Go Spectro
Turn Your Smartphone into a Spectrometer
The GoyaLab GoSpectro is a device that turns any smartphone or tablet into an ultracompact and powerful handheld spectrometer. This tool enables spectral analysis of light sources, optical filters and various coloured objects by measuring emission, absorption, reflection and transmission spectra with unmatched compactness and ease of use. It is the ideal companion for light characterization in the field or in the lab.
GoSpectro is sensitive over the entire visible range (400 nm – 750 nm) with a spectral resolution of less than 10 nm (camera dependent) and a reproducibility of 1 nm. This revolutionary device allows the spectral characterization of light sources as well as measured spectra in emission, transmission or reflection, with unparalleled compactness.
GoSpectro takes advantage of the camera in the smartphone or tablet, and is easily calibrated by the user in a few seconds with any compact fluorescent light bulb or fluorescent tube. An optical fibre adaptor is available for the GoSpectro to increase usability in certain applications.
The main screen (shown above) of the mobile app (iOS and Android) provides access to functions for autoscaling the spectrum on the vertical axis, correcting the baseline, saving the spectrum, subtracting a reference spectrum and finding the highest intensity peak.
In this post, we demonstrate how the GoSpectro can be used as a measurement tool for lighting and filters identification applications.
Example: GoSpectro as a Measurement Tool for Lighting
The advent of LEDs has been a game-changer for the lighting industry. Indeed, LEDs have already deeply penetrated the automotive and indoor lighting sector and are spreading across various outdoor lighting applications for highways, roadways, bridges and tunnels. This paradigm shift calls for new tools for the characterization of such light sources.
GoSpectro has been tested on various lamps (LED, halogen, compact fluorescent, etc.) and on optical filters. The measured spectra can be used to determine the Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) of light sources and the transmission curve of optical filters.
In this example, GoSpectro was used to measure the emission spectrum of different types of light sources. These emission spectra are very specific and we can use them to clearly identify the type of lamp under investigation, even at a far distance. This is particularly useful for the maintenance of street and roadway lighting.
We carried out the tests on halogen lamp and a “cool” LED to try and determine their Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT). Using the intensity calibration function available on the GoSpectro application we acquired spectra. Then, from the measured spectra we calculated the CCT:
The calculated CCTs are in good agreement with the theoretical values and the spectra show the typical features expected from a halogen lamp (black body) and from an LED light source.
Why use fibre optic probes for temperature measurement🌡️
When you find that conventional temperature sensors based on resistors or capacitors, or simple wire-based sensors such as thermocouples, just won’t operate properly in a challenging environment, look instead to the multiple benefits provided by fibre optic temperature probes.
Fully dielectric construction of the sensor and its attached fibre optic cable gives immunity to the effects of EMI/RFI, allowing use in high voltage environments, magnetic resonance imaging systems and high magnetic fields. The material construction further allows use in radiation, high vacuum and explosive areas, and the physical dimensions typical of fibre optics allows the probe to be treated essentially as an electrical cable, routed along complex pathways and along conduits, but without any of the disadvantages of inaccuracies due to the influence of electromagnetic fields.
One main growth area for fibre optic temperature probes has been in the automotive segment, involving test and development of electric vehicles (EV) including the motors, charging stations and batteries. Faster and accurate temperature measurement is necessary at each stage of EV product development, at both individual component level for identifying performance limits and temperature behavior of individual components, and for fully assembled vehicles to ensure the overall performance and safety.
High voltage connections and operations within the vehicle bring challenges in terms of safety, limited access and electromagnetic noise issues during testing and measurements. Fibre optic based temperature probes are becoming more popular in testing electric and hybrid vehicles due to their immunity to electromagnetic fields, ruggedness, small size, fast response, high accuracy and intrinsic safety of operation.
Our partner Rugged Monitoring has extensive involvement in this application area. [https://www.ruggedmonitoring.com/solutions-details/fiber-optic-temperature-sensors-in-electric-vehicle-temperature-testing/5c9c5fb493c0cc0001d3d7b5 ]. If your temperature instrumentation in EV development and testing is revealing the limitations of conventional sensor technology, ask us how fibre optic temperature probes will solve these issues and provide methods of temperature measurement that can’t be made in any other way.
Oxford Day of Photonics tomorrow: Elliot Scientific exhibiting EXFO equipment
Tomorrow, Elliot Scientific will be exhibiting EXFO test systems at the Oxford Day of Photonics. This free (registration required) event is being held on Wednesday,April 24th in the University’s Department of Engineering Science.
The programme will include a broad range of presentations from researchers at the University of Oxford, and elsewhere.
We look forward to seeing you there.
February 2019 newsletter now online
The Elliot Scientific February newsletter is now available. In this issue we go in deep with Lyncee Tec’s R-Series of Digital Holographic Microscopes, welcome the return of OptiBlocks from Prizmatix to our webpages, announce a training capability for spectroscopists interested in Raman Imaging from WITec, and recommend fiber optic components manufactured by market leader OZ Optics.
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December 2018 newsletter now online
The Elliot Scientific December newsletter is now available. In this issue we start offering WITec confocal Raman imaging solutions within the UK and Ireland, Mad City Labs say Nano-ZL is ideal for high-speed multiwell plate imaging, Rugged Monitoring introduce multi-channel capability with new T301 module, and Seebeck coefficient measurement is explained in a video from DEMCON|kryoz, plus our winter holiday schedule.
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EXFO adds 100G and 400G test modules to LTB-8 test platform
EXFO’s LTB-8 is an award-winning versatile testing solution that addresses the many requirements found within today’s data networks. The LTB-8’s small format, ultra-powerful processor and highly intuitive interface gives the lab user an optimised instrument to run dedicated test applications simply and efficiently for technologies such as Ethernet, OTN, Fibre Channel, SONET/SDH and more.
New plug-in modules have recently been released adding 100G and 400G test capabilities. Plug-in modules currently available are:
- FTBx-1750 Power Meter Module
- FTBx-2150 Fibre Optic Light Source
- FTBx-2250 Broadband Source
- FTBx-3500 Variable Attenuator
- FTBx-5245 Optical Spectrum Analyser
- FTBx-88×0 10G Multiservice module
- FTBx-88260 100G Multiservice module
- FTBx-88460 Power Blazer for 400G
- FTBx-9150 Optical Switch
- FTBx-9160 MEMS Optical Switch
- FTBx-9600 Utility Module
Options
New Ultra High Power LEDs for Microscopy, Spectroscopy and Optogenetics from Prizmatix
The range of LED light delivery products for microscopy, spectroscopy, optogenetics, and other scientific research and industrial applications from Prizmatix, has been further expanded with the introduction of even higher power white light sources.
As a scientist-led company, Prizmatix understands the requirements of researchers when designing LED illumination systems. Available through Elliot Scientific in the UK and Ireland, this broad range of powerful LEDs operate across the spectrum for applications that include:
- For microscopy and imaging – The UHP-T LED, one of the most powerful available today
- Optogenetics – Single and dual wavelength systems for in-vivo and in-vitro research
- Multi-wavelength LED systems offering modularity and versatility for customised setups
- Fibre-coupled units, with up to 11 different LEDs, delivering light through a range of fibre options
For in-vivo and in-vitro optogenetics, Prizmatix offer a full range of modules that start from single wavelength plug-and-go kits, to multi-wavelength systems for activation and silencing in the same fibre. From light sources to cannulae, and everything in between, Prizmatix provides all the components necessary for experimenters in neuroscience, neurobiology, electrophysiology, biochemistry and biophysics. Typical systems have been constructed by researchers for:
- Detection & excitation
- Intensity monitoring
- In-line filtering, attenuation or polarisation
- Reflectance or fluorescence detection for in situ, in vivo, or in vitro applications
Prizmatix have extensively developed various photonics products for use in neuro and bioscience research such as optogenetics, as well as traditional chemistry, biology and physics. For example, fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy, microscopy, and absorption measurement are typical applications.
September 2018 newsletter now online
The Elliot Scientific September newsletter is now available. In this issue Optogenetics is to the fore with Prizmatix ultra high power LED light sources and Siskiyou’s spot positioner, plus CODIXX polarisers, Elliot|Martock automated alignment equipment and next month’s Photonex Live!
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August 2018 newsletter now online…
The Elliot Scientific August newsletter is now available. In this issue an IPG laser, Lake Shore temperature sensors and Siskiyou IXF components are used in a breakthrough Los Alamos & University of New Mexico all optical cryocooler; microscopists can benefit from Elliot Scientific Optical Tweezers, the Mad City Labs RM21 platform, and microspectroscopy from CRAIC Technologies; plus ICEC27-ICMC 2018 in Oxford and more…
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June 2018 Newsletter Out Now
The Elliot Scientific June newsletter is now available. In this issue we reveal new ultrafast fiber lasers from IPG Photonics, uncover new fiber-optic thermometry systems by Rugged Monitoring, reintroduce Tecella patch clamp amplifiers to the UK and Ireland, and announce new mounts for square optics from the Siskiyou Corporation, plus Photonex Scotland and more…
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New IPG ultrafast fibre lasers for research now available through Elliot Scientific
IPG Photonics has developed a range of green, infrared, and mid-IR high speed fibre and fiber-to-bulk hybrid lasers operating in the pico and femtosecond regimes, making them ideal for scientific and medical research.
Ultrashort pulse durations between 10-11 and 10-13 seconds are generated by a master oscillator/ fibre power amplifier (MOFPA) architecture, and are particularly well suited for generating pulse energies from several microjoules to about 1 mJ with repetition rates from 10 kHz to 3 MHz.
Elliot Scientific offers these pulsed lasers at various wavelengths, from UV to Mid-IR, allowing researchers to perform many different experiments. Material process engineering , such as flat panel displays; thin films; and semiconductor processing, can also benefit.
Features
- Wide selection of wavelengths
- Pulse energy is independent of PRR
- Average power from 1 to 100 W
- Pulse energy is independent of average power
- PRR from 10 kHz to 3 MHz
- Constant beam mode quality
- Excellent pointing stability
- Compact and efficient
For more information, please contact us.
April 2018 Newsletter Out Now
The Elliot Scientific April newsletter is now available. In this issue we see how Elliot|Martock Flexure Stages are used by leading scientists around the globe, discover Lake Shore Cryotronics new Teslameter range for magnetics researchers, find out that Siskiyou Corporation fibre translators have a soft touch, and look at the latest night vision spectroradiometers from Gamma Scientific. Plus our new 2018 Product Overview brochure and more…
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