THORLABS CCS Series User manual

Spectrometer
CCS Series Spectrometer
Operation Manual
2018

Version:
Date:
2.1
09-Jul-2018
Copyright © 2018 Thorlabs

Foreword
Contents
3
1General Information 4
41.1 Safety
61.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
61.3 Requirements
2 Installation 7
72.1 Parts List
82.2 Installing Software
3Getting Started 13
4Operating Instruction 15
164.1 Main Menu
164.1.1 File
194.1.2 Sweep
224.1.3 Display
254.1.4 Level
264.1.5 Marker
264.1.5.1 Movable Markers
284.1.5.2 Fixed Markers
304.1.6 Analysis
304.1.6.1 Peak Track Analysis
324.1.6.2 Color Analysis
334.1.6.3 Statistics
344.1.6.4 Long Term Analysis
374.1.7 Math
434.1.8 Setup
434.1.8.1 Tab Active Device
484.1.8.2 Tab Display
494.1.8.3 Tab Peak Track
504.1.8.4 Tab Reset
504.1.9 Help
514.2 Settings Bar
524.3 Trace Controls
5Write Your Own Application 55
565.1 NI VISA Instrument driver 32bit on 32bit systems
585.2 NI VISA Instrument driver 32bit on 64bit systems
605.3 NI VISA Instrument driver 64bit on 64bit systems
6Maintenance and Service 62

626.1 Version Information
636.2 Troubleshooting
7 Appendix 64
647.1 Technical Data
657.2 Dimensions
667.3 Tutorial
707.4 Shortcuts Used in OSA Software
717.5 Certifications and Compliances
727.6 Warranty
737.7 Copyright and Exclusion of Reliability
747.8 Thorlabs 'End of Life' Policy (WEEE)
757.9 List of Acronyms
767.10 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

© 2018 Thorlabs
We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application
in the field of optical measurement technique. To help us to live up to
your expectations and improve our products permanently we need
your ideas and suggestions. Therefore, please let us know about
possible criticism or ideas. We and our international partners are
looking forward to hearing from you.
Thorlabs GmbH
Warning
Sections marked by this symbol explain dangers that might result in
personal injury or death. Always read the associated information
carefully, before performing the indicated procedure.
Please read these advices carefully!
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.
Attention
Paragraphs preceded by this symbol explain hazards that could
damage the instrument and the connected equipment or may cause
loss of data.
Note
3

© 2018 Thorlabs4
CCS Series Spectrometer
1 General Information
The CCS Series Spectrometer is designed for general laboratory use. Integrated routines allow
averaging, smoothing, peak indexing, as well as saving and recalling data sets.
Attention
Do not connect the CCS Series Spectrometer to a PC prior to installingh the OSA-SW
Application! The installation package includes CCS Series Spectrometer specific drivers and
software that must be installed before the CCS Series Spectrometer is connected to the PC for the
first time.
A troubleshooting section and detailed specifications of the various components are provided in
this manual. The description of the instrument driver commands can be found in the VXIpnp VISA
instrument driver package.
Application software OSA-SW
OSA-SW is an acronym for "Optical Spectrum Analyzer Software". This software can be used for
acquiring direct, transmittance and absorbance measurements in conjunction with Thorlabs' optical
spectrum analyzers and CCD spectrometers.
After the installation, the software is able to communicate with all Thorlabs CCD based CCS
Series Spectrometers and OSA20x Optical Spectrum Analyzers. Additionally, a number of virtual
devices are included to demonstrate the functionality of OSA-SW: five for OSA20x Analyzers and
one for CCS spectrometers.
1.1 Safety
Attention
The safety of any system incorporating the equipment is the responsibility of the
assembler of the system.
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual
will only apply when the unit is operated correctly as it was designed for.
The CCS Series Spectrometer must not be operated in explosion endangered
environments!
Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in the housing!
Do not remove covers!
Do not open the cabinet. There are no parts serviceable by the operator inside!
This precision device is only serviceable if properly packed into the complete original
packaging including the plastic foam sleeves. If necessary, ask for replacement
packaging.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel!
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single components be made or
components not supplied by Thorlabs be used.
Attention
The following statement applies to the products covered in this manual, unless otherwise
specified herein. The statement for other products will appear in the accompanying
documentation.

© 2018 Thorlabs
1 General Information
5
Note 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 case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Users that change or modify the product described in this manual in a way not expressly
approved by Thorlabs (party responsible for compliance) could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
Thorlabs is not responsible for any radio television interference caused by modifications
of this equipment or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment
other than those specified by Thorlabs. The correction of interference caused by such
unauthorized modification, substitution or attachment will be the responsibility of the
user.
The use of shielded I/O cables is required when connecting this equipment to any and all
optional peripheral or host devices. Failure to do so may violate FCC and ICES rules.
Attention
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters are not to be used within
the range of three meters of this unit since the electromagnetic field intensity may then
exceed the maximum allowed disturbance values according to IEC61326-1.
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to IEC61326-
1 for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).

© 2018 Thorlabs6
CCS Series Spectrometer
1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
Ordering code
Short description
CCS100(/M) 1)
CCS spectrometer, 350 - 700 nm
CCS175(/M) 1)
CCS spectrometer, 500 - 1000 nm
CCS200(/M) 1)
CCS spectrometer, 200 - 1000nm
M14L01
1 m SMA MMF Patch Cable, 50µm / 0.22 NA (to CCS100 and
CCS175)
FG200UCC
1 m SMA MMF Patch cable, 200µm / 0.22 NA, High OH (to
CCS200)
CVH100; CVH100/M
Cuvette holder (imperial and metric versions)
1) CCSxxx = imperial version, mounting holes 1/4-20;
CCSxxx/M = metric version, mounting holes M6x1
Attention
Make sure to use your CCS spectrometer only with the included fiber (see above table). If using a
different fiber, the Amplitude Correction Calibration will be affected!
1.3 Requirements
These are the requirements to the PC intended to be used for remote operation of the CCS Series
Spectrometer.
Minimum Hardware and Software Requirements
• Operating System: Windows Vista or Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit)
• Free USB 2.0 high speed port (Notice that a USB 1.1 port cannot be used)
• Processor: Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 3000+
• 2.0 GB RAM
• .NET framework 4.0 or higher
Recommended Hardware and Software Requirement
• Operating System: Windows 7, 64 bit
• Free USB 2.0 high speed port (Notice that a USB 1.1 port cannot be used)
• Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD Athlon II
• 6.0 GB RAM
• .NET framework 4.0 or higher
Note
Please be aware that the OSA software requires a number of third party software installed on your
system. The installer checks for these software components and, if necessary, will install them
automatically. You will be notified accordingly.

© 2018 Thorlabs
2 Installation
7
2 Installation
Attention
Do not connect the CCS Series Spectrometer to a PC prior to install the OSA-SW Application!
The installation package includes CCS Series Spectrometer specific drivers and software that
must be installed before the CCS Series Spectrometer is connected to the PC for the first time.
2.1 Parts List
Inspect the shipping container for damage. If the shipping container seems to be damaged, keep it
until you have inspected the contents and you have inspected the CCS Series Spectrometer
mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items within the package:
1x
CCS Series Spectrometer
1x
This CCS Series Spectrometer Quick Reference
1x
CD-ROM with application software OSA-SW, drivers and PDF User Manual
1x
USB 2.0 A-B mini cable, 1.5 meters
1x
Optical Fiber, SMA to SMA, 50µm / 0.22 NA, 1 meter (CCS100, CCS175)
Quartz Fiber, SMA to SMA, 200µm / 0.22 NA, 1 meter (CCS200)
1x
Trigger Input cable SMB to BNC
Attention
Make sure to use your CCS spectrometer only with the included fiber (see above table). If using a
different fiber, the Amplitude Correction Calibration will be affected.
CCS Spectrometer - Ports and Signal LEDs
(1)
USB port
(2)
Fiber input (SMA connector)
(3)
Status LED
(4)
Trigger Input (SMB connector)

© 2018 Thorlabs8
CCS Series Spectrometer
2.2 Installing Software
Before installing OSA Software, please make sure that no CCS Series Spectrometer is
connected. After you insert the OSA Software installation CD an autorun menu will appear (see
figure below). If autorun is disabled on your system, you will have to browse the installation CD and
run
"[CD-Drive]:\Autorun\Autorun.exe":
Click to "Install Software":
Note
Please be aware that the OSA software requires a number of third party software installed on your
system. The installer checks for these software components and, if necessary, will install them
automatically. You will be notified accordingly.
Administrator privileges are required for installation. Please contact your system administrator if
you get an error message.
Installation steps are shown below in detail for an installation on a Windows 7© operating system.
After selecting "Install Software", the installer checks your system and determines the software
components that need to be installed.

© 2018 Thorlabs
2 Installation
9
Click "Install" to continue. The necessary software components are being installed, followed by
installation of device driver software. The installation of all components is described below.
NI VISA installation
Click "I accept...", then "Next>>" to continue:

© 2018 Thorlabs10
CCS Series Spectrometer
After NI-VISA Installation, the computer must be restarted. After reboot, the setup wizard restarts
automatically and continues to install further software components:

© 2018 Thorlabs
2 Installation
11
Click "I accept...", then "Next>>" to continue:

© 2018 Thorlabs12
CCS Series Spectrometer
Depending on the set up security level, the Installation Wizard might ask to allow to install the driver
software:
To finalize the OSA Software installation, the computer must be restarted. Click "Finish" to restart
and complete installation.

© 2018 Thorlabs
3 Getting Started
13
3 Getting Started
Attention
Do not connect the CCS Series Spectrometer to a PC prior to installing the OSA-SW Application!
The installation package includes CCS Series Spectrometer specific drivers and software that
must be installed before the CCS Series Spectrometer is connected the first time to the PC.
The initial setup is simple to complete. Following installation of the software, connect the CCS
Series Spectrometer to a USB 2.0 port. The operating system recognizes the new hardware and
installs the firmware loader and the driver:
Then run the application software OSA-SW either from the desktop icon
1. Click to trace A and make sure that the topics below are checked.
· Show

© 2018 Thorlabs14
CCS Series Spectrometer
· Set as Active
· Write
2. Check that the connected spectrometer is recognized. If not, click to
"Scan USB"
3. Apply an optical input signal to the fiber input. Increase the integration time until the spectrum is
displayed. A right click into the data display area zooms in the intensity axis to it's best fit to the
spectrum.
Note
If you are using a CCS200 broadband spectrometer and a continuous spectrum (e.g. of a white
light lamp) shall be measured, please note the following recommendation:
Due to the eccentricity between the fiber core and the ferrule of the delivered FG200UCC MMF
and the geometry of the input slit of the spectrometer, the displayed spectral intensity may vary
when the SMA connector of the fiber is rotated within the input receptacle of the CCS200. Please
find the maximum intensity by rotation and then fix the fiber connector with the lock bush. This
ensures best measurement results.
The remainder of this manual is devoted to the setup procedure and features of the CCS Series
Spectrometer.

© 2018 Thorlabs
4 Operating Instruction
15
4 Operating Instruction
The OSA Software GUI is divided into 5 functional areas:
Main Menu
Depending on the selected main topic in the upper part of the bar, the lower bar will show particular
sub-topics. These topics are explained with references to the section explaining their functionality
in detail.
The GUI can be expanded to full size using button 1, button 2 minimizes the
main menu.
Settings Bar
The Settings Bar offers quick access to important control features: The active spectrometer can be
selected; the integration time, amplitude correction, trigger mode and display properties can be
set.
Trace Controls
The OSA software GUI displays spectra using multiple "Traces". For each trace, both the settings
of the GUI and the used spectrometer are saved. The trace can be used for numerous functions
and calculations, hence traces are a powerful tool for measurement and data handling. Up to 26
traces, marked with A to Z, can be enabled. To the right of the trace letter (“A”, “B”, etc.) the update
option for the trace is displayed. This option determines what will happen with the trace during the
next data acquisition. Only one trace can be active, as shown above in the screenshot of trace A.
The active trace's update option is shown with a blue background.
Data Display
Here the acquired spectral data are displayed in graphic view. The intensity and the wavelength
axes can be zoomed and panned numerically via a dialog or using the graphic zoom bars.
Additionally, the intensity axis can be displayed in linear or logarithmic scale.
Status Bar
The status bar displays information about the measurement status and the current date and time.

© 2018 Thorlabs16
CCS Series Spectrometer
4.1 Main Menu
In the next sections the main menu items are explained in detail:
· File Menu
· Display Menu
· Sweep Menu
· Level Menu
· Marker Menu
· Analysis Menu
· Math Menu
· Setup Menu
· Help Menu
There are a number of keyboard shortcuts listed in the Appendix.
4.1.1 File
The File Menu allows to save, load, print and delete spectra from the GUI.
Clear All
clears all traces in the display.
Save Trace (shortcut: Ctrl + S)
Saves only the currently active trace, all other traces are ignored.
Possible file formats: Thorlabs OSA spectrum files (*.spf2); Comma Separated Values (*.csv)
Note
For details on the supported spectrum file formats, see Tutorial.
Save All (shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + S)
Saves all shown traces.
Possible file formats: Thorlabs OSA spectrum files (*.spf2) only.
Export Trace
Exports the currently active trace for use in other software environment.
Possible export formats: Galactic (*.spc), JCAMP-DX (*.jdx), Matlab level 5 (*.mat). Additionally,
the trace can be exported to a text file (*.txt) and to ZIP archives (*.txt.zip; *.csv.zip).
Load (shortcut: Ctrl +O)
Loads previously saved spectrum file(s) to the graphic diagram into free traces. The trace (traces)
is (are) loaded in the next free trace (traces).
Note
Numbers in the file to be loaded, must have the standard format - decimal point, not a decimal
comma.

© 2018 Thorlabs
4 Operating Instruction
17
Save Image
Saves the current view of the data display as an image. This allows you to quickly save a
measurement result for documentation purposes.
Print (shortcut: Ctrl +P)
Prints the current view of the data display to a Windows printer.
Replay
Replays a series of saved single traces. This button opens a dialog window.
Click Browse
Select the folder with the saved *.spf2 files, then click OK.

© 2018 Thorlabs18
CCS Series Spectrometer
You may change the trace to load the data to. The "Play" button (1) loads the located files
sequentially like a slide show. The replay can be stopped (button 2) or paused. Buttons 3 and 4
allow you to manually load the spectrum files.