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Product Code G2001A1
Price £1,250 ex. VAT

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Versatile, Affordable, and Simple Optical Spectrometer

Miniature USB system for UV-Vis spectroscopy measurements


Overview | Specifications | Software | Related Products | Resources and Support


Ossila Optical Spectrometer
The Ossila Optical Spectrometer is compact, modular, and powerful

The Ossila Optical Spectrometer is an accessible system, bringing affordable UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy to research scientists worldwide. The fully programmable, modular design means it fits nicely into most existing UV-Vis-NIR optical spectroscopy labs. A simple command library and triggers modes make it easy to integrate into your workflow. 

The compact CCD detector, fiber optic and USB compatibility, precision optics, and intuitive free software mean our spectrometer can be adapted into any laboratory. Quickly start measuring the optical properties of your samples.

Our versatile and modular design allows you to analyze many different samples, including solutions and thin film samples.

Buy as an independent modular spectrometer or as a part of our complete optical spectroscopy kit to get started straight away.

Optical Spectroscopy Kit

Optical Spectroscopy Kit
  • Unbeatable Value
  • Includes Spectrometer and Accessories

Worldwide Delivery £2400

Two-Year Warranty

Two-Year Warranty

Covered by the Ossila Warranty

USB-C Powered

USB-C Powered

Power with your computer or laptop

Powerful Electronics

Powerful Electronics

High-speed 16-bit, 500 kSPS ADC

Mechanical and Thermal stability

Free Software

With free updates

Ossila Spectrometer product overview

Specification


Dimensions (D x W x H) 78 mm x 78 mm x 38 mm (3.07" x 3.07" x 3.07")
Weight 150 g (0.33 lb)
Wavelength Range 320 nm – 1050 nm
Grating Blaze Wavelength 500 nm
Resolution (FWHM) 2.5 nm
Optical Input SMA 905 fibre or free space
Entrance Slit Width 25 µm
Connection Type USB type-C
Communication Protocol Serial-over-USB
Dark Noise* <50 counts
Signal-to-Noise Ratio >500:1
Detector Type / Pixels CCD / 1600
Analog-to-Digital Converter 16-bit, 500 kSPS
Data Transfer Speed* Up to 100 fps (PC dependant)
Stray Light <0.2%

What is an Optical Spectrometer?


In general, a spectrometer is a device that separates spectral components of a continuous characteristic, such as electromagnetism, so that it can be measured.

An optical spectrometer separates a beam of light into its constituent wavelengths. This done using a dispersive element, such as a grating or prism. The relative intensities of these wavelengths are measured using an optical sensing element. Optical spectrometers work primarily in the visible light region of the electromagnetic spectrum, extending into the UV and IR regions, and are used to perform optical spectroscopy.

Optical Spectrometer Features


Dynamic Spectral Range

Dynamic Spectral Range

The Ossila Optical Spectrometer measures the entire visible light spectrum, from the UV-A band to near infrared. With a range of 320 nm to 1050 nm and resolution of up to 2.5 nm, it is perfect for many measurements. Our system can be used to study a wide range of materials including photovoltaic, solar cell, OLED, biological, and 2D materials. A filter is included to partially cover the detector when performing spectroscopy in the visible range. This minimises the impact of higher diffraction grating orders on the spectra.

Fast Acquisition Speeds

Fast Acquisition Speeds

A powerful Arm cortex M4 processor works with a low-noise, high-speed 16-bit, 500 kSPS analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to provide fast and accurate operation. All of this is powered through a USB type-C connection. Thanks to its powerful electronics, the system is capable of transferring over 100 frames-per-second to the host computer when running in internal trigger mode. Alongside the USB power and data connector, a six port I/O expansion header allows for easy integration with other 5V equipment.

Free Software and Completely Programmable

Free Software and Completely Programmable

Our optical spectrometer includes powerful spectroscopy software to help you start measuring quickly. Intensity, transmission/reflection, and absorbance measurements are all available. Additional features include spectral averaging and accumulation, autosaving, peak detection, and offset and gain adjustment. Using the simple serial command interface, you can integrate the system with other hardware. A full list of commands is included in the product manual along with a number of examples in Python to help you get started.

Compact and Modular Design

Compact and Modular Design

The clever design of the Ossila Optical Spectrometer combines optical elements and internal electronics into an extremely small footprint. The result is a lightweight, compact but powerful UV-Vis-NIR spectrometer. With a high strength enclosure, the system is capable of withstanding heavy daily use in the lab. The optional spectrometer case, included in the complete optical spectroscopy kit and available to buy separately, also allows it to be bolted to standard optical tables or breadboard plates.

Internal and External Trigger Modes

Internal and External Trigger Modes

Use the optical spectrometer in free-running mode, or integrate with other systems using the external trigger input. The unique rolling integration mode allows the integration time to be controlled dynamically by external trigger signals. The optical spectrometer includes an output to synchronise acquisition with an external shutter, and also has two programmable general purpose output pins. In total, it features six I/O ports, including a ground port.

USB Powered

USB Powered

Power your optical spectrometer via the USB port. There is no need for an additional, dedicated power supply. This makes our optical spectrometer portable and versatile. You can get up and running on our optical spectrometer quickly and easily with either your computer or laptop - simply plug in via the USB port and begin measuring.

Testimonials


I have been using the Ossila Optical Spectrometer in my research to measure absorption, transmission, and reflectivity. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a cheap, fast, reliable and easy-to-use spectrometer for their optical experiments.

Kyriacos Georgiou, PhD, University of Cyprus

Spectrometer Gallery


Ossil Optical Spectrometer kit Fluorescence Transmission holder in lab

 

Ossila Spectrometer Spectrometer Close up Ossila Spectrometer Set up

Spectrometer and Spectroscopy

  • White Light Source
  • Transmission Holder
  • Breadboard
  • More

Affordable Spectroscopy

Spectroscopy Software


The Ossila Optical Spectrometer comes with powerful spectroscopy software which makes it quick and easy to control the device and start collecting data. Take background spectra and measure intensity, transmission / reflection and absorbance measurements in just a few clicks. The spectroscopy software also features spectral averaging and accumulation, peak detection, offset and gain adjustment, and more - all via a straightforward user interface.

Software updates are provided at no extra charge and are available to download from our website.

Spectrometer software showing white light source spectrum Spectrometer software in dark mode
The software showing the spectrum for the Ossila Broadband White Light Source (hover/tap to see dark mode)

Software Features

No programming required

No programming required

The Ossila Optical Spectrometer can be controlled via the spectroscopy software. Setting up a spectroscopy experiment and taking optical measurements has never been easier. No programming knowledge required.

Intuitive and easy-to-use

Intuitive and easy-to-use

The Ossila spectroscopy software has been designed to be intuitive and easy to use. Spectra workspaces allow you to take multiple spectra and view important numerical data at a glance. Common features and settings can be accessed via the quick access bar at the top of the screen.

Multiple measurement modes

Multiple measurement modes

The Ossila Optical Spectrometer spectroscopy software makes it straight-forward to take measurements in five different measurement modes: intensity, intensity (background corrected), intensity (sensitivity corrected), transmission / reflection, and absorption.

Optional serial command interface

Optional serial command interface

Serial commands can be sent to the optical spectrometer via the spectroscopy software. Alternatively, it can be controlled via serial commands sent from most programming languages.

Using the supplied optical spectroscopy software and a suitable optical set up, the Ossila Optical Spectrometer can measure transmission, reflectivity, scattering, absorption, and luminescence (including photoluminescence, fluorescence, phosphorescence, and electroluminescence) over a wavelength range of 320 nm to 1050 nm.

These methods have a wide range of applications across a number of different fields. They can be used to characterise LEDs and lasers, measure the efficiency of (anti)reflection coatings at various wavelengths, probe absorbing materials to reveal information about their atomic structures, and detect fluorescence. In photovoltaics, the Ossila Optical Spectrometer can be used to measure both the source spectrum (i.e. the solar spectrum) and the absorption spectrum of the device so that the two can be compared.

Optical Spectrometer Accessories


Resources and Support


Spectrometer vs Spectrophotometer Spectrometer vs Spectrophotometer

Spectrometers and spectrophotometers are two commonly used instruments in scientific research, particularly in the field of spectroscopy.

Read more...
Choosing a Sample Holder for Spectroscopy Choosing a Sample Holder for Spectroscopy

One question to consider is should you measure your samples as a thin film or in solution? This decision will depend on the type of measurement you are taking, your sample and its desired application.

Read more...
Light Sources for SpectroscopyLight Sources for Spectroscopy

Spectroscopy can be performed using a range of different light sources. These can typically be categorised as being either monochromatic or broadband.

Read more...
UV-Vis spectroscopy troubleshooting UV-Vis Spectroscopy Troubleshooting

It can be incredibly frustrating if you encounter a problem while performing UV-Vis spectroscopy, and usually causes an unnecessary delay.

Read more...
UV-Vis spectroscopy errors UV-Vis Spectroscopy Errors

Like any analytical technique, spectrometers are subject to error, including dark noise, stray light, and spectral bandwidth.

Read more...
Python for Spectroscopy, Spectra Data Visualization Python for Spectroscopy: Spectra Data Visualization

Optical spectroscopy data can be processed faster and more consistently using programming tools such as Python. This is a step-by-step guide of how researchers process multiple spectra that were taken using the Ossila Optical Spectrometer. The code in this guide is designed for the Ossila Optical Spectrometer.

Read more...
Fluorescence and Phosphorescence Fluorescence and Phosphorescence

Both fluorescence and phosphorescence are types of photoluminescence. Photoluminescence refers to radiative emissions where the absorbance of a photon is followed by the emission of a lower energy photon. The main empirical difference between fluorescence and phosphorescence is the time in between absorbance and the emission of photons.

Read more...
Thin Film Spectroscopy: Setup and Measurement Thin Film Spectroscopy: Setup and Measurement

This article contains some advice from our researchers that should help you get started taking optical spectroscopy measurements of thin films.

Read more...
Measuring Thin Film Fluorescence Measuring Thin Film Fluorescence

To measure the fluorescence of a thin film, you will need an optical spectrometer, a fixed sample holder and a high energy light source (such as a UV laser or the Ossila UV light source). We also recommend using optical fiber cables between modular elements to reduce the attenuation of your signal.

Read more...
Electroluminescence Electroluminescence

Electroluminescence (EL) is the generation of light through the radiative recombination of holes and electrons which have been injected into the material from cathode and anode contacts. The charge carriers are injected into the material due to an applied bias over the cathode and anode. These cathode and anodes are orientated opposite each other.

Read more...
Spectroscopy For Organic Electronics Spectroscopy For Organic Electronics

The different types of spectroscopy can be categorised by either the application it is used for or by type of radiative energy employed. The application of spectroscopic methods in organic (carbon-based) chemistry and organic electronics is known as organic spectroscopy.

Read more...
Absorption Spectroscopy Absorption Spectroscopy

In absorption spectroscopy, the intensity of light absorbed by a sample is measured as a function of wavelength. This can provide important information about the electronic structure of an atom or molecule.

Read more...
Photoluminescence Spectroscopy Photoluminescence Spectroscopy

Photoluminescence is luminescence resulting from photoexcitation. In other words, photoluminescence is when a material emits light following the absorption of energy from incident light from another light source.

Read more...
Spectrometer User Manual Ossila Optical Spectrometer User Manual

Ossila's USB powered optical spectrometer has been designed to simplify the optical characterisation of thin films, solutions, nanocrystals, photonic structures, and more. A state-of-the-art enclosure combines with powerful electronics to deliver a fast, reliable, and cost-effective device.

Read more...
Software and Drivers Software and Drivers

The latest software and drivers for Ossila equipment, available to download for free.

Read more...
All Spectroscopy Resources

View all spectroscopy resources

Read more...
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