Seven steps for purchasing a spectrometer

The Photon Control Custom Spectrometer Builder is a specialised web tool that will help users make an informed spectrometer purchasing decision in seven simple steps. Claimed to be the first intuitive web interface in the market, it was inspired by market feedback received by Photon Control that there was no easy tool to assist with visualising the performance trade-offs inherent when building a custom spectrometer.

Customisation of a spectrometer is not an easy task, because there is not a one-size-fits-all solution for spectroscopy applications. The Photon Control Custom Spectrometer Builder helps identify the user’s specific needs by providing feedback to questions such as the following:

• If a 10 µm slit is chosen, how will that affect the throughput of the spectrometer?
• How much more sensitive is this detector at 185 nm over that other one, and is it worth the cost?

Each choice has a cascading effect on the other, making it difficult to get a representation of — and, more importantly, quantify — what should be optimised or not optimised.

With the Photon Control Custom Spectrometer Builder, spectroscopy customers are guided through the selection process step by step. This helps to minimise delays, frustration and any predicted difficulties for customers who have little to no experience in purchasing a spectrometer.

The seven simple steps include:

1. Select your spectral range and the peak wavelength you’re most interested in.
2. From the grating options provided, select the grating that has the highest efficiency for your application or select the predefined ranges.
3. Choose a slit size to optimise resolution while balancing throughput with the graphs that provide the expected resolution and throughput for your slit choice.
4. Choose a detector to trade off spectral response against noise performance and resolution.
5. Choose the fibre type to trade off UV spectral response against VIS spectral response.
6. Choose the fibre diameter and cylindrical lens option to capture the most light for your measurement.
7. Review the selected spectrometer details and get a quote.

The tool was created from years of production and test data, as well as market-available component information. It can be accessed at https://www.photon-control.com/spectrometer-builder/#/.