WACOM WXS-155S-L2 AM0 Solar Simulator

Overview

The WACOM WXS-155S-L2 AM0 Solar Simulator is a high-fidelity, steady-state light source engineered for aerospace-grade photovoltaic characterization and calibration under extraterrestrial (AM0) illumination conditions. Operating on the principle of broadband xenon arc lamp emission coupled with precision spectral filtering and collimated optical delivery, this simulator replicates the ASTM E490-06 (Standard Solar Constant and Zero Air Mass Solar Spectral Irradiance Tables) reference spectrum with exceptional fidelity—achieving spectral match classes within Class A (±5% to ±10% deviation across 300–1200 nm), as verified by calibrated spectroradiometric traceability. Designed specifically for space solar cell R&D, satellite power system validation, and III-V multijunction device testing, the system delivers stable, spatially uniform, and directionally controlled irradiance without temporal modulation—critical for accurate current-voltage (I-V) curve tracing, quantum efficiency (QE) mapping, and degradation studies under zero-atmosphere spectral weighting.

Key Features

• Xenon short-arc lamp core with proprietary WACOM spectral correction filters, optimized for AM0 spectral compliance over 300–1800 nm
• High-precision collimating optics yielding beam divergence ≤ ±3°, enabling realistic incidence-angle-dependent measurements consistent with orbital solar vector modeling
• Adjustable irradiance output (80–140 mW/cm²) via calibrated neutral density attenuation, fully traceable to NIST-traceable radiometric standards
• Uniform illumination across multiple standard test areas—from 50 mm × 50 mm micro-cell platforms up to 450 mm × 450 mm large-area concentrator receiver modules—with measured non-uniformity ≤ ±2% (per IEC 60904-9 Ed. 3)
• Steady-state operation mode ensures continuous DC-equivalent irradiance delivery, eliminating pulse-induced measurement artifacts in low-capacitance high-efficiency cells (e.g., GaInP/GaAs/Ge triple-junction devices)
• Thermally stabilized optical bench and active lamp power regulation maintain temporal stability ≤ ±1% per hour—meeting long-duration qualification test requirements per ECSS-E-ST-20-07C

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The WXS-155S-L2 accommodates diverse PV geometries including single-junction Si, thin-film CIGS/CdTe, and advanced multi-terminal tandem architectures (e.g., perovskite/Si hybrids and back-contacted interdigitated back contact (IBC) cells). Its modular stage design supports vacuum-compatible sample holders, cryogenic mounts (down to 77 K), and in-situ electrical biasing interfaces. The system complies with international photovoltaic testing standards including IEC 60904-9 (2020), ASTM E927-22 (Standard Specification for Solar Simulation for Photovoltaic Testing), and ISO 9001-certified manufacturing protocols. Full documentation packages—including spectral mismatch correction factors (MMCF), spatial uniformity maps, and radiometric calibration certificates—are provided for GLP-compliant lab audits and space agency qualification submissions (e.g., JAXA QM-SP-001, NASA GSFC-STD-6001).

Software & Data Management

Integrated control is managed via WACOM’s proprietary WinSim software suite, supporting automated irradiance ramping, scheduled exposure logging, and synchronized data acquisition from external source meters (Keysight B2900 series, Keithley 2450/2460) and quantum efficiency systems. All operational parameters—including lamp hours, voltage/current feedback, ambient temperature, and real-time spectroradiometer readings—are timestamped and stored in HDF5 format with embedded metadata. Audit trails conform to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, including electronic signatures, role-based access control, and immutable record retention. Export modules support CSV, MATLAB .mat, and PVLib-compatible JSON schemas for cross-platform analysis and machine-learning–driven performance forecasting.

Applications

• Primary calibration of reference cells for ground-based and spaceborne solar monitoring networks
• Efficiency certification of AM0-rated multijunction solar cells prior to integration into CubeSat and GEO satellite power subsystems
• Light-soaking and UV-induced degradation studies on perovskite photovoltaics under accelerated extraterrestrial UV flux profiles
• Angle-of-incidence response characterization for solar array pointing algorithms in LEO and deep-space missions
• Validation of optical concentrator systems (e.g., Fresnel lenses, parabolic troughs) under collimated AM0 illumination
• Development and process optimization of radiation-hardened PV materials for Mars surface deployment

FAQ

What AM0 spectral standard does the WXS-155S-L2 simulate?

It conforms to ASTM E490-06 and ISO 21348 definitions of the extraterrestrial solar spectral irradiance at 1 AU, with spectral match validated against NREL’s AM0 reference dataset.
Can the system be upgraded for AM1.5G testing?

Yes—optional secondary filter sets and recalibration packages are available to reconfigure the system for terrestrial IEC 60904-3 Class AAA AM1.5G operation.
Is radiometric recalibration required annually?

Per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines, annual full-spectrum recalibration using a NIST-traceable spectroradiometer is recommended; WACOM provides certified on-site service and certificate renewal.
Does the system support synchronization with pulsed IV testers?

No—the WXS-155S-L2 is exclusively steady-state; for pulsed applications, WACOM offers the separate WXS-155P series with µs-level triggering.
What safety certifications does the unit carry?

CE marking per EN 61000-6-3 (EMC) and EN 61000-6-4, UL 61010-1 (Lab Equipment Safety), and laser safety classification exempt per IEC 60825-1 (non-laser optical source).