Optical Spectrum Analyzers Chapter 7: Software
Page 21 STN053070-D02
Chapter 7 Software
The software, its requirements and operation, can be found in the ThorSpectra User Guide. Below are described
the parts of the GUI that are specific to the OSA20x and Redstone instruments.
7.1. Spectrum View and Interferogram View
The Thorlabs OSA can be operated in one of two views: Spectrum view or Interferogram view.
7.1.1. Spectrum View
In Spectrum view,
Only spectra are shown
Only analysis tools and math tools applicable to spectra are enabled
Interferograms are still acquired in the background but will not be displayed until Interferogram view is
selected
7.1.2. Interferogram View
In Interferogram view,
Only interferograms are shown
Only analysis tools and math tools applicable to interferograms are enabled
Spectra are still calculated in the background but will not be displayed until Spectrum view is selected
Interferogram view is unavailable when operating in Basic level
To switch between the views, use the quick-switch button found in the Settings bar, or use the short-cut Ctrl+D.
7.1.3. Setting the Unit of the Horizontal Axis
In Interferogram view, the horizontal axis unit is set to optical path difference in mm (or µm when suitable), which
cannot be changed.
In Spectrum view, it is possible to change the horizontal axis unit by using the x-axis unit combo box in the
settings bar. The available options are:
Wavenumber (cm
-1
)
Wavelength (nm) in Air
Wavelength (nm) in Vacuum
Frequency (THz)
Photon Energy (eV)
Figure 17. Setting the Horizontal Axis Unit in Spectrum view