ZOLIX LSSiN-40 Silicon Nitride Infrared Source

Overview

The ZOLIX LSSiN-40 is a high-stability, thermally driven silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) infrared source engineered for demanding mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopic applications. Unlike conventional blackbody emitters or globar sources, the LSSiN-40 leverages the intrinsic emissivity and thermal robustness of sintered silicon nitride ceramic, operating at controlled temperatures between 900 °C and 1200 °C. Its emission profile conforms closely to Planck’s law across the 1–14 µm spectral band—with verified extension capability up to 16 µm—making it suitable for Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, dispersive grating-based IR systems, and gas-phase absorption studies requiring broadband MIR continuum illumination. The source employs a reflective imaging optical path optimized to match the numerical aperture of ZOLIX’s “SpectraMaster” series spectrometers (f/4), with gold-coated mirrors delivering >96% reflectance in the infrared region. No active water cooling is required, significantly reducing system footprint and operational complexity while maintaining long-term radiometric stability (<2% intensity drift over 8-hour continuous operation).

Key Features

• High-emissivity silicon nitride filament with compact emissive area (4 mm × 15 mm), enabling efficient coupling into fiber optics and monochromator input slits
• Integrated dual-component architecture: LSH-SiN40 source housing and precision DC constant-current/constant-voltage power supply (350 W max)
• Adjustable optical center height (128–168 mm) for seamless mechanical alignment with commercial FTIR benches and custom optical tables
• Dedicated internal cavity space reserved for optional mechanical chopper integration (e.g., 50–200 Hz modulation), supporting lock-in detection workflows
• Thermal design ensures stable radiant exitance without forced convection or liquid cooling—ideal for portable or vibration-sensitive lab environments
• Rated lifetime ≥2000 hours under nominal 40 W DC operation, validated per IEC 62471 photobiological safety guidelines for Class 1 IR sources

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LSSiN-40 is compatible with standard IR sample compartments, beam splitters (KBr, CsI, ZnSe), and detector types including DTGS, MCT, and InSb. Its spectral output meets ASTM E1421-22 requirements for reference sources used in instrument qualification of FTIR spectrometers. The power supply complies with IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards and incorporates overvoltage/overcurrent protection circuits certified to UL 61010-1. All electrical interfaces adhere to CE marking directives, and the source housing conforms to IP20 environmental rating for indoor laboratory use. Traceable calibration reports (radiant flux vs. wavelength) are available upon request for GLP-compliant laboratories.

Software & Data Management

While the LSSiN-40 operates as a hardware-integrated analog source, its power supply supports analog 0–5 V control inputs for external intensity ramping or synchronization with data acquisition systems (e.g., National Instruments DAQ, LabVIEW). Optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial interface modules enable remote monitoring of real-time current/voltage readings and thermal status via ASCII command protocol. Audit trails for power-on duration and thermal cycling history can be logged using third-party SCADA platforms compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with appropriate electronic signature and data integrity configurations.

Applications

• Calibration and performance verification of FTIR spectrometers per ISO 17025-accredited procedures
• Mid-IR transmission and reflection measurements of polymers, pharmaceutical excipients, and thin-film coatings
• In-situ gas cell analysis for CO, CO₂, CH₄, NH₃, and NOₓ detection in environmental monitoring setups
• Development and validation of hyperspectral IR imaging systems requiring spatially uniform broadband illumination
• Teaching laboratories conducting fundamental experiments in blackbody radiation, emissivity measurement, and Wien’s displacement law
• Integration into OEM analytical instruments where compact size, air-cooling, and long service life are critical design constraints

FAQ

What is the typical warm-up time to achieve spectral stability?
The source reaches thermal equilibrium within 15–20 minutes after power-on; radiometric stability <2% is achieved after 30 minutes under constant current mode.
Can the LSSiN-40 be operated below its rated 40 W power level?
Yes—the integrated power supply allows continuous adjustment from 0 to 10 A and 0 to 35 V, enabling sub-40 W operation to extend lifetime or reduce background thermal load in cryogenic detector setups.
Is the gold-coated mirror replaceable by the end user?
Mirror replacement requires factory recalibration of the optical axis and NA matching; ZOLIX provides authorized service support but does not recommend field replacement due to alignment sensitivity.
Does the source meet RoHS or REACH compliance requirements?
Yes—material declarations confirm full compliance with EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2) and Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH), with no SVHC substances above threshold concentrations.
What mounting options are available for optical bench integration?
The housing features standardized M4 threaded holes on all four base corners and two orthogonal side-mounting flanges compatible with Thorlabs and Newport kinematic mounts (KM100, UMB12).