Cornerstone 260 1/4 m Monochromator with a detector mounted to each output port

Cornerstone™ 260 1/4 m Monochromator

New, USB2.0 models
Operate two or three gratings simultaneously, individually replaceable
Dual output ports
Superior resolution and very low stray light

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Overview
Specifications
Ordering
Drawings
Literature & Downloads

The Oriel Cornerstone 260 1/4 m Monochromators are economical, fully automated, multi-grating instruments with dual output ports and exceptional optical performance. We offer a dual grating and a triple grating model; both were designed for fast, automated, continuous scanning over a broad spectral range. Simply program your filter, grating, and port changeover points, and walk away while Cornerstone 260 automatically scans from the UV through the far IR. Other standard features include a built-in electronic shutter, filter wheel control, USB 2.0 or RS-232 and IEEE-488 communications, and a family of interchangeable gratings and slits.

Why The Cornerstone 260?

Superior performance and ease of use at an economical price make the Cornerstone 260 Monochromator one of the best choices for UV-IR spectroscopy and radiometry. The dual grating instruments offer improved resolution, over the triple grating instruments. The grating mounts are interchangeable, so if you currently have a triple grating Cornerstone, you can easily convert it to a dual grating instrument for improved resolution in your spectral range of interest.

Optical Configuration

Fig. 1 shows the asymmetrical in-plane Czerny-Turner optical configuration of the Cornerstone 260. The input F/number is F/3.9. The resolution is 0.10 nm (dual grating instruments with a 1200 l/mm grating and 10 µm x 2 mm slit). Throughput is high and stray light is very low. We relied on our extensive research on optical flat black paints and baffles, and the use of high efficiency spherical mirrors and gratings to minimize surface reflections, and thus, stray light.

Fig. 1 Optical design of the triple grating Cornerstone 260 1/4 m Monochromator

Motorized Wavelength Drive

Cornerstone 260 uses a stepper motor drive to change wavelengths and to switch gratings. This direct drive mechanism slews at a maximum rate of 205 nm/s (with a 1200 l/mm grating). Wavelength precision with a 1200 l/mm grating is 0.08 nm. Switching from one instaleed grating to the next takes only 10 seconds.

Stray Light

Stray light is very low in the Cornerstone 260 Monochromator. shown aret two stray light tests. Both measurements were made using a UV-VIS photomultiplier, model 77340 .

Measurement 1*

Using an Oriel Deuterium Source, measurements were made with and without a glass plate in the beam. The glass blocks all radiation below 320 nm. At 250 nm, the stray light signal was only 3 x 10^-4 of the unblocked signal.

Measurement 2**

Using a HeNe laser at 632.8 nm focused on the slit in an F/4 cone, the average of the stray radiation readings at 612.8 and 652.8 nm was 1.5 x 10^-5 of the signal at 632.8 nm. A 1200 l/mm, 500 nm blaze ruled grating was used.

Two Output Ports

The Cornerstone 260 has two output ports to allow continuous scanning over a broad wavelength range without breaking down the instrument to switch detectors. This flip mirror is commanded through the Cornerstone 260 software or hand controller. Note that with the help of model 77713 Motorized Beam Steerer, it is also possible to turn the monochromator into a dual input instrument.

Instrument Control

We offer Cornerstone 260 Monochromators with USB 2.0 or with RS232 and IEEE-488 interfaces. You can communicate with any of the Cornerstone 260 instruments in one of 3 manners.

Hand Controller

The 74009 Hand Controller is a dedicated interface just for the Cornerstone Monochromator Family. There is no need to memorize commands or key sequences; the 24 keys are clearly labeled with functions like “Step Up,” “Go Wave,” and “Shutter”. The backlit LCD display provides constant information on grating lines/mm, filter wheel position, current wavelength, and shutter status. The 74009 provides intuitive access to nearly all the functionality of the Cornerstone 260.

Computer Control

The computer interface was also designed for simplicity and ease of use. The Cornerstone ASCII command set is simple to use via RS 232, USB, or GPIB. For example, close the shutter is “SHUTTER C” and change to the second grating is “GRAT 2”.

Complete Software Packages

We offer various software applications for Cornerstone™

A simple utility program to get up and running right away (included with all Cornerstone 260 instruments)
For LabView programming we offer VIs (included with all Cornerstone 260 instruments)
TRACQ Basic is an optional instrument control and data acquisition software package. It controls the Cornerstone 260, its accessories, the Oriel Merlin™ Digital Lock-in, and Optical Power Meters. TRACQ^TM Basic lets you set the monochromator parameters, i.e. grating changeover point, data collection points, etc., and walk away while Cornerstone does the work.

Interchangeable Gratings

The Cornerstone 260 holds two or three gratings simultaneously. Each is mounted in an individual, prealigned mount. Simply drop it in place, and program the grating specifications into the Cornerstone through the Control/Utility Program or Hand Controller. If you intend to use the Cornerstone 260 as a triple grating instrument, choose your gratings from the “Triple Grating Assemblies” list in Table 1. If you intend to use the instrument as a dual grating monochromator, order two gratings from the “Dual Grating Assemblies” list.

Add Gratings in the Field

You can add and change gratings in the field without changing the instrument’s grating turret. However, you may have to replace your current grating assemblies. If you want to change a dual grating instrument into a triple grating instrument, you cannot simply order a third grating; all three of your gratings need to be Triple Grating Assemblies. Similarly, if you wish to convert your triple grating Cornerstone 260 to a dual grating Cornerstone 260 (to improve resolution), you can’t simply remove one grating; you will need to order two new Dual Grating Assemblies.

Table 1 Grating Specifications for Cornerstone 260 1/4 m Monochromator

These gratings are mounted in pre-adjusted holders that can be inserted and removed, at any time, from the Cornerstone 260.

Model		Line Density (I/mm)	Blaze Wavelength	Type	Reciprocal Dispersion (nm/mm)*	Peak Efficiency (%)	Primary Wavelength Region **	Instrument's Upper Wavelength Mechanical Limit (for specificed grating)
Dual Grating Assemblies	Triple Grating Assemblies	Line Density (I/mm)	Blaze Wavelength	Type	Reciprocal Dispersion (nm/mm)*	Peak Efficiency (%)	Primary Wavelength Region **
74160	74060	2400	250	Holographic	1.6	60	180 - 700 nm	700 nm
74161	74061	1800	500	Holographic	2.1	65	300 - 925 nm	925 nm
74162	74062	1200	250	Holographic	3.2	80	180 - 650 nm	1400 nm
74163	74063	1200	350	Ruled	3.2	65	200 - 1400 nm	1400 nm
77990	77989	1200	1000	Ruled	3.1	80	550 - 1600 nm	1200 nm
74164	74064	1200	750	Ruled	3.1	80	450 - 1400 nm	1400 nm
74165	74065	600	200	Ruled	6.4	90	180 - 500 nm	2800 nm
74166	74066	600	400	Ruled	6.5	80	250 - 1300 nm	2800 nm
74167	74067	600	1000	Ruled	6.4	75	600 - 2500 nm	2800 nm
74168	74068	600	1250	Ruled	6.4	70	750 - 2500 nm	2800 nm
74169	74069	600	1600	Ruled	6.2	85	900 - 2800 nm	2800 nm
74170	74070	400	1200	Ruled	9.7	80	700 - 2500 nm	4.2 µm
74171	74071	400	1600	Ruled	9.6	80	900 - 2900 nm	4.2 µm
74172	74072	300	500	Ruled	12.8	85	250 - 1150 nm	5.6 µm
74173	74073	300	1000	Ruled	12.9	80	575 - 2500 nm	5.6 µm
74174	74074	300	2000	Ruled	12.9	90	1100 - 5000 nm	5.6 µm
74175	74075	246.16	226	Ruled	15.5	85	190 - 450 nm	6.8 µm
74176	74076	200	1000	Ruled	19.3	85	600 - 2200 nm	8.4 µm
74177	74077	150	300	Ruled	25.5	80	190 - 800 nm	11.2 µm
74178	74078	150	800	Ruled	25.6	80	425 - 1600 nm	11.2 µm
74179	74079	150	1250	Ruled	25.7	80	725 - 2800 nm	11.2 µm
74180	74080	150	4000	Ruled	25.8	75	2.5 - 12 µm	11.2 µm
74181	74081	121.6	413	Ruled	31.3	80	250 - 1000 nm	13.8 µm
74182	74082	75	7000	Ruled	51.7	80	4.5 - 20 µm	22.4 µm

Four Types of Slits

We offer four types of slit assemblies for the Cornerstone 260. Choose the same size and type of slit for the input and output of your monochromator. All our slit assemblies have a 1.5 Inch Series male flange.

Motorized Slit Assembly

Automated resolution control
Variable width from 6 µm to 2 mm
±5 µm repeatability
6 µm resolution
±10 µm accuracy

This is our most versatile slit assembly. Change your instrument’s resolution by varying the slit width from 6 µm to 2 mm, in 6 µm steps. To operate a motorized slit, you also need the 74116 Slit Control Board; this board operates up to three motorized slits. Control is via the 74009 Hand Controller, or software. Input and output motorized slits are slightly different due to the mounting blocks. Please order motorized slits at the time you order the monochromator, so that we may factory install them. We do not recommend the installation of motorized slits in the field.

Micrometer Driven Slit Assembly

Continuously variable width from 4 µm to 3 mm
Continuously variable height from 1 to 15 mm
±10 µm repeatability
±10 µm accuracy from 4 to 250 µm, ±5% from 250 µm to 3 mm

The 74001 is a more economical choice than the motorized assembly, if you need to change resolutions frequently. It uses a precision micrometer drive to adjust the slit width from 4 µm to 3 mm.

Multiple Fixed Slit Assembly

8 fixed slit positions from 50 µm to 3.16 mm
Slit height is adjustable from 1 to 12 mm

The 77269 is a rotating disc with eight highly repeatable fixed slit positions. A manual wheel rotates the disc to the desired slit width; each position has a positive detent for high repeatability.

Fixed Slits

Most economical for single slit size
Fixed width and height

If you only need a few slit sizes, this is the most economical choice. These are precision slits fixed on a machined slide. You need the 77294 Fixed Slit Holder to hold the slit and mate it to the monochromator.

Optional Motorized Filter Wheel

Choose the 74010 Motorized Filter Wheel to hold order sorting or neutral density filters. The 74010 holds six 1 inch (25.4 mm) diameter filters with no reduction in F/# (clear aperture, 0.87 inch (22 mm). Cornerstone™ 260 controls the 74010 . Filter changeover is only 1.5 seconds for adjacent filters.

Simple Filter Interchange

With most filter wheels, you have to break down the setup to change filters, but with the 74010 , the filters are held in individual mounts that snap into place from the top of the wheel. Six individual filter holders are included with each 74010 Filter Wheel. We also offer these separately under model 74011 . Mount all your filters in 74011 Holders to protect them and have them ready for insertion into the filter wheel. The 74012 Rod Mount holds a 74011 Filter Holder atop an optical rod.

Built-In Shutter

We built a rugged, 0.5 Hz repetition rate shutter into the Cornerstone 260. The instrument drives the shutter; it is commanded via software or the hand controller. In addition to measuring background levels, the shutter is a convenient safety feature. You can close it when changing gratings or filters to protect your detector.

Mounting

Cornerstone 260 is heavy enough (21 lbs; 9.5 kgs) to stand on its own with accessories mounted to the 1.5 Inch Series input and output slit assemblies. To simplify alignment of optical trains, order the 74105 Mounting Plate that bolts the Cornerstone 260 to inch (1/4-20) or metric (M6) optical surfaces. If you are coupling an Oriel Light Source into Cornerstone 260, order one of these kits:

74102 ; couples 7340 / 7341 Dual Source into Cornerstone 260
74104 ; couples 250 W Research Source into Cornerstone 260
70632 ; couples Apex Illuminator into Cornerstone 260

Shutter Specifications

Light Leakage	<0,001 %
Minimum Exposure Time	0.2 s
Maximum Frequency	0.5 Hz

Specifications

Focal Length	260
F/#	F/3.9
Usable Wavelength Range	180 nm to 24 µm, with interchangeable gratings
Wavelength Accuracy	0.35 nm
Resolution (triple grating instrument)*	0.15 nm
Resolution (double grating instrument)*	0.10 nm**
Wavelength Precision	0.08 nm
Maximum Slew Rate	205 nm/s***
Weight	9,5 kg (21 lb)

*With 1200 l/mm grating, 10 µm x 2 mm slit.
**Optical resolution step size limit is 0.08 nm.
***With 1200 l/mm grating.

Model	Description	avail raw	Availability	price raw	Price	Qty. MULTI ADD
74060	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Holo, 2400 l/mm, 250nm Blaze, 180-700nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	854	$854.00	ADD
74061	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Holo, 1800 l/mm, 500nm Blaze, 300-925nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	854	$854.00	ADD
74062	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Holo, 1200 l/mm, 250nm Blaze, 180-650nm Primary	0	In Stock	854	$854.00	ADD
74063	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Ruled, 1200 l/mm, 350nm Blaze, 200-1400nm Primary	0	In Stock	784	$784.00	ADD
74064	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Ruled, 1200l/mm, 750nm Blaze, 450-1400nm Primary	0	In Stock	784	$784.00	ADD
74065	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Ruled, 600 l/mm, 200nm Blaze, 180-500nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74066	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Ruled, 600 l/mm, 400nm Blaze, 250-1300nm Primary	0	In Stock	784	$784.00	ADD
74067	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Ruled, 600l/mm, 1000nm Blaze, 600-2500nm Primary	0	In Stock	784	$784.00	ADD
74068	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Ruled, 600l/mm, 1250nm Blaze, 750-2500nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74069	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Ruled, 600l/mm, 1600nm Blaze, 900-2800nm Primary	0	In Stock	784	$784.00	ADD
74070	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Ruled, 400l/mm, 1200nm Blaze, 700-2500nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74071	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Ruled, 400l/mm, 1600nm Blaze, 900-2900nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74072	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Ruled, 300 l/mm, 500nm Blaze, 250-1150nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74073	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Ruled, 300l/mm, 1000nm Blaze, 575-2500nm Primary	5	5 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74074	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating Ruled, 300l/mm, 2000nm Blaze, 1100-5000nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74075	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Ruled, 246.16l/mm, 226nm Blaze,190-450nm Primary	5	5 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74076	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Ruled, 200l/mm, 1000nm Blaze, 600-2200nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74077	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Ruled, 150 l/mm, 300nm Blaze, 190-800nm Primary	5	5 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74078	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Ruled, 150 l/mm, 800nm Blaze, 425-1600nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74079	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Ruled, 150l/mm, 1250nm Blaze, 725-2800nm Primary	5	5 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74080	Cornerstone260 Triple Grating Ruled, 150l/mm, 4000nm Blaze, 2500-12000nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74081	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Ruled, 121.6l/mm, 413nm Blaze,250-1000nm Primary	5	5 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74082	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating Ruled, 75l/mm, 7000nm Blaze, 4500-20000nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74100	Cornerstone™ 260 1/4 m Monochromator, GPIB & RS-232					Request Quote
74104	Mounting Kit, 250 W Research Source to Cornerstone™ 260	5	5 Weeks	726	$726.00	ADD
74105	Mounting Plate, Cornerstone 260	0	In Stock	192	$192.00	ADD
74110	UV-VIS Cornerstone™ 260 1/4 m Monochromator System, GPIB					Request Quote
74111	High Res. Cornerstone™ 260 1/4 m Monochromator System, GPIB					Request Quote
74112	VIS-NIR Cornerstone™ 260 1/4 m Monochromator System, GPIB					Request Quote
74115	Motorized Input Slit Assembly	5	5 Weeks	944	$944.00	ADD
74116	Motorized Slit Control Board	5	5 Weeks	694	$694.00	ADD
74117	Motorized Lateral Output Slit Assembly	7	7 Weeks	846	$846.00	ADD
74118	Motorized Axial Output Slit Assembly	7	7 Weeks	935	$935.00	ADD
74125	Cornerstone™ 260 1/4 m Monochromator, USB 2.0					Request Quote
74126	UV-VIS Cornerstone™ 260 1/4 m Monochromator System, USB					Request Quote
74127	High Res. Cornerstone™ 260 1/4 m Monochromator System, USB					Request Quote
74128	VIS-NIR Cornerstone™ 260 1/4 m Monochromator System, USB					Request Quote
74160	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Holo, 2400 l/mm, 250nm Blaze, 180-700nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	861	$861.00	ADD
74161	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Holo, 1800 l/mm, 500nm Blaze, 300-925nm Primary	6	6 Weeks	854	$854.00	ADD
74162	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Holo, 1200 l/mm, 250nm Blaze, 180-650nm Primary	5	5 Weeks	854	$854.00	ADD
74163	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 1200l/mm, 350nm Blaze, 200-1400nm Primary	0	In Stock	784	$784.00	ADD
74164	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 1200l/mm, 750nm Blaze, 450-1400nm Primary	0	In Stock	784	$784.00	ADD
74165	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 600 l/mm, 200nm Blaze, 180-500nm Primary	0	In Stock	784	$784.00	ADD
74166	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 600 l/mm, 400nm Blaze, 250-1300nm Primary	0	In Stock	784	$784.00	ADD
74167	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 600l/mm, 1000nm Blaze, 600-2500nm Primary	0	In Stock	784	$784.00	ADD
74168	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 600l/mm, 1250nm Blaze, 750-2500nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74169	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 600l/mm, 1600nm Blaze, 900-2800nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74170	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 400l/mm, 1200nm Blaze, 700-2500nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74171	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 400 l/mm, 1600nm Blaze, 900-2900nm Primary	5	5 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74172	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 300 l/mm, 500nm Blaze, 250-1150nm Primary	5	5 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74173	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 300 l/mm, 1000nm Blaze, 575-2500nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74174	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 300 l/mm, 2000nm Blaze, 1100-5000nm Primary	5	5 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74175	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 246.16 l/mm, 226nm Blaze, 190-450nm Primary	5	5 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74176	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 200 l/mm, 1000nm Blaze, 600-2200nm Primary	5	5 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74177	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 150 l/mm, 300nm Blaze, 190-800nm Primary	5	5 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74178	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 150 l/mm, 800nm Blaze, 425-1600nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74179	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 150 l/mm, 1250nm Blaze, 725-2800nm Primary	5	5 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74180	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 150 l/mm, 4000nm Blaze,2500-12000nm Primary	5	5 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74181	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 121.6 l/mm, 413nm Blaze, 250-1000nm Primary	5	5 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
74182	Cornerstone 260 Dual Grating, Ruled, 75 l/mm, 7000nm Blaze, 4500-20000nm Primary	6	6 Weeks	784	$784.00	ADD
77989	Cornerstone 260 Triple Grating, Ruled, 1200 l/mm, 1000nm Blaze, 550-1600nm Primary	7	7 Weeks	791	$791.00	ADD

Fig. 2 Dimensional diagram of Cornerstone 260 1/4 m Monochromator

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