Most spectrometers use components sourced from multiple suppliers. The grating may come from one company, the optics from another, and the electronics from a third.
Standard instrument designs do not always meet requirements for wavelength range, resolution, package size, or communications interfaces.
We design and manufacture the transmission grating, optics, electronics, firmware, assembly, and test processes in-house, and can take the work through to a complete box build. The detector is typically the only major component sourced externally. This gives us control over most of the spectrometer design and manufacturing process, allowing modifications across the system when application requirements change.
Not every project needs a completely new design. Our existing spectrometer platforms can often be used as they are, or modified to suit the application, with a fully custom design reserved for requirements they cannot meet.
Wavelength range, resolution, throughput, detector sensitivity, package size, and acquisition speed all influence spectrometer design.
A system measuring color may require a different optical configuration from one designed for UV analysis or process monitoring.
Resolution, optical throughput, detector sensitivity, acquisition speed, package size, communications interfaces, and available space within the instrument also influence the design. These parameters are interdependent. Increasing throughput may affect resolution. Reducing package size may limit optical layout options.
A fully custom design is not always necessary. Our Renegade UV-VIS and Renegade VIS spectrometers are established platforms that can be integrated as they are, or modified where the application calls for it.
Changes to the wavelength range, slit configuration, interfaces, firmware, or mechanical package can often be made to an existing platform rather than starting from scratch. This shortens development time and reduces risk, while a new custom design remains an option when requirements fall outside what an existing platform can support.
Demonstration units of both platforms are available, so engineers can evaluate performance before deciding whether to use a platform as it is, modify it, or move to a custom design.
The diffraction grating determines how wavelengths are distributed across the detector and influences efficiency, throughput, spectral resolution, and wavelength coverage.
Grating availability can influence wavelength coverage, resolution, and optical efficiency when development is limited to existing catalog components. We manufacture transmission gratings in-house, allowing grating parameters to be developed alongside the optical design and application requirements.
Requirements such as UV response down to 190 nm, non-standard wavelength ranges, custom slit configurations, package-size restrictions, and specific communications interfaces affect multiple areas of the design.
Changing the wavelength range may require changes to the grating and optics. Mechanical restrictions may influence detector placement and electronics layout. Interface requirements may drive firmware development.
Detector control, data acquisition, signal processing, and communications are all handled through the electronics and firmware.
OEM instruments frequently require specific communications protocols, triggering functions, synchronization with external devices, API modifications, or integration with additional sensors. Instrument architecture often dictates communications, firmware, and integration requirements.
OEM instruments commonly combine the spectrometer with illumination sources, control electronics, software, sensors, and mechanical assemblies.
Package size, thermal management, cable routing, and assembly requirements therefore become part of the spectrometer design process.
We can also take on the complete box build. That means integrating the spectrometer with light sources and light-source control, additional sensors, electronics, firmware, and mechanical housings, then assembling and testing the complete unit in-house.
For OEM customers, this means one supplier is responsible for the optical, electronic, and mechanical design, and the finished assembly arrives ready to fit into the instrument. It reduces the number of suppliers to manage, removes hand-offs between subcontractors, and simplifies the move into volume production.
Assembly methods, test procedures, component availability, manufacturing consistency, and quality requirements influence how a spectrometer is developed for a commercial product.
Volume production introduces additional requirements for repeatability, test coverage, component availability, and quality control. Assembly and test strategy are therefore considered alongside optical and electronic performance requirements.
Wavelength coverage, resolution, optical throughput, package size, interfaces, acquisition speed, and production volumes vary from one application to another.
Developing the grating, optics, electronics, firmware, assembly, and testing processes within the same organization allows changes to be assessed across the complete spectrometer rather than within individual subsystems.
Depending on the application, that may mean using an existing platform as it is, modifying it, developing a new custom design, or delivering the spectrometer as part of a complete box build.
If you're evaluating a new spectroscopy platform, looking to adapt one of our existing spectrometers, or need a custom spectrometer design or complete box-build solution, our engineering team can discuss wavelength requirements, performance targets, interfaces, and production volume needs.
Our engineers work directly with OEM manufacturers on customized spectroscopy solutions, from transmission gratings and optical design through to electronics, firmware, integration, box build, and volume production. Contact our team today to discuss your project.