EMIRS50 Blackbody Infrared Source by Axetris
| Brand | Axetris |
|---|---|
| Origin | Switzerland |
| Model | EMIRS50 |
| Housing | TO-46 metal can |
| Emissivity | >0.95 (2–14 µm) |
| Spectral Range | 2–14 µm |
| Modulation Speed | DC to >100 Hz |
| Power Consumption | <120 mW (typ.) |
| Window Options | Sapphire or Barium Fluoride (BaF₂) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Lifetime | >50,000 hours (at rated power) |
Overview
The EMIRS50 Blackbody Infrared Source is a MEMS-based thermal emitter engineered by Axetris AG (Switzerland) for high-stability, low-power infrared gas sensing applications. Unlike conventional filament-based or ceramic IR sources, the EMIRS50 employs a precisely patterned resistive micro-heater deposited on a silicon membrane and coated with a dielectric thin-film layer—optimizing spectral emissivity across the mid-infrared range (2–14 µm). This architecture emulates near-ideal blackbody radiation characteristics (ε > 0.95), enabling accurate radiometric calibration and minimizing spectral distortion in NDIR, PAS, and ATR-FTIR optical paths. Its monolithic silicon construction ensures mechanical robustness, thermal stability, and immunity to shock/vibration—critical for embedded OEM instrumentation deployed in automotive, medical, and industrial environments.
Key Features
- MEMS-integrated micro-hotplate design with integrated thermal isolation for rapid thermal response and minimal thermal mass
- High spectral emissivity (>0.95) over 2–14 µm, validated per ASTM E1933-19 (Standard Test Methods for Calibration and Characterization of Blackbody Sources)
- DC-coupled electrical modulation capability—eliminates need for external chopper wheels and associated alignment complexity
- Modulation bandwidth exceeding 100 Hz at full radiance, supporting lock-in detection schemes with high signal-to-noise ratio
- Ultra-low power consumption (<120 mW typical at operating temperature), compatible with battery-powered and energy-constrained systems
- Hermetically sealed TO-46 metal package with optional sapphire or BaF₂ windows—optimized for transmission in key absorption bands (e.g., CO₂ at 4.26 µm, CH₄ at 3.3 µm, NH₃ at 10.4 µm)
- Extended operational lifetime (>50,000 hours MTTF) under continuous drive conditions, verified per IEC 60747-14 reliability protocols
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The EMIRS50 is designed for integration into compact, field-deployable gas analyzers requiring trace-level quantification of analytes including CO, CO₂, NOₓ, SOₓ, NH₃, SF₆, VOCs, hydrocarbons, anesthetic agents (e.g., sevoflurane, isoflurane), refrigerants (R-134a, R-410A), ethanol (breath alcohol), and humidity. Its stable spectral output supports compliance with ISO 21844:2020 (NDIR gas analyzers for ambient air monitoring), EN 15267-3 (performance certification of automated measuring systems), and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when implemented within validated instrument software architectures. The device meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 for hazardous substance restriction.
Software & Data Management
While the EMIRS50 operates as a hardware-level radiation source (no onboard firmware or digital interface), its analog drive compatibility enables seamless integration with industry-standard signal conditioning and control platforms—including NI CompactDAQ, Keysight DAQ systems, and custom FPGA-based modulator drivers. When embedded in analyzers subject to GLP/GMP or ISO 13485 frameworks, its stable output simplifies audit-trail generation for calibration verification logs. Drive voltage/current profiles are fully programmable, allowing users to implement dynamic duty cycling, temperature ramping, or multi-wavelength referencing strategies—all traceable via timestamped analog acquisition channels.
Applications
- Medical Diagnostics: Capnography modules, anesthetic gas monitors (ISO 80601-2-55 compliant), pulmonary function test systems, and point-of-care breath alcohol analyzers
- Automotive & Transportation: Onboard OBD-II exhaust gas sensors, ignition interlock devices (IID), cabin air quality monitors, and battery thermal runaway detection systems
- HVAC & Building Automation: Demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) controllers per ASHRAE Standard 62.1, refrigerant leak detectors for chillers and heat pumps
- Industrial Safety: Fixed and portable combustible gas detectors (IEC 60079-29-1), fermentation process monitoring, and incubator CO₂ control systems
- Environmental Monitoring: Ambient air quality stations for urban NO₂/SO₂ mapping, landfill methane surveillance, and greenhouse gas flux measurements
FAQ
What spectral range does the EMIRS50 cover, and how is its emissivity characterized?
The EMIRS50 emits across 2–14 µm with measured emissivity >0.95 (per ASTM E1933-19), confirmed via FTIR spectroradiometry against NIST-traceable blackbody references.
Can the EMIRS50 be driven with pulsed or sinusoidal modulation?
Yes—it supports DC, square-wave, and sine-wave drive up to 100 Hz without performance degradation; no external chopping required.
Is the TO-46 package hermetically sealed?
Yes—the metal can is cold-welded and optionally backfilled with dry nitrogen or argon to prevent moisture-induced window degradation.
What window materials are available, and how do they affect transmission?
Sapphire offers broad transmission from 0.15–5.5 µm and superior mechanical durability; BaF₂ extends transmission to 12 µm but requires handling in low-humidity environments.
Does Axetris provide calibration certificates or spectral data files?
Axetris supplies factory-measured spectral radiance curves (CSV format) and optional NIST-traceable calibration reports upon request.
