Our next-generation high-resolution spectrometer is a novel combination of optics and electronics that is ideal for applications such as characterizing lasers, measuring gas absorbance, and determining atomic emission lines.

0.02 nm Optical Resolution (FWHM) Possible

The HR4000 Spectrometer is our next-generation high-resolution spectrometer. The HR4000 has a 3648-element CCD-array detector from Toshiba that enables optical resolution as precise as 0.02 nm (FWHM). The HR4000 is responsive from 200-1100 nm, but the specific range and resolution depend on your grating and entrance slit choices. This novel combination of optics and electronics is ideal for applications such as characterizing lasers, measuring gas absorbance, and determining atomic emission lines.

Electronic Shutter Prevents Saturation

Integration Time is a setting in our software that is specified by the user. It’s analogous to the shutter speed of a camera: the value specified for the integration time is the amount of time the detector “looks” at the incoming photons. Because the Toshiba detector has an electronic shutter, you can specify, via software, minimum integration times as short as 3.8 milliseconds, which allow you to measure transient events like laser pulses (for even faster integration times using the External Hardware Trigger Mode, see our HR2000+ Spectrometer). Also, the ability to integrate the spectrometer for short durations eliminates saturation problems that can occur in high light-level applications such as laser analysis.

Onboard Microcontroller

The HR4000’s onboard microcontroller provides you with considerable flexibility in controlling the spectrometer and accessories. Through a 30-pin connector, you can implement all operating parameters in the software: control light sources, create processes, and retrieve information on external objects. You have access to 10 user-programmable digital inputs/outputs for interfacing to other equipment; one analog input and one analog output; and a pulse generator for triggering other devices. (Programming the GPIOs requires SpectraSuite, OmniDriver or one of our other device drivers.)

The HR4000 interfaces to a computer via USB 2.0 or RS-232 serial port. When using the serial port, the HR4000 requires a single 5-volt power supply (not included). Data unique to each spectrometer are programmed into a memory chip on the HR4000; our SpectraSuite Spectroscopy Operating Software reads these values for easy setup and hot swapping among computers, whether they run on Linux, Mac or Windows operating systems.
Optical Bench Options

At Ocean Optics, we understand that your work is unique and that you want a spectrometer to fit your specific needs. With the HR4000 Spectrometer, you can configure the bench for your application. Choose HR4000 Optical Bench Options such as entrance aperture size, detector accessories, filters a grating and more. Our application scientists will help you determine which configuration will best work for you.