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For many years, people have seen a giant wizard with a lambda necklace walking around conferences such as ACS, Photonics West, and Pittcon and often wonder if they are seeing Gandalf’s little brother… in fact, they are seeing the StellarNet “SpectraWizard”.  And if you get close enough for a picture he may just give you a free T-shirt or any of his lambda loot!

But who exactly is the SpectraWizard?

Will Pierce aka “The SpectraWizard”

Most who have heard of the SpectraWizard know about his magical powers over light and his command for spectroscopy. He has the supernatural ability to understand electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with matter and use his powers to solve almost any spectroscopy application!

The StellarNet SpectraWizard’s craft began to evolve in the early 1990’s back when he was simply known as Will Pierce. In 1993, Will was contracted by Ocean Optics, Inc. to jointly develop the “SpectraScope” software for the S1000 and PC1000 spectrometers. In 1994 Mr. Pierce developed the first truly portable spectrometer using the S1000 and NI-DAQ PCMCIA card for notebook computers. The new instrument was named the PS1000 portable spectrometer and was just about the size of your shoe!  And in 1995 Will developed a spectrometer that connected to a computers printer port and had an integrated digitizer eliminating the need for the NI-DAQ card. Design features were introduced to enhance instrument stability and reliability.

Willy at Photonics West 2001 with several original livewire band members. Fun fact, two members still work at StellarNet as Optical & Electronic Engineers

Originally, Will and his StellarNet team began manufacturing these compact spectrometers from his basement on the edge of the sea (also known as Tampa Bay). It was a time when “Pink Floyd” tunes played in the background of the basement and inspired their ingenuity.  Their production and engineering facility also hosted Wednesday night band practice for their band, “Livewire”. After a few years the global demand for StellarNet compact spectrometers increased and Will and the StellarNet team decided to move from their basement and increase production capability.  Will’s next big achievement would revolutionize the miniature spectrometer market. It was the creation of the first holographic concave grating spectrometer. The holographic grating had a smoother surface than normal ruled gratings, ultimately reducing stray light. The concave design also produced flat field imaging onto the detector providing uniform resolution, and superb spectral shapes across the spectrum.  It was major breakthrough which would soon gain popularity over its predecessor, the Cross Czerny Turner optics design. Will continued to work on instrument robustness and miniaturization and in 2011 NASA launched 3 Shock-Proof BLUE-Waves into orbit to participate in a materials exploration study on-board the International Space Station. Will continued to work on making his StellarNet fiber optic spectrometers cost effective with the highest quality possible in compact crush proof metal enclosures. (watch clip-> run over by SUV)

Fast forward to today and StellarNet, Inc. is a leading manufacturer in the miniature spectrometer market focusing on research quality instrument engineering and providing extreme spectroscopy solutions at a low cost.  And you guessed it, StellarNet’s main software platform delivered FREE with each spectrometer is called SpectraWiz®, which has been called a swiss army knife of spectroscopy applications. No longer in a basement but still in the Tampa Bay Area, Will’s team grew to include R&D Engineers, Optics Engineers, and production staff from all over the world. His teams of application sales scientists and worldwide distribution network continuously focus on providing high quality spectroscopy solutions and excellent product support.

So how did Will Pierce transition into becoming known as the SpectraWizard?

Over the years, his StellarNet team and industry colleagues deemed his achievements as unprecedented. Those who know him, began to describe him as a true master of his craft.

His supernatural ability and magical powers have transcended him into a Wizard of Spectroscopy, The SpectraWizard.

Stop by our booth at Photonics West Booth #2141 to meet the SpectraWizard or send us an email to receive a new SpectraWizard T-shirt.

2017 SpectraWizard Shirt