ASB-XE-175 CERMAX® LX175F Xenon Fiber-Optic Light Source

Overview

The ASB-XE-175 is a high-intensity, short-arc xenon fiber-optic light source engineered for demanding optical laboratory and industrial applications requiring broadband spectral continuity, rapid thermal stability, and precise remote illumination. Based on the CERMAX® LX175F lamp—a sealed, mercury-free, high-pressure xenon discharge device—the system delivers a continuous spectrum spanning 200–2200 nm, with peak radiometric output between 250 and 1100 nm. Its optical architecture integrates a precision parabolic reflector and collimation optics to maximize photon throughput into liquid-core or fused-silica optical fibers (e.g., 3 mm or 6 mm core diameter), enabling efficient coupling into spectrometers, monochromators (including Digikrom SP series), fluorescence microscopes, endoscopic imaging systems, and automated optical inspection stations. Unlike arc lamps requiring warm-up or cooling delays, the ASB-XE-175 achieves photometric stability within <1 second after ignition and supports immediate re-ignition without duty-cycle constraints—critical for time-resolved spectroscopy, shuttered imaging, and high-throughput QA/QC workflows.

Key Features

• Instant-on, instant-restart xenon plasma ignition with no thermal delay or cooldown requirement
• High-brightness 5600 K correlated color temperature, closely approximating daylight illumination for photometric calibration and visual inspection
• Continuously adjustable intensity control (0–100%) via front-panel analog potentiometer, enabling precise irradiance tuning without spectral shift
• Compact, benchtop form factor (3.4 kg) with integrated IEC 320 power inlet, line fuse (MDL 5A), and rear-panel mains switch
• Robust thermal management system maintaining stable lamp operation across ambient temperatures from +6 °C to +45 °C
• Modular spectral variants: ASB-XE-175-EX (UV-enhanced, 200–2200 nm), ASB-XE-175-BF (ozone-free visible, 320–700 nm), and ASB-XE-175-BFEX (NIR-enhanced + ozone-blocking, 320–2200 nm)
• Designed for compatibility with standard liquid-light guides and fused-silica fiber bundles—note: quartz or fused-silica waveguides must be rated for >1000 °C tip exposure to prevent thermal degradation of lamp envelope or fiber termination

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ASB-XE-175 is compatible with a broad range of optical interfaces, including SMA-905, FC/PC, and custom collimated couplers for integration into OEM instruments. It meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EN 61326-1) and low-voltage safety (EN 61010-1). While not classified as a medical device per FDA 21 CFR Part 820, its ASB-XE-175-BF configuration complies with ISO 15223-1 labeling standards for ozone-free illumination in clinical endoscopy environments. The system supports GLP-compliant usage when paired with calibrated reference detectors and NIST-traceable spectral irradiance standards (e.g., NIST SRM 2031, 2032). No internal battery or wireless transmission components are present; all control signals remain galvanically isolated from mains supply.

Software & Data Management

The ASB-XE-175 operates as a standalone analog-controlled source with no embedded firmware or digital interface. Intensity modulation is achieved solely through analog voltage input to the internal lamp driver, permitting seamless integration with external DAQ systems (e.g., National Instruments USB-6009), programmable power supplies, or TTL-triggered shutter controllers. For traceable calibration records, users are advised to log operational parameters—including runtime hours, input voltage/current, and ambient temperature—using laboratory information management systems (LIMS) compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7. Audit trails for lamp replacement and recalibration events should be retained per GMP Annex 11 principles where applied in regulated pharmaceutical or biotech settings.

Applications

• UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy using scanning monochromators or array-based spectrometers
• Transmitted-light and epi-fluorescence microscopy illumination, especially for live-cell imaging requiring stable white-light excitation
• Machine vision systems for surface defect detection, color consistency verification, and dimensional metrology
• Fiber-coupled endoscopy and laparoscopy light engines meeting IEC 60601-2-57 safety thresholds
• Optical encoder calibration, photodiode responsivity testing, and LED spectral characterization
• Accelerated weathering and photostability testing per ASTM G154 and ISO 4892-3 protocols (when used with appropriate bandpass filtering)

FAQ

What is the recommended optical fiber type for coupling with the ASB-XE-175?
Use only liquid-light guides or fused-silica fiber bundles rated for >1000 °C tip temperature and UV-VIS-NIR transmission (e.g., Ocean Insight QP600-2-SR, Thorlabs M31L01). Standard silica-glass fibers may degrade under sustained xenon plasma exposure.
Can the ASB-XE-175 be operated continuously for extended periods?
Yes—rated for continuous duty at nominal 175 W, provided ambient temperature remains ≤45 °C and airflow around the rear ventilation grilles is unobstructed. Lamp lifetime is statistically distributed; typical median life is 1000 hours at rated power.
Is external cooling required?
No. The unit incorporates passive convection and internal fan-assisted heat dissipation. Forced-air cooling is unnecessary unless ambient exceeds 45 °C or enclosure airflow is restricted.
How does the ASB-XE-175 compare to deuterium-halogen hybrid sources?
Unlike hybrid sources, the ASB-XE-175 provides true continuum output from deep UV through NIR without spectral gaps or intensity discontinuities at the D₂–W halogen transition (~350 nm). It also eliminates the need for dual-lamp synchronization and offers superior spatial coherence for fiber coupling.
Does the ASB-XE-175 comply with RoHS or REACH directives?
Yes. All materials—including the CERMAX® LX175F lamp envelope, housing alloys, and PCB substrates—conform to EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2) and Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH), with full SVHC declaration available upon request.