| SPEC-10 |
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PI's high-performance Spec-10 CCD camera system
comes complete with a cryogenic cooling platform. This
revolutionary system features cooling down to
-120°C with liquid nitrogen, read noise as low as 3
e-rms, and optional PCI or USB 2.0 interfaces.
Keeping tradition with the PI approach, our Spec-10
is offered with a full range of spectroscopy CCDs,
including proprietary 1340x100 and 1340x400 format
devices in front, back-illuminated, and deep depletion
versions. Operated at 100 kHz and 1 MHz, each camera
delivers greater than 16-bit true dynamic range. Its
easy-to-use USB 2.0 interface permits utilization with
portable laptop computers.
Full-triggering and shutter control capabilities are
provided. The Spec-10 cameras are also available with
renowned WinView/WinSpec software suites featuring
powerful data acquisition capabilities. Its macro record
feature quickly and easily automates complex experiments.
Spec-10 cameras are backward-compatible with all the
software packages and custom programs written for previous
PI cameras.
Features and Benefits
Incomparable Instrumentation
The Spec-10 platform was engineered by the same research
and development group that introduced the first 16-bit
optical multi-channel analyzer, the first dual-diode
array, and the first spectroscopic format CCD. This
state-of-the-art detection system represents yet another
milestone in sophisticated, practical technology for
spectroscopists. Its 16-bit platform incorporates performance
optimized spectrometric CCDs, ultra-low noise electronics,
and full software control of both the camera and
the spectrometer for quick and accurate data delivery.
Exclusive Spectrometric CCDs
Spec-10 systems are configurable with a number
of front- and back-illuminated CCDs available exclusively
from PI. These scientific-grade detectors, developed
jointly with CCD manufacturers, employ several design
features engineered specifically for optimizing the
performance parameters of spectroscopy experiments.
One of the design's most obvious special characteristics
-- the rectangular array format -- serves the dual
purpose of providing fast spectral rates (small heights)
and full spectral coverage (large widths). PI offers
a variety of enhancement coatings which can raise the
QE of these spectrometric CCDs. For higher sensitivity
in the NIR, deep-depletion devices are also available.
PI has worked with a device manufacturer to successfully
minimize the etalon effect that typically occurs when
back-illuminated CCDs are used for NIR spectroscopy.
Reduction is accomplished by fabricating these CCDs
on thicker silicon, applying an AR coating optimized
for the NIR, and processing the back surface in a proprietary
way which helps break up the etalon effect.
Choice of Communications
A first-in-the-industry USB 2.0 communications port
facilitates easy Spec-10 integration with PC notebooks
and desktops, as well as with larger systems manufactured
by OEMs. Alternatively, a PCI card interface also delivers
fast, reliable data transfer.
Superior Cooling Technology
While some Spec-10 models reduce dark current and
inherent noise contribution to negligible levels via
cryogenically cooling the CCD down to -120°C with liquid
nitrogen.
Comprehensive Control
While every Spec-10 can be configured with a dual-speed
digitizer that provides fast spectral rates and low-noise
readout modes, numerous models are also available with
the industry's first six-speed digitizer, which enables
software selectable rates of 50 kHz, 100 kHz, 200 kHz,
500 kHz, 1 MHz, and 2 MHz. The Spec-10 lets users specify
read rate, on-chip binning parameters, and regions
of interest (ROI) - all under software control. For
instance, if your experiment dictates that the output
of an imaging spectrometer is two or more distinct
spectra, then the CCD's on-chip binning can be set
to read out each spectrum separately. Multiple spectra
taken simultaneously can either be stored in the same
data file or separated in post-processing. In addition,
only Spec-10 systems allow you to set acquisition speeds
and gains independently via software. Furthermore,
many models support software-selectable dual amplifiers
optimized for high-capacity applications (e.g., Absorption
spectroscopy), or high-sensitivity applications (e.g.,
Raman or Fluorescence spectroscopy).
Powerful Easy-to-Use Software
The Spec-10 runs under WinSpec, PI's 32-bit Windows
software package for spectroscopy. WinSpec provides
comprehensive spectral acquisition, display, processing,
and archiving functions, so you can perform complete
data acquisition and analysis without having to rely
on third party software. Run automatic spectrometer
control and calibration routines using WinSpec, move
to any spectral window, or change gratings without
recalibrating. WinSpec also facilitates snap-ins to
permit easy user customization of any function or sequence.
Windows DLLs, Linux® drivers, and our exclusive
PI PVCAM® application programming interface allow
you to write customized software, making integration
of Spec-10 detection systems into larger experiments
a straightforward endeavor.
Full Spectrometer Support
PI offers extensive support for spectrometer integration,
including fiber optic accessories, lenses, lens mounts,
f# matchers, and spectrometer flanges. Spec-10 detection
systems can be coupled to the entire line of PI Research
spectrometers, providing fully integrated instruments
with automated software control of both the spectrometer
and the detector. Adapters are available for most other
leading-edge spectrometers, as well. The resultant
spectroscopy solutions are easily controlled and monitored
with WinSpec, PVCAM, and the SITK™ plug-in for
National Instruments' popular LabVIEW software package.
Better Detector Probing
A 2.2 µm detector lets you probe deeper into
your sample material in order to uncover a wealth of
new data. Investigations in this spectral region are
becoming increasingly important to many applications,
including polymer and fuel research. Sensitivity in
the 2.2 µm region is especially useful for analyzing
moisture content, as well.
The InGaAs utilized in our newest OMA V™ systems
has much less intrinsic dark noise than earlier generations
of extended InGaAs. In many cases, PI OMA V 2.2 µm
detectors provide ten times the sensitivity of previous
extended-InGaAs detectors.
The results speak for themselves:
- NIR Raman with Diode Laser Excitation
- Raman spectrum of CCI4 acquired using OMA V (2.2-µm
InGaAs)
- 785-nm excitation, 200-µm collection fiber
Spectroscopy Cameras
