MKS Instruments, Inc., a global provider of enabling technologies that transform our world, today announced the Newport™ Solaris™ series Class A+AA Solar Simulators. The Solaris series simulators are based on a full spectrum, single emitter design that incorporates a xenon arc lamp; this provides a high reliability broadband light source that is exceptionally similar to natural sunlight. The lamp natively matches the full solar spectrum (UV + Visible + IR) to ensure the best matched photovoltaic performance without gaps in spectrum coverage. The Solaris series solar simulators, certified to the latest IEC 60904-9:2020 standards, are ideal for photovoltaic applications, including solar cell panel manufacturing and research that pushes the boundaries of new emerging PV technology, such as organic cells and perovskite-based tandem / multijunction cells. These solar simulator products are factory tested and certified against the most rigorous and demanding solar simulator standards for the highest level of confidence in the measurements, including a full statistical report with each instrument.
Image Credit: MKS Instruments, Inc.
The Solaris series solar simulators feature a new, proprietary A+ rated filter to cover the extended 300 to 1200 nm reporting range required for A+ certification. A simple slide-in mechanism spectrally shapes the output for consistent and repeatable performance without the need for a software interface or PC. A partial sun attenuator allows adjustment of the intensity of the light to fit the sample while keeping the relative irradiance stable over the entire wavelength spectrum.
The Solaris series simulators are available as standard models; the largest illumination area of 12x12 inches can test large area solar cells, or test multiple devices at once to increase testing throughput of the solar simulator, saving time and increasing the value of ownership. The Solaris series simulators also feature a low ripple, highly regulated power supply for stable, long-term irradiance performance.
"The Solaris series are powerful solar simulators that use a single xenon lamp design to meet Class A+AA requirements without compromising their 1 SUN output power," said Reuven Silverman, General Manager, Ophir Photonics Products. "This ensures stable, uniform performance, rather than the multiple emitters required for LED-based simulation. In addition, our in-house designed Air Mass 1.5G filter retains its optical properties under the full, long-term illumination conditions without degradation of the filter. The Solaris series is the latest addition to MKS Inc.'s Newport product line, continuing a legacy of over 50 years in delivering trusted photonics solutions. The Newport brand is known for offering the largest illumination area among standard benchtop models, along with a broad portfolio of accessories and complementary products that support streamlined, integrated system development."
The Solaris series simulators are available in five standard configurations, with customized options to best meet your needs. The largest 12x12 inch offering is the widest illumination available on the benchtop research market, enabling testing of large area cells not possible on smaller solar simulators.
- SOLARIS-2: A+AA Solar Simulator, 450 Watt Xenon, 2x2 inch (51x51 mm) illumination area
- SOLARIS-4: A+AA Solar Simulator, 450 Watt Xenon, 4x4 inch (102x102 mm) illumination area
- SOLARIS-6: A+AA Solar Simulator, 1000 Watt Xenon, 6x6 inch (152x152 mm) illumination area
- SOLARIS-8: A+AA Solar Simulator, 1600 Watt Xenon, 8x8 inch (203x203 mm) illumination area
- SOLARIS-12: A+AA Solar Simulator, 1600 Watt Xenon, 12x12 inch (305x305 mm) illumination area
Availability
The Newport Solaris Series Solar Simulators are available now.