Ames Photonics

The Ames Photonics S-cube is a versatile, low-cost, imaging spectrometer which offers a level of performance flexibility previously available only in much more expensive systems. It is intended to fill a gap in the market between entry-level spectrometers with limited capability to adjust key parameters, and systems providing flexibility but at significant cost. The S-cube offers a middle way: a reasonably priced spectrometer with excellent performance and wide versatility in a compact, modular package.

Based on a Folded Czerny-Turner layout, the system has been engineered from the ground up with the goal of allowing for quick and convenient interchange of components. Diffraction gratings, input slits and array detectors can all be replaced, allowing the S-cube to be easily and rapidly reconfigured for a very wide range of spectral measurements. Wavelength recalibration of the system after such configuration changes is achieved via a semi-automated routine employing onboard Hg/Ar and tungsten spectral calibration lamps.

The S-Cube is suitable for general spectroscopy, but it has been specifically optimised with laser spectroscopy in mind. High F/# and low coma ensure high resolution and low distortion of spectral lines. Further performance flexibility is provided by the ability to vary astigmatism across the wavelength spectrum.

Applications:

• Femtosecond laser spectroscopy (pump probe, CARS, photon echo
• Versatile, modular research spectrometer for UV-VIS-NIR
• Excellent platform for teaching spectroscopy and spectral calibration
• Absorption and reflection measurements in VIS-NIR using onboard tungsten lamp coupled to optical fibre
• Measuring emission spectra

Features:

• Folded Czerny-Turner with 29mm long output field, low coma, low astigmatism
• Onboard Hg/Ar spectral calibration lamp coupled via retractable periscope to input slit for rapid wavelength calibration
• Semi-automated, user interactive spectral calibration via software
• Onboard  tungsten lamp for first order spectroradiometric calibration
• Lamp ouputs available to SMA connector for coupling to optical fibers
• High resolution, low coma, low astigmatism design to give high throughput
• Focusable astigmatic compensator allowing signal optimisation across a broad spectrum
• Changeable grating and wavelength ranges (plug in from outside, course and fine adjustment, lockable position.)
• Illuminated wavelength scale (push button)
• Changeable input slits
• Compatible with full range of Ames Photonics CCD, CMOS and InGaAs linear array detectors
• Input compatible with Thorlabs 30mm cage mounting system enabling a wide range of experimental design
• Simple two step alignment
• Smooth focus adjustment of detector for optimum resolution
• C mount compatible input/slit holder
• Space for mounting filters in front of detectors arrays.
• Space for mounting filters up to 25.4mm dia and 6mm thick between lamp and periscope to allow order sorting or line identification with bandpass filters
• SMA couplers for fibre optics inputs
• Space for mounting........between on-board calibration lamps in the base of the spectrometer and periscope......

Specifications:

Input focal length:    80mm

Exit focal length:     120mm

F/number:     F/5.7

Wavelength range:   190- >2500nm

Magnification:

              Horizontal (in the direction of dispersion)   1.4

              Vertical                                                                   1.8

Spectral resolution (FWHM 1200l/mm grating, first order 580nm centre of array) 0.3nm

              At extremes of 29mm wide detector  0.35nm             

Grating rotation-from zero order in centre of detector array to grazing angle on grating

Coma (measured as shoulders on narrow spectral lines, as a ratio of total line intensity):

At centre  <0.5%

At edges of  29mm long array  <5%

At edges of  25mm long array  <4%

At edges of  21mm  long array <3%

At edges of 8mm long array  <1%

Astigmatism (as compensated by focus of internal cylindrical lens)

At optimally compensated wavelength  <50 microns

In least compensated regions:

a.    For 29mm long array  <600 micron

b.    For 25mm long array <450 micron

c.    For  21mm long array  <400 micron

d.    For  8mm long array   <100 microns

Wavelength accuracy (via calibration with spectral lamp):   up to +/-0.02nm if there are 3 or more well spaced spectral lines can be identified across the spectrum.

On-board Hg/Ar spectral calibration lamp with lines spanning  254- 1700nm.

On board tungsten lamp white light source for spectroradiometeric calibration of spectrometer in 360>2000nm range

Input beam height: 59mm

Mounting    : both a ¼-20 tapped hole and an M6 hole in central region of base

Lamp outputs available via SMA connector:  Hg, Ar/Hg line spectrum and Tungsten lamp spectrum

Input power:   6 VDC, 100mA, via Cannon connector jack

Periscope consisting of two mirrors and relay lens for directing light from the on-board calibration lamps to into input slit