Avantes AvaSpec-ULS2048x64-EVO Fiber Optic Spectrometer

Overview

The Avantes AvaSpec-ULS2048x64-EVO is a high-performance, non-cooled fiber optic spectrometer engineered for demanding UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopic applications where thermal stabilization is not required—particularly in scenarios with integration times under 2 seconds. Built around a symmetrical Czerny-Turner optical platform with a 75 mm focal length, the instrument delivers consistent optical throughput and minimal aberration across its full 200–1160 nm spectral range. Unlike thermoelectrically cooled variants, the EVO version leverages a back-illuminated 2048 × 64-pixel CCD detector optimized for high quantum efficiency in the ultraviolet and near-infrared, offering exceptional UV responsivity without cryogenic complexity. Its compact, robust aluminum housing ensures mechanical stability in field-deployable and OEM-integrated environments—including differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) systems, process monitoring, LED characterization, and environmental sensing.

Key Features

• Back-illuminated CCD detector (2048 × 64 pixels, 0.89 mm active height) enabling high UV quantum efficiency and broad spectral coverage from deep UV to NIR
• AS-7010 electronics platform supporting USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) and Gigabit Ethernet interfaces for deterministic, low-latency data acquisition at up to 410 scans per second
• Configurable optical resolution from 0.09 nm to 20 nm via interchangeable slits (10–500 µm) and gratings (300–3600 lines/mm)
• Low stray light (<1%, wavelength- and grating-dependent) achieved through precision-aligned optics and optional order-sorting filters
• Dual connectivity architecture: USB 3.0 for lab-based high-speed acquisition; Gigabit Ethernet for industrial control integration and remote operation
• Integrated HD-26 digital I/O connector providing 13 bidirectional TTL lines, 2 analog inputs/outputs, trigger/synchronization/strobe signals, and laser control capability
• Onboard 16-bit ADC operating at 1.33 MHz sampling rate, delivering high dynamic fidelity with 7.5 counts RMS read noise

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AvaSpec-ULS2048x64-EVO supports flexible sample interface configurations via SMA 905 or FC/PC fiber connectors, compatible with standard 200–1000 µm core diameter fibers. Optional accessories include deep-UV purge ports (for nitrogen or argon purging below 200 nm) and second-order suppression filters to eliminate spectral overlap in broadband measurements. While not certified to specific regulatory standards as a standalone analytical device, the spectrometer’s hardware and firmware architecture support compliance-critical workflows: its deterministic scan timing, timestamped data output, and stable gain calibration enable traceable measurement protocols aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation requirements. When integrated into validated systems, it meets foundational expectations for GLP/GMP data integrity—especially when paired with audit-trail-enabled software environments.

Software & Data Management

The spectrometer ships with AvaSoft-Basic, a lightweight, cross-platform application supporting real-time spectrum acquisition, baseline correction, peak identification, and export in CSV, TXT, and binary formats. For advanced deployment, Avantes provides a comprehensive SDK (C/C++, Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, .NET) enabling full control over integration time, gain, triggering modes, and I/O logic. All communication layers implement packet-level checksums and timeout recovery to ensure data integrity during high-throughput streaming. The USB 3.0 and Ethernet drivers are designed for deterministic latency—critical for time-resolved fluorescence decay analysis or synchronized multi-channel acquisitions. Raw spectra retain native 16-bit depth throughout transfer; no on-device binning or compression is applied unless explicitly configured by the user.

Applications

• Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) for atmospheric trace gas monitoring (e.g., NO₂, SO₂, O₃)
• LED and OLED spectral power distribution (SPD) characterization and chromaticity analysis
• In-line quality control of coatings, inks, and pharmaceutical films using reflectance/transmittance spectroscopy
• Plasma emission monitoring in semiconductor fabrication and thin-film deposition processes
• UV curing intensity profiling and dose validation in additive manufacturing and printing
• Fluorescence lifetime preliminary screening and excitation-emission matrix (EEM) mapping

FAQ

Is the AvaSpec-ULS2048x64-EVO suitable for deep-UV measurements below 200 nm?
Yes—with optional nitrogen or argon purging via the dedicated gas port and appropriate UV-enhanced optics/fibers, the system achieves reliable performance down to ~190 nm.
What determines the actual optical resolution in practice?
Resolution is governed by the combined effect of slit width, grating line density, and pixel binning; reference tables provided with the instrument specify theoretical FWHM values under ideal conditions.
Can this spectrometer operate autonomously without a host PC?
No—it requires external control via USB 3.0 or Ethernet; however, it supports hardware triggering and buffered acquisition for embedded system integration.
How does the non-cooled design impact long-term measurement stability?
Thermal drift is negligible for integration times 10 s), dark current increases modestly but remains within acceptable limits for relative intensity applications.
Is AvaSoft-Basic compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
AvaSoft-Basic is not Part 11–compliant out-of-the-box; however, Avantes offers AvaSoft-Advanced with configurable electronic signatures, audit trails, and user-role management for regulated environments.