USB Series Spectrometers
Summary of USB Features and Benefits
Modular USB spectrometers are versatile, general-purpose UV-Vis-NIR spectrometers for absorption, transmission, reflectance, emission, color and other applications. Their compact size, robust optoelectronics and easy modularity make them the most popular spectrometers in the world, supporting thousands of applications, from research and life sciences to education and materials identification.
The USB Series comprises USB2000+ and USB4000 models. The models are available in custom configured and preconfigured options. OEM configurations are also available.
Custom Configured USB Series Spectrometers
When you select a custom configured spectrometer, we work with you to design the optimum configuration for your measurement. We assemble the optical bench components including gratings, slits and filters to deliver the performance your application demands. Our Application Sales Engineers guide you through your experiment and help you choose the correct components.
The USB2000+ and USB4000 are both good choices for a range of applications, but there are some differences among the two:
Linear Silicon CCD Array Detector | Sony ILX511B 2048 pixels | Toshiba TCD1304AP 3648 pixels |
Wavelength Response (200-1100 nm) | Good UV response; better option for applications <350 nm | Good Vis and shortwave NIR response; better option for applications >400 nm |
Data Transfer Speed | Full scans to memory every 3 ms w/USB 2.0 port | Full scans to memory every 5 ms w/USB 2.0 port |
Electronic Shutter | No | Yes |
Dynamic Range | 8.5 x 108 (system); 1300:1 for a single acquisition | 3.4 x 106 (system); 1300:1 for a single acquisition |
SNR | 250:1 (at full signal) | 300:1 (at full signal) |
For more information, view:
- Interactive USB2000+ and USB4000 Optical Benches – Learn how light moves through the optical bench and read about bench components
- Custom Configured Gratings and Wavelength Range
Preconfigured USB Series Spectrometer Models at a Glance
Our preconfigured spectrometers are optimized for specific applications. The optical bench components have been selected to give you full spectrum results. We offer preconfigured spectrometers for general UV-VIS and UV-NIR applications, fluorescence and irradiance.
Best for | USB2000+ Series | USB4000 Series |
General Use | USB2000+UV-VIS USB2000+VIS-NIR |
USB4000-UV-VIS USB4000-VIS-NIR |
General Use with Enhanced Sensitivity | USB2000+UV-VIS-ES USB2000+VIS-NIR-ES |
USB4000-UV-VIS-ES USB4000-VIS-NIR-ES |
Extended Range (200 – 1025 nm) | USB2000+XR1 | USB4000-XR1 |
Extended Range (200 – 1025 nm) with Enhanced Sensitivity | USB2000+XR1-ES | USB4000-XR1-ES |
Fluorescence | No preconfigured models | USB4000-FL (several excitation wavelength options) |
Irradiance | USB2000+RAD | No preconfigured models |
Products:

USB2000+UV-VIS-ES
Application-ready Spectrometer for the UV-VIS with Enhanced Sensitivity
Learn More
USB4000-UV-VIS-ES
Application-ready Spectrometer for the UV-VIS with Enhanced Sensitivity
Learn More
USB4000-XR1-ES
Extended Range Spectrometer for UV-NIR applications with Enhanced Sensitivity
Learn More
USB2000+VIS-NIR-ES
Application-ready Spectrometer for the visible and near-IR with Enhanced Sensitivity
Learn More