2W xenon light source spans UV to IR for analysis and measurement

Called µPAX-3, in includes an EMI-suppressing enclosure, the xenon flash lamp light source, a trigger circuit and a power supply – all within 42mm square by 31mm deep (plus connector), which is smaller and more robust than the existing µPAX-2, according to the manufacturer.

“These miniaturised modules can offer significant advantages over LEDs in analytical instrumentation and similar applications, particularly with regard to the broad and continuous spectrum of the light output,” according to Lorna Lawson, a product manager at UK-based Solid State Supplies, which stocks Excelitas light sources.

Short arc xenon flash lamps generate a continuous spectrum of light from ultra-violet to infra-red, allowing them to to be used as sources for light-based analysis at a broad range of wavelengths – applications are found in medical analytics, water quality monitoring and environmental analysis for example, according to Excelitas.

Voltage needs are 11 to 15Vdc, drawing ≤500mArms at 12V. 15V is required to achieve high pulse frequency at high pulse energy in some models.

Optical output pulses are initiated by 5V pulses through an electrically-isolated input.

Flash power is controlled by a potentiometer or an externally applied voltage between 0V and 4.7V, setting the discharge lamp voltage between 400V and 600V.

Three values of internal energy store capacitors are available: 47, 94 or 141nF. Maximum flash rate is then limited by the 2W maximum power, and appears to be 4/(CV²)Hz – but check this for yourself.

Coefficient of variation (light output stability) is 1% or better – this metric is described in the data sheet.

Estimated lifetime is greater than 10⁹ flashes.

Applications include various types of spectrometry and fluorescence triggering.

The Solid State Supplies µPAX-3 product page is here, and the data sheet can be found here