Spark’s tiny footprint and high sensitivity brings spectroscopy to more life sciences applications than ever before
Dunedin, Florida, USA (March 20, 2015) – Ocean Optics’ new Spark spectral sensor uses optical technology advances to shrink instrument size, making it the smallest on the market to date. The Spark-VIS is the first offering in the Spark line of versatile spectral sensors, delivering high resolution measurements over the visible wavelength range of 380-700 nm. Available in both OEM and stand-alone configurations, the compact low-cost Spark-VIS is ideal for simple absorbance, fluorescence and luminescence measurements. It can be embedded to power next generation portable and Internet connected sensing devices in biotechnology, medical diagnostics and other life sciences. The Spark-VIS is suited to a variety of measurements including analysis of DNA, RNA, proteins, and blood oxygenation levels, and is compact enough for integration into point-of-care devices.
The Spark-VIS is the first Ocean Optics spectral device to replace traditional diffraction gratings with a solid-state optical encoder. The resulting unit size and cost are comparable to that of a less robust RGB filter diode detector, but with the ability to take full spectral measurements. This ability means devices using the Spark-VIS can analyze multiple samples, assays, proteins or bacteria simultaneously for faster identification and diagnosis. Additionally, Spark has very good sensitivity for low light applications, helping to identify samples even in very dilute or small doses.
Compatible with Ocean Optics’ Raspberry Pi development kit, the Spark-VIS can be purchased off the shelf for applications engineering. The same spectral sensor can then be purchased economically in bulk for use as a component in portable handheld and bedside patient care instruments.
The stand-alone Spark-VIS is easy to use, with plug and play USB connectivity, making it ideal for fast and easy feasibility testing during device development stages. The even smaller OEM integration version runs off the host device’s driver and communication electronics, connected by a ribbon cable. A line of Spark accessories, including clip-on cuvette holders, diffusers, and light sources, is compatible with both versions.
Spark has remarkable performance for a spectral sensor of its kind. Its aperture design optimizes light throughput. Robust optoelectronics ensure thermal stability over a -10° – 60° C operating range, for accurate analysis during heated or cooled thermal behavior testing. Unlike comparable devices, Spark delivers optical resolution of 4.5-9.0 nm (FWHM), making it viable for a wider range of medical diagnostic applications.
To learn more about the Spark-VIS, please contact an Ocean Optics Applications Scientist at info@oceanoptics.com, visit the website at www.OceanOptics.com or call Ocean Optics World Headquarters at +1 727-733-2447.
About Ocean Optics:
Headquartered in Dunedin, Fla., Ocean Optics is a leading supplier of spectral solutions for optical sensing – fundamental methods of measuring and interpreting the interaction of light with matter. With locations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, the company has sold more than 220,000 spectrometers worldwide since 1992. Ocean Optics’ extensive line of complementary technologies includes chemical sensors, analytical instrumentation, optical fibers and optics. The company is a subsidiary of Halma plc, an international market leader in safety, health and sensor technology.