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CCD Array Spectrometer for UV and NIR Performance: Quest™ X

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B&W Tek has introduced the Quest™ X linear CCD array spectrometer that has been improved for NIR and UV performance through a low stray light optical bench.

The Quest™ X spectrometer features a built-in 16-bit digitizer, a 2048 element detector, an external trigger and a USB 2.0 interface with a readout speed of over 2.0 MHz.

The temperature-compensated Quest™ X significantly decreases the thermal drift to around 15 counts/°C. This offers enhanced stability by reducing the baseline drift and preserving the dynamic range.

The Quest™ X spectrometer is well-suited for a majority of the NIR, Vis and UV applications with resolutions ranging from 0.5 to 4.0 nm and spectral configurations between 200 and 1050.

Customized configurations and the RS232 communication interface are also provided for OEM applications. The Quest™ X spectrometer is an important building block for complete solutions. For OEM applications, system development and application support are also available.

Applications

Wavelength identification
Reflectance
Absorbance
NIR, Vis, and UV—spectroscopy/spectrophotometry/spectroradiometry
OEM optical instrumentation component

Features

Plug-and-play USB 2.0
A 16-bit digitizer
A spectral resolution of more than 0.5 nm
UV to NIR (200–1050 nm)
A readout speed of more than 2.0 MHz
A minimum integration time of 1 ms

Accessories

Fiber-optic probes
Fiber patch cords
Cuvette holders
Light sources
Inline filter holders

Software

The BWSpec^® spectral data acquisition software has been specifically developed to execute complex calculations and measurements at the touch of a button. With this software, users can select between numerous data formats and optimize scanning parameters, like the integration time.

Apart from sturdy data processing and data acquisition, other features of the BWSpec^® software include manual/automatic baseline correction, spectrum smoothing and automatic dark removal.

Software

Image Credit: B&W Tek

Specifications

Table 1. Source: B&W Tek

.	.
Power Input	USB @ < 0.35 Amps
Detector Type	Response-Enhanced Linear CCD Array
Detector Pixel Format	2048 x 1 Elements @ 14 µm x 200 µm Per Element
Spectrograph f/#	3.6
Spectrograph Optical Layout	Crossed Czerny-Turner
Dynamic Range	1300:1 Single Acquisition
Digitizer Resolution	16-bit or 65,535:1
Readout Speed	>2.0 MHz
Data Transfer Speed	Up to 480 Spectra Per Second Via USB 2.0
Integration Time	1 - 65,535 ms
Thermal Drift	~15 Counts/^oC (~29 Counts/^oC Max)
Aux Port	External Trigger, Digital IOs
Operating Temperature	5 °C - 35 °C
Operational Relative Humidity	85% Noncondensing
Weight	~ 0.75 lbs (0.34 kg)
Dimensions	3.82 in x 2.64 in x 1.34 in (98 mm x 67 mm x 34 mm)
Computer Interface	USB 2.0 / 1.1 and Enhanced RS232
Operating Systems	Windows: XP, 7, 8, 10 (32-bit & 64-bit)

Technical Details of Quest™ X

Image Credit: B&W Tek

1. Fiber Coupler

Secures Fiber to Ensure Repeatable Results

When a fiber optic is combined with the SMA 905 adaptor, light is directed toward the slit and optically matched, thus assuring reproducibility. A lens or diffuser assembly can be directly connected to the SMA 905 adaptor to facilitate free-space sampling.

2. Entrance Slit

Determines Photon Flux and Spectral Resolution

Light penetrating the optical bench of a spectrometer is vignetted by an aligned and pre-mounted slit. This eventually establishes the throughput and spectral resolution of the spectrometer following the selection of gratings. A wide range of slit widths is offered by B&W Tek to suit the particular application requirements of users. Custom-made slits are also available.

Table 2. Source: B&W Tek

Slit Option	Dimensions	Approx. Resolution 350-1050 nm
10 µm	10 µm wide x 1 mm high	~1.0 nm
25 µm	25 µm wide x 1 mm high	~1.5 nm
50 µm	50 µm wide x 1 mm high	~2.2 nm
100 µm	100 µm wide x 1 mm high	~4.0 nm
200 µm	200 µm wide x 1 mm high	Call
Custom Slit Widths Available

3. Collimating Mirror

Collimates and Redirects Light Towards Grating

Both mirrors are f/# matched focusing mirrors and coated with AlMg₂, which creates a reflectance of about 95% when operating in the UV-Vis spectrum. While aluminum (Al) offers reflectance, magnesium (Mg₂) protects the former against oxidation.

4. Diffraction Grating

Diffracts Light, Separating Spectral Components

Two major aspects of the performance of the spectrometer are determined by the groove frequency of the grating. These aspects include the spectral resolution and the wavelength coverage.

Upon increasing the groove frequency, the spectrometer will achieve higher resolution; however, the wavelength coverage will also reduce simultaneously. Inversely, decreased groove frequency translates to increased wavelength coverage, affecting the spectral resolution.

The blaze wavelength or blaze angle of the grating is the main parameter for improving the performance of the spectrometer. It is the blaze angle that decides the maximum efficiency exhibited by the grating in a certain wavelength region.

Table 3. Source: B&W Tek

Best Efficiency	Spectral Coverage (nm)	Grating
UV / NIR	200 - 850	600/250
UV / NIR	350 - 1050	600/400
Vis	380 - 750	900/500
Vis / NIR	550 - 1050	830/800
NIR	750 - 1050	1200/750
Custom Configurations Available

5. Focusing Mirror

Refocuses Dispersed Light onto Detector

Both mirrors are f/# matched focusing mirrors and coated with AlMg₂, which generates a reflectance of approximately 95% when operating in the UV-Vis spectrum. While aluminum (Al) offers reflectance, magnesium (Mg₂) protects the former from oxidation.

6. Array Detector

Measures Entire Spectrum Simultaneously

The Quest™ X spectrometer includes a 2048 x 1 linear CCD array detector with a pixel width of 14 µm and over 2000 active pixels.

When the individual pixels across the CCD are struck by the incident light, every pixel denotes a spectral portion that is translated and displayed by the electronics with a specified intensity using the BWSpec^® software. The noise level and quantum efficiency (QE) of the array detector substantially affects the signal-to-noise ratio, dynamic range and sensitivity of the spectrometer. Furthermore, the spectral acquisition speed of the spectrometer is chiefly established by the detector response across a wavelength region.

Table 4. Source: B&W Tek