Tunable Light Source
Lab Equipment, SpectroscopyTunable LED Light Source from 380 – 1000 nm
Low price, variable, high-power light source for spectroscopy
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Compact, affordable and reliable, the Ossila Tunable Light Source combines our broadband LED Light Source and precision Monochromator to provide selectable, monochromatic light at any wavelength between 380 and 1000 nm with <1 nm accuracy.
Adjust the wavelength to match the properties of your sample for absorbance and fluorescence measurements, or scan rapidly across the spectrum (up to 1000 nm/s) to determine excitation spectra or characterize photodetectors. Designed for straightforward integration with the rest of your optics set up, the Tunable Light Source is compatible with standard optical rail systems and can be controlled via the free downloadable Monochromator Console software or simple serial commands.
Compact Size
Easily integrate into your set up while saving space on your optics bench
Easy to Use
Control with our free intuitive software or use serial commands
Wide Wavelength Range
380-1000 nm, tunable to <1 nm accuracy with 1000 nm/s scanning speeds
Low Price
Built on our low price monochromator for performance without the price
Tunable Light Source Specifications
| Wavelength Range | 380 nm – 1000 nm |
|---|---|
| Wavelength Accuracy | <1 nm |
| Wavelength Repeatability | <0.1 nm |
| Optical Power Output | > 100 mW |
| Focal Length | 100 mm |
| f Number | f/4 |
| Configuration | Crossed Czerny-Turner |
| Slit Type | Manual |
| Possible Slit Sizes | 50 μm – 6 mm (W) x 10 mm (H) |
| Weight | TBC |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | TBC |
LEDs for Tunable Light Sources
In spectroscopy, researchers often use Tungsten, Xenon or Deuterium-Tungsten lamps for tunable light sources. Most of these lamps behave approximately as black body radiators (except for Deuterium which relies on molecular emission). This produces a broad and consistent output across the visible spectrum. However, they also require a significant warm up time to reach thermal and intensity stability.
These lamps also:
- Have limited lifetimes
- Require frequent replacement
- Contain hazardous materials
- Introduce potential explosion risks
LEDs are often used for narrow-band emission, but can also be used in broadband light sources. By combining different wavelength LEDs, using optical mixing components or phosphors to blend or shift the output, LEDs can create output over a wide wavelength range.
LED light sources have a significantly longer lifetime than most bulbs, are less hazardous and have minimal warm-up or cool down time. This means LEDs are less expensive to maintain and easier to handle. Broadband LED emission output will not be as flat as the other lamps. However, they can still be powerful and broad enough to span across the visible region and further.
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Tunable vs. Monochromatic Light Sources
Tunable light sources and single-wavelength light sources (such as lasers or single-wavelength LEDs) are used for similar functions in spectroscopy. For example, they are often used as excitation sources for fluorescence experiments. However, there are some discernible differences that can help you choose between them.
Tunable light sources offer greater flexibility than single-wavelength light sources. You can adjust the output wavelength to 1 nm precision over a wide spectral range. This maintains the specificity of a single-emission source, with the range of a broadband light source.
This feature is valuable in any research environment where users study different materials or conduct varied experiments, requiring different excitation frequencies.
Single-wavelength sources emit light at a fixed wavelength. These systems can provide higher power than tunable light sources, making them suitable for applications that need strong, consistent illumination at a specific frequency. These can be better choices for measurements requiring single consistent excitation, such as fluorescence microscopy.
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