ZOLIX Omni-λ300i Imaging Monochromator / Spectrograph

Overview

The ZOLIX Omni-λ300i is a high-performance, imaging-optimized Czerny-Turner monochromator and spectrograph engineered for precision spectral analysis across the ultraviolet, visible, and near-to-mid infrared (UV-VIS-NIR-MIR) regions — specifically calibrated for wavenumber operation from 4000 cm⁻¹ to 25,000 cm⁻¹ (i.e., 400 nm to 2.5 µm, extendable to 22 µm with appropriate gratings and detectors). Its optical architecture integrates aspheric image correction to minimize astigmatism and field curvature, enabling diffraction-limited spatial focusing across the entire focal plane. This imaging capability ensures uniform signal intensity distribution for array detectors (e.g., CCD, InGaAs, or MCT arrays), significantly enhancing spectral fidelity, photometric accuracy, and quantitative reproducibility in both scanning and multichannel acquisition modes. Designed for integration into modular optical systems, the Omni-λ300i serves as a core dispersive engine in Raman, fluorescence, photoluminescence, transmission/reflection, and emission spectroscopy setups.

Key Features

• Czerny-Turner optical layout with aspheric collimating and focusing mirrors for optimized off-axis imaging performance and minimal aberration across broad spectral ranges.
• Triple-grating turret accommodating up to three 68 × 68 mm ruled or holographic gratings, enabling rapid, software-controlled switching between UV, VIS, and IR-optimized configurations without realignment.
• Gold-coated optics standard for all IR-capable configurations (≥1 µm), delivering >97% reflectance in the 1–12 µm range — critical for low-signal mid-infrared applications.
• Stray light suppression ratio of ≤1 × 10⁻⁵, achieved through optimized baffle geometry, blackened internal surfaces, and multi-stage light-trap design — essential for high-dynamic-range measurements such as weak Raman bands adjacent to strong elastic peaks.
• DSP-based motion control system enabling precise, backlash-free wavelength scanning with 0.005 nm minimum step resolution and ±0.08 nm repeatability over full 1200 nm mechanical scan range.
• Modular port configuration supporting dual input and dual output options, programmatically selectable via ZOLIX SpectraMaster™ control software; ideal for beam-splitting, reference-channel monitoring, or simultaneous multi-detector acquisition.
• USB 2.0 interface as standard, providing plug-and-play connectivity, deterministic latency, and sustained data throughput (>35 MB/s), eliminating legacy RS-232 bottlenecks in high-speed spectral acquisition workflows.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Omni-λ300i is compatible with a wide range of excitation sources (Xe lamps, lasers, LEDs, globars) and detectors (PMTs, Si/InGaAs/extended-InGaAs CCDs, linear and area-array MCT detectors), facilitating method development per ASTM E1421 (Standard Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance of Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectrometers), ISO 13713 (Optical methods for measuring spectral transmittance), and USP (Spectrophotometric Absorption Cells). Its mechanical stability, thermal drift compensation (±0.02 nm/°C), and sealed optical bench meet GLP-compliant laboratory requirements for instrument qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ). All firmware and control logic are designed to support audit trails and electronic signatures in accordance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed with validated software environments.

Software & Data Management

Controlled exclusively via ZOLIX SpectraMaster™ — a Windows-native application supporting LabVIEW, MATLAB, and Python SDKs — the Omni-λ300i enables full remote orchestration of grating selection, slit width/height, wavelength scanning, shutter actuation, and detector synchronization. The software implements real-time wavelength calibration using built-in Hg/Ne/Ar spectral line references and supports NIST-traceable spectral calibration files. Raw spectral data are exported in HDF5 and ASCII formats, preserving metadata (grating ID, slit settings, integration time, detector gain, ambient temperature) for FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data management. Optional modules include automated baseline correction, peak deconvolution (Gaussian/Lorentzian), and multivariate curve resolution (MCR) for complex mixture analysis.

Applications

• Micro-Raman spectroscopy of semiconductors, 2D materials, and pharmaceutical polymorphs, leveraging high stray-light rejection and imaging flat-field response for pixel-wise spectral mapping.
• Time-resolved fluorescence decay profiling using gated ICCD detection, where precise wavelength stepping and sub-millisecond shutter control ensure temporal fidelity.
• In-line NIR process monitoring in API crystallization and tablet coating, utilizing robust mechanical design and thermal stability for continuous 24/7 operation.
• Photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) measurement systems, where dual-output capability allows simultaneous excitation and emission path routing with matched optical throughput.
• Fundamental research in ultrafast spectroscopy, where the 0.005 nm scan step and DSP-driven synchronization enable pump-probe delay scanning with <10 ps timing jitter.

FAQ

What grating options are supported for mid-infrared operation beyond 5 µm?
The Omni-λ300i accepts custom blazed gratings with groove densities down to 30 g/mm and substrates including KBr, CsI, and diamond-turned aluminum; gold-coated variants are recommended for optimal efficiency above 2 µm.
Is the instrument compatible with third-party spectrometer control platforms like OceanView or Thorlabs’ Kinesis?
Yes — ZOLIX provides DLL-based API libraries and documented SCPI command sets, enabling integration with industry-standard automation frameworks without proprietary lock-in.
Can the focal plane accommodate large-format scientific CMOS sensors (e.g., 2k × 2k pixels)?
With its 30 mm × 14 mm focal plane and 2.3 nm/mm dispersion, the Omni-λ300i fully covers sensors up to 2048 × 1024 pixels at 26 µm pitch when used with 1200 g/mm gratings; optional relay lens kits extend compatibility to larger formats.
Does the system support automated wavelength calibration during long-duration experiments?
Yes — SpectraMaster™ includes scheduled auto-calibration routines triggered by time interval, temperature drift threshold, or user-defined event flags, ensuring metrological continuity over multi-hour acquisitions.
What mechanical and electrical safety certifications does the unit carry?
The Omni-λ300i conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory equipment safety and CE marking for EMC (EN 61326-1) and Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU); RoHS 3 compliance is documented in the manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity.