The NIRQuest spectrometer from Ocean Optics is versatile enough for NIR applications ranging from moisture detection and chemical analysis to high-resolution laser and optical fiber characterization. This robust, plug-and-play spectrometer is available in versions for 900- to 1700-nm, 900- to 2050-nm and 900- to 2500-nm coverage. Features include a high-performance Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs)-array detector in a compact optical bench with thermoelectric cooler and low-noise electronics. A high gain mode option improves system sensitivity for low-light-level and low-concentration measurements. In addition, integration times as rapid as 1 ms are possible. The modular design and new grating options deliver more customization for a variety of applications: moisture analysis in grains and cereals; chemical analysis of blood and tissue; bacterial detection in food and beverage production; nitrogen content monitoring of plants and soils; and chemical composition of pharmaceuticals. A special grating option and external triggering are useful tools for high-resolution (to 0.25-nm FWHM) laser characterization. The spectrometers are also available for integration into OEM devices. The SpectraSuite spectrometer operating software is a modular, Java-based spectroscopy platform that operates in Windows, Mac OS and Linux operating systems. The instrument can also be bundled with the proprietary Remora network adapter to turn the system into a multi-user spectral data server over Ethernet or an existing Wi-Fi connection.
Michelle LongoAsst. Managing Editor
Striving Toward Secondary GoalsLate last month, Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich stunned most everyone when he declared his promise that "by the end of my second term, we will have the first permanent base on the moon." While I don’t fault Gingrich for dreaming and trying to set high standards and goals, I can’t help but think of the enormous amount of known and unknown variables that significantly deter this accomplishment...continue
