Last Update: February 11, 2008
The general set-up of the Ocean Optics USB200 system is shown in Fig. 1. In this configuration the USB2000 detector is connected to a LS-1 tungsten-halogen light source through a CUV temperature-controlled sample holder. The detector is interfaced through a USB connection to a computer running Vernier's LoggerPro software.
Figure 1. General configuration of the Ocean Optics spectrometer system.
Making the Fiber Optic Connections
The fiber optic connections between each component is made by gently inserting the fiber optic cable into the receptacle until it stops. The knurled knob at the cable's end is then carefully screwed down to hold the fiber in place. Care should be taken when connecting the fiber optic cable and when the instrument is placed on the lab bench to avoid damaging the cables.
The LS-1 Source
The tungsten-halogen light source, shown in Fig. 2, is a visible/near-IR source (usable wavelength range 360-2000 nm). It has an external power supply and is activated by the toggle switch located on its top. It is imperative that flammables be kept well away from the light source because it generates a significant amount of heat, and therefore, can be an ignition source. The LS-1 sources at Truman have all had 1 mm filters installed to decrease their light output and to enhance output in the blue and near IR portions of the spectrum (see the Ocean Optics manual for more information on installing diffusers and filters in the LS-1).
Figure 2. Close-up of the LS-1 tungsten-halogen light source.
CUV Sample Holder
The sample holder is designed to maintain a controlled temperature when used in conjunction with an external water bath. The connection to the bath are through two of three locations (shown with blank plugs inserted in Fig. 3). There are several hex-head screws located in the body of the cuvette holder to adjust the sample holder for cuvettes of different sizes, please consult the Ocean Optics manual before adjusting these. The slot on the left-hand side of the cuvette holder in Fig. 3 is used to hold filters.
Figure 3. The CUV sample holder.
Detector and Computer Interface
The system's final component is the USB2000 detector, shown in Fig. 4. It is connected to the sample holder via a fiber optic cable (shown at the bottom right of the spectrometer in Fig. 4) and to a computer via a USB cable (on the left side of the spectrometer shown in Fig. 4). For all of the laptops that we use in Chemistry at Truman the Ocean Optics spectrometers are placed in USB 1 (the top USB port on the back of a laptop). This is done so that we can avoid having to install the USB drivers multiple times (once for each USB port).
Figure 4. The USB2000 detector.