Avantes AvaSolar Series Spectroradiometer

Overview

The Avantes AvaSolar Series Spectroradiometer is an engineered solution for high-fidelity spectral irradiance measurement in solar simulation environments. Designed specifically for spectral match assessment per IEC 60904-9 (Edition 3, 2020) and ASTM E927-21 standards, the AvaSolar platform employs a hybrid optical architecture integrating back-illuminated CCD and thermoelectrically cooled InGaAs detector technologies to cover the full solar-weighted spectrum from 300 nm to 2500 nm. Its core measurement principle relies on calibrated absolute irradiance quantification using NIM-traceable standard lamp calibration—ensuring metrological continuity from laboratory reference to field deployment. Unlike general-purpose spectrometers, the AvaSolar series incorporates real-time pulse-synchronized acquisition capable of capturing up to 450 spectra per second, enabling time-resolved analysis of transient flash profiles (e.g., Class AAA pulsed solar simulators) and continuous broadband sources alike. The instrument’s non-linear pixel response correction algorithm ensures spectral responsivity uniformity exceeding 99%, critical for accurate spectral mismatch factor (MMF) calculation in PV device characterization.

Key Features

• Multi-range spectral coverage: Configurable models span 300–1100 nm (CCD-only), 200–1700 nm (CCD + InGaAs), or extended 300–2500 nm (CCD + dual-stage InGaAs) with optimized resolution per band
• High-speed acquisition: Up to 450 full-spectrum acquisitions per second with hardware-triggered synchronization for pulse profiling
• NIM-traceable calibration: Delivered with official calibration certificate (U = 8.0%, k = 2) referencing national primary standard lamps
• Thermoelectric cooling: InGaAs detector modules maintain stable dark current below –10 °C, ensuring reproducible NIR/SWIR performance over extended integration times
• Optimized optical design: Low-stray-light Czerny-Turner configuration with holographic gratings and UV-enhanced coatings; stray light <0.3% (UV-VIS), <0.5% (NIR)
• Robust wavelength stability: ±0.1 nm repeatability over ±10 °C ambient variation, validated per ISO/IEC 17025-compliant procedures
• Hardware-level spectral averaging: On-board FPGA supports up to 100,000 co-added spectra for ultra-low-noise radiometric measurements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AvaSolar spectroradiometer is compatible with collimated, diffused, or fiber-coupled irradiance inputs via SMA905 or FC/PC interfaces. It meets essential regulatory and industry requirements for photovoltaic testing laboratories, including full alignment with IEC 60904-9 Ed.3 Annex B (spectral match classification), ASTM E927-21 Section 6.3 (radiometric accuracy), and JIS C 8912:2021. All calibration data are recorded with full audit trail—including lamp type, calibration date, uncertainty budget, and environmental conditions—supporting GLP/GMP compliance and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when integrated with Avantes’ ASIA software suite. The instrument’s traceability chain is documented to the National Institute of Metrology (NIM), China, satisfying CNAS ILAC-MRA requirements for accredited test reports.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via Avantes’ ASIA (Avantes Spectroscopy Instrument Application) software, the AvaSolar platform delivers turnkey radiometric workflows—from real-time pulse capture and spectral irradiance mapping to MMF, EQE, and AM1.5G deviation analysis. ASIA supports automated report generation compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements, including embedded metadata (integration time, grating position, detector temperature, calibration ID). Raw spectral data export is available in CSV, HDF5, and JPK formats; all calibration coefficients are stored in machine-readable JSON headers. For integration into automated test benches, the instrument provides TCP/IP and USB2.0 communication protocols with full SCPI command set and LabVIEW, Python (PyVISA), and MATLAB drivers included.

Applications

• Photovoltaic device testing: Spectral match validation of Class A, B, and C solar simulators per IEC 60904-9
• Concentrator photovoltaics (CPV): Spectral binning and angular irradiance distribution analysis under concentrated illumination
• UV aging and photochemical studies: Quantitative actinometry across UV-B to NIR for accelerated degradation testing
• Photocatalysis research: Time-resolved spectral irradiance monitoring during pulsed LED or xenon flash excitation
• Cosmeceutical UV transmission analysis: Broadband spectral transmittance measurement of sunscreens and topical formulations
• Atmospheric optics: Field-deployable solar spectral irradiance monitoring for aerosol optical depth and water vapor retrieval algorithms

FAQ

What spectral irradiance units does the AvaSolar output?
The system reports absolute spectral irradiance in µW/cm²/nm (or mW/m²/nm) across its full operating range, with NIM-traceable calibration applied per wavelength pixel.
Can the AvaSolar measure pulsed sources with sub-millisecond duration?
Yes—hardware triggering and 2 µs minimum integration time enable precise capture of single-flash events, including xenon arc pulses down to 10 µs width.
Is the calibration valid for fiber-coupled measurements?
Calibration is performed at the input slit; fiber coupling introduces additional throughput and étendue effects. Avantes recommends fiber-specific characterization using a calibrated integrating sphere for highest accuracy.
How often should recalibration be performed?
Annual recalibration is recommended for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs; NIM-certified recalibration services are available directly through Avantes EU service centers.
Does the AvaSolar support GMP-compliant electronic records?
When used with ASIA software configured for 21 CFR Part 11 mode, it provides user authentication, audit trails, electronic signatures, and immutable raw data archiving.