Ocean Optics QE Pro User manual

QE Pro Scientific-grade Spectrometer
Installation and Operation Manual
For Products: QE Pro
Document: 891-00000-000-02-201603

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www.oceanoptics.com
Copyright © 2014 Ocean Optics, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from Ocean Optics, Inc.
Trademarks
All products and services herein are the trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks or registered service marks of their respective owners.
Limit of Liability
Every effort has been made to make this manual as complete and as accurate as possible, but no warranty or fitness is implied. The information provided is
on an “as is” basis. Ocean Optics, Inc. shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages arising from
the information contained in this manual.
Ocean Optics, Inc.
830 Douglas Ave.
Dunedin, FL 34698
USA
Manufacturing & Logistics
4301 Metric Dr.
Winter Park, FL 32792
USA
Ocean Optics Asia
666 Gubei Road
Kirin Tower Suite 601B
Changning District
Shanghai
PRC, 200336
Sales & Support
Geograaf 24
6921 EW Duiven
The Netherlands
Manufacturing & Logistics
Maybachstrasse 11
73760 Ostfildern
Germany

891-00000-000-02-201603 i
Table of Contents
About This Manual.........................................................................................................iii
Document Purpose and Intended Audience..............................................................................iii
Document Summary..................................................................................................................iii
Product-Related Documentation ...............................................................................................iii
Upgrades.......................................................................................................................iv
Warranty........................................................................................................................iv
ISO Certification ............................................................................................................iv
Compliance ...................................................................................................................iv
Chapter 1: Introduction .....................................................................1
Product Overview..........................................................................................................1
Models...........................................................................................................................2
Features........................................................................................................................2
System Requirements...................................................................................................3
EEPROM Utilization ..................................................................................................................4
About Ocean Optics Software...................................................................................................4
Sampling System Overview.......................................................................................................4
How Sampling Works............................................................................................................4
Modular Sampling Accessories.............................................................................................4
Interface Options...........................................................................................................4
Shipment Components..................................................................................................5
Other Accessories Available..........................................................................................6
Breakout Box.............................................................................................................................6
Chapter 2: Installing the QE Pro.......................................................7
Overview .......................................................................................................................7
QE Pro Installation.........................................................................................................7
USB Mode .................................................................................................................................7
QE Pro Spectrometer Device Driver Installation.......................................................................8
Installing the Driver Software for QE Pro Spectrometers on Windows 7 (32 and 64-bit).....8
Installing the Driver Software for QE Pro Spectrometers on on Windows XP (32 and 64-bit)
..............................................................................................................................................10
Serial Port Mode........................................................................................................................12
LED Operation...........................................................................................................................12

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ii 891-00000-000-02-201603
Configuring the QE Pro..................................................................................................13
Configuring QE Pro in OceanView............................................................................................13
OceanView QE Pro Acquisition Controls..............................................................................14
Connect Spectroscopic Accessories..............................................................................18
External Triggering Options...........................................................................................18
Change the Slit..............................................................................................................18
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting..............................................................20
Overview .......................................................................................................................20
QE Pro Connected to Computer Prior to Software Installation.......................................20
Windows Operating Systems ....................................................................................................20
Remove the Unknown Device from Windows Device Manager ...........................................20
Apple Mac OSX Operating Systems .........................................................................................21
Linux Operating Systems ..........................................................................................................21
Appendix A: Calibrating the Wavelength of the QE Pro .................22
Overview .......................................................................................................................22
About Wavelength Calibration .......................................................................................22
Calibrating the Spectrometer.........................................................................................23
Preparing for Calibration............................................................................................................23
Calibrating the Wavelength of the Spectrometer ......................................................................23
Saving the New Calibration Coefficients: USB Mode.....................................................25
Appendix B: Specifications...............................................................27
Overview .......................................................................................................................27
How the QE Pro Works..................................................................................................27
QE Pro Components Table .......................................................................................................28
QE Pro Specifications....................................................................................................29
CCD Detector Specifications.....................................................................................................29
QE Pro Spectrometer Specifications.........................................................................................29
System Compatibility.....................................................................................................30
30-Pin Accessory Connector Pinout ..............................................................................31
30-Pin Accessory Connector Pinout Diagram...........................................................................31
30-Pin Accessory Connector –Pin Definitions and Descriptions..............................................31
30-Pin J2 Accessory Connector - Part Numbers.......................................................................33
HR4-CBL-DB15 Accessory Cable Pinout ......................................................................33
Index...................................................................................................35

891-00000-000-02-201603 iii
About This Manual
Document Purpose and Intended Audience
This document provides the user of the QE Pro Spectrometer with instructions for setting up, calibrating
and performing experiments with their spectrometer.
What’s New in this Document
This version of the QE Pro Scientific-grade Spectrometer, Installation and Operation Manual updates
information about the optional shutter.
Document Summary
Chapter
Description
Chapter 1: Introduction
Contains descriptive information about the QE Pro Spectrometer and
how sampling works. It also provides a list of system requirements,
interface options, and shipment components.
Chapter 2: Installing the QE Pro
Provides installation and configuration instructions.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting
Contains recommended steps to isolate and correct common
problems.
Appendix A:Calibrating the
Wavelength of the QE Pro
Provides instructions for calibrating the QE Pro Spectrometer.
Appendix B: Specifications
Contains technical specifications and connector pinouts for the QE
Pro Spectrometer.
Product-Related Documentation
You can access documentation for Ocean Optics products by visiting our website at
http://www.oceanoptics.com. Select Support Technical Documents, then choose the appropriate
document from the available drop-down lists.
Document for…
Document Location
OceanView software
http://oceanoptics.com/wp-content/uploads/OceanViewIO.pdf
HR-4 Breakout Box
http://oceanoptics.com/wp-content/uploads/HR-4-Breakout-Box.pdf
External triggering
http://oceanoptics.com/wp-content/uploads/External-Triggering-
Options_Firmware3.0andAbove.pdf
Device driver issues
http://oceanoptics.com/wp-content/uploads/Correcting-Device-Driver-Issues.pdf

About This Manual
iv 891-00000-000-02-201603
Ocean Optics offers a Glossary of spectroscopy terms to help you further understand your state-of-the-art
products and how they function, located at: http://oceanoptics.com/glossary/.
Upgrades
Occasionally, you may find that you need Ocean Optics to make a change or an upgrade to your system.
To facilitate these changes, you must first contact Customer Support and obtain a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) number. Please contact Ocean Optics for specific instructions when returning a
product.
Warranty
Our 3-Year Warranty covers Ocean Optics miniature fiber optic spectrometers, light sources and
sampling accessories –regardless of the application –from manufacturing defects. It also covers fibers
and probes for a full 12 months: http://oceanoptics.com/services/exclusive-3-year-warranty/.
This comprehensive warranty ensures you of the highest level of craftsmanship and reliability for years to
come. No other manufacturer offers such a solid guarantee of quality and reliability.
The Ocean Optics 3-Year Warranty applies to Ocean Optics equipment (excluding OEM configurations)
purchased on or after July 1, 2010. The warranty covers parts and labor needed to repair manufacturing
defects that occur during the warranty period. We also will cover the costs of shipping warranty-related
repairs from our customers to Ocean Optics and from us to our customers.
ISO Certification
Ocean Optics, the industry leader in miniature photonics, has been certified for ISO 9001:2008
certification applicable to the design and manufacture of electro-optical equipment since 2009.
Compliance
WARNING
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio
interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

3: Troubleshooting
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FCC COMPLIANCE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which the user will be required to correct the interference at his on
expense.
WARNING: The authority to operate this equipment is conditioned by the
requirement that no modifications will be made to the equipment unless the changes
or modifications are expressly approved by the manufacturer.

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Chapter 1
Introduction
Product Overview
The Ocean Optics QE Pro Spectrometer is a scientific-grade spectrometer that is ideal for researchers and
industrial customers. Its broadband sensitivity, from UV to NIR, makes it suitable for a wide range of
applications, while its high sensitivity and thermo electric cooler enable effective measurements at very
low light levels. The QE Pro also has the highest dynamic range of any fiber optic CCD spectrometer in
its class.
Two LEDs are provided to monitor spectrometer and TEC operation. The QE Pro operates from power
provided from a separate +5VDC power supply.
Ocean Optics QE Pro High-Sensitivity Fiber Optic Spectrometer
The QE Pro features a Hamamatsu low-etaloning, back-thinned FFT-CCD detector with a 2-D
arrangement of pixels (1044 horizontal x 64 vertical) that is responsive from 200-1100 nm and has a peak
quantum efficiency of ~90% (with a QE of 65% at 250 nm). The detector’s columns are binned, or
summed, inside the detector prior to the readout process, thereby minimizing readout noise. Additionally,
the detector can be cooled from 40°C below ambient up to 50°C with the onboard TE-Cooler to reduce
dark noise. The reduction of noise and dark signal allows integration times of the spectrometer (analogous
to the shutter speed of a camera) of up to 60 minutes, which greatly enhances the detection limit in low-
light level applications. The back-illuminated detector has enhanced response in the UV. The inherent UV
response eliminates the need for UV-sensitive detector coatings that can be difficult to apply consistently
from batch to batch.
The combination of the spectrometer’s low-noise detector and 18-bit A/D Converter delivers a dynamic
typical range of ~85,000:1 and a signal-to-noise ratio of 1000:1 (at full signal).
Replaceable slits are offered for added convenience. Deep UV option includes purge port.

1: Introduction
2891-00000-000-02-201603
The QE Pro’s onboard module has 10 user-programmable digital I/O lines for interfacing to other
equipment; and a pulse generator for triggering other devices. You can use the I/Os to flash a lamp,
stop/start a process, and send a message/alarm during the spectrometer’s integration period. The
spectrometer’s operating parameters can be controlled through software. In fact, wavelength calibration
coefficients unique to each spectrometer are programmed into a memory chip right on the spectrometer.
The QE Pro’s high-speed electronics have been designed for considerable flexibility in connecting to
various modules and external interfaces, including PCs, PLCs and other embedded controllers, through
USB 2.0 or RS-232 communications.
A +5 VDC external power supply is required to operate the spectrometer. This power supply is included
with your spectrometer.
An optional internal shutter is available on custom-configured spectrometers (INTERNAL-SHUTTER-
LRG-BENCH). This makes it easier to take dark measurements and when you need fast integration times
with the best possible signal. This optional feature is also recommended for probe-based or emissive
measurements where it is difficult to introduce a shutter into the optical path. The shutter can be added to
an existing QE Pro for an extra charge.
Models
The QE Pro is custom configurable for your specific application. In addition, the following preconfigured
models are offered:
QE Pro-ABS –For absorbance, reflection, irradiance and transmission measurements with a
wavelength range of 200 –950 nm
QE Pro-FL –For fluorescence measurements with a wavelength range of 350 –1100 nm
QE Pro-Raman –for 785 nm Raman analysis with a wavelength range of 780 –1100 nm (preset
for 785 Raman)
Features
Hamamatsu S7031-1006S Detector:
Typical dynamic range ~85,000:1
Peak QE: 90%
Back-thinned for enhanced UV sensitivity
Integration times from 8 ms to 60 minutes
TE Cooled
Scientific-grade Optical Bench:
Symmetrical Crossed Czerny Turner
101mm focal length
F number : f/4
Interchangeable slits
14 gratings (H1 –H14); HC1
6 slit widths, plus no slit in SMA or FC bulkhead

1: Introduction
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Communications
USB 2.0 Full Speed
RS232 up to 460K Baud
Thermo Electric Cooler (TEC)
Software-controlled set-point
LED indicator to show when the TEC is stable and accurate
Temperature stability: <0.1ºC
Continuous TEC setpoint control 15 to 40ºC below ambient
GPIO
Single strobe
Continuous strobe
10 user-programmable digital I/O pins
SPI/I2C for controlling peripherals
Nonvolatile storage
Wavelength calibration coefficients
Linearity correction coefficients
Absolute irradiance calibration (optional)
Buffering
Triggering (4 modes)
Resets
Watchdog timer for reliability
Hardware power recycle via reset pin or software command
Kensington®security slot
Optional shutter for dark measurements requiring a fast integration time and good throughput –
Specify when ordering
LEDs for feedback on TEC readiness and general spectrometer health
Software support:
OceanView
OmniDriver
SeaBreeze
CE certification
System Requirements
You can use the QE Pro’s USB connectivity with any computer that meets the requirements for the
spectrometer operating software being used (Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7, Mac OS X and Linux). See
About Ocean Optics Software.
Alternately, the QE Pro has a serial port for connecting to PCs and PLCs. However, this connection
method requires an external power supply to power the QE Pro, the Breakout Box, and a serial cable.

1: Introduction
4891-00000-000-02-201603
EEPROM Utilization
Nonvolatile memory in each QE Pro contains wavelength calibration coefficients, linearity coefficients,
and a serial number unique to each individual spectrometer. The OOI software application reads these
values directly from the spectrometer, enabling the ability to “hot-swap” spectrometers between
computers without entering the spectrometer coefficients manually on each computer.
About Ocean Optics Software
OceanView is the latest generation of operating software for all Ocean Optics spectrometers. It is a
completely modular, Java-based spectroscopy software platform that operates on Windows, Macintosh
and Linux operating systems. The software can control any Ocean Optics USB spectrometer and device.
OceanView is a user-customizable, advanced acquisition and display program that provides a real-time
interface to a variety of signal-processing functions. With OceanView, you have the ability to perform
spectroscopic measurements (such as absorbance, reflectance, and emission), control all system
parameters, collect and display data in real time, and perform reference monitoring and time acquisition
experiments. Consult the OceanView manual for hardware requirements when using OceanView (see
Product-Related Documentation).
Sampling System Overview
How Sampling Works
Ocean Optics components function in a sampling system as follows in this example:
1. The user stores reference and dark measurements to correct for instrument response variables.
2. The light transmits through an optical fiber to the sample.
3. The light interacts with the sample.
4. Another optical fiber collects and transmits the result of the interaction to the spectrometer.
5. The spectrometer measures the amount of light and transforms the data collected by the
spectrometer into digital information.
6. The spectrometer passes the sample information to Ocean Optics software.
7. Ocean Optics software compares the sample to the reference measurement and displays processed
spectral information.
Modular Sampling Accessories
Ocean Optics offers a complete line of spectroscopic accessories for use with the QE Pro. Most of our
spectroscopic accessories have SMA connectors for application flexibility. Accordingly, changing the
sampling system components is as easy as unscrewing a connector and replacing an accessory.
Interface Options
The QE Pro has both USB and serial port connectors (with the use of an adapter), enabling you to connect
the spectrometer to a desktop or notebook computer via a USB port or serial port.

1: Introduction
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Computer
Interface
Operating System Requirements
Part Needed
Description of Part
Computer via
USB Port
OceanView: Windows XP/7/8 or Vista (32-
bit only) for PC, OS X version 10.5 Intel or
later for Mac, or any version released for
an x86 or amd64 platform since 2010 for
Linux
USB-CBL-1
(included)
Cable that connects from USB
port on QE Pro to USB port on
desktop or notebook PC
Desktop or
Notebook PC
via Serial Port
Any 32-bit or 64-bit Windows operating
system
HR4-
BREAKOUT
(not
included)
Adapter block that enables
connection from serial port on
QE Pro to serial port on
desktop or notebook PC;
comes with 5 VDC power
supply (required when
connecting to serial port)
Shipment Components
QE Pro Spectrometer
USB-CBL-1
+ 5VDC power supply
The following information and documentation also ships with the QE Pro Spectrometer:
Packing List
The packing list is inside a plastic bag attached to the outside of the shipment box (the invoice
arrives separately). It lists all items in the order, including customized components in the
spectrometer (such as the grating, detector collection lens, and slit). The packing list also includes
the shipping and billing addresses, as well as any items on back order.
Wavelength Calibration Data Sheet
Each spectrometer is shipped with a Wavelength Calibration Data Sheet that contains information
unique to your spectrometer. Your spectrometer operating software reads this calibration data
from your spectrometer when it interfaces to a computer via the USB port.
Note
Please save the Wavelength Calibration Data Sheet for future reference.

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6891-00000-000-02-201603
Other Accessories Available
Visit us at www.OceanOptics.com for a complete list of products available for all of your spectroscopy
needs.
Interchangeable Slits
Fibers
Light Sources
Integrated Sampling Systems
Cuvettes
Filter Holders
Lithium Ion Battery Pack
HR4-BREAKOUT Breakout Box
Breakout Box
Ocean Optics also offers the Breakout Box (HR4-BREAKOUT), a passive module that separates the
signals from their 22-pin port to an array of standard connectors and headers, enabling easy access to a
variety of features found in Ocean Optics’ QE Pro Spectrometer. In addition to the accessory connector,
the breakout box features a circuit board based on a neutral breadboard pattern that allows custom
circuitry to be prototyped on the board itself.
Note
Be aware when using the Breakout Box that the signals for hardware flow control
(handshaking) are not connected in the QE Pro.

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Chapter 2
Installing the QE Pro
Overview
You must install the operating software application prior to connecting the QE Pro Spectrometer to the
computer. The Ocean Optics spectrometer operating software installs the drivers required for the QE Pro
spectrometer installation. If you do not install the software first, the system will not properly recognize
the QE Pro.
If you have already connected the QE Pro to the computer prior to installing the operating software,
consult Chapter 3: Troubleshooting for information on correcting a corrupt QE Pro installation.
QE Pro Installation
This section contains instructions for connecting the QE Pro via both USB and serial modes.
USB Mode
This section contains instructions for connecting the QE Pro in USB mode. To connect the QE Pro to a
computer via the USB port, the computer must be running a Windows XP/7/8/10 or Vista (32-bit only),
Mac OS X (10.5 or later), or Linux (x86 or amd64 platform since 2010) operating system.
►Procedure
Follow the steps below to connect the QE Pro to a computer via the USB port:
1. Install the spectrometer operating software on the destination computer.
Caution
Do NOT connect the spectrometer to the computer until you install the spectrometer
operating software. Follow the instructions below to properly connect and configure
your system.
2. Plug the +5 VDC power supply into the QE Pro.
3. Locate the USB cable (USB-CBL-1) provided with the QE Pro.
4. Insert the square end of the cable into the side of the QE Pro.
5. Insert the rectangular end of the cable into the USB port of the PC.

2: Installing the QE-PRO
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QE Pro Spectrometer Device Driver Installation
The QE Pro spectrometer requires special device driver installation instructions. Choose the appropriate
instructions listed below depending on the type of Windows system your computer is running.
Installing the Driver Software for QE Pro Spectrometers on Windows 7 (32 and 64-bit)
When you first plug in your spectrometer, Windows 7 will attempt (unsuccessfully) to automatically
install the driver for your spectrometer. Click close to close the warning message:
►Procedure
To manually install the new 64-bit driver for your spectrometer:
1. Click Change setting.
2. Select Yes, do this automatically.

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The system installs the device driver software.
When the installation process has finished successfully, the following screen displays:

2: Installing the QE-PRO
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The Device Manager reports the following information:
Installing the Driver Software for QE Pro Spectrometers on on Windows XP (32 and
64-bit)
►Procedure
1. When you first plug in your spectrometer, Windows XP displays the following screen. Choose
No, not this time.
2. Choose Install from a list or specific location (Advanced).

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3. Navigate to C:\Program Files\Ocean Optics\OmniDriver\winusb_drivers.
4. The Progress window appears. When the installation has completed, the final window appears.
Click Finish to complete the installation.

2: Installing the QE-PRO
12 891-00000-000-02-201603
Serial Port Mode
►Procedure
Follow the steps below to connect the QE Pro to the PC via serial port:
1. Plug the 5 VDC external power supply into an outlet and connect it to the QE Pro.
2. Connect the serial cable adapter block to the appropriate pins of the QE Pro’s 30-Pin Accessory
Connector.
3. Connect one end of the 9-pin serial cable to the adapter block on the QE Pro, and then connect
the other end to a serial port on the PC.
4. Note the number of the serial port (COM Port) to which you connected the QE Pro (some PCs
may not have numbered ports; handheld PCs typically have only one serial port).
LED Operation
The QE Pro features two status LEDs:
LED Position
Meaning
Top LED
Monitors Spectrometer status:
Off –spectrometer does not have power
Flashing orange –spectrometer is booting
Steady green –spectrometer is ready