Wasatch Photonics WP Series-XL Enlighten User Guide
- June 3, 2024
- Wasatch Photonics
Table of Contents
Wasatch Photonics WP Series-XL Enlighten
Unpacking the Spectrometer
You should find the following items when you unpack your Series-XL
spectrometer:
- The six cables can be identified as follows:
- Also take a moment to familiarize yourself with the connectors on the spectrometer and Andor camera.
Power Supply Compatibility
Note that different models of Andor camera ship with different power supplies, and those are not necessarily interchangeable, even when they share a common connector. For example:
Assembling the Spectrometer
Now that we can identify each of the cables and connectors, let’s assemble the
system. Start by connecting the two power cables to their respective power
supplies. 
- Now connect the Shutter Cable from the Andor camera to the spectrometer’s shutter.
- Now let’s assemble the system. Connect the assembled Shutter Power Cable to the spectrometer.
- Connect the assembled Andor Power Cable to the camera..
- You now have a fully-connected Wasatch Photonics XL spectrometer ready for connection to mains power and your computer.
Installing ENLIGHTEN
An installer for a compatible version of ENLIGHTEN 3.1 or newer is provided on a thumbdrive with your spectrometer. If you wish to try more recent betas, they may be downloaded from our website.
Installing Andor Drivers
Wasatch Photonics Series-XL spectrometers use cameras from Andor, so you’ll
need to install their driver pack as well. Fortunately it’s quick, easy and
free!
Andor Driver Pack 2
Installing Configuration File
Your Series-XL spectrometer will come with a configuration file on the
included thumbdrive. This file contains the wavelength calibration and other
factory settings which ENLIGHTEN needs to properly communicate with your
spectrometer. The file, which will have a name like “CCD-27239.json”, will
need to be copied to a “config” directory inside your EnlightenSpectra folder
.
- The file is straightforward to view if you need to verify or edit its contents.
Launching ENLIGHTEN
Launch ENLIGHTEN from the desktop shortcut, or using the Start Menu of your
Windows computer.
Operating ENLIGHTEN
Temperature Stabilization
ENLIGHTEN displays a message while connecting to Series-XL spectrometers, as
it takes several seconds to fully initialize communications.
When the connection process is complete, ENLIGHTEN will display the resulting
serial number and spectrometer model.
At first connection, the spectrometer temperature will not yet be fully
cooled, as indicated by the Status Bar and System Status indicators (orange
“Temp” LED).
ENLIGHTEN will automatically configure the detector to cool to the lowest
supported temperature (typically -55°C). However, it may take a few minutes
for the temperature to stabilize.
Raman Mode
Use the “Techniques” menu to change from the default “Scope” mode to “Raman.”
When you change to Raman Mode, several things happen:
- You are taken to the Setup Screen to confirm your measurement options
- The “Wavenumber” field is automatically checked for you under Saved Data Options
- You are prompted to take a dark measurement
When you are content that your settings are correct, click “Capture” to return to the Scope screen.
Dark Measurement
Take a dark measurement by clicking the dark “light bulb” icon on the button
bar.
Sample Measurement
Ensure your sample is safely ensconced in a sealed vial accessory, then turn
on your laser.
Baseline Correction
ENLIGHTEN will prompt you to “enable baseline correction for better matching.”
Do so by enabling “Advanced Features,” then “Baseline Correction”.
Scroll to the newly-exposed Baseline Correction control and click “Enable
.”
Shutter Control
Use the XL spectrometer’s built-in shutter to facilitate taking fresh darks.
Shutter control (“Enabled” means open, transmitting light) Note that Baseline
Correction must be disabled before taking a new dark.
More information
There is so much more you can do with your Wasatch Photonics Series-XL spectrometer! For additional information, see the following resources.
- ENLIGHTEN 3 Manual
- Wasatch Photonics software drivers
- Andor iDus Hardware Guide
References
- Andor Driver Pack - 2.104.30065.0 (CCD,ICCD & EMCCD) - Andor Learning Centre- Oxford Instruments
- Index of /binaries/apps/enlighten/beta
- Spectroscopy Software | Free | Simple Data Acquisition