July 25, 2008--McPherson, Inc. (Chelmsford, MA), which makes instruments for spectral testing, has come out with a new vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) light source. Intended for product and performance testing in various long- and short-wavelength UV regions, the so-called Ultraviolet Photon Excitation system provides ready, in-laboratory access to the VUV for material analysis, spectral calibration, and photo-excitation spectroscopy. The system interface uses standard vacuum-seal flanges; either metal-seal or quick-flange types can be specified for installation on existing or new experiments.
A computer-optimized all-reflective spectrally tunable monochromator is combined with a high-power magnesium fluoride (MgF2) window and a deuterium and/or windowless hollow-cathode light source. The McPherson system is available for complex applications requiring tunable wavelengths in the extreme and deep UV. The monochromator provides independent control of central wavelength from approximately 30 to 500 nm, and spectral bandwidth (depending on implementation) from 0.1 to 10 nm (full-width half-maximum). Reflective coatings are optimized differently depending on whether the application targets longer than 100 nm, deep and VUV, or extreme ultraviolet wavelengths shorter than 100 nm. Emission source to monochromator coupling is by reflective condenser using VUV efficient high incident angles. Light source emission wavelengths include 30.4 nm, 58.4 nm, 73.7 nm, 102 nm, 121.6 nm, and others.
Accessories increase power density at the photo-excitation focal point or provide beam delivery over longer distances. Light delivery to the samples is by reflective optics tailored to either collimate or focus. Collimated output beams are about 15 mm in diameter. Collimation depends on diffraction-grating angle. For systems with a limited wavelength range of interest, refractive focusing is available.
For more information, contact Erik Schoeffel at 978-256-4512 (or 1-800-255-1055), or email [email protected].