SideWinder NIR Spectrometer

Description

The SideWinder (SW) Series spectrometers are designed for long-wavelength near-infrared applications, built with high-sensitivity InGaAs linear sensors and a 32-bit RISC processor for precision control. The compact, rugged optical engine is optimized for stability and performance, maintaining exceptional resistance to thermal, humidity, vibration, and shock variations to minimize wavelength shift and resolution drift. Covering wavelength ranges from 900 nm to 2500 nm, the SW Series offers both non-cooled and TEC-cooled models for enhanced noise reduction and extended integration times. Powered via USB with 6 programmable I/O lines, the SideWinder Series integrates easily into research, process-control, and OEM systems requiring reliable NIR performance.

Applications

• NIR spectroscopy and optical metrology
• Film thickness inspection and material analysis
• Food, pharmaceutical, and biochemical applications
• Fabric and polymer analysis
• Environmental detection and agricultural sensing
• Process and quality control monitoring
• Material identification and composition analysis
• OEM and embedded system integration

Models and Wavelength Ranges

• Non-cooled Models (SW 5 Series)
  • SW2520 – 900–1700 nm (128-pixel InGaAs sensor)
  • SW2560 – 900–1700 nm (256-pixel InGaAs sensor)
  • SW2570 – 900–1700 nm (512-pixel InGaAs sensor)
• TEC-Cooled Models (SW 8 Series)
  • SW2860 – 900–1700 nm (256-pixel InGaAs sensor, 1-stage TEC)
  • SW2870 – 900–1700 nm (512-pixel InGaAs sensor, 2-stage TEC)
• Extended NIR Models (SW 9 Series)
  • SW2930 – 910–2200 nm (256-pixel InGaAs sensor, 1-stage TEC)
  • SW2960 – 900–2500 nm (256-pixel InGaAs sensor, 1-stage TEC)
  • SW2970 – 900–2500 nm (512-pixel InGaAs sensor, 2-stage TEC)

Main Features

• High-sensitivity InGaAs linear array sensors (128 / 256 / 512 pixels)
• Wide wavelength coverage — 900–1700 nm, 910–2200 nm, or 900–2500 nm
• Rugged Czerny–Turner optical design with f/# 5 and NA 0.1 for high stability against temperature, humidity, and vibration
• 32-bit RISC controller with USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) communication
• Integration time ranges: 100 µs – 24 s (SW5/8 series); 100 µs – 3000 ms (SW9 series)
• Configurable slits from 25 – 200 µm (model dependent)
• High SNR (up to 6000) and dynamic range (up to 13 000) depending on model and gain mode
• 16-bit, 15 MHz A/D conversion
• Flash ROM storage for wavelength, linearity, and intensity calibration coefficients
• Up to 4,000 spectra buffering for continuous acquisition
• 6 programmable 3.3 V digital I/O pins for external control and trigger input
• TEC-cooled versions reduce dark noise for long integration times
• Plug-and-play SpectraSmart software support for spectral measurement and calibration