Focus on photonics, spectroscopy, and spectrometry

Software for analyzing quantum correlations

PicoQuant developed its QuCoa software to simplify data acquisition and analysis for quantum correlation and coincidence counting applications in research areas that rely on coincidence detection. Those include general quantum optics, quantum key distributions, and Hanbury Brown–Twiss setups to study single-photon sources. The software uses the T2 time-tagging mode of PicoQuant’s time-correlated single-photon counting electronics. According to the company, QuCoa features one of the fastest software correlators. Users can correlate the absolute arrival times of photons in real time and assess, for example, the quality of an antibunching curve during measurement. The software also provides an easy-to-use event filter for coincidence counting applications. PicoQuant, Rudower Chaussee 29, 12489 Berlin, Germany, www.picoquant.com

Terahertz imaging platform

Toptica has extended its terahertz instrumentation portfolio by adding a terahertz imaging extension for TeraFlash, its time-domain spectroscopy platform. The wide 0.1–5 THz spectral bandwidth of TeraFlash lets researchers exploit the full potential of the combination of imaging and spectroscopic methods. The extension uses two precise linear stages to scan a sample through the terahertz-beam focus. The translational movement speeds up measurement and allows the system to acquire complete waveforms for up to 16 pixels/s. Two versions of the extension are available. One lets researchers use their own optical components. The other includes parabolic mirrors for beam shaping and focusing and allows users to quickly reconfigure the optics between a transmission setup and a reflection geometry. Toptica Photonics Inc, 5847 County Rd 41, Farmington, NY 14425, www.toptica.com

Optical parametric amplifier

The AVUS optical parametric amplifier (OPA) product line from APE now includes a short-pulse version. The OPAs are frequency converters for femtosecond lasers used for spectroscopy and microscopy applications. The AVUS SP with pulses of 70 fs and below is mainly for microscopy. It can increase imaging contrast and improve the signal-to-noise ratio, since the higher peak power of the shorter pulses produces more efficient beam-to-sample interaction. The SP model and the standard version for spectroscopy, about 200 fs, cover a tuning range of UV, visible, and IR, depending on the configuration. The systems feature fully integrated tuning and automatic wavelength separation. The combination of air cooling and high pumping power makes them suitable for many multiphoton experiments. APE Angewandte Physik & Elektronik GmbH, Plauener Str 163-165, Haus N, 13053 Berlin, Germany, www.ape-berlin.de

Compact gas analyzers

Hiden Analytical has introduced its HPR-20 range of compact benchtop gas analyzers for dynamic measurement of in-process gas composition. The systems feature precision quadrupole mass spectrometers with standard mass range options of 200 amu and 300 amu; 20–1000 amu are available for specialized applications. The HPR-20 EGA system uses bypass capillary sampling for fast-response evolved gas measurement at near-atmospheric pressures. The HPR-20 TMS transient system has a direct pulse ion-counting detector with a seven-decade dynamic range and delivers optimal response time for fast event studies. Designed for research, the HPR-20 R&D system offers standard and customized interface configurations that include options for direct sampling from pressures up to 30 bar. Hiden Analytical Inc, 37699 Schoolcraft Rd, Livonia, MI 48150, www.hideninc.com

Optical power meter for fast photonics alignment

The F-712.PM1 high-speed optical power meter from Physik Instrumente converts photodiode currents from optical signals into a high-resolution, logarithmic analog voltage signal suitable for optical alignment systems. Its 20 kHz high bandwidth enables fast optical alignment when used with the company’s high-speed FMPA photonics alignment systems for silicon photonics applications. The wavelength range of 400–1550 nm allows users to work in both the visible and IR ranges without switching. The optical input design eliminates the influence on the signal of the optical fiber location in the connector. The device has an 85 nW–85 mW dynamic range and 0–1 mA current input to which a photodiode can be connected. Switching between the optical and current inputs is done with a button. Physik Instrumente LP, 16 Albert St, Auburn, MA 01501, www.pi-usa.us

UV-visible spectrophotometer

The UV-1900 UV-vis spectrophotometer from Shimadzu has an ultrafast scan function that has a data acquisition rate of 29 000 nm/min. It also incorporates the company’s Low-Ray-Ligh diffraction grating technology, which ensures low stray light, high resolution and sensitivity, and a large linearity range. As a result, the instrument can perform high-accuracy quantitative analysis and detect low-concentration components. Shimadzu’s LabSolutions UV-vis control software has been released simultaneously with the UV-1900. The software provides integrated data management with other analysis instruments and contributes to data pass/fail judgments via its spectral evaluation functions. Measurement modes include photometric, spectrum, quantitation, kinetics, time course, and biomethod. Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Inc, 7102 Riverwood Dr, Columbia, MD 21046, www.ssi.shimadzu.com

New wavelengths for Raman spectroscopy

Cobolt, a part of Hübner Photonics, now offers new wavelengths in its 08-01 series of single-frequency and narrow-linewidth lasers. Wavelengths of 457, 473, 515, 660, and 1064 nm complement the already available wavelengths of 405, 532, 561, and 785 nm. The 08-01 series, suitable for Raman spectroscopy applications, consists of ultracompact, single-longitudinal-mode diode-pumped lasers up to 400 mW and narrow-linewidth diode lasers up to 500 mW. All offer high wavelength stability and spectral purity. The lasers feature an optional optical isolator and a clean-up filter and are easily integrated into state-of-the-art Raman-based systems and other analytical instrumentation. Cobolt Inc, 2635 N First St, Ste 228, San Jose, CA 95134, www.coboltlasers.com

High-definition spectrometer

The compact, UV-visible Ocean HDX spectrometer from Ocean Optics is suitable for advanced research such as UV absorption spectra of biomolecules and reflection measurements of live specimens. High-definition optics give the Ocean HDX high resolution of less than 1.0 nm (full width at half maximum); low stray light; thermal stability; and narrow, symmetrical peaks across the UV/near-IR wavelength range. The low-stray-light performance contributes to high dynamic range and high absorbance linearity for determining analyte concentration in solutions and allows for fast, accurate measurement of optically dense samples. High throughput and a back-thinned CCD detector deliver high sensitivity for low-light applications, including fluorescence. Ocean Optics Inc, 8060 Bryan Dairy Rd, Largo, FL 33777, https://oceanoptics.com

Miniature spectrometer

The latest generation of Avantes’ CompactLine miniature spectrometers, the AvaSpec-2048CL and the AvaSpec-4096CL, incorporates CMOS detectors rather than CCDs. CMOS technology offers the advantage of reducing integration time, which is cut from 1–2 ms to 20 μs to better support high-speed applications. CMOS also delivers native response in the UV between 200 nm and 400 nm with no detector coating required and superior response in the near-IR above 900 nm. It eliminates the blooming and smearing that affects traditional CCDs. The new AvaSpec-Minis also feature automated optical alignment tooling that, according to Avantes, ensures the best possible alignment of optical components, enhanced thermal stability, and unit-to-unit reproducibility. Avantes USA, 500 S Arthur Ave, Unit 500, Louisville, CO 80027, www.avantes.com

Tunable monochromatic light source

The compact model TLS120Xe tunable light source from Bentham Instruments suits a wide range of applications in spectroscopy and spectrophotometry. Those include fluorescence imaging, photoluminescence excitation, detector responsivity and quantum efficiency evaluation, reflectance and transmittance analysis, thin-film deposition monitoring, and CCD and CMOS camera testing. The short-arc xenon light source is housed in a single, 19-inch benchtop enclosure. It offers front-panel interface or USB control, continuous tuning over 280–1100 nm, and high stability. The TLS120Xe features a 120 mm focal length monochromator that delivers a high-power monochromatic beam suitable for materials and photodetector characterization in research and industry. Bentham Instruments Limited, 2 Boulton Rd, Reading, Berkshire RG2 0NH, UK, www.bentham.co.uk

Fourier-transform IR spectrometer

Bruker has announced the successor to its Vertex 70 Fourier-transform IR research spectrometer. The Invenio combines Vertex 70 features, such as FM technology for simultaneous mid- and far-IR spectroscopy, with simplified operation and innovations. New MultiTect technology allows users to control up to five internal detectors and to cover the spectral range from far-IR to the visible and UV. More detectors can optionally be added to a DigiTect detector slot. The smart Invenio beam path improves optical throughput and spectroscopic sensitivity. Other features include electronically coded beam windows with magnetic mount, an automated internal attenuator wheel, and Bruker’s Rocksolid interferometer. The Transit channel allows for easy transmission measurements without removing experiments from the sample compartment. Bruker Optics Inc, 40 Manning Rd, Billerica, MA 01821, www.bruker.com

Fluorescence and absorbance spectrometer

In addition to traditional fluorescence and absorbance spectroscopy modalities, the Duetta fluorescence and UV-visible spectrometer from Horiba Scientific features simultaneous absorbance–transmittance fluorescence excitation–emission matrices, or A-TEEMs. They provide sensitive molecular fingerprinting and extended dynamic range because of automatic inner-filter-effect corrections. The Duetta’s ultrafast CCD has an effective scan speed of 510 000 nm/min. An entire 3D EEM can be acquired in less than 1 s. A fluorescence emission wavelength range of 250–1100 nm is standard; extended near-IR fluorescence detection is also offered. According to Horiba, the Duetta’s high fluorescence sensitivity lets users measure low sample concentrations and acquire high-quality data. Horiba Scientific Division of Horiba Instruments Inc, 20 Knightsbridge Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, www.horiba.com/scientific

Air-cooled dry pumps

Based on the company’s iXL range of semiconductor dry pumps, the compact nXL110i and nXL200i dry vacuum pumps from Edwards feature quiet, convenient operation. The pumps are suitable for scientific instruments and optimized for liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. They can handle gas loads of up to 25 slm. Intelligent drive allows them to achieve enhanced performance from a single-phase power supply. The noncontacting, oil-free pump mechanism provides extended operation and up to five years’ service life. During the initial chamber pump down, intelligent transient overload protection allows a higher power draw for a short time so the pump can overcome initial gas loads; once operating pressure is achieved, less power is required. Edwards, Innovation Dr, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9TW, UK, www.edwardsvacuum.com

Pulse-delay generator

Quantum Composers has added a robust, flexible laboratory pulse generator to its digital-delay pulse generator line of photonics instruments. Model 9420, designed for a wide range of applications, features fast timing resolution of 10 ns and low jitter of less than 400 ps. The high-precision unit comes with two, four, or eight output channels. The channels come standard with USB, RS-232, and GPIB. Width and delay can be set independently for each channel. The 9420 offers fast programming and a range of modes that includes single, continuous, burst, duty cycle, and externally controlled. Once the generator has been programmed for a particular setup or system, the settings can be stored in 1 of 12 memory recall slots, so the instrument can be shared among projects or reused. Quantum Composers Inc, 212 Discovery Dr, Bozeman, MT 59718, www.quantumcomposers.com