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.