BAS SEC2000 Spectra System User manual

SEC2000 Operating Manual
SEC2000 Spectra System  
www.als-japan.com
2
Operating Manual
Notice
- Information in this manual is subject to change without notice ALS shall not have either liability or responsibility
to any person or entity with respect to any incidental or consequential loss or damagesconnected with the
information contained in this manual.
- Windows, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows 7 are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.
December 2010

SEC2000 Operating Manual
SEC2000 Spectra System  
www.als-japan.com
3
Miniature Spectrophotometer
Operating Manual
- SEC2000 Detector
- SEC2000 light Source
- Visual Spectra 2.1
- Cuvette Holder
- Accessories
Thank you for purchasing SEC2000 miniature spectrophotometer. The Palm sized compact
design and diverse applications using optical sensing system will make SEC2000 revolutionize
analytical instrument markets. SEC2000 interfaces PC via USB and the Visual Spectra 2.1, the
software, is compatible with Windows 2000, Windows XP, 7 and 8. With the versatile spectrum
display function and Time Serious Acquisition, the intensity change monitoring of the certain
wavelength according to the time, SEC2000 is suitable for not only optical and chemical
analyses but also environmental and process monitoring. Also it can be applied to display and
plasma research, color related industry, medical diagnosis, etc.
This manual contains general configuration, functions, and operating instructions of SEC2000. If
you have any technical problems or question, please feel free to contact us.
We always make our effort to be the world’s best company in the analysis system market with
continuous commitment to make the world’s best product.
Customer Service
BAS Inc.
TEL : [phone] FAX : [phone]
E-Mail : sa[email protected].jp Homepage : http://www.bas.co.jp/

SEC2000 Operating Manual
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Caution
ALS provides one year guarantee for SEC2000 from the purchasing.
However, if the problem is caused as not paying attention to below, the cost can be
charged to a user.
Precaution for Installation/Maintenance
▪ Do not expose the instrument to direct the sunlight.
▪ Avoid installing the instrument in wet locations and area with heat sources.
▪ Do not place the instrument in dusty place.
▪ Do not install the instrument close to magnets.
▪ Select a safe location for the instrument.
▪ Make sure the space of the instrument on a work desk and away from the areas
where object could fall and damage the instrument.
▪ The optimal operating conditions are 5 ~ 35 °C and 30 ~ 70% RH.
Safety
To prolong the life of the system, please follow these precautions:
▪ Pack the system when it is not in use for extended periods of time.
▪ Do not clean the system with harsh solvents (benzene, thinner, alcohol, etc.).
▪ Do not spray the water to clean the instrument.
▪ Make sure the cables are not twisted or bent.
▪ Do not pull the cables with fierce force.
▪ Do not dismantle and modify the system.

SEC2000 Operating Manual
SEC2000 Spectra System  
www.als-japan.com
5
C
ontents
1. Introduction 6
1-1. Standard Composition 6
1-2. Operating Principle 7
1-3. System Overview 7
1-4. Application 8
2. SEC2000 10
2-1. Composition 10
2-2. Specifications 10
3. Installation 11
3-1. System Requirement 11
3-2. Software & Diver Installation 11
3-3. Connect SEC2000 to the PC 15
4. Operation 17
4-1. Connection 17
4-2. Program Start 18
4-3. Software Operation 19
5. Measurement 31
5-1. Calibration 31
5-2. Dark and Reference Measurements
31
5-3. Sample Measurement 36
5-4. Absorbance/ Transmittance
Measurement 32
5-5. Reflectance Measurement 34
5-6. Irradiance Measurement 36
5-7. Time Series Acquisition 38
6. Analysis 44
6-1. Overlay 44
6-2. Quantitative Analysis 51
7. Multi-Channel 58
8. Trigger 61

SEC2000 Operating Manual
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1. Introduction
1-1. Standard Composition
Typical Miniature Spectrophotometer consists of four basic elements: SEC2000
(detector), Visual Spectra 2.1 (program software), SEC2000-TH (light source for Visible-
Near infrared) or SEC2000-DH (light source for UV-Visible), and SEC2000-CUV
(cuvette holder).
<Table 1-1-1>
Item Description Item Code
Detector SEC2000 Spectrometer
SEC2000-UV/VIS
SEC2000-VIS/NIR
Software Visual Spectra 2.1 Visual Spectra 2.1
Tungsten-Halogen Lamp (for Visible) SEC2000-TH
Light Source
Deuterium & Tungsten Halogen Lamp (for UV-Visible) SEC2000-DH
Cuvette holder 3-Way Holder SEC2000-CUV
<Fig. 1-1-2> SEC2000 UV-Visible Spectrometer

SEC2000 Operating Manual
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1-2. Operating Principle
The light or excitation source sends light to the Cuvette holder containing sample. The
light interacts with the sample. The light is collected by the spectrometer and the spectral
information is sent to SEC2000. The energy is transmitted through Cuvette holder and is
dispersed via a fixed grating across a linear charge-coupled device (CCD) array detector.
A/D converter transforms the analog data collected from the spectrometer into digital
information. This is passed to the software, providing the user with application-specific
information.
1-3. System Overview
1-3-1. Features
Detector
CCD array detector provides the ability to acquire a full spectrum. In the same time, it
takes a scanning unit to sample a single wavelength. The result is a flexible, low-cost
spectrometer with no moving parts and a compact design with a familiar optical design
- diffraction grating (symmetrical optical bench) – and reconfigures it for an optical
bench small enough to fit into the palm of your hand.
Light Source
We offer a complete line of light sources for visible applications. This modular
approach – components are easily mixed and matched – offers remarkably flexible
applications.
1-3-2. Use
SEC2000 provides quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques for the
absorbance and transmittance of visible light especially useful for chemiluminescence,
electroluminescence and photoluminescence that are measured without light source.
1-3-3. Specifications
A miniature spectrometer, SEC2000 couples a reasonable cost and high-performance
with 2,048-element linear CCD-array detector. Thanks to a modular approach, the
components are easily mixed and matched, which offers remarkably flexible
applications.

SEC2000 Operating Manual
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<Table 1-3-1>
1-4. Application
1-4-1. System Modes
Absorbance/Transmittance Mode
Reflectance/Fluorescence Mode
Irradiance Mode
<Fig. 1-4-1>
Wavelength range 400 nm ~ 1000 nm (VIS/NIR)
200 nm ~ 900 nm (UV/VIS)
Resolution ~2.3 nm (50 m slit, default)
~1.2 nm (25 m slit, option)
Sensor Silicon Charge Coupled Device (Si-CCD)-2,048 pixels
Grating 600 lines/mm
Physical dimension 35 x 98 x 250 mm
Integration time 12~13 scans/second

SEC2000 Operating Manual
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1-4-2. Application Fields
<Table 1-4-1>
Type Application Fields
Abs./Trans.
 Concentration of chemicals (solution)
 Polymer extrusion processes
 DNA quantification
Reflectance
 Freshness testing
 Film thickness/composition (Quality control)
 Activation energy of photo catalytic species
 Textile quality control
Emission
(Irradiance)
 Astronomy (e.g., spectra of hale-Bopp, plasma monitoring)
 Metal in situ Monitoring
 Luminescence (PL, EL), LED & Laser wavelength
Scattering
 Oil concentrations of Oil/water System
 Raman Spectroscopy
 Physical transition phenomena (e.g., melting point, glass-
transition crystallize temperature)
Fluorescence
 Marine organisms
 Biology (DNA, Protein, Cell proliferation assay, Histamine -
analysis, Algae monitoring)
 Environmental fields (Waste water analysis, Ground water trace
studies, Hydrocarbon detection, Dissolved oxygen)
 Plant efficiency (Plant physiology, Plant breeding, Horticulture,
Agronomy, Agrochemicals, Pollution studies, Forestry, Ecology)
 Tissue diagnosis
Reflection
Index
 Concentration in solution

SEC2000 Operating Manual
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2. SEC2000
2-1. Composition
 Product: SEC2000 spectra system
 Power source: 12 V adaptor/ input free volt
 Interface cable: USB cable
 Software: Visual Spectra 2.1
2-2. Specifications
<Table 2-2-1>
Platform  Portable size (35 x 98 x 250 mm)
Optical design
 Diffraction grating (symmetrical optical bench)
 Compact design
Grating
 Standard 600 lines/mm
 Blazed at 500 nm (VIS/NIR), 400 nm (UV/VIS)
Detector
 2,048 element linear silicon CCD array
 14 m x 200 m per element
 Sensitivity: 86 photons/count
 Well depth: 16,000 photons
 Supply voltage: 5V DC (supply with USB port)
 Integration time: 1 msec ~ 10 sec
 Maximum clock frequency: 2 MHz
 Current consumption: 10 mA
Slit  Standard 50 m (in width)x1 mm
Resolution  0.8 ~ 8 nm FWHM (standard 2.3 nm)
Fiber optic connector  SMA 905

SEC2000 Operating Manual
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3. Installation
3-1. System Requirement
The minimum recommended PC configuration is:
1. CPU ：Intel Pentium 4 1.5Ghz / AMD XP 1500 ; Memory: 2GB （winXP）/3GB （win7
32bit）/8GB （win7 64bit）
2. Operating system (OS): windows XP(service pack 3)、windows 7 (service pack 1)
3-2. Software & Diver Installation
Open the VSpec2.1Sr software folder and click setup.exe as shown in Fig.3-2-1. Follow the
instructions of the setup program.
<Fig. 3-2-1>
First click Next in the window shown in Fig. 3-2-2.
<Fig. 3-2-2>

SEC2000 Operating Manual
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When you have finished reading the License Agreement, select I accept the terms in the
license agreement and click Next ( Fig. 3-2-3).
<Fig. 3-2-3>
Fill in the User Name and Organization, you can use the option to make this program
available to everyone or personal. Click Next to move on.
<Fig. 3-2-4>
Please select the Complete setup type, and click Next. If you are satisfied with your
installation, select Install. The icon of Visual Spectra 2.1 is created on your computer screen.

SEC2000 Operating Manual
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<Fig. 3-2-5>
Next, you should install the diver of the hardware. Open the Divers folder from the
VSpec2.1Sr software source folder.
<Fig. 3-2-6>

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Select the suitable diver and click the program, follow the InstallShield Wizard to install the diver.
<Fig. 3-2-7>
<Fig. 3-2-8>
Clicking Finish to complete installation of the diver as shown in Fig 3-2-9.
<Fig. 3-2-9>

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3-3. Connect SEC2000 to the PC
Using the enclosed USB cable, connect SEC2000 to the PC as shown in Fig.3-3-1.
<Fig. 3-3-1>
3-3-1. Windows XP
The computer automatically recognizes the USB interface. In the Found New
Hardware Wizard screen, check Install the software automatically
(Recommended) and click the Next.
<Fig. 3-3-2>

SEC2000 Operating Manual
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When the Hardware installation is completed, click the Finish.
<Fig. 3-3-3>
3-3-2. Windows 7
The PC will recognize SEC2000 and you can start to operate the spectrometer.
<Fig. 3-3-4>

SEC2000 Operating Manual
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4. Operation
4-1. Connection
SEC2000 consists of a light source, cuvette holder, detector and other accessories. The
pre-set mode is for measuring absorbance or transmittance. It looks like a straight bar in
the order of light source, cuvette holder, and detector, as shown in Fig. (a). To measure
a reflectance spectrum, reconfigure it, as shown in Fig. (b). To measure an irradiance
spectrum, remove light source, as shown in Fig. (c) of Fig. 4-1-1.
Note: When changing the combination of the device, the position of the light source and
detector are also changed slightly. The spectral shape of the light source in Scope mode
may be changed, due to changes of the intensity of the UV lamp and the VIS lamp. This
will not affect the measurement.
(a) (b) (c)
<Fig. 4-1-1>
Connect the Spectra System detector to a USB interface of the computer using the enclosed
USB cable and plug in the enclosed electrical cord to Light Source. Then turn on the light.

<Fig. 4-1-2>

SEC2000 Operating Manual
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4-2. Program Start
Start the Visual Spectra 2.1 program and click the GO icon. The trace line will appear, when
the Spectrometer (SEC2000) has been connected properly with the computer.
<Fig. 4-2-1>
If the Spectra System driver is not installed properly or the USB connection fails between
Spectra System and your computer, Failed in loading SEC2000 device message will
appears. In this case, check the USB connection or reinstall the USB driver.
<Fig. 4-2-2>

SEC2000 Operating Manual
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4-3. Software Operation
4-3-1. Menu Descriptions
From the Main Menu bar, the following selections will produce the following drop-down
options.
① File
- Open
Dark (Ctrl+D) A Dark spectrum (*. dark) is read and displayed on Overlay1.
Sample Dark A sample dark spectrum (*.spldark) is read and displayed on
Overlay1.
Reference (Ctrl+R)
A reference spectrum (*.refer) is read and displayed on Overlay
2.
Sample (Ctrl+O) A sample spectrum (*.sample) is read and displayed
on
Master Trace.
Processed
Read the processed (absorbance/transmittance/irradiance)
spectrum to Master Trace.
It is activated when the dark and reference spectra are opened.
Settings Set for a measuring spectrum and read the graphical view
setting file (*.ini).
- Save
Dark Save the current dark spectrum as a file (*.dark).
Sample Dark Save the current sample dark spectrum as a file (*.spldark)
Reference Save the current reference spectrum as a file (*. refer).
Sample Save the Master Trace’s data as a file (*.sample).
Processed
Save the Master Trace’s data to file (processed spectrum,
saved as *.absorb/ *.trans/ *.irrad.).
It is activated when the dark and reference spectra are saved.
Establish
environment
Establish environment for a measuring spectrum and save the
graphical view setting file (*.ini).

SEC2000 Operating Manual
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- Auto Increment
Enable Generates a filename automatically for saved spectra.
Base Name
Set the base name for auto incremented files.
Ex. of file name: ALS1204,date→20110112, etc.
Starting Index
Set the starting index for auto incremented files.
Ex. of file name: ALS1204-1, ALS1204-2, etc.
- Print Setup Select and configure a printer for graphical spectrum printing
<Fig. 4-3-1>