Setting-Up the Ocean Optics USB2000 Spectrometer System
Last Update: November 3, 2013
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. These instruments have a wavelength range of approximately 400 nm to 900 nm.
Figure 1. General configuration of the Ocean Optics spectrometer system.
Start-Up Procedure
First, make all necessary network and power connections for the computer, but do notturn it on. You are now ready to connect the spectrometer components, as shown in Fig. 1.
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).
The source may be powered up at any time after the fiber optics and power cables have been connected. The lamp should be allowed a minimum of 10 minutes of warm-up time before being used to obtain spectra.
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. For most general use it is necessary to only attach the fiber optics cables (one goes to the source and the other goes to the detector).
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 the same USB port. This is either the front-most one on laptops with the USB ports on the right or the one at the top left (as it appears when looking at it from the back facing forwards) on the laptops which have the USB ports on the back.
Figure 4. The USB2000 detector.
Once all the fiber optics and power cables are attached, power on the computer and log on. This would also be a good time to switch on the source, if you have not already done so.
Open the latest version of Logger Pro. It should display the following 
, or something similar, in the second line of icons at the top left of the screen. At this point, you should be able to acquire spectra.
If above is not displayed, then the computer is not communicating properly with the spectrometer (instead of the above icon it will display the message No device connected) and you will need need to troubleshoot the situation.
Shut-Down Procedure
If there is another laboratory session after yours, you do not need to shut down the computer or the spectrometer. Simply log off the computer and leave everything else running. However, if nobody will be using the spectrometer after you, first shut down the computer and turn off the source. While the source cools, carefully disassemble the spectrometer components and unplug the computer connections. Return these to the storage location, unless otherwise directed by your instructor. IMPORTANT! Be sure that you let the source cool back to room temperature before putting it away.