THORLABS CCS Series Spectrometer User Manual
- June 9, 2024
- THORLABS
Table of Contents
CCS Series Spectrometer
User Manual
Version: 2.2
Date: 12-Dec-2022
Item No.: M0009-510-422
CCS Series Spectrometer
We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application in the field of optical measurement technique. To help us to live up to your expectations and improve our products permanently we need your ideas and suggestions. Therefore, please let us know about possible criticism or ideas. We and our international partners are looking forward to hearing from you.
Warning
Sections marked by this symbol explain dangers that might result in personal
injury or death. Always read the associated information carefully, before
performing the indicated procedure.
Attention
Paragraphs preceded by this symbol explain hazards that could damage the
instrument and the connected equipment or may cause loss of data.
Note
This manual also contains “NOTES” and “HINTS” written in this form.
Please read these advices carefully!
General Information
Thorlabs’ fiber-based, compact, Czerny-Turner CCD spectrometers are available
in three models.
Two are sub-nanometer accuracy models that provide detection in the 350 – 700
nm (CCS110x) or 500 – 1000 nm (CCS175x) range. The CCS200 offers a wide 200 –
1000 nm spectral range with better than 2 nm accuracy. With the small
footprint (122 mm x 79 mm x 29.5 mm), all units share features with larger,
more expensive spectrometers such as the ability to be synchronized via a TTL
trigger input (up to 100 Hz) and to automatically compensate for noise created
by dark current.
The CCS Series Spectrometer is designed for general laboratory use. Integrated
routines allow averaging, smoothing, peak indexing, as well as saving and
recalling data sets.
Application software OSA-SW
OSA-SW is an acronym for “Optical Spectrum Analyzer Software”. This software
acquires direct, transmittance and absorbance measurements in conjunction with
Thorlabs’ optical spectrum analyzers and CCD spectrometers.
Attention
Do not connect the CCS Series Spectrometer to a PC prior to installing the
OSA-SW Application! The installation package includes CCS Series Spectrometer
specific drivers and software that must be installed before the CCS Series
Spectrometer is connected to the PC for the first time.
After the installation, the software communicates with all Thorlabs CCD based
CCS Series Spectrometers and OSA20x Optical Spectrum Analyzers. Additionally,
a number of virtual devices are included to demonstrate the functionality of
OSA-SW: five for OSA20x Analyzers and one for CCS spectrometers.
1.1 Safety
Attention
The safety of any system incorporating the equipment is the responsibility of
the assembler of the system.
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this
instruction manual will only apply when the unit is operated correctly as it
was designed for.
The CCS Series Spectrometer must not be operated in explosion endangered
environments!
Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in the housing!
Do not remove covers!
Do not open the cabinet. There are no parts serviceable by the operator
inside!
This precision device is only serviceable if properly packed into the complete
original packaging including the plastic foam sleeves. If necessary, ask for
replacement packaging.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel!
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single components be
made or components not supplied by Thorlabs be used.
Attention
The following statement applies to the products covered in this manual, unless
otherwisspecified herein. The statement for other products will appear in the
accompanyindocumentation.
Note This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense. Users that change or modify the product
described in this manual in a way not expressly approved by Thorlabs (party
responsible for compliance) could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment. Thorlabs is not responsible for any radio television interference
caused by modifications of this equipment or the substitution or attachment of
connecting cables and equipment other than those specified by Thorlabs. The
correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modification,
substitution or attachment will be the responsibility of the user.
The use of shielded I/O cables is required when connecting this equipment to
any and all optional peripheral or host devices. Failure to do so may violate
FCC and ICES rules.
Attention
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters are not to be
used within the range of three meters of this unit since the electromagnetic
field intensity may then exceed the maximum allowed disturbance values
according to IEC 61326-1.
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to
IEC 61326-1 for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).
Ordering Codes and Accessories
| Ordering code | Short description |
|---|---|
| CCS100(/M) 1 | CCS spectrometer, 350 – 700 nm |
| CCS175(/M) 1 | CCS spectrometer, 500 – 1000 nm |
| CCS200(/M) 1 | CCS spectrometer, 200 – 1000nm |
| M14L01 | 1 m SMA MMF Patch Cable, 50µm / 0.22 NA (to CCS100 and CCS175) |
| FG200UCC | 1 m SMA MMF Patch cable, 200µm / 0.22 NA, High OH (to CCS200) |
| CVH100; CVH100/M | Cuvette holder (imperial and metric versions) |
1CCSxxx = imperial version, mounting holes 1/4-20;
CCSxxx/M = metric version, mounting holes M6x1
Attention
Make sure to use your CCS spectrometer only with the included fiber (see above
table). If using a different fiber, the Amplitude Correction Calibration will
be affected!
1.3 Requirements
These are the requirements to the PC intended to be used for remote operation
of the CCS Series Spectrometer.
Minimum Requirements
- Operating System: Windows® 7 SP1, Windows® 8, Windows® 10, or Windows® 11 (64 bit)
- Free USB 2.0 high speed port (Notice that a USB 1.1 port cannot be used)
- Processor: Intel Core i5™ or AMD Athlon II
- 8.0 GB RAM
- NET framework 4.7.2 or higher
- Monitor Resolution: 800 x 600 Pixel
Recommended Requirement
- Operating System: Windows® 11 (64 bit)
- Free USB 2.0 high speed port (Notice that a USB 1.1 port cannot be used)
- Processor: Intel™ Core i9 or AMD Athlon Ryzen
- 16.0 GB RAM
- NET framework 4.7.2 or higher
- Java Runtime 1.6 or higher
Note
An installer for .NET framework 4.7.2 is included in the full installer.
Please be aware that the OSA software requires a number of third party
software installed on your system. The installer checks for these software
components and, if necessary, will install them automatically. You will be
notified accordingly.
Installation
Attention
Do not connect the CCS Series Spectrometer to a PC prior to install the OSA-SW
Application!
The installation package includes CCS Series Spectrometer specific drivers and
software that must be installed before the CCS Series Spectrometer is
connected to the PC for the first time.
2.1 Parts List
Inspect the shipping container for damage. If the shipping container seems to
be damaged, keep it until you have inspected the contents and you have
inspected the CCS Series Spectrometer mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items within the package:
1x CCS Series Spectrometer
1x This CCS Series Spectrometer Quick Reference
1x USB 2.0 A-B mini cable, 1.5 meters
1x Optical Fiber, SMA to SMA, 50µm/0.22 NA, 1 meter (CCS100, CCS175)
Quartz Fiber, SMA to SMA, 200µm/0.22 NA, 1 meter (CCS200)
1x Trigger Input cable SMB to BNC
Attention
Make sure to use your CCS spectrometer only with the included fiber (see above
table). If using a different fiber, the Amplitude Correction Calibration will
be affected.
CCS Spectrometer – Ports and Signal LEDs
- USB port
- Fiber input (SMA connector)
- Status LED
- Trigger Input (SMB connector)
2.2 Installing Software
Before installing OSA Software, please make sure that no CCS Series
Spectrometer is connected. The OSA Software is available for download fromt he
Thorlabs website.
Note Please be aware that the OSA software requires a number of third
party software installed on your system. The installer checks for these
software components and, if necessary, will install them automatically. You
will be notified accordingly. Administrator privileges are required for
installation. Please contact your system administrator if you get an error
message. Installation steps are shown below in detail for an installation on a
Windows 7 operating system. After selecting “Install Software”, the installer
checks your system and determines the software components that need to be
installed.
Click “Install” to continue. The necessary software components (NI VISA) are
being installed, followed by installation of device driver software. The
installation of all components is described below.
Depending on the set up security level, the Installation Wizard might ask to
allow to install the driver software:
To finalize the OSA Software installation, the computer must be restarted. Click “Finish” to restart and complete installation.
Getting Started
Attention
Do not connect the CCS Series Spectrometer to a PC prior to installing the
OSA-SW Application!
The installation package includes CCS Series Spectrometer specific drivers and
software that must be installed before the CCS Series Spectrometer is
connected the first time to the PC.
The initial setup is simple to complete. Following installation of the
software, connect the CCS Series Spectrometer to a USB 2.0 port. The operating
system recognizes the new hardware and installs the firmware loader and the
driver: 
Then run the application software OSA-SW either from the desktop icon .
-
Click to trace A and make sure that the topics below are checked.
• Show
• Set as Active
• Write -
Check that the connected spectrometer is recognized. If not, click to “Scan USB”
-
Apply an optical input signal to the fiber input. Increase the integration time until the spectrum is displayed.
A right click into the data display area zooms in the intensity axis to it’s best fit to the spectrum.
Note
If you are using a CCS200 broadband spectrometer and a continuous spectrum
(e.g. of a white light lamp) shall be measured, please note the following
recommendation: Due to the eccentricity between the fiber core and the ferrule
of the delivered FG200UCC MMF and the geometry of the input slit of the
spectrometer, the displayed spectral intensity may vary when the SMA connector
of the fiber is rotated within the input receptacle of the CCS200. Please find
the maximum intensity by rotation and then fix the fiber connector with the
lock bush. This ensures best measurement results. Please see details about the
OSA software features, handling and CCS Series Spectrometer settings in the
advanced user manual, provided with the data carrier. After the software has
been installed, it can be found as well in the folder “All Programs – Thorlabs
– Thorlabs OSA – CCS”.
Appendix
4.1 Certifications and Compliances
4.2 Return of Devices
This precision device is only serviceable if returned and properly packed
into the complete original packaging including the complete shipment plus the
cardboard insert that holds the enclosed devices. If necessary, ask for
replacement packaging. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
4.3 Manufacturer/Importer Address
Manufacturer Address Europe
Thorlabs GmbH
Münchner Weg 1
D-85232 Bergkirchen
Germany
Tel: +49-8131-5956-0
Fax: +49-8131-5956-99
www.thorlabs.de
Email: europe@thorlabs.com| EU-Importer Address
Thorlabs GmbH
Münchner Weg 1
D-85232 Bergkirchen
Germany
Tel: +49-8131-5956-0
Fax: +49-8131-5956-99
www.thorlabs.de
Email: europe@thorlabs.com| UK-Importer Address
Thorlabs, LTD.
204 Lancaster Way Business Park
Ely, CB6 3NX
UK
Tel: +44-1353-654440
Fax: +44 (0)1353-654444
www.thorlabs.com
Email: techsupport.uk@thorlabs.com
---|---|---
4.4 Warranty
Thorlabs warrants material and production of the CCS Series Spectrometer for a
period of 24 months starting with the date of shipment in accordance with and
subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Thorlabs’ General Terms and
Conditionsof Sale which can be found at:
General Terms and Conditions:
https://www.thorlabs.com/Images/PDF/LG-PO-
001_Thorlabs_termsand%20agreements.pdf
and
https://www.thorlabs.com/images/PDF/Terms%20and%20Conditions%20of%20Sales_ThorlabsGmbH_English.pdf
4.5 Copyright and Exclusion of Liability
Thorlabs has taken every possible care in preparing this document. We however
assume no liability for the content, completeness or quality of the
information contained therein. The content of this document is regularly
updated and adapted to reflect the current status of the product. All rights
reserved. This document may not be reproduced, transmitted or translated to
another language, either as a whole or in parts, without the prior written
permission of Thorlabs.
Copyright © Thorlabs 2022. All rights reserved. Please refer to the general
terms and conditions linked under Warranty.
4.6 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
For technical support or sales inquiries, please visit us at
https://www.thorlabs.com/locations.cfm for our most up-to-date contact
information.
USA, Canada, and South America
Thorlabs, Inc.
sales@thorlabs.com
techsupport@thorlabs.com
Europe
Thorlabs GmbH
europe@thorlabs.com
France
Thorlabs SAS
sales.fr@thorlabs.com
Japan
Thorlabs Japan, Inc.
sales@thorlabs.jp| UK and Ireland
Thorlabs Ltd.
sales.uk@thorlabs.com
techsupport.uk@thorlabs.com
Scandinavia
Thorlabs Sweden AB
scandinavia@thorlabs.com
Brazil
Thorlabs Vendas de Fotônicos Ltda.
brasil@thorlabs.com
China
Thorlabs China
chinasales@thorlabs.com
---|---
Thorlabs ‘End of Life’ Policy (WEEE)
Thorlabs verifies our compliance with the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive of the European Community and the corresponding national laws. Accordingly, all end users in the EC may return “end of life” Annex I category electrical and electronic equipment sold after August 13, 2005 to Thorlabs, without incurring disposal charges. Eligible units are marked with the crossed out “wheelie bin” logo (see right), were sold to and are currently owned by a company or institute within the EC, and are not dissembled or contaminated. Contact Thorlabs for more information. Waste treatment is your own responsibility. “End of life” units must be returned to Thorlabs or handed to a company specializing in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste disposal site. It is the users responsibility to delete all private data stored on the device prior to disposal.
References
- Thorlabs, Inc. - Your Source for Fiber Optics, Laser Diodes, Optical Instrumentation and Polarization Measurement & Control
- Thorlabs, Inc. - Your Source for Fiber Optics, Laser Diodes, Optical Instrumentation and Polarization Measurement & Control
- Thorlabs - Your Source for Fiber Optics, Laser Diodes, Optical Instrumentation and Polarization Measurement & Control.