Ocean Optics RaySphere 1700 Install - Manual (Page 35)

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Chapter 5
Operation
Overview
The RaySphere software offers several operation modes. The simplest way to operate and validate a solar
simulator is to use the configuration files. The complete settings are written in the file and can be loaded
and used with minimum effort. This procedure ensures the best results. For details, see the section
Using
Preconfigured Configuration Files in this manual or take a view in the RaySphere Quick Start
Instructions (see Product-Related Documentation ).
Some other procedures for testing may be required for scientists or for members of a development
department. For those experts, a description for all measurement modes is provided in this chapter.
Triggering and Measurement Modes
RaySphere offers three modes to trigger the system.
• Optical trigger signal from a flashing Solar Simulator. Include Timing Diagram
• External trigger electrical trigger signal with 5 V or 24 V high level. Includes Timing Diagram.
• Manual trigger from the computer. Includes Timing Diagram, if activated.
• Maximum trigger frequency is 5 Hz.
• Maximum speed for spectrum recording and processing is 1 Hz.
• It is recommended to perform 3 spectrum recordings (and to excite 3 flashes) within 5 minutes and to
use the data from the last flash for the validation and the certificate.
Optical Triggering
A photodiode records the incoming light passing through the small hole in the RaySphere’s main body.
The photocurrent amplification is set using the software (see Chapter 4:
Software Operation , Changing
Photocurrent and Trigger Settings .
The amplified photocurrent runs through a comparator, which is part of the electronics. The comparator
level can also be set using the software.
The comparator level and trigger level are identical. As soon as the level is reached by the photocurrent,
the electronics will interpret this as a triggering event and send out trigger signals to the spectrometers.
The signal is delayed by the amount of time set for the delay. The timing is described in
Timing and
Delays .