The Oriel® Cornerstone™ 130 is a high performance, economical and user-friendly monochromator – an ideal instrument for research and OEM applications. Oriel makes it easy to choose the right monochromator based on the application, with pre-configured models to fit most needs.

CornerstoneCornerstone 130 monochromators are available in a wide variety of configurations. Click on the flowchart above to enlarge the image.

Cornerstone™ 130 Overview
High Resolution Models Holographic Models Extended Range Models Near IR Models
Cornerstone 
• 200 to 1200 nm Range
• High Efficiency Ruled Gratings
• Highest Efficiency in UV Region 		Cornerstone 
• 200 to 1000 nm Range
• Low Stray Light
• No Ruled Grating Anomalies (Ghosts) 		Cornerstone 
• 300 to 2200 nm Range
• Popular General Purpose Model
• Good Stray Light Rejection and Resolution 		Cornerstone 
• 600 to 2200 nm Range
• Economical Alternative to FTIR
• Highest Efficiency in Near IR Region
Fixed Slit Holders Micrometer Adjustable Slits
77294 
• Economical Choice
• Broad Selection of Slits (ordered separately)
• High Accuracy and Repeatability 		74001 
• Continuously Adjustable Width
• Height Adjustment Slide Included
• Offers Greatest Flexibility
USB Communication RS232/GPIB Communication

• Includes USB 2.0 A/B Cable
• Compatible With Optional Hand Controller
• RS232 and GPIB Cables Available
• Simplifies Programming (no DLL file)
• Compatible With Optional Hand Controller


What\'s Included





For monochromators featuring fixed slit holders, a variety of fixed slit sizes are available. The input and output slits should be the same size (ordered separately).

Optical Design

The optical design of the Cornerstone 130 is based on an out-of-plane version of an Ebert-Fastie monochromator. The input and output ports are in line with each other, simplifying system alignment. The optical configuration is designed to ensure high resolution and maximum throughput. This F/3.7 monochromator is optimized to provide excellent stray light rejection while minimizing aberrations. A high precision motor is used to select the desired wavelength and switch between diffraction gratings quickly, without sacrificing performance.

BPT-pg4-17bOptical configuration of the Cornerstone 130 Monochromator

Stray Light Rejection

Stray light may have a variety of origins. Its presence may be caused by a wide variety of design and manufacturing factors. The level of stray light due to the dispersed radiation inside the monochromator is affected by the design of the instrument, its baffles and interior finish. The Cornerstone 130 incorporates a sophisticated design, proven materials, and a quality manufacturing system to ensure high stray light rejection.

The amount of stray light measured on top of true signal will depend on many experimental factors as well as the performance of the instrument. When comparing stray light specifications, it is important to compare values that were measured under identical circumstances. The spectral distribution of the source and the response of the detection system are often the dominant factors when determining a stray light value.

Gratings

The choice of gratings for any spectroscopic system depends on the application and must be made as one step in an iterative process of system design. The radiation source, radiation detector, polarization of radiation, spectral range of interest and desired resolution all play a role in grating selection. Two gratings are installed into the Cornerstone 130 monochromator. In general, the grating with the highest efficiency is chosen at a particular wavelength. The optional Oriel TracQ Basic Data Acquisition and Radiometery Software allows users to set up a specific grating switchover wavelength, so the most appropriate grating will automatically be chosen while performing a scan over a range of wavelengths.

The Cornerstone 130 monochromators feature diffraction gratings produced by Richardson Gratings. Both Oriel Instruments and Richardson Gratings are part of the Newport family of brands, and have a long history of working together to design monochromators that are appropriate for a wide variety of applications.

RGL

Slits

To operate any monochromator, slits are required at the input and output port. These need to be the same width and height at all ports. The slits offered with the Cornerstone 130 all have 1.5-inch male flanges, allowing them to be easily connected to the wide variety of Oriel accessories and instruments.

The resolution of the monochromator is related to the grating dispersion – a function of the grating design – and the slit width. Resolution at the blaze wavelength of the grating is calculated to be the reciprocal dispersion x the slit width. 

Available configurations:





The fixed slits slide into the holders at the input and output port. The width and height cannot be adjusted, but may be individually replaced with other slit sizes. Fixed slits are a low cost alternative with excellent repeatability. They are a good choice when only a few slit sizes are required. They are sold separately to allow customized choices based on the needs of the application. When ordering, be sure to purchase two fixed slits of the same model – one for the input port, and the other for the output port.


Fixed Slit Model Width Height
77222 10 µm 2 mm
77220 25 µm 3 mm
77219 50 µm 6 mm
77218 120 µm 18 mm*
77217 280 µm 18 mm*
77216 600 µm 18 mm*
77215 760 µm 18 mm*
77214 1.24 mm 18 mm*
77213 1.56 mm 18 mm*
77212 3.16 mm 18 mm*
77211 6.32 mm 18 mm*


*Actual slit height is 18 mm, usable height is 12 mm.

77294_1Fixed slit holder without the slit installed.77294Fixed slit holder with a slit installed (slits ordered separately).

A micrometer adjustable slit assembly is continously variable from fully closed to 3mm width. The narrowest practically achievable width is 4 µm. A height adjustment slide allows variation in the height from 2 to 12 mm. Benefits of the micrometer adjustable slits are flexibility and high throughput. Please note that optimum spectral resolution for any monochromator is obtained with short, narrow slits. This type of slit is designed primarily for versatility and convenience in changing resolution and throughput; fixed slits should be used for the utmost accuracy and repeatability, especially at high resolution.

74001Micrometer adjustable slit assembly. The slide shown on the right is used to adjust the height and the micrometer adjusts the width of the slit. Note that the input and output slits should be set to the same width and height.

Software Interfaces

LabVIEW-based utility software is included at no extra cost with all Cornerstone models to control both the monochromator and filter wheel accessory. The utility software provided with the monochromator includes USB drivers for Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. The software can also control the instrument through an RS232 or GPIB connection.

Oriel’s optional TracQ Basic Data Acquisition and Radiometery Software is an instrument control package that includes data acquisition and processing. TracQ Basic allows users to acquire spectroscopic measurement data quickly and easily, without requiring any programming knowledge. TracQ Basic is true radiometry software, which enables users to acquire basic voltage measurements or use the built-in algorithms for spectroscopic measurements. Data acquisition and processing occurs in real time.

TracQ Basic is an application integrating Oriel monochromators with various detection instruments, such as the Newport Optical Power and Energy Meters, 1936-R and 2936-R ,1918-R and LIDA-SRS-KIT . Software prompts guide users through the measurement process. Instruments are controlled and scan parameters are set up through simple, intuitive dialog boxes. The front panel of the software allows one to see instrument status, present wavelength, signal reading and the selected wavelength units. 

An intuitive command set is provided for those wishing to create their own programming. A list of these commands is provided in the user’s manual included with the monochromator. Commands are simple to use. For example, to query the wavelength, enter “WAVE?” The command to close the shutter is “SHUTTER C”.

For those users who are developing their own LabVIEW™ based programs, an Application Programming Interface (API) document is included with the instrument. The Oriel MonoTERM utility is also provided for sending low-level commands to the monochromator. This is very convenient for assisting programmers in their software development efforts. The MonoTERM utility was developed in National Instruments LabVIEW. It\'s open source code, so it may be used to provide LabVIEW programming examples.

Communication Methods

Models are available with the following computer interfaces:





The utility software provided with the monochromator includes USB drivers for Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. A legacy version of the utility software is available for Windows XP upon request. GPIB communication offers the distinct advantage of being able to connect multiple devices to a single GPIB port, provided the computer contains a GPIB adapter card. Both GPIB and RS232 communication methods simplify low-level communications, as there is no driver or dll file. 

Cornerstone 130 USB models include a USB 2.0 A/B cable (Model 70044 ). For RS232/GPIB monochromators, cable 70040 (RS232) or 70038 (GPIB) may be ordered separately. For those who desire the simplicity of GPIB or RS232 communication but have only USB ports available, a number of GPIB/USB and RS232/USB converter cables are commercially available.

All models include a connector to utilize the optional Model 74009 Hand Controller. With this item, there is no need to install software or use a computer. This dedicated interface is designed specifically for use with Oriel’s Cornerstone series monochromators. There is no need to memorize commands or key sequences. The 24 keys are clearly labeled with functions like “Shutter”, “Go Wave” and “Filter”. The backlit LCD display provides information on the grating selection, line density, active filter position, current wavelength and shutter status. Using the Hand Controller is intuitive and provides access to nearly all the functionality of the Cornerstone.

74009The Model 74009 optional hand controller is compatible with all Cornerstone 130 monochromators.

Motorized Filter Wheel Accessory Control

The Cornerstone 130 is capable of automatically controlling an optional filter wheel, Model74010 . It is also able to interface with the motorized filter wheel included with Oriel’s APEX2 light sources. These filter wheels hold up to six 1-inch [25.4 mm] diameter filters. Neutral density filters can be used for intensity adjustment. Order sorting filters may be installed to block higher order diffraction. Click on the Tech Notes tab for more information on higher order diffraction.

The filter wheel can be mounted to the male flanges of the monochromator slits or slit holders. The filters are mounted external to the monochromator. Thus, the refractive index and thickness of the filters do not significantly affect the focal distance to the collimating mirror inside the monochromator. With internal filters, this distance would be different for every wavelength and every filter, and would therefore adversely affect resolution. The Cornerstone 130 is designed and manufactured to have errors of only a fraction of a millimeter in the focal distance. Positioning the filters externally, usually before the input slit, has only a slight effect on the light throughput. Since the slit acts as a secondary source, the focal distance is not affected.

Mounting

The Cornerstone 130 monochromator’s compact design requires little space. Mounting plates are available to fasten the instrument to an optical table, and to couple with Oriel’s popular Research Lamp Housings and APEX2 light sources. Threaded holes on the mounting surface also allow rod mounting of the Cornerstone 130.

The 74006 Mounting Plate is used to secure a Cornerstone 130 Monochromator to an inch or metric optical table. The ability to mount the monochromator simplifies setup and alignment of the optical system. The mounting plate also helps ensure consistent results over time, as the monochromator cannot be accidentally moved out of position. The plate adds 0.25 inch [6.35 mm] to the optical height. 

The 74017 Mounting Kit connects the Cornerstone 130 monochromator to an arc lamp or quartz tungsten halogen light source. This kit is compatible with Oriel\'s Research Lamp Housings (50 to 500 watt series). It includes a base plate, a flexible light shield, a 1.5-inch diameter focusing lens and lens holder. All the hardware required to mount the lamp housing and monochromator to the base plate is provided. The mounting kit\'s base plate comes with four adjustable leveling feet. The feet may be removed to secure the base plate to an inch or metric optical table.

Legacy Model Information

The CS130-xxx-x-xx model numbers replace the following Oriel legacy monochromator models: 74000, 74004, 74037, 74038, 74039, 74045, 74046 and 74047.