Axetris EMIRS50_REF1 Infrared Emitter with Sapphire Window

Overview

The Axetris EMIRS50_REF1 is a high-performance, surface-micromachined infrared emitter engineered for precision gas sensing applications requiring stable, spectrally broad thermal radiation in the mid-infrared range (2–14 µm). Unlike conventional filament-based or ceramic IR sources, the EMIRS50_REF1 leverages a monolithic silicon MEMS architecture: a thin-film resistive heater is deposited on a thermally isolated silicon membrane and coated with a proprietary dielectric emissive layer optimized for near-ideal blackbody behavior. This design enables rapid thermal response, exceptional spectral stability, and intrinsic mechanical robustness—critical attributes for embedded NDIR (Non-Dispersive Infrared), PAS (Photoacoustic Spectroscopy), and ATR-FTIR (Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared) systems deployed in field instruments and medical devices. Its compact TO-46 hermetic package—available with sapphire or barium fluoride (BaF₂) optical windows—ensures long-term transmission stability under varying humidity and temperature conditions, while maintaining compatibility with automated SMT assembly processes.

Key Features

• Blackbody-like spectral emission (2–14 µm) with emissivity >0.95 across operational bandwidth
• Electrical modulation capability up to 100 Hz without external chopper wheels—enabling synchronous detection and improved signal-to-noise ratio
• Low power consumption: typically <150 mW at operating temperature (~600 K), reducing thermal load and enabling battery-powered instrumentation
• Extended operational lifetime exceeding 50,000 hours (L₅₀ metric, 25 °C ambient), validated per IEC 60747-14 reliability protocols
• Hermetically sealed TO-46 package with sapphire window (standard) or BaF₂ option for extended transmission below 8 µm
• MEMS-based architecture ensures excellent shock/vibration resistance (IEC 60068-2-6 compliant) and batch-to-batch reproducibility
• No warm-up drift: achieves stable radiance within <100 ms; minimal thermal hysteresis over repeated on/off cycles

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The EMIRS50_REF1 is designed for integration into certified gas analyzers targeting regulated environmental and clinical measurements. It supports detection of CO, CO₂, CH₄, NOₓ, NH₃, SO₂, SF₆, VOCs, ethanol (breath alcohol), anesthetic agents (e.g., sevoflurane, isoflurane), and refrigerants (R134a, R410a). Its spectral output aligns with absorption bands defined in ASTM D6348 (gaseous emissions), ISO 8573-5 (compressed air purity), and USP (pharmaceutical gas analysis). The device is manufactured under ISO 9001 quality management systems and conforms to RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. For medical OEMs, its stable radiometric output supports compliance with IEC 62304 (software lifecycle) and IEC 60601-1 (electrical safety) when integrated into Class IIa/IIb diagnostic platforms.

Software & Data Management

While the EMIRS50_REF1 is a passive emitter requiring no firmware or onboard intelligence, its electrical modulation interface (two-terminal DC or AC drive) is fully compatible with industry-standard analog front-end architectures used in gas analyzer signal chains—including lock-in amplifiers, transimpedance stages, and ADCs compliant with IEEE 1241 and IEC 61000-4-3 immunity standards. When paired with Axetris’ recommended driver circuits (e.g., constant-current source with PWM-controlled duty cycle), it enables precise radiance control traceable to NIST-traceable calibration procedures. System-level data integrity—including timestamped modulation synchronization and thermal derating logs—is maintained through host controller firmware implementing audit trails per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for GxP environments.

Applications

• Environmental Monitoring: Portable and fixed-site NDIR analyzers for stack emissions (CO₂, NOₓ), landfill gas (CH₄), and urban air quality (VOCs, SO₂)
• Medical Diagnostics: Capnographs, anesthetic gas monitors, pulmonary function testers, and breath alcohol interlocks meeting EN 15964 and ISO 21649 standards
• Automotive & Transportation: On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) for exhaust aftertreatment monitoring and ignition-interlock devices (IID) per SAE J2716
• HVAC & Industrial Safety: Demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) CO₂ sensors, refrigerant leak detectors (ASHRAE Standard 15), and combustible gas alarms (UL 2075)
• Research & Calibration: Reference source for FTIR spectrometer alignment, laboratory-grade gas cell validation, and MEMS IR source benchmarking

FAQ

What is the typical operating temperature of the EMIRS50_REF1 emitter?
The microheater reaches a steady-state temperature of approximately 600 K (327 °C) under standard drive conditions (120 mW, continuous DC). Thermal management must account for substrate conduction and ambient airflow per datasheet thermal resistance curves.
Can the sapphire window be replaced with other materials?
Yes—Axetris offers factory-installed BaF₂ windows for enhanced transmission below 8 µm; custom AR-coated windows or ZnSe options are available under NDA for qualified OEM programs.
Is the EMIRS50_REF1 suitable for use in humid or corrosive environments?
The hermetic TO-46 package with sapphire window provides IP54-equivalent protection against condensation and particulate ingress; however, direct exposure to acidic gases (e.g., H₂S, Cl₂) requires external filtration or protective gas purging.
How does the EMIRS50_REF1 compare to traditional globar or wire-filament IR sources?
It delivers comparable spectral radiance with significantly faster modulation response, lower power draw, higher shock tolerance, and longer lifetime—without compromising spectral continuity or requiring mechanical choppers.
Does Axetris provide radiometric calibration data for individual units?
Yes—NIST-traceable spectral radiance calibration reports (including uncertainty budgets per GUM) are available as an optional service for volume OEM customers upon request.