THORLABS CCS Series User manual

Spectrometer
CCS Series Spectrometer
Operation Manual
2023

Version:
Date: 2.3 09-Mar-2023
Copyright © 2023 Thorlabs

Foreword
Contents 2
1 General Information 3
31.1 Safety 41.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories 41.3 Requirements
2 Getting Started 6
62.1 Parts List 62.2 Software Installation 72.3 Operating Elements 72.4 Setup
3 ThorSpectra with CCS 9
93.1 Connecting CCSx to ThorSpectra 103.2 Device Setup in ThorSpectra 113.2.1 Common Settings 113.2.2 Amplitude Correction 143.2.3 Wavelength Calibration
4 Write Your Own Application 17
184.1 NI VISA Instrument driver 32bit on 32bit systems 204.2 NI VISA Instrument driver 32bit on 64bit systems 224.3 NI VISA Instrument driver 64bit on 64bit systems
5 Maintenance and Service 24
245.1 Version Information 255.2 Troubleshooting
6 Appendix 26
266.1 Technical Data 276.2 Dimensions 286.3 Certifications and Compliances 286.4 Return of Devices 296.5 Manufacturer/Importer Address 296.6 Warranty 296.7 Copyright and Exclusion of Liability 306.8 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

© 2023 Thorlabs
We aim to develop and produce the best solutions for your
applications in the field of optical measurement techniques. To help
us to live up to your expectations and constantly improve our
products, we need your ideas and suggestions. 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 this advice 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
2

© 2023 Thorlabs
1 General Information
3
1 General Information
CCS Spectrometers
Thorlabs' fiber-based, compact, Czerny-Turner CCD spectrometers are available in three mod-
els. Two models feature sub-nanometer accuracy and have a detection range of 350 nm - 700
nm (CCS110x) or 500 nm - 1000 nm (CCS175x). The CCS200 offers a wide 200 nm - 1000 nm
spectral range with better than 2 nm accuracy.
With the small footprint (122 mm x 79 mm x 29.5 mm), all units share features with larger, more
expensive spectrometers such as the ability to be synchronized via a TTL trigger input (up to
100 Hz) and to automatically compensate for noise created by dark current.
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.
ThorSpectra Application Software
The Thorlabs ThorSpectra software fully supports the remote control of the Thorlabs CCS
series spectrometers in direct, transmittance, and absorbance measurements. Aside from the
CCD spectrometer series, the ThorSpectra software supports the Thorlabs' optical spectrum
analyzers.
Attention
Please find all safety information and warnings concerning this product in the chapter Safety.
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 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 com-
ponents 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.
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 envir-
onment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not in-
stalled 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 harm-

© 2023 Thorlabs4
CCS Series Spectrometer
ful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own ex-
pense.
Users that change or modify the product described in this manual in a way not expressly ap-
proved 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).
1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
CCS100(/M) 1
CCS Spectrometer 350 nm - 700 nm;
Optical Fiber SMA to SMA, 50 µm / 0.22 NA
CCS175(/M) 1
CCS Spectrometer 500 nm - 1000 nm;
Optical Fiber, SMA to SMA, 50 µm / 0.22 NA
CCS200(/M) 1
CCS Spectrometer, 200 - 1000nm;
Optical Fiber SMA to SMA, 50µm / 0.22 NA
1CCSxxx = Imperial Version, Mounting Holes 1/4-20
CCSxxx/M = Metric Version, Mounting Holes M6x1
Optional Accessories and Replacements
M14L01
1 m SMA MMF Patch Cable, 50 µm / 0.22 NA. Replacement for
Optical Fiber Included with CCS100 and CCS175.
FG200UCC
1 m SMA MMF Patch Cable, 200 µm / 0.22 NA, High OH. Replace-
ment for the Optical Fiber Included CCS200)
CVH100; CVH100/M
Cuvette Holder (Imperial and Metric Versions)
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. with the ThorSpectra software.
Minimum Requirements
·Operating System: Windows® 7 SP1, Windows®8, Windows®10, or Windows®11 (64 bit)

© 2023 Thorlabs
1 General Information
5
·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
·8.0 GB RAM
·.NET framework 4.7.2 or higher
·Monitor Resolution: 800 x 600 Pixel
Recommended Requirement
·Operating System: Windows® 11 (64 bit)
·Free USB 2.0 or 3.0 high speed port (Notice that a USB 1.1 port cannot be used)
·Processor: Intel™ Core i9 or AMD Athlon Ryzen
·16.0 GB RAM
·.NET framework 4.7.2 or higher
·Java Runtime 1.6 or higher
Note
An installer for .NET framework 4.7.2 is included in the full installer.
Please be aware that the ThorSpectra 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.
Attention
Do not connect the instrument to your PC before the software has been completely installed.

© 2023 Thorlabs6
CCS Series Spectrometer
2 Getting Started
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:
1.
1x CCS Series Spectrometer
2.
1x USB 2.0 A-B mini cable, 1.5 m
3.
CCS100 and CCS175: 1x Optical Fiber, SMA to SMA, 50 µm / 0.22 NA, 1 m
CCS200: 1x Optical Fiber, SMA to SMA, 50 µm / 0.22 NA, 1 m
4.
Trigger Input cable SMB to BNC
5.
Quick Reference
Attention
Make sure to use the CCS spectrometer only with the included fiber (see above table). Use of a
different fiber will affect the Amplitude Correction Calibration.
2.2 Software Installation
The ThorSpectra software can be downloaded from the Thorlabs website:
https://www.thorlabs.de/software_pages/ViewSoftwarePage.cfm?Code=CCS
Note
Do not connect an instrument supported by the ThorSpectra software to the PC during software
installation! 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. Administrator privileges are required for installation.
Please make sure that the installation is carried out completely, including the reboot requests.
·Save the ZIP file to your computer and unpack the archive.
·Double click the setup.exe to start the Install Shield Wizard.
·Read and accept the End-User License Agreement and the GNU Lesser General Public Li-
cense.
·After installing the ThorSpectra, connect the spectrometer to the PC.
Start Application
Start the ThorSpectra Software from the desktop icon:

© 2023 Thorlabs
2 Getting Started
7
2.3 Operating Elements
CCS Spectrometer - Ports and Signal LEDs
(1)
USB Port
(2)
Fiber Input (SMA Connector)
(3)
Status LED
(4)
Trigger Input (SMB Connector)
Attention
Make sure to use your CCS spectrometer only with the included fiber. If using a different fiber,
the Amplitude Correction Calibration will be affected.
2.4 Setup
Place this bench top device onto a stable, dry surface. The spectrometer needs to be posi-
tioned less than 1.5 m from the PC to be used and less than 1 m from the light source. This is
due to the USB cable length and the optical fiber length, respectively.
1. Download the ThorSpectra Software from the CCS-Website website and install it on the PC
that will be used with the CCS spectrometer.
Note Do not connect the spectrometer to the PC prior to installing the ThorSpectra soft-
ware.
2. Connect the CCS spectrometer to the remote controlling PC using the included USB 2.0
cable. Use of alternative cables may result in aborted measurements or stalling of the soft-
ware.
3. Start the ThorSpectra software.
4. The CCS Spectrometer is now ready for operation and is recognized by the ThorSpectra
software. The operating system loads the appropriate USB drivers for the CCS spectrometer
instrument.

© 2023 Thorlabs8
CCS Series Spectrometer
Note
Please find detailed instructions on the ThorSpectra Software in the ThorSpectra manual on
the optical spectrum analyzer website. CCS specific features of the ThorSpectra software are
described in section ThorSpectra with CCS.

© 2023 Thorlabs
3 ThorSpectra with CCS
9
3 ThorSpectra with CCS
The ThorSpectra software provides a user friendly GUI for the CCS spectrometers and guides
the user through the instrument setup with amplitude correction and wavelength calibration as
well as acquisition and analysis of spectra.
This chapter explains features of the ThorSpectra software which are specific to the CCS spec-
trometers.
General operating instructions on the ThorSpectra software can be found in the ThorSpectra
manual.
3.1 Connecting CCSx to ThorSpectra
Connect the CCS spectrometer to the PC with the ThorSpectra software already installed and
open the software. The CCS spectrometer will be immediately recognized.
Note Whenever the CCS spectromter is connected while the software is open, select the but-
ton "Connect Devices" in the top panel.
1. Within the ThorSpectra software, click to trace A and make sure that the topics below are
checked.
·Show
·Set as Active
·Write
2. Apply an optical input signal to the fiber input. Increase the integration time until the spec-
trum is displayed. A right click into the data display area zooms in the intensity axis to it's
best fit to the spectrum.

© 2023 Thorlabs10
CCS Series Spectrometer
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.
3.2 Device Setup in ThorSpectra
The CCS spectrometer can now be configured within the software for common settings, amp-
litude correction and wavelength calibration. Select the icon "Devices" in the main menu to
reach the respective interfaces.

© 2023 Thorlabs
3 ThorSpectra with CCS
11
3.2.1 Common Settings
Select the icon "Devices" in the main menu to reach the following interface to set up the spec-
trometer.
In the Common interface, set integration time and trigger mode. The integration time can be set
between 10µs and 60 s. The trigger source can be internal (software trigger) or external via the
SMB connector.
3.2.2 Amplitude Correction
The Amplitude Correction function corrects the displayed spectrum with respect to the
wavelength dependent responsivity of the spectrometer.
Amplification solely based on the wavelength dependent responsivity causes increase in the
noise at wavelength with lower responsivity, as not only the signal is amplified, but also the
noise.
To focus on the wavelength range of interest or to exclude wavelength ranges with high ampli-
fication (also high noise amplification), the ThorSpectra software has two modes of amplifica-
tion correction:
·Noise Amplification
·Wavelength Calibration
Note
The amplitude correction will work properly only if the CCS spectrometer was factory calibrated
for amplitude correction!
The factory amplitude correction can be carried out only for wavelengths > 380 nm.

© 2023 Thorlabs12
CCS Series Spectrometer
Noise Amplification
Noise amplification mode is recommended if weak intensities are measured and minimal noise
interference is required. The level of amplification around a defined center wavelength can be
set. In the interface shown below, configure the following:
1. Enable Amplitude Correction.
2. Select the Noise Amplification mode.
3. Set the maximum amplification to be permitted in "Noise Amplification (dB)".
4. Set the center wavelength around which to correct the signal with respect to the responsivity
in "Center Wavelength (nm)".
5. The ThorSpecta software calculates the wavelength range within which the signal is not
amplified by more than the defined "Noise Amplification" value defined above. This calcula-
tion is based on the spectrometer responsivity. This range is then noted in the interface un-
der "Resulting min." and "Resulting max." Wavelength
Example: The screenshots below illustrate how enabling the amplitude correction with the
noise amplification mode affects the displayed spectrum. In this example, the spectrum of a
cold-white LED with the settings shown above is displayed with or without noise amplitude cor-
rection.
For better visualization, a line marker is inserted at the center wavelength range:

© 2023 Thorlabs
3 ThorSpectra with CCS
13
Spectrum with Amplitude Correction disabled
Spectrum with Amplitude Correction enabled
Wavelength Range
The Wavelength Range mode is recommended for accurate intensity results within a user
defined wavelength range.
In the interface shown below, configure the following settings:
1. Enable Amplitude Correction.
2. Select the Wavelength Range mode.
3. Set the minimum wavelength in nanometer.
4. Set the maximum wavelength in nanometer.
5. The maximal signal amplification within this wavelength range as calculated based on the
spectrometer responsivity is noted as the "Noise Amplification [dB]".
Example: The screenshots below illustrate how enabling the amplitude correction with the
wavelength range mode affects the displayed spectrum. In this example, the spectrum of a
cold-white LED with the settings shown above (intensities between 470 nm and 660 nm) is dis-
played with or without amplitude correction in wavelength range mode.
For better visualization, a line marker is inserted at the center wavelength range:

© 2023 Thorlabs14
CCS Series Spectrometer
Spectrum with Amplitude Correction disabled
Spectrum with Amplitude Correction enabled
3.2.3 Wavelength Calibration
The sensor of the Thorlabs CCS spectrometera is a CCD line array. The spectrometer optics
direct the light of a certain wavelength to a certain pixel on the CCD line. Each CCS spectro-
meter is factory calibrated, using a calibration source with well-known spectral lines. The factory
calibration defines the exact wavelength for certain pixels. Between these pixels (or calibration
points), the wavelength is interpolated. The calibration data are saved to the internal non-volat-
ile memory of the CCS spectrometer
In certain cases a more detailed calibration, based on an available calibrated spectral source,
might be desired. Within the ThorSpectra software, the user can calibrate the CCS spectro-
meter for 4 to 10 individual calibration points. This replaces the factory calibration with a user
calibration.
In order to calibration the spectrometer, please follow the direction below:
1. Apply the individual spectral source to the CCS spectrometer input.
2. Adjust the integration time in such way that maximum intensities are displayed without enter-
ing saturation.
3. Within the ThorSpectra software, open the inteface "Device" in the main menu and activate
the tab "Wavelength Calibration" (see below).

© 2023 Thorlabs
3 ThorSpectra with CCS
15
4. Enter between 4 and 10 calibration points as follows:
a. Mark a calibration point in the spectrum to the left: Move the mouse to the peak and press
right mouse button. The peak is marked by a blue cross and the related pixel number is
displayed in the panel "Calibration Point":
b. Enter the corresponding wavelength in the panel Calibration Point.
c. Select "Add/ Update" - the table will be updated.
d. Repeat this procedure for up to 10 calibration points. The example below shows a table
for 4 calibration points:
5. After the calibration table is completed, press "Save". The user calibration points are now
stored to the CCS spectrometer EEPROM in addition to the factory calibration. Following the
user calibration procedure, the wavelength calibration can be switched between Factory and

© 2023 Thorlabs16
CCS Series Spectrometer
User Calibration by checking the box "Enable User Wavelength Calibration". A new user cal-
ibration will overwrite the previous user calibration.

© 2023 Thorlabs
4 Write Your Own Application
17
4 Write Your Own Application
In order to write your own application, you need a specific instrument driver and some tools for
use in different programming environments. The driver and tools are being installed to your
computer during software installation.
In this section the location of drivers and files, required for programming in different environ-
ments, are given for installation under Windows® 10 (32 bit and 64 bit).
Note
OSA software and drivers are available as 32 bit and 64 bit applications. As for this reason, in
32 bit systems only the 32 bit versions are installed, they are installed to
C:\Program Files\... (executables)
C:\Windows\System32\... (libraries/DLLs)
while in 64 bit systems – both the 32 bit and the 64 bit versions are installed to:
C:\Program Files\... (64bit executables)
C:\Windows\System32\... (64bit libraries/DLLs)
C:\Program Files (x86)\... (32bit executables)
C:\Windows\SysWOW64\... (32bit libraries/DLLs)
In the table below you will find a summary of what files you need for particular programming
environments.
Programming environ-
ment
Necessary files
C, C++, CVI
*.h (header file)
*.lib (static library)
C#
.net wrapper dll
Visual Studio
*.h (header file)
*.lib (static library)
or
.net wrapper dll
LabView
*.fp (function panel) and NI VISA instrument driver
Beside that, LabVIEW driver vi's are provided with the *.llb con-
tainer file
Note
All above environments require also the NI VISA instrument driver dll !
In the next sections the location of above files for all hardware, supported by OSA CCS drivers,
is described in detail.

© 2023 Thorlabs18
CCS Series Spectrometer
4.1 NI VISA Instrument driver 32bit on 32bit systems
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\Bin\TLCCS_32.dll
Note
This instrument driver is required for all development environments!
The source code of this driver can be found in
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\Thorlabs CCSseries\TLCCS.c
Online Help for NI VISA Instrument driver:
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\Thorlabs CCSseries\...
...Manual\TLCCS.html
NI LabVIEW driver (including an example VI)
C:\Program Files\National Instruments\LabVIEW xxxx\Instr.lib\...
...TLCCS\TLCCS.llb
(LabVIEW container file with driver vi's - "LabVIEW xxxx" stands for actual LabVIEW installa-
tion folder.)
Header file
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\include\TLCCS.h
Static Library
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\lib\msc\TLCCS_32.lib
Function Panel
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\Thorlabs CCSseries\...
...TLCCS.fp
.net wrapper dll
C:\Program Files\Microsoft.NET\Primary Interop Assemblies\...
...Thorlabs.ccs.interop.dll
Example for C
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\Thorlabs CCSseries\...
...Examples\C
sample.c - C program how to communicate with a CCS series spectrometer
sample.exe - same, but executable
Example for C#
Solution file:
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\Thorlabs CCSseries\...
...Examples\CSharp\CCS100_CSharpDemo.sln