valid for Thorlabs electrical and electronic equipment

·

sold after August 13th 2005

·

marked correspondingly with the crossed out “wheelie bin” logo (see figure below)

·

sold to a company or institute within the EC

·

currently owned by a company or institute within the EC

·

still complete, not disassembled and not contaminated

As the WEEE directive applies to self contained operational electrical and electronic products, this
“end of life” take back service does not refer to other Thorlabs products, such as

·

pure OEM products, that means assemblies to be built into a unit by the user (e. g. OEM
laser driver cards)

·

components

·

mechanics and optics

·

left over parts of units disassembled by the user (PCB’s, housings etc.).

Waste treatment on your own responsibility

If you do not return an “end of life” unit to Thorlabs, you must hand it to a company specialized in
waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste disposal site.

WEEE Number (Germany) : DE97581288

Ecological background

It is well known that waste treatment pollutes the environment by releasing toxic products during
decomposition. The aim of the European RoHS Directive is to reduce the content of toxic
substances in electronic products in the future.

The intent of the WEEE Directive is to enforce the recycling of WEEE. A controlled recycling of
end-of-life products will thereby avoid negative impacts on the environment.

© 2018 Thorlabs

17

CCS Series Spectrometer

USA, Canada, and South America

Thorlabs, Inc.
56 Sparta Avenue
Newton, NJ 07860
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.thorlabs.com
www.thorlabs.us (West Coast)

Email: [e-mail]
Support: [e-mail]

UK and Ireland

Thorlabs Ltd.
1 Saint Thomas Place, Ely
Cambridgeshire CB7 4EX
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.thorlabs.com

Email: [e-mail]
Support: [e-mail]

Europe

Thorlabs GmbH
Hans-Böckler-Str. 6
85221 Dachau
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.thorlabs.de

Email: [e-mail]

Scandinavia

Thorlabs Sweden AB
Bergfotsgatan 7
431 35 Mölndal
Sweden
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.thorlabs.com

Email: [e-mail]

France

Thorlabs SAS
109, rue des Côtes
78600 Maisons-Laffitte
France
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.thorlabs.com

Email: [e-mail]

Brazil

Thorlabs Vendas de Fotônicos Ltda.
Rua Riachuelo, 171
São Carlos, SP 13560-110
Brazil
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.thorlabs.com

Email: [e-mail]

Japan

Thorlabs Japan, Inc.
3-6-3 Kitamachi
Nerima-ku, Tokyo 179-0081
Japan
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.thorlabs.co.jp

Email: [e-mail]

China

Thorlabs China
Room A101, No. 100
Lane 2891, South Qilianshan Road
Putuo District
Shanghai 200331
China
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.thorlabs.com

Email: [e-mail]

4.5 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

© 2018 Thorlabs18

Index

A

4 Appendix

absorbance

I

Getting Started 12
Parts List 6
Software Installation

R

S

T

3
5Amplitude Correction

6Installation

7

5Requirements

12Scan USB

3transmittance

© 2018 Thorlabs

19

www.thorlabs.com