Ocean Optics has introduced a new set of spectral sensing tools for researchers in the lab or field. The STS Developers Kit brings together its powerful STS spectrometer, a Raspberry Pi microcomputer, customizable software, and wireless capabilities in single package for integrating spectral sensing quickly and easily. Right out of the box, the kit can be quickly configured for a variety of measurements, cutting set up time and speeding data collection. Lab researchers can use the kit as a platform to build a compact bench-top spectral absorption system, or take advantage of its WiFi connectivity for remote measurements such as plasma emissions inside reactors. Compact and lightweight, the STS is also ideal for field work. It can be bundled as a handheld instrument, used to measure solar irradiance, UV dosimetry, reflected color of plants and animals, volcanic emissions, or water quality. It can be run from a tablet with wireless control or setup as a remote station and run from the lab.
The STS Developer Kit takes advantage of the Raspberry Pi’s flexibility and adaptability to enable new uses for spectroscopy. Once connected to a WiFi network, the spectrometer can be controlled through phone, tablet, or computer web browser. The WiFi range is up to 150 m, and all data is securely stored to the onboard SD card. While it comes pre-loaded with this simple interface and is ready to use out of the box, the development platform makes it fast and easy to customize the kit to specific projects.
The web scripting API enables quick development of custom scripts and applications, allowing the STS and Raspberry Pi to perform even more complex tasks. Ocean Optics SeaBreeze drivers communicate directly to the spectrometer via USB interface. A Daemon Service software enables more autonomous functionality as well as coordination with other hardware such as switches or even controlling sampling accessories.
The core of the kit is Ocean Optics’ STS microspectrometer. At less than 42 mm square and 24 mm high, the STS delivers maximum power in a small footprint. Its optical design and advanced CMOS detector elevate the STS to performance levels comparable to larger and more expensive spectrometers. Excellent linearity, high dynamic range, and wavelength accuracy ensure reproducible and repeatable results. In addition, high thermal stability performance and low baseline drift ensure that data stays accurate, even under changing environmental conditions. The STS Developer Kit offers the choice of three STS models: STS-UV (190-650 nm), STS-Vis (350-800 nm) and STS-NIR (650-1100 nm).