Oriel Instruments, a Newport Corporation Brand, has released the Sol3A 12 x 12 solar simulator. The latest addition to the Class AAA solar simulator product family features a 12 x 12 inches (300 x 300mm) output beam.
The instrument utilises a single 1,600W xenon arc lamp with an optical design capable of meeting spectral match, non-uniformity of irradiance, and temporal stability performance criteria without compromising the 1 Sun output power. In addition, Newport's highly stable spectral correction filter can withstand the very high intensity from the lamp without changing spectral properties. This true Class AAA performance is ideal for the most demanding photovoltaic (PV) applications that require a constant-wave (CW) light source.
A black, non-reflective finish minimises stray light and incorporates versatile captive screws for easy user access for alignment, lamp replacement, and filter changes. To ensure operator safety, temperature sensors and advanced safety interlocks provide additional protection and prevent inadvertent exposure to UV light.
All Oriel Sol3A solar simulator products are factory-certified, Class AAA CW systems and have calibration certification that validates Class AAA for all three standards, including the IEC 60904-9 Edition 2 (2007), JIS C 8912, and ASTM E 927-05. The newest model offers improved working distances to accommodate larger samples, and the improved optical design delivers maximum spatial uniformity. Other Sol3A output beam sizes currently available include 2 x 2 inches, 4 x 4 inches, 6 x 6 inches, and 8 x 8 inches. Rigorously tested, the new Sol3A 12 x 12 offers high reliability and long-life operation to accommodate round-the-clock production environments.