Ocean Optics Offers Optical Sensing Tools for the Improved Use of Photovoltaics

Spectrometer Pioneer’s Offerings Ideal for Monitoring Solar Panel Manufacture and Panel Operating Conditions

Now available from Ocean Optics is a complete line of optical-sensing systems and components that addresses the needs of the growing market for photovoltaic solar cells – from characterization of the thin films comprising such cells to measurement of the spectral output of solar simulators.

Photo: http://halmapr.com/oo/photovoltaics.jpg (803 KB)

Ocean Optics is the creator of the world’s first miniature fibre optic spectrometer. Its extensive line of low-cost, small-footprint modular spectrometers and accessories can be configured for millions of different UV-Vis-NIR applications. In particular, users can mix and match spectrometers and accessories to monitor photovoltaic thin films used in the manufacture and assembly of solar panels and to measure the spectral output of both the sun and radiant sources such as solar simulators.

For solar cell production, Ocean Optics spectrometers can be configured for thin film thickness measurement and endpoint detection – important quality control parameters that, if managed well, can help manufacturers reduce waste, eliminate off-specification product and increase yield. For many manufacturers, small savings or improvements in processes can drive the difference between being successful versus merely surviving in such a competitive market.

Ocean Optics spectrometers, including the company’s flagship USB4000-series spectrometers and the new Jaz modular sensing suite (www.thejazclub.com), are also useful for monitoring the absolute and relative spectral irradiance of both the sun and artificial sunlight sources such as solar simulators. With the former, measurement of solar characteristics – the sun’s spectral output at various wavelengths and under varying conditions – can help solar system installers “tune” (or position) photovoltaic panels most effectively. With solar simulators, the value is in monitoring how reliably the simulators mimic the sun’s light in various environments. Indeed, the promise of simulators is in making it possible to test solar panels and other components inexpensively, so accurate output of such simulators is critical.

Fully integrated Ocean Optics spectrometer systems for most systems designed to measure photovoltaic thin films or the spectral output of solar simulators are available for well under $10,000. Applications Scientists are available for consultation on the optimum setup for each application.

About Ocean Optics

Headquartered in the USA, Ocean Optics is a leading supplier of solutions for optical sensing – fundamental methods of measuring and interpreting the interaction of light with matter. With locations in Asia and Europe, the company has sold more than 100,000 spectrometers worldwide since 1992. Ocean Optics’ extensive line of complementary technologies includes chemical sensors, analytical instrumentation, optical fibres, thin films and optics. The company is a subsidiary of Halma p.l.c.

About Halma

Halma p.l.c. is an international market leader in safety, health and sensor technology. A public company listed on the London Stock Exchange, it has over 4000 employees in over 40 subsidiaries worldwide with a total turnover of over US$780m (2008). Halma’s subsidiaries make products that protect lives and improve the quality of life for people through innovation in market leading products which make its customers safer, more competitive and more profitable. These subsidiaries are assisting India’s economy in areas such as manufacturing, energy, water and waste treatment, the environment, construction, transport and health.

Halma recently opened a Hub office in Mumbai. For further news about Halma in India and to subscribe to the Halma India RSS News Feed please visit our blog at: http://halmapr.com/news/india/.

Ocean Optics head office contact details:
Ocean Optics Inc.
830 Douglas Avenue
Dunedin, FL 34698
USA
Tel: +1 727 733 2447; Fax: +1 727 733 3692
Email: info {at} oceanoptics(.)com
Website: www.oceanoptics.com

Media contact details

Damian Corbet,
Halma PR Services,
+44 20 8511 1821,
dcorbet {at} halmapr(.)com

Mr Kuniyur. J. Srinivasan, Country Head & Managing Director,
Halma India,
+91 (22) 42000700,
Srini {at} halma(.)com

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