SP Spectral Products ASTN-W-150 Tunable Monochromatic Light Source
| Brand | SP Spectral Products |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | ASTN-W-150 |
| Light Source Type | Tungsten-Halogen Lamp |
| Power Rating | 150 W |
| Luminous Flux | 800–4,700 lm |
| Color Temperature | 3,000–3,400 K |
| Lifetime | 50–2,000 h |
| Spectral Range | 300 nm – 2.6 µm |
| Monochromator | CM110, f/3.9, dual-grating turret interface |
| Wavelength Scanning Modes | Bidirectional |
| Scan Units | nm, Å, cm⁻¹, eV |
| Control Interface | RS-232 serial |
| Output Options | Free-space or fiber-coupled (SMA/FC/CS) |
| Compatibility | Modular integration with SP optical platforms |
Overview
The SP Spectral Products ASTN-W-150 Tunable Monochromatic Light Source is a precision-engineered broadband illumination system designed for demanding spectroscopic, photometric, and calibration applications in research laboratories and industrial R&D environments. Built around a high-stability 150 W tungsten-halogen lamp, the system delivers continuous spectral output spanning the near-ultraviolet (300 nm) through the visible and into the near-infrared (2.6 µm). Its core optical architecture integrates the CM110 monochromator—a compact, f/3.9 Czerny-Turner design featuring a motorized dual-grating turret—enabling rapid, repeatable wavelength selection with high stray-light rejection and spectral resolution appropriate for medium-bandwidth applications. The ASTN-W-150 operates under computer control via RS-232 serial interface, supporting bidirectional scanning across user-selectable units (nm, Å, cm⁻¹, eV), and is engineered for long-term radiometric stability and thermal management during extended duty cycles.
Key Features
- 150 W tungsten-halogen lamp optimized for broad spectral continuity and low temporal intensity drift
- CM110 monochromator with selectable gratings (e.g., 300, 600, 1200 grooves/mm), pre-aligned and factory-calibrated
- Bidirectional wavelength scanning with programmable step size, dwell time, and velocity profiles
- Modular mechanical design permitting free-space collimated output or fiber coupling via optional AFCM-L adapters (SMA, FC, CS ferrule)
- Standard RS-232 interface compatible with LabVIEW, Python (PySerial), MATLAB, and custom SCPI-based control scripts
- Front-panel manual operation mode with real-time wavelength display for alignment and troubleshooting
- Interchangeable filter mount (AB202) and AB3XXX-series bandpass/notch filters for spectral shaping and order sorting
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ASTN-W-150 is intended for use with optically transparent, semi-transparent, or reflective samples in transmission, reflectance, or fluorescence excitation configurations. It supports standardized sample geometries used in ASTM E308 (computing tristimulus values), ISO/CIE photometric testing, and USP spectrophotometer qualification protocols. While the source itself is not an analytical instrument per se, its spectral stability and traceable wavelength calibration (per NIST-traceable grating rulings) enable compliance with GLP and GMP documentation requirements when integrated into validated optical measurement systems. The lamp housing meets UL/CSA Class I electrical safety standards; operation requires external cooling airflow per SP Technical Note TN-ASTN-01 to maintain rated lifetime and color temperature consistency.
Software & Data Management
SP provides the optional SpectraWiz® software suite (Windows-based) for full instrument control, spectral acquisition synchronization, and data export in CSV, TXT, and HDF5 formats. The ASTN-W-150’s serial protocol supports command-line automation and audit-trail logging—critical for 21 CFR Part 11–compliant environments when paired with validated third-party DAQ or spectrometer platforms. All firmware updates are distributed via SP’s secure customer portal, and configuration files (grating calibrations, lamp aging compensation tables) are stored non-volatilely within the monochromator controller. Integration with Python-based analysis pipelines is facilitated by open-source drivers available on SP’s GitHub repository under MIT license.
Applications
- Calibration of spectroradiometers, hyperspectral imagers, and CCD/CMOS array detectors
- Quantum efficiency and responsivity measurements of photodetectors and solar cells (per IEC 60904-8)
- Optical filter characterization—including out-of-band rejection, edge steepness, and polarization-dependent loss
- Photochemical reaction studies requiring narrowband excitation at defined photon energies
- Development and validation of colorimetric models in display metrology and lighting R&D
- Teaching laboratory setups for Fourier optics, interference, and dispersion experiments
FAQ
What lamp lifetime can be expected under continuous operation?
Typical operational lifetime ranges from 50 hours at maximum filament voltage to 2,000 hours at reduced power settings; lifetime is strongly dependent on thermal management and cycling frequency.
Is wavelength calibration traceable to NIST standards?
Yes—the CM110 monochromator’s grating rulings are certified with NIST-traceable groove density and alignment; users may perform in-situ calibration using Hg/Ne emission lines or certified reference filters.
Can the ASTN-W-150 be synchronized with pulsed detectors or gated cameras?
Direct TTL triggering is not built-in, but external shutter control (e.g., via SP’s ASB-SH series) and software-timed exposure windows enable precise temporal coordination with external equipment.
Are replacement lamps and gratings field-serviceable?
Yes—lamp modules (ASB-W-150) and grating cartridges are user-replaceable without optical realignment; SP provides detailed service manuals and torque specifications for maintenance.
Does the system support vacuum or purged environments?
The standard CM110 housing is not sealed for vacuum use; however, SP offers custom O-ring sealed versions (CM110-VAC) upon request for UV-enhanced or moisture-sensitive applications.
