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SpectrAcq2 Fully Integrated Spectroscopy-Acquisition System rev. B (15 Mar 2012)

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SpectrAcq2

Fully Integrated Spectroscopy-Acquisition System

Operation Manual

Rev. B

http://www.HORIBA.com/scientific

http://www.horiba.com/


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Copyright © 1998–2012 by HORIBA Instruments

Incorporated.

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be

reproduced, stored, in a retrieval system, or

transmitted in any form by any means, including

electronic or mechanical, photocopying and

recording, without prior written permission from

HORIBA Instruments Incorporated. Requests for

permision should be requested in writing. Windows®

is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Origin®

is a registered trademark of OriginLab

Corporation. LabVIEW is a trademark of National

Instruments.

Information in this manual is subject to change

without notice, and does not represent a commitment

on the part of the vendor.

March 2012

Part Number J81023


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Table of Contents: 1: Overview ............................................................................................................ 1

About the SpectrAcq2 ................................................................................................................................................. 1 Disclaimer .................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Safety summary .......................................................................................................................................................... 4

2: Getting Started ..................................................................................................... 5 Environmental requirements ...................................................................................................................................... 5 Electrical requirements ............................................................................................................................................... 5 Cable requirements for controlling photomultiplier tubes.......................................................................................... 6 Unpacking ................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Power connections ..................................................................................................................................................... 9 Communications connections .................................................................................................................................. 10 Signal-input connections .......................................................................................................................................... 11 PMT DAQ .................................................................................................................................................................. 12 TTL I/O connector ..................................................................................................................................................... 12 Establishing communications ................................................................................................................................... 13

3: Electronic Functions .............................................................................................. 14 Communications section .......................................................................................................................................... 14 Signal-processing section ........................................................................................................................................ 15

4: System Optimization ............................................................................................. 17 Control optimization .................................................................................................................................................. 17 Optical optimization ................................................................................................................................................... 17 Electrical optimization ............................................................................................................................................... 17

5: Specifications ..................................................................................................... 19

6: Troubleshooting ................................................................................................... 20

7: Service Policy ..................................................................................................... 21 Return authorization ................................................................................................................................................. 22

Appendix A: Glossary ................................................................................................ 23

Appendix B: Rear-panel Connector Pin Assignments .......................................................... 27 PMT DAC connector ................................................................................................................................................. 27 TTL I/O connector ..................................................................................................................................................... 27 RS-232 interface connector...................................................................................................................................... 28 Pass-through RS-232 interface connector ............................................................................................................. 28 IEEE-488 connector.................................................................................................................................................. 29

Appendix C: SpectrAcq2 Circuit-Board Jumpers ................................................................ 20 Gain ranges ............................................................................................................................................................... 30

Appendix D: Changing Detectors Using SW-DET4 .............................................................. 31 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................ 31 Set-up ........................................................................................................................................................................ 31 Change the detector port as necessary................................................................................................................... 32

8: Index ................................................................................................................ 34

SpectrAcq2 Fully Integrated Spectroscopy-Acquisition System rev. B (15 Mar 2012) Overview

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Note: Keep this and the other reference manuals near the system.

1 : Overview About the SpectrAcq2

The SpectrAcq2 acquires a DC signal from a detector while regulating the high-voltage

power supplies for photomultiplier tubes, and providing experimental triggers. The

SpectrAcq2 includes an RS-232 interface for connection to a computer, or the IEEE-488

interface provides an alternative using the General Purpose Instrument Bus (GPIB).

The SpectrAcq2 can be controlled by software from HORIBA Scientific such as

SpectraMax, SynerJY®, or FluorEssence™ for Windows

®. These types of software provide

advanced data-manipulation, multi-windowed display, and compatibility with

SpectrumONE multichannel detectors.

If you prefer, you can write acquisition routines using the commands described in the

accompanying Spectrometer Control manual. If you are writing in a programming language

to control the SpectrAcq2, see the Spectrometer Control manual for detailed information

about the commands.

LabVIEW™ programmers have yet another method of control available. HORIBA

Scientific offers a driver package, available upon request, at no charge. The LabVIEW™

development package, sold by National Instruments, is required. The driver package is

compatible with LabVIEW™ version 3.0.1 or newer.


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Disclaimer By setting-up or starting to use any HORIBA Instruments Incorporated product, you are

accepting the following terms:

You are responsible for understanding the information contained in this document. You

should not rely on this information as absolute or all-encompassing; there may be local

issues (in your environment) not addressed in this document that you may need to address,

and there may be issues or procedures discussed that may not apply to your situation.

If you do not follow the instructions or procedures contained in this document, you are

responsible for yourself and your actions and all resulting consequences. If you rely on the

information contained in this document, you are responsible for:

Adhering to safety procedures

Following all precautions

Referring to additional safety documentation, such as Material Safety Data Sheets

(MSDS), when advised

As a condition of purchase, you agree to use safe operating procedures in the use of all

products supplied by HORIBA Instruments Incorporated, including those specified in the

MSDS provided with any chemicals and all warning and cautionary notices, and to use all

safety devices and guards when operating equipment. You agree to indemnify and hold

HORIBA Instruments Incorporated harmless from any liability or obligation arising from

your use or misuse of any such products, including, without limitation, to persons injured

directly or indirectly in connection with your use or operation of the products. The foregoing

indemnification shall in no event be deemed to have expanded HORIBA Instruments

Incorporated’s liability for the products.

HORIBA Instruments Incorporated products are not intended for any general cosmetic,

drug, food, or household application, but may be used for analytical measurements or

research in these fields, or for forensic applications. A condition of HORIBA Instruments

Incorporated’s acceptance of a purchase order is that only qualified individuals, trained and

familiar with procedures suitable for the products ordered, will handle them. Training and

maintenance procedures may be purchased from HORIBA Scientific at an additional cost.

HORIBA Instruments Incorporated cannot be held responsible for actions your employer or

contractor may take without proper training.

Due to HORIBA Instruments Incorporated’s efforts to continuously improve our products,

all specifications, dimensions, internal workings, and operating procedures are subject to

change without notice. All specifications and measurements are approximate, based on a

standard configuration; results may vary with the application and environment. Any

software manufactured by HORIBA Instruments Incorporated is also under constant

development and subject to change without notice.

Any warranties and remedies with respect to our products are limited to those provided in

writing as to a particular product. In no event shall HORIBA Instruments Incorporated be

held liable for any special, incidental, indirect or consequential damages of any kind, or any

damages whatsoever resulting from loss of use, loss of data, or loss of profits, arising out of


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or in connection with our products or the use or possession thereof. HORIBA Instruments

Incorporated is also in no event liable for damages on any theory of liability arising out of,

or in connection with, the use or performance of our hardware or software, regardless of

whether you have been advised of the possibility of damage.


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Safety summary The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation of

this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings

elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture and intended use

of instrument. HORIBA Instruments Incorporated assumes no liability for the customer’s

failure to comply with these requirements. Certain symbols are used throughout the text for

special conditions when operating the instruments:

A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls

attention to an operating procedure, practice, or

similar that, if incorrectly performed or adhered to,

could result in personal injury or death. Do not

proceed beyond a WARNING notice until the

indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

HORIBA Instruments Incorporated is not

responsible for damage arising out of improper use

of the equipment.

A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls

attention to an operating procedure, practice, or

similar that, if incorrectly performed or adhered to,

could result in damage to the product. Do not

proceed beyond a CAUTION notice until the

indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

HORIBA Instruments Incorporated is not

responsible for damage arising out of improper use

of the equipment.

Risk of electric shock! This symbol warns the user

that un-insulated voltage within the unit may have

sufficient magnitude to cause electric shock.

Read this manual before using or servicing the

instrument.

Caution:

Caution:

Warning:

SpectrAcq2 Fully Integrated Spectroscopy-Acquisition System rev. B (15 Mar 2012) Electronic Functions

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Caution: HORIBA Instruments Incorporated is not liable for damage from line surges and voltage fluctuations. A surge protector is strongly recommended for minor power fluctuations. For more severe voltage variations, use a generator or uninterruptible power supply. Improper line

voltages can damage the equipment severely.

Warning: The SpectrAcq2’s power supply is equipped with a three-conductor power cord that is connected to the system frame (earth) ground. This ground provides a return path for fault current from equipment malfunction or external faults. For all instruments, ground continuity is required for safe operation. Any discontinuity in the ground line can make the instrument unsafe for use. Do not operate this system from an ungrounded source.

2 : Getting Started Environmental requirements

Temperature 59–86°F (15–30°C)

Maximum temperature fluctuation ± 2°C

Ambient relative humidity < 75%

Low dust levels

No special ventilation

Electrical requirements The SpectrAcq2 operates from universal AC single-phase input power over the range of 85

to 250 V AC with a line frequency of 50 to 60 Hz. Have enough outlets available for:

Host computer (PC)

Monitor

SpectrAcq2


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Cable requirements for controlling photomultiplier tubes

Cable part number

Description Comments

J30646 BNC signal cable, 8′ Included with CCA-DPMHV

(from PMT signal output to

SpectrAcq2 current input)

J31687 MHV high-voltage cable Included with PMT-HVPS

J400193 DM302/HV/DAQ control; may be used

with DPM-HV or 1911F and DM302;

connects to SpectrAcq2 (photon-counting

circuit).

Included with SAQ2-302DPM.

Must be added when DM302 is

sold with existing DPM-HV and

SpectrAcq2.

J400046 DPM-HV DAQ control cable (from

SAQ2 to DPM-HV, or SAQ2 to PMT-

HVPS for remote HV control in software)

CCA-

DPMHV

Bundle, includes J400046 and J30646 Required for operation of DPM-

HV in current mode

J33977 Cable from DM302 to SpectrAcq2

(photon counting circuit). Not for DPM-

HV.

Included when DM302 is

purchased separately, along with

J30645

J30645 Short 6″ BNC cable to connect from PMT

to DM302

Included when DM302 is

purchased separately, along with

J33977

J34040 HV cable for cooled PMT-housings such

as 1912F and 1914F

Note: The SAQ2-302DPM package includes all necessary cables for photon-counting and controlling high voltage on a PMT that has self-contained high voltage (such as DPM-HV).


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Caution: The SpectrAcq2 system is delicate. Mishandling may seriously damage its components.

Unpacking Introduction

The SpectrAcq2 system is delivered in a single packing carton. If a host computer (PC) is

ordered as a part of the system, the PC is delivered in a few clearly labeled boxes. All

accessories, cables, software, and manuals ordered with the system are included with the

delivery.

Examine the shipping boxes carefully. Any evidence of damage should be noted on the

delivery receipt and signed by representatives of the receiving and carrier companies. Once

a location has been chosen, unpack and assemble the equipment as described below. To

avoid excessive moving and handling, the equipment should be unpacked as close as

possible to the selected location.

Note: Many public carriers will not recognize a claim for concealed damage if it is reported later than 15 days after delivery. In case of a claim, inspection by an agent of the carrier is required. For this reason, the original packing material should be retained as evidence of alleged mishandling or abuse. While HORIBA Instruments Incorporated assumes no responsibility for damage occurring during transit, the company will make every effort to aid and advise.


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SpectrAcq2 carton contents

Quantity Item Part number

1 SpectrAcq2 J400135

1 9-pin–25-pin cable J400144

1 SpectrAcq2 Operation Manual J81023

1 Power cord (110 V)

(220 V)

J98015

J98020

1 9-pin–15-pin adapter J973017

1 Set of disk and CD-ROM J97012

1 Power supply J964011


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The SpectrAcq2 must first be properly connected and communications must be established

for you to begin using it.

Power connections The SpectrAcq2 is provided with a self-contained, external power supply. This supply

automatically senses the input-line voltage (mains) and converts it to the needed power

level.

1 Plug the power supply into the POWER jack on the SpectrAcq 2.

2 Connect the line cord from the power supply to a power outlet (mains).

Caution: Connect the power supply to the SpectrAcq2 BEFORE plugging into a power outlet. Failure to do so may damage the internal electronics.


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Communications connections

The SpectrAcq2 can be commanded directly through a host computer from a variety of

software packages, such as SynerJY®, SynerJY

®-SDK, HORIBA Scientific LabVIEW™

VIs, and SpectraMax for Windows®. A null-modem serial cable is required for RS-232

communications. This cable is supplied with the system (part number J400144, 9-pin). If

your host computer has no COM port, a USB-to-serial adapter (such as Keyspan model

USA-19HS or HORIBA part number J973030) may be used.

If writing software with the programmer’s command set, refer to the Spectrometer Control

manual for further instructions and appropriate cable connections.

The IEEE 488 jack accepts a standard IEEE-488 cable, usually provided by the computer

interface-board manufacturer. Please note that a National Instruments GPIB card must be

used with HORIBA Scientific software. The following cards are approved National

Instruments GPIB interface boards for use with a PC:

AT-GPIB/TNT and AT-GPIB/TNT (PNP)

PCI-GPIB; NI P/N 777158-51 (P/N J973027, includes 2 m IEEE-488 cable)

PCMCIA-GPIB IEEE-488; NI P/N 777157-02 (P/N J973009, includes 2 m IEEE-488

cable)

USB-GPIB, NI GPIP-USB-HS

Caution: HORIBA Scientific offers these National Instruments boards in our sales catalog for your convenience. Other vendors’ boards can function in a SIMILAR fashion. Because we cannot support or guarantee reliable communications with other boards and software, we require that you use the National Instruments products described above. Please contact the Service department if you have a newer version of a National Instruments board and for the latest compatibility information.


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Signal-input connections

Connect the main detector to the Current Input BNC jack if the photodetector puts out a current-

mode signal, as is typically the case for

photomultipliers or unamplified solid state

detectors.

Use the Voltage Input BNC jack for voltage-

mode operation. The Voltage Input is generally

appropriate if a preamplifier is used.


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PMT DAQ jack

The DPM-PC-series photomultiplier housings with integrated high-voltage power supplies

are intended to connect directly to the PMT DAQ jack. If any of these housings are part of

the system, connect the bias cable to the PMT DAQ connector and the BNC cable to the

detector input channel that will process the signal from that PMT (Current Input jack).

For photon-counting, the DM302 photon-

counting module must be used to gather the

signal. Connect the DM302 to the PMT DAQ

jack using cable CCA-SAQ302. Connect the

BNC end to the Current Input jack. Please

refer to the current software manual or

Spectrometer Control manual (part number

J80123) for software setup.

TTL I/O jack

For those applications where digital control of ancillary devices is required, this connector

may be used with your own cabling and hardware to connect the SpectrAcq2 to control-

related functions. The TTL I/O jack provides buffered TTL-lines that can be read or asserted

to levels under software control. The pin connections are listed in Appendix B in this

manual.


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Note: If you will use your own programs to control the system, we strongly recommend that one of the programs from HORIBA Scientific is used to establish communications and verify proper operation first. In this way, the debugging of new routines can proceed without confusion caused by any improper connection or other hardware fault.

Establishing communications For SynerJY

®, see the User’s Guide for SynerJY

® Software (part number J810002).

Refer the Spectrometer Control LabVIEW™ supplement (J81023A) provided with the

driver CD-ROM if you are programming in LabVIEW™.

If the software or terminal options were not ordered, refer to the Spectrometer Control

manual and use the programs provided on the support CD-ROM to establish

communications with the PC.


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3 : Electronic Functions There are three standard functional sections of the electronics of the SpectrAcq2:

RS-232 communications

IEEE-488 communications

Signal-processing.

Communications section The RS-232 and IEEE-488 communications ports provide standardized electronic protocols

to receive commands and send data to a host computer. To take control of the SpectrAcq2

via these interfaces, see the “Getting Started” section of the Spectrometer Control manual.

The IEEE-488 (GPIB) address can be set manually using the DIP switches as indicated in

table 1:

Address Switch 1 Switch 2 Switch 3 Switch 4

1 OFF ON ON ON

2 ON OFF ON ON

3 OFF OFF ON ON

4 ON ON OFF ON

5 OFF ON OFF ON

6 ON OFF OFF ON

7 OFF OFF OFF ON

8 ON ON ON OFF

9 OFF ON ON OFF

10 ON OFF ON OFF

11 OFF OFF ON OFF

12 ON ON OFF OFF

13 OFF ON OFF OFF

14 ON OFF OFF OFF

15 OFF OFF OFF OFF

The DIP switches are on the front of the second control board. They can be reached (with

the power off) by removing the front panel or rear panel, and sliding the boards out of the

case. Make sure the board with the LED faces the bottom of the case when putting the

boards back into the case.


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Signal-processing section The analog-signal input portion consists of a channel for photodetectors. This channel can

accept either a current- or a voltage-mode signal from its respective connector.

For current mode, the signal from the Current Input BNC jack on the rear panel becomes a

voltage using a novel, highly linear current-to-voltage converter.

The SAQ2 provides four gain settings for the programmable gain amplifier (PGA).

The signal is sampled by the analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

Hardware autogain range-selection is provided by the SpectrAcq2’s microcontroller. It

interactively samples the ADC signal and manipulates the PGA to establish appropriate gain

settings for the signal level detected.

Under control of software running on a host computer, the PGA can be manipulated to

provide hardware autogain or one of the fixed gain ranges. The controlling software may

alternatively set the gain to any of the four ranges. If desired, the software can monitor the

signal as necessary.

In most acquisition modes, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) samples the signal once

every two milliseconds. The input amplifiers have a long time-constant so that transient

signals and noise spikes are, in effect, averaged during the 2-millisecond interval between

samples. In this way, the sampled signal is filtered to reduce the effect of high-frequency

noise. The digital values of the ADC samples are summed during the integration interval.

The total value can then be sent to the host computer. Alternatively, if the “p” command is

used, the value is transferred to the SpectrAcq 2’s internal memory for later retrieval.

See the Spectrometer Control manual for details on the “p” command. Note that when the

“p” command is set for the hardware-generated Time Base scan, the ADC minimum

interval is 7 ms for autogain mode and 1 ms for fixed gain mode.

If hardware autogain is used, all four gains are used on each sample, and the microcontroller

determines which value to keep. The others are discarded.


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Note: If the signal is pulsed, chopped or otherwise modulated at a frequency below a few kHz, allow a long-enough integration time to be sure that an average signal is obtained in each data-point. Shorter times will result in significant sampling errors.

The smallest programmable interval for sampling is 2 ms. The longer the integration time is,

the more samples are scanned, thereby reducing noise. Integration time of 0.1 s or longer is

recommended for most applications. If shorter time intervals are necessary, bear in mind

that the signal will become noisier as the 2-millisecond minimum is approached.

SpectrAcq2 Fully Integrated Spectroscopy-Acquisition System rev. B (15 Mar 2012) Specifications

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4 : System Optimization: To maximize the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) in the system, try the following:

Control optimization Increase integration time per data-point to improve the S/N through signal averaging.

If using a PMT detector, boosting the tube gain by increasing the high voltage may help.

Refer to the PMT specifications sheet shipped with the tube for the rated maximum

voltage. By increasing the high voltage, the tube’s gain is increased, making the signal-

level at the input to the SpectrAcq2 higher. Noise picked up by the cable is not

increased, so (in theory) this should provide better S/N improvement than a similar gain-

factor increase in the SpectrAcq2.

If the signal out-of-range error is never received, increase the input gain. Increase the

input gain to the highest range where the signal out-of-range error is not received. This

will better match the signal to the available dynamic range

When using autogain, the data should smoothly transition from one gain range to

another. If a discontinuity at one or more specific count-levels is apparent, try running

the amplifier offsets calculation from the controlling software. The offset routine

determines the small differences in amplifier gain-stages and calculates the correction

needed to provide smooth transitions between automatic gain changes. In AutoScan and

SpectraMax software, this command is accessed via the Setup / Detectors / PMT /

Offsets menu path. For LabVIEW™ users, refer to driver calls 23 and 24 in the

LabVIEW™ driver supplement. Further detail on the commands that these calls are

based on can be found in the Spectrometer Control manual. If you use your own

program, see the w and x commands in the Spectrometer Control manual.

Optical optimization Increase signal strength at the detector.

Reduce the possibility of stray light entering the system. Check for light leaks by

darkening the room or by covering any open segments of the optical system. Use an

opaque black cloth to cover portions of the system. Try isolating leaks by shining a

flashlight at suspected areas of the optical system while monitoring the signal.

Electrical optimization If noise is reduced by turning off the spectrometer’s power switch, rearrange power

(mains) connections to be sure the spectrometer, source, and detector are tied to the

same ground (earth) and, if possible, the same power circuit.

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) from a variety of sources may be picked up by the

sensitive input channels. Try isolating any other apparatus suspected to be a noise source

by turning it off while monitoring the signal in real time. If possible, connect them to

power circuits separate from the SpectrAcq2.

Room lights may radiate EMI based on the (50 or 60 Hz) power line (mains) frequency.

A battery-powered flashlight will not.


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A redundant grounding (earthing) strap connected from the detector to a centrally

located system ground may help. Ground loops and electromagnetic interference can be

challenging problems. The best place to attach a ground is usually discovered by trial

and error. In extreme cases, the best approach is to patiently experiment by trying

various combinations of grounding connections. As a general rule, try to keep ground

wires short, make tight connections, and avoid painted, coated, and anodized surfaces

when possible. Consider a “star ground” of redundant ground-wires radiating from a

single, central location, preferably connected to a grounded metal table surface under the

system.

Adding redundant ground wires to various points in the system sometimes helps. Guard

against the creation of ground loops that may occur when power grounds and signal

grounds are connected. Also keep digital grounds and their typical high-frequency noise

separate from signal ground.

In extreme cases, such as working with or around high powered pulsed lasers or other

high energy apparatus, it may be helpful to construct RFI/EMI shields or cages to

contain the noise at its source, or to isolate the detection system from the noise. In these

cases, colleagues who are working with a similar apparatus may be your best resource

for noise-control suggestions.


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5 : Specifications Dimensions (W × D × H) 6.75″ × 8.75″ × 2.25″ (17.1 cm × 22.2 cm × 5.7 cm)

Weight 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs.)

Environmental ranges 10–30°C, 20–80% humidity, non-condensing

Gain ranges 1, 10, 100, and 1000 ×

Current input range* P11 & P13 in: ±0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 μA

P11 & P13 out: ±0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1 μA

Voltage input range ±10, 1, 0.1, 0.01 V

Minimum signal* P11 & P13 in: 0.3 pA / 0.3 μV

P11 & P13 out: 0.03 pA / 0.03 μV

Maximum Signal 10 μA / 10 V

ADC sample interval 1 data-point per programmed multiple of 5 ms

ADC resolution 16 bits

Integration time 1 ms to 64 s

Noise < 0.5 pA rms with1 s integration

Linearity 1% all ranges, 0.1% highest range

Data storage up to 6000 data-points

Programmable input/output 4 TTL output lines, 4 TTL input lines

Communications RS-232, IEEE-488 Standard

Analog output for controlling PMT high voltage

0 to 5 V, 12-bit resolution

Voltage Supply ±15 V supply for external devices such as solid-state

detector preamplifiers.

Photon-counting Optional DM302 module for low light-level

measurements.

Programmer’s commands Discussed in “Spectrometer Control” manual

Power requirement External power supply

*Ranges can be adjusted by changing the specified jumpers. The jumpers can be reached

with the power off by removing the rear cover and sliding the boards out of the housing.

Make sure the board with the LED faces the bottom of the case when putting the boards

back into the case.

SpectrAcq2 Fully Integrated Spectroscopy-Acquisition System rev. B (15 Mar 2012) Troubleshooting

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6 : Troubleshooting Your SpectrAcq2 is designed to provide years of reliable service. If you are experiencing a

problem, review this section before contacting HORIBA Scientific to save time and help

you eliminate some simple errors that can be easily corrected.

Some of the more common difficulties that may be encountered are listed below. With each,

we offer some suggestions that may correct the problem for most cases.

System not responding to any commands

Check external cable connections. See the “Getting Started” section of the manual for

each instrument in the system for proper connections.

Check all of the system’s power connections.

Review the section under Getting Started to check for proper setup and

communications.

Refer to the manuals provided with the instrument(s) in your system for further

troubleshooting relating to the SpectrAcq2.

For further suggestions, check the “In Case of Difficulty” section of the manual for the

product you are using to communicate with the SpectrAcq2. This manual was shipped

with your software. If you are writing your own software refer to the Spectrometer

Control manual.

With the power off, check all of the system’s internal settings.

SpectrAcq2 Fully Integrated Spectroscopy-Acquisition System rev. B (15 Mar 2012) Service Policy

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7 : Service Policy If you need assistance in resolving a problem with your instrument, contact our Customer

Service Department directly, or if outside the United States, through our representative or

affiliate covering your location.

Often it is possible to correct, reduce, or localize the problem through discussion with our

Customer Service Engineers.

All instruments are covered by warranty. The warranty statement is printed inside of this

manual. Service for out-of-warranty instruments is also available, for a fee. Contact

HORIBA Instruments Incorporated or your local representative for details and cost

estimates.

If your problem relates to software, please verify your computer's operation by running any

diagnostic routines that were provided with it. Please refer to the software documentation for

troubleshooting procedures. If you must call for Technical Support, please be ready to

provide the software serial number, as well as the software version and firmware version of

any controller or interface options in your system. The software version can be determined

by selecting the software name at the right end of the menu bar and clicking on “About.”

Also knowing the memory type and allocation, and other computer hardware configuration

data from the PC’s CMOS Setup utility may be useful.

In the United States, customers may contact the Customer Service department directly.

From other locations worldwide, contact the representative or affiliate for your location.

In the USA: HORIBA Instruments

Incorporated

3880 Park Avenue

Edison, New Jersey 08820

USA

Tel: +1-732-494-8660 Ext. 160

Fax: +1-732-494-9796

Email: [email protected]

In France: Jobin Yvon SAS

16-18 rue du Canal

91165 Longjumeau

Cedex

France

Tel: +33 (0) 1 64 54 13

00

Fax: +33 (0) 1 69 09 93

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Worldwide: +1-877-546-7422 China: +86 (0) 10 6849 2216

Germany: +49 (0) 89

462317-15

Italy: +39 (0) 2 57603050

Japan: +81 (0) 3 58230141

UK: +44 (0) 20 8204 8142

If an instrument or component must be returned, the method described on the following

page should be followed to expedite servicing and reduce your downtime.

SpectrAcq2 Fully Integrated Spectroscopy-Acquisition System rev. B (15 Mar 2012) Service Policy

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Return authorization All instruments and components returned to the factory must be accompanied by a Return

Authorization Number issued by our Service Department.

To issue a Return Authorization number, we require:

The model and serial number of the instrument

A list of items and/or components to be returned

A description of the problem, including operating settings

The instrument user’s name, mailing address, telephone, and fax numbers

The shipping address for shipment of the instrument to you after service

Your Purchase Order number and billing information for non-warranty services

Our original Sales Order number, if known

Your Customer Account number, if known

Any special instructions

SpectrAcq2 Fully Integrated Spectroscopy-Acquisition System rev. B (15 Mar 2012) Appendix A: Glossary

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Appendix A: Glossary The discussion of detection with scanned single channel detectors requires some familiarity

with the terminology used. This section includes definitions specific to the context of this

manual for some familiar terms, as well as several unique terms, abbreviations and

acronyms. ADC An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) converts a sample of an analog

voltage or current signal to a digital value. The value may then be

communicated, stored, and manipulated mathematically. The value of

each conversion is generally referred to as a data-point.

Blackbody radiation

An ideal blackbody completely absorbs all radiation that strikes it.

Blackbody radiation is the emission from a blackbody when heated.

All objects at temperatures above absolute zero emit some radiation.

For convenience, this emission is often referred to as blackbody

radiation.

Chromatic aberration

Lenses do not form perfect images at a single point or plane when a

polychromatic source is used at varying distances depending on the

wavelength. This is caused by the refraction of different wavelengths

at slightly different angles. This same phenomenon is what makes a

prism split a collimated beam of white light into diverging colored

beams. Sometimes the displacement is significant, such as when

imaging into a narrow spectrometer slit and working over a broad

range of wavelengths. In such cases, throughput may vary

considerably as a function of wavelength. The effect can be visualized

as multiple images formed at slightly displaced positions along the

optical axis. The distance from the lens to each image is a function of

the wavelength of that image and the index of refraction of the lens at

that wavelength. Images that are formed in front or behind the slit will

not couple as well as the image that is formed at the slit plane.

D* (pronounced DEE-star)

This is an area-weighted figure of merit for solid-state detectors. The

higher the D* value, the more sensitive the detector is. To realize the

best performance in a spectroscopic system, coupling optics are often

required to collect the diverging signal-beam from the exit-slit and

concentrate it on the small (therefore high-D*) detector.

Dark signal Dark signal is generated by thermal agitation. This signal is directly

related to exposure time and increases with temperature. The more

dark signal there is, the less dynamic range for experimental signal.


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Dynamic range The dynamic range is the ratio of the maximum and minimum signal

measurable. The weakest detectable signal is limited by the dark level

plus the sampling noise. For single-channel detectors, the most intense

detectable signal is the lesser of the saturation level or the ADC

maximum limit. The dynamic range of the detector can be greater than

that of the system, which is limited by the ADC. A 16-bit ADC limit is

65 535(216–1) counts. A 14-bit ADC is limited to 16 383 counts. Gain

ranges can be used to shift the ADC range to match the signal levels of

a given spectral measurement. In this way, stronger or weaker signals

can be accommodated with optimal dynamic range.

Linearity When photo response is linear, if the light intensity doubles, the

detected signal doubles in magnitude as well. Although not a detector-

specific term, another, related, type of linearity is the spectral-

positioning accuracy or tracking error of a spectrometer-drive

mechanism.

NEP (noise equivalent power)

This is the radiant power-level impinging on a detector that results in a

signal-to-noise ratio of 1:1. NEP is specified at a particular modulation

frequency, wavelength, and effective noise bandwidth. A lower NEP

value shows a more sensitive detector. The NEP is also improved by

cooling the detector. While thermoelectric cooling is usually the most

convenient, liquid-nitrogen cooling returns the highest sensitivity.

Noise Noise is common to all detectors. The total amount of signal that exists

is less important than the ratio of signal magnitude to noise magnitude

(signal-to-noise ration, S/N). With a high S/N, a signal peak can be

discerned even though signal counts per second may be low. The noise

components are as follows:

Amplifier noise: Some noise is introduced in the process of

electronically amplifying and conditioning the signal read from the

detector before conversion to a digital value. Part of sampling

noise.

Conversion noise: During the conversion of an analog signal to a

digital data-point, some electronic noise is introduced, where

statistical variations occur in the least significant bit of the

converted data. Part of sampling noise.

Dark noise: The detector will integrate a thermally generated dark

current at all times, whether light is reaching the detector or not.

Most of the dark-current signal is a steady-state level that can be

subtracted, and so will not ultimately contribute to the noise.

However, a component of dark current is dark noise, caused by

statistical variations in the dark current. The dark-noise component

increases as the square root of the dark current. Dark current, and

therefore dark noise, can be reduced by cooling.

Sampling noise: The electronic noise impressed on the signal

during the amplification and digitization of the signal. For

convenience, usually all of the noise associated with biasing,

amplifying, and converting the signal is considered as sampling


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noise.

Shot noise: This is caused by the random statistical variations of

light. It includes both experimental and dark-signal components.

Shot noise is equal to the square root of the number of electrons

generated. Its effect can be minimized by increasing signal

intensity, signal-integration time, or summing a number of

samples.

Photodiode detectors

Photodiode devices generate a voltage or current as a result of photons

impinging on the junction. Connection to support electronics is

straightforward, for these devices often require only amplification to

boost the current or voltage to a level sufficient for accurate

digitization.

Photoconductive detectors

This type of detector decreases resistance in response to increases in

photon flux. Photoconductive detectors require a biasing voltage and

usually lock-in (synchronous) signal-processing to extract the signal

from their inherent noise.

Photoelectric effect

Some materials respond to illumination from photons by releasing

electrons. When light of sufficient energy hits a photosensitive

material, an electron is freed from being bound to a specific atom.

Such materials include the P-N junctions of photodiodes. The energy

of the light must be greater than or equal to the binding energy of the

electron to free an electron. The shorter the wavelength, the higher the

energy the light has.

Photoelectron A photoelectron is an electron that is released through the interaction

of a photon with the active element of a detector. The photoelectron

can be released either from a junction to the conduction band of a solid

state detector, or from the photocathode to the vacuum in a PMT. A

photoelectron is indistinguishable from other electrons in any electrical

circuit.

Quantum detectors

Quantum detectors interact with the photons directly in their electronic

structure. These are the most sensitive solid-state detectors for general

spectroscopic use. The two types of quantum detectors are

photodiodes and photoconductors.

Quantum efficiency (QE)

The efficiency of the photoelectric effect of a detector can be

quantified. The quantum efficiency of a detector is the ratio of number

of photoelectrons produced to the number of photons impinging on a

photoactive surface. A QE of 20% would indicate that one photon in

five produces a distinguishable photoelectron. Detectors are often

made of silicon, which has a high QE (about 45–50% at silicon’s peak

sensitivity at 750 nm). The quantum efficiency of a detector is

determined by several factors. These include the material’s intrinsic

electron binding-energy or band gap, the reflectivity of the surface, the

thickness of the surface, and energy of the impinging photon (hν). The

QE varies with the wavelength of incident light.


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Responsivity Responsivity is the ratio of output voltage of a detector to

corresponding exposure (J/cm2). Technically it is measured at VSat min/2

under specified conditions of illumination, sample rate, and

temperature.

S/N (Signal-to-noise ratio)

For any given signal, there is some noise present. S/N= is the ratio of

the desired signal level over the associated noise level. The higher the

S/N, the cleaner the signal.

Saturation level The maximum signal level that can be accommodated by a device is

its saturation level. At this point, further increase in input signal does

not result in a corresponding increase in output. This term is often used

to describe the upper limit of a detector element, an amplifier, or an

ADC.

Spectral response Most detectors will respond with higher sensitivity to some

wavelengths than to others. The spectral response of a detector is often

expressed graphically in a plot of responsivity versus wavelength.

SpectrAcq2 Fully Integrated Spectroscopy-Acquisition System rev. B (15 Mar 2012) Appendix B: Rear-Panel Connector Pin Assignments

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Appendix B: Rear-Panel Connector Pin Assignments

PMT DAC connector Pin # Name Function

1 Shield ground

2 D1 D1 n/u pull up

3 Spare n/u pull up

4 DAC return

5 Photon return

6 +5 V

7 –15 V

8 +15 V

9 D0 n/u pull up

10 Strobe n/u pull up

11 DAC out

12 Photon pulse

13 Ground Digital ground

14 Ground Analog ground

15 Ground Analog ground

TTL I/O connector Pin# Name Function

1 IN_0 TTL input line, bit 0


3 OUT_0 TTL output line, bit 0


5 DGND Ground






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RS-232 interface connector Pin# Name Function N/C No connection

3 TXD Transmits data from the SpectrAcq2

2 RXD Receives data

7 RTS Request to send; connected to pin 5

8 CTS Clear to send; connected to pin 4

4 DTR Data terminal ready (to receive a byte)

5 Ground Reference/return for all other lines

1 DCD Data-carrier detect; connected to pin 20

DTR Data terminal ready; connected to pin 8

Pass through RS-232 interface connector Pin# Name Function

N/C No connection

3 TXD Transmits data from the SpectrAcq2

2 RXD Receives data

7 RTS Request to send; connected to pin 5

8 CTS Clear to send; connected to pin 4

4 DTR Data terminal ready (to receive a byte)

5 Ground Reference/return for all other lines

1 DCD Data-carrier detect; connected to pin 20

DTR Data terminal ready; connected to pin 8


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IEEE-488 interface connector Pin # Name Function 1 IO_D1 Data input/output line

2 IO_D2 Data input/output line



5 EOI End or identity

6 DAV Data valid

7 NRFD Not ready for data

8 NDAC Not data accepted

9 IFC Interface clear 10 SRQ Service request

11 ATN Attention

12 SHIELD Protective shield





17 REN(24) Remote enable

18 GND(6) Signal ground for DAV

19 GND(7) Signal ground for NRFD

20 GND(8) Signal ground for NDAC

21 GND(9) Signal ground for IFC

22 GND(10) Signal ground for SRQ

23 GND(11) Signal ground for ATN

24 GND LOGIC Signal ground for EOI, REN

SpectrAcq2 Fully Integrated Spectroscopy-Acquisition System rev. B (15 Mar 2012) Appendix C: SpectrAcq2 Circuit-Board Jumpers

30

Appendix C: SpectrAcq2 Circuit-Board Jumpers

Gain ranges J11 & J13 pins shorted Input Range: ±0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 μA

Min. Signal: 0.3 pA/0.3 μV

J11 & J13 pins open Input Range: ±0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1 μA

Min. Signal: 0.03 pA/0.03 μV


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Appendix D: Changing Detectors Using SW-DET4

Introduction The SW-DET4 Selector Module (part

number J23078770) is an electronic

switching box that uses the TTL-output

channel from the SpectrAcq2 to select

between four individual detector ports. This

device allows the user to switch between

multiple detectors remotely (via a software

utility), without moving any hardware.

The HW Config And Control software is required. If you do not have this software, please

contact Customer Service, who will send it to you free of charge.

Set-up

1 Connect the SW-DET4 connector PWR to the PMT DAQ on the SpectrAcq2.

2 Connect the SW-DET4 connector CTRL PWR to the TTL I/O on the SpectrAcq2.

3 Connect the SW-DET4 connector OUT to the Voltage In on the SpectrAcq2.

4 Connect the RS-232 (shown above) or GPIB communication cable to the host computer.


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Change the detector port as necessary

1 Exit SynerJY® if SynerJY

® is open.

2 Double-click on the shortcut to open HW Config And Control software. The Communication Parameters window

appears:

3 Click the Add Controller button.

4 SpectrAcq 2 is displayed in the Connected Controllers list as soon as communication is established.

5 Select SpectrAcq 2, then click the Start >> button.


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Note: If the system uses RS-232 communication, only one of these programs (HW Config And Control, or SynerJY®) may be open at a time. If the system uses GPIB communication, it may be possible to open HW Config And Control while SynerJY® is still running. If you use LabSpec instead of SynerJY®, you may change the detector port via either the Config utility, or HW Config And Control.

6 Ignore the error message and click the OK button.

7 Select TTL I/O from the Acquisition Commands drop-down menu.

8 Select Write TTL Output from the Command to Execute drop-down menu.

9 In the Command Parameters area, enter the Input Port Val. (0 = port

1, 1 = port 2, etc.),

then click the Send Command button.

10 Exit the HW Config And Control software.

11 You may start the SynerJY® software to run

experiments.

SpectrAcq2 Fully Integrated Spectroscopy-Acquisition System rev. B (15 Mar 2012) Index

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8 : Index Key to the entries:

Times New Roman font ........... subject or

keyword

Arial font ................................... command,

menu choice, or

data-entry field

Arial Condensed Bold font ........ dialog box

Courier New font ........... file name or

extension

1

1911F .................................................................. 6

1912F .................................................................. 6

1914F .................................................................. 6

9

98015 .................................................................. 8

98020 .................................................................. 8

A

Acquisition Commands drop-down menu .. 33

ADC ............................................................ 15, 19

analog-to-digital converter .............................. 15

autogain ...................................................... 15, 17

B

BNC cable .................................................... 6, 12

C

cable requirements ............................................. 6

cables .............................................................. 7–8

caution notice ..................................................... 4

CCA-DPMHV ................................................... 6

CCA-SAQ302 .................................................. 12

COM port ......................................................... 10

Command Parameters area ........................ 33

Command to Execute drop-down menu ..... 33

Communication Parameters window ............. 32

Connected Controllers list ........................... 32

CTRL PWR jack ............................................. 31

Current Input BNC jack ..................... 11–12, 15

current-mode .............................................. 11, 15

Customer Service ....................................... 21, 31

D

dimensions ........................................................ 19

DIP switches ..................................................... 14

disclaimer ........................................................... 2

DM302 .................................................... 6, 12, 19

DPM-HV ............................................................ 6

E

electric shock notice ........................................... 4

electrical requirements ....................................... 5

electromagnetic interference............................ 17

EMI ............................................................. 17–18

environmental requirements .............................. 5

F

FluorEssence™ .................................................. 1

G

GPIB ................................................. 1, 10, 14, 31

ground loops ..................................................... 18

H

high-frequency noise .................................. 15, 18

host computer ........................ 5, 7, 10, 14–15, 31

HW Config And Control software .......... 31–33

I

IEEE 488 jack ................................. 1, 10, 14, 29

IEEE-488 cable ................................................ 10


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Input Port Val. field ........................................ 33

integration time .................................... 16–17, 19

J

J23078770 ........................................................ 31

J30645 ................................................................ 6

J30646 ................................................................ 6

J31687 ................................................................ 6

J33977 ................................................................ 6

J34040 ................................................................ 6

J400046 .............................................................. 6

J400135 .............................................................. 8

J400144 ........................................................ 8, 10

J400193 .............................................................. 6

J80123 .............................................................. 12

J810002 ............................................................ 13

J81023 ................................................................ 8

J81023A ........................................................... 13

J964011 .............................................................. 8

J97012 ................................................................ 8

J973009 ............................................................ 10

J973017 .............................................................. 8

J973027 ............................................................ 10

J973030 ............................................................ 10

L

LabVIEW™ ........................................... 1, 13, 17

LabVIEW™ VIs .............................................. 10

light leaks.......................................................... 17

M

maximum temperature fluctuation .................... 5

N

null-modem serial cable ................................... 10

O

Offsets ............................................................... 17

OK button ......................................................... 33

OUT jack .......................................................... 31

P

“p” command ................................................... 15

PGA .................................................................. 15

photomultiplier tube ........................................... 1

photon-counting module .................................. 12

pin assignments ................................................ 27

PMT DAQ jack .................................... 12, 27, 31

PMT-HVPS ........................................................ 6

POWER jack ..................................................... 9

power supply ...................................................... 9

programmable gain amplifier .......................... 15

PWR jack ......................................................... 31

R

Read this manual ................................................ 4

relative humidity ................................................ 5

return authorization .......................................... 22

RS-232 interface.................. 1, 10, 14, 19, 28, 31

RS-232 interface connector ............................. 28

S

S/N ..................................................................... 17

safety summary .................................................. 4

SAQ2-302DPM ................................................. 6

Selector Module ............................................... 31

Send Command button ................................. 33

service policy .................................................... 21

signal-to-noise ratio .......................................... 17

specifications .................................................... 19

SpectraMax ............................................. 1, 10, 17

SpectrumONE .................................................... 1

Start >> button ................................................ 32

SW-DET4 ......................................................... 31

SynerJY® ................................... 1, 10, 13, 32–33

T

trigger .................................................................. 1

troubleshooting ................................................. 20

TTL I/O jack ................................... 12, 27, 31, 33


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U

unpacking and installation ................................. 7

USB-to-serial adapter ...................................... 10

V

Voltage Input BNC jack .......................... 11, 31

voltage-mode .............................................. 11, 15

W

warning notice .................................................... 4

weight ............................................................... 19

Windows® .................................................... 1, 10

Write TTL Output ........................................... 33

[Design Concept]

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