12 Jan. Compact mini spectrometers – from UV to NIR
Hamamatsu Photonics has optimized the WS series of compact mini spectrometers for high spectral resolution and versatile adaptability in a small footprint. The devices, designed for applications in research, quality control, and industrial analysis, cover wavelengths from ultraviolet to near infrared.
The WS series comprises two variants: C16449MA-01 with 2 nm resolution for 190 to 1100 nm and applications in material analysis, colorimetry, and environmental monitoring; as well as C16449MA-02 with 0.45 nm resolution for 200 to 600 nm and demanding measurement methods such as laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIBS). Both spectrometers feature optical systems with reflective gratings. They use highly sensitive CMOS sensors, which, according to the manufacturer, are comparable to conventional CCDs in terms of signal quality and noise performance.
Measuring 80 mm x 75 mm x 25 mm and powered by USB, the spectrometers can be easily integrated into existing measurement systems. The reflective grating design allows for customer-specific adjustments of the spectral range and resolution. This makes the WS series suitable for both laboratory applications and inline analysis in production environments. Typical areas of application include layer thickness measurements, color and gas analysis, and LIBS material characterization.
Hamamatsu Photonics also offers evaluation software that can be used to set measurement conditions, collect data, and display it graphically. Openly accessible DLL functions allow integration into proprietary evaluation software. Technical support is also available for customer-specific integration solutions.
The CMOS sensor operates with 2048 pixels, delivers a high signal-to-noise ratio and allows for short integration times. The C16449MA-02 model uses an optical configuration with a narrow gap and longer focal length, improving spectral resolution to 0.45 nm.
Both spectrometers use a Czerny-Turner design with a reflective grating and quartz optics to minimize chromatic aberration. The USB interface allows direct power supply (5 V) and data transfer at a measurement rate of up to 1 kHz. The open API allows users to implement their own routines for data acquisition and spectral analysis.
The devices are suitable for precise material analysis, colorimetry, environmental monitoring, as well as LIBS and Raman preliminary investigations. Due to their compact dimensions, they can also be integrated into portable or robot-assisted measurement systems.
To the product page from the manufacturer
Source and image: www.hamamatsu.com


