IMAGING: automated two-channel spectrograph NP250-2
The NP250-2 spectrograph manufactured by SOL instruments is an automated device with two independent spectral channels, designed on the modified Hill scheme.
The aperture ratio (F/number) of the device is 1/4.2. Each of channels is an imaging spectrograph with a focal length of 270 mm and F/number of 1/6.1. The used optical scheme includes parabolic mirrors, which allows a high-performance spectral line imaging. It provides both high spatial and spectral resolution.
The entrance slit may be illuminated both directly and by means of fiber optics. The maximum acceptable height of the entrance slit is 4 mm. If the light enters the slit directly, a special height-limiting diaphragm should be used to set the height limit in 4 mm. When using the optical fiber, an adapter should be used to match apertures of the optical fiber and spectrograph. There is one more additional requirement in such a case, the total fiber optical bundle height along the slit should be less than 4 mm.
The images of the entrance slit are formed in two channels simultaneously. Two height spaced spectra can be observed in the focal plane of the NP250-2 spectrograph. The distance between the centers of two spectral tracks is 4.8 mm. The height of each spectral track in its central part is equal to the entrance slit height due to the small level of aberrations in the system and its vertical magnification of 1. The maximum height of the spectral track in every channel, which may be achieved with the largest slit height, equals 4 mm. It requires a matrix detector with a height of 8.8 mm at least.
There are two output ports in the NP250-2. The automated folded mirrors in two channels are used to switch output ports. The use of output mirrors in each channel allows not only to direct spectra of both channels to a certain output port, but also to distribute the spectra of each channel to a separate port. In the first case, two channels spectra recording is performed simultaneously with one matrix detector. In the second case, it is possible to install two linear detectors with different spectral ranges. It is actual in some of spectral areas, where the matrix detectors have limitations.
Two independent spectral channels in the NP250-2, each of which is an imaging spectrograph, extend user opportunities and provide the following benefits:
- Registration of an extended range (doubled spectral range, practically). The spectral ranges of the channels are selected so that the long-wavelength cutoff of the first channel is the short-wave boundary of the other one. In this case, diffraction gratings with the same groove densities should be used.
- Simultaneous detection with different spectral resolution of the same spectral line. Diffraction gratings are selected with very different groove densities, usually. In one channel, a broadband spectrum (so-called panoramic spectrum) is acquired. A spectral line can be chosen in the panoramic spectrum, and its wavelength may be set to a second channel, which allows recording a narrow region of the panoramic spectrum, but with a higher resolution. Thus, it is possible to observe all interesting spectral regions of the panoramic spectrum in the high-resolution channel.
- Simultaneous registration of two spectral regions, which are sufficiently separated in wavelength. In this case, diffraction gratings can be used not only with the same grooves density but also with different density. It depends on the desired task to be solved.
The light from several sources may be delivered to the device entrance slit using a multi-channel optical fiber. The height spaced spectra (in accordance with the fiber structure) are formed in the focal plane of each channel. Spectra are acquired with a matrix detector, simultaneously.
As opposed to the conventional multi-channel spectroscopy, when all of the spectra recorded in the same spectral range, the presence of two independent channels in the NP250-2 device allows to record spectra from different sources in two spectral ranges simultaneously.
Features of NP250-2
- Original optical scheme including parabolic mirrors
- Two independent spectral channels – imaging spectrographs
- High spatial resolution over the slit height
Great variety of diffraction gratings
Application areas
- Multi-channel spectroscopy
- Measurements in ultraviolet, visible and IR spectral regions
- Emission, fluorescent and Raman spectroscopy
- Transmittance and reflectance measurement
Configuration of spectrograph NP250-2
The NP250-2 spectrograph is a spectral device having several configurations to provide the majority of spectroscopy applications, wide choice of diffraction gratings, great number of accessories and two variants of the software. Please, select the required device configuration to design a spectroscopy system oriented to solve your special tasks.
Input and output ports of NP250-2
The automated two-channel NP250-2 spectrograph has one input port, in which the entrance spectral slit is mounted. There are two variants of slits: manually operated and automated.
All spectral slits have standard coupling flanges and various accessories of own production can be mounted directly to the entrance slit: optical fiber adapter, condenser F#-matcher, filter wheel, fast shutters and etc.
The NP250-2 spectrograph has two output ports, thus the radiation of each spectral channel can be delivered both to different output ports and to the same one. Both exit spectral slits (manually operated or automated) and adapters for multi-element photo-detectors can be installed in each of the output ports.
Diffraction gratings assembly
Each replaceable diffraction grating is delivered being mounted in a holder. The holders are adjusted by the manufacturer and no additional adjustment of a grating in the NP250-2 spectrograph is needed at the grating replacement.
Upon your request a supply of additional diffraction gratings is possible. In this case a user makes the necessary grating pre-adjustment and corresponding alterations in calibration coefficients, according to the User Manual, given in the covering documents for additional diffraction gratings.