Ocean Optics, a provider of optical-sensing solutions, is offering a line of optical-sensing systems and components that addresses the needs of the growing market for photovoltaic solar cells.
This ranges from the characterisation of the thin films comprising such cells to measurement of the spectral output of solar simulators.
Ocean Optics's line of low-cost, small-footprint modular spectrometers and accessories can be configured for a range of different UV-Vis-NIR applications.
In particular, users can mix and match spectrometers and accessories to monitor the photovoltaic thin films used in the manufacture and assembly of solar panels and to measure the spectral output of 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 - these are important quality-control parameters that, if managed well, can help manufacturers reduce waste, eliminate off-specification product and increase yield.
Ocean Optics spectrometers, including the company's flagship USB4000-series spectrometers and the Jaz modular sensing suite, are also useful for monitoring the absolute and relative spectral irradiance of the sun and artificial sunlight sources such as solar simulators.
With the former, the measurement of solar characteristics - the sun's spectral output at various wavelengths and under varying conditions - can help solar system installers to 'tune', or position, photovoltaic panels effectively.
With solar simulators, the value is in monitoring how reliably the simulators mimic the sun's light in various environments.
Applications scientists are available for consultation on the optimum setup for each application.
The company, which has locations in the US, Asia and Europe, offers a line of complementary technologies, including chemical sensors, analytical instrumentation, optical fibres, thin films and optics.
Ocean Optics is part of the Halma group of safety and detection companies.