QE65000 Scientific-grade Spectrometer The QE65000 Scientific-grade Spectrometer is a novel combination of detector, optical bench and electronics technologies that provides users with a remarkably sensitive system for demanding low-light level applications such as fluorescence, DNA sequencing, astronomy and Raman spectroscopy.  The QE65000 can achieve up to 90% quantum efficiency with high signal-to-noise and rapid signal processing speed. Quantum Efficiency to 90% Increased System Sensitivity Excellent UV Response Demanding Low Light-level Applications Onboard Programming Multiple Interface Options Optical Bench Options Filter Options Installation and Operation Manual Specifications Warranty New! Optical Bench Enhancements The great performance of our QE65000 Spectrometer has been enhanced to provide even more value: lower stray light, improved efficiency in the UV and Shortwave NIR, and better unit-to-unit reproducibility. For full UV-Shortwave NIR coverage, you'll want to configure your QE65000 with our HC-1 composite grating. We are also offering a proprietary low BRDF bench coating to improve stray light performance and provide better reproducibility in unit-to-unit performance. Quantum Efficiency to 90% The QE65000 is the most sensitive spectrometer we have ever developed. The Hamamatsu FFT-CCD detector used in the QE65000 provides 90% quantum efficiency (defined as how efficiently a photon is converted to a photo-electron). Most of our other detectors are linear CCDs but with this “2D” area detector, we can bin (or sum) a vertical row of pixels, which offers significant improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio (>1000:1) and signal processing speed of the detector compared with a linear CCD, where signals are digitally added by an external circuit. Increased System Sensitivity In our spectrometers with linear CCDs, the slit’s width, not its height, regulates the amount of light entering the bench because linear CCDs cannot efficiently collect the light from the entire height of the slit. But in the QE65000, the 2D area detector can better take advantage of the height of the slit and the additional light, greatly improving system sensitivity. Excellent UV Response Because the detector in the QE65000 is back-thinned (or back-illuminated), it has great native response in the UV and does not require the additional coatings that we typically apply to other detectors for UV applications. Demanding Low Light-level Applications The QE65000 Spectrometer is a great option for low-light level applications including fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, DNA sequencing, astronomy and thin-film reflectivity. The TE-cooled (down to -15 °C) detector features low noise and low dark signal, which enables low-light-level detection and long integration times (analogous to the shutter speed of a camera) from 8 milliseconds to 15 minutes, with virtually no spectral distortion.

An example of a fluorescence setup with a QE65000 uses the PX-2 Pulsed Xenon Lamp as an excitation source and the CUV-ALL Cuvette Holder for samples. An optical fiber delivers excitation light to the sample holder and read light to the spectrometer. A filter, such as one of our Linear Variable Filters would block excitation light from entering the spectrometer

Onboard Programming

The QE65000 also has an onboard programmable micro-controller for controlling the spectrometer and accessories. You have access to 10 user-programmable digital inputs/outputs and a pulse generator for triggering other devices. You can use the I/Os to flash a lamp, stop/start a process, and send a message/alarm during the spectrometer’s integration period. The spectrometer’s operating parameters can be controlled through software. In fact, wavelength calibration coefficients unique to each spectrometer are programmed into a memory chip right on the spectrometer.

Multiple Interface Options

The QE65000 interfaces to a computer via USB 2.0 or RS-232 serial port. When combined with the Remora Network Adapter, the USB interface allows you communication via Ethernet and/or wireless network. Data unique to each spectrometer are programmed into a memory chip on the QE65000; our SpectraSuite Spectroscopy Operating Software reads these values for easy setup and hot swapping among computers, whether they run on Linux, Mac or Windows operating systems.

Optical Bench Options

At Ocean Optics, we understand that your work is unique and that you want a spectrometer to fit your specific needs. With the QE65000 Spectrometer, you can configure the bench for your application. Choose QE65000 Optical Bench Options such as entrance aperture size, detector accessories, filters a grating and more. Our application scientists will help you determine which configuration will best work for you.

Variety of Filter Options Available

We have a number of variable bandpass order-sorting filter options available to vary the starting wavelength at 50 nm intervals to fit your particular application. These OFLVs are for use with the HC-1 grating only and consist of the following:

Triggering Options

The QE65000 is available with external triggering that helps you easily synchronize data acquisition with external events. Check out the documentation (PDF format):

• External Triggering for Firmware versions below 3.0

• External Triggering for Firmware 3.0 and above

Installation and Operation Manual

Specifications

Systems starting at. Ask an Ocean Optics Applications Scientist about configuration options, software requirements and optional accessories.