Avantes AvaLight-XE-HP High-Power Pulsed Xenon Light Source

Overview

The Avantes AvaLight-XE-HP is a high-intensity, compact pulsed xenon light source engineered for demanding UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopic applications requiring broad spectral coverage and precise temporal control. Unlike continuous-wave or mercury-based arc lamps, the AvaLight-XE-HP operates on a pulsed discharge principle—ionizing xenon gas within a sealed quartz envelope to generate intense, short-duration broadband flashes. This mechanism delivers stable, repeatable irradiance across 200–1000 nm without significant thermal drift or spectral instability associated with sustained plasma operation. Its 39 mJ per flash energy output and 6 W average optical power enable high signal-to-noise ratio detection in low-light scenarios such as time-resolved fluorescence, UV-induced phosphorescence, and fast kinetic absorption measurements. Designed specifically for integration into OEM analytical platforms and benchtop spectrometers, the AvaLight-XE-HP features a rigid aluminum housing (98 × 44 × 35 mm, 192 g) optimized for mechanical stability and thermal dissipation during repetitive pulsing.

Key Features

• Ultra-broad spectral output spanning deep ultraviolet (200 nm) to near-infrared (1000 nm), eliminating the need for multiple lamp types in multi-range spectroscopy.
• Pulse synchronization capability via TTL-compatible 9-pin D-sub input—enables hardware-level triggering of spectrometer acquisition (e.g., AvaSpec series) with sub-microsecond jitter for time-gated measurements.
• High pulse endurance exceeding 1 × 10⁹ flashes under nominal operating conditions, ensuring long-term reliability in automated QC/QA systems and 24/7 laboratory environments.
• OEM-optimized form factor with SMA-905 fiber coupling interface and wide-input DC power range (11–28 VDC), supporting flexible integration into custom optical benches, microplate readers, or portable field instruments.
• No warm-up time required; full spectral output achieved instantaneously at pulse initiation—critical for rapid assay cycling and shutterless measurement protocols.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AvaLight-XE-HP is compatible with standard 200 µm–1000 µm core silica optical fibers and supports both free-space and fiber-coupled illumination configurations. Its external illumination geometry enables non-contact excitation of solid, liquid, or gel-phase samples in cuvettes, microfluidic channels, or reflective substrates. The device complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission limits) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity standards) for laboratory instrumentation. While not classified as a laser product, its UV output necessitates adherence to ANSI Z136.1 safety guidelines when operated without beam attenuation or enclosure. No mercury content is present—fully compliant with RoHS 2011/65/EU and REACH SVHC regulations, making it suitable for GLP- and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories requiring environmentally controlled light sources.

Software & Data Management

Native synchronization and parameter control are implemented through Avantes’ AvaSoft software suite (v10.x and later), which supports user-defined flash count per spectrum (1–1000 pulses), adjustable delay between trigger and acquisition, and real-time intensity monitoring via integrated photodiode feedback (optional). All configuration states—including voltage setpoint, pulse repetition rate, and synchronization mode—are stored in instrument metadata and exported alongside spectral data in .ASD format. For automated workflows, the device supports SCPI-like command sets over USB virtual COM port, enabling integration into LabVIEW, Python (PyVISA), or MATLAB environments. Audit trails, user access logs, and configuration versioning align with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed with validated AvaSoft installations in regulated pharmaceutical or clinical testing labs.

Applications

• UV-Vis fluorescence lifetime measurements using time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) systems.
• Multi-wavelength absorbance assays in enzyme kinetics and protein quantification (e.g., Bradford, BCA).
• Photostability testing of pharmaceutical formulations per ICH Q1B guidelines.
• Calibration source for spectroradiometers and hyperspectral imagers requiring NIST-traceable broadband references.
• In-line process monitoring in semiconductor wafer inspection where pulsed illumination minimizes sample heating and photobleaching.

FAQ

Can the AvaLight-XE-HP be triggered externally by a third-party DAQ system?
Yes—its 9-pin D-sub TTL input accepts negative or positive edge-trigger signals (3.3 V or 5 V logic), with configurable polarity and pulse width thresholds via firmware.
Is spectral irradiance calibration available from Avantes?
Yes—NIST-traceable spectral radiance calibration certificates (200–1000 nm, ±2% uncertainty) can be ordered separately with serial-number-matched data.
What is the minimum achievable pulse repetition rate?
The device supports single-shot mode and variable repetition up to 100 Hz, limited by thermal management and power supply current delivery.
Does it require forced air cooling?
No—passive convection cooling suffices for ≤50 Hz operation at rated power; active cooling is recommended only for sustained >75 Hz pulsing in enclosed enclosures.
Can it drive multimode fibers larger than 1000 µm core?
Yes—though coupling efficiency decreases above 1000 µm due to étendue mismatch; Avantes recommends matching fiber NA and core size to the source’s native output étendue (1.2 mm·sr).