Deuterium lamps are the preferred source for UV spectroscopy. Stray light is a significant problem in UV spectroscopy. Most sources have blackbody type spectra with low ultraviolet and high visible output. Most detectors have better response in the visible. The result, all too often, is that the signal produced by scattered visible light exceeds the real signal in the UV. However, with deuterium lamps, the intense continuum from the vacuum ultraviolet to 400 nm, and the low visible and infrared output, ensure superior signal to noise for many UV measurements (mercury lamps can provide better performance at the isolated intense lines, but they are not as useful for continuous spectrum work).
We offer five lamps with slightly different output characteristics. Fig. 1 shows the irradiance curves for all. The 66080 Source is a simple, ready-to-use system.
Fig. 1 Spectral irradiance of deuterium lamps (UV portion of the spectrum, only).
Choice of Five Lamps
The 66080 includes your choice of one of the lamps listed in Table 1. The high irradiance lamps have a very small arc; they are useful for fiber illumination. The ozone free models are safer alternatives, if you don't need the very short wavelengths. Please note, the “ozone free” lamps still produce some ozone, but at a significantly lower rate.
Table 1 Deuterium Lamps
|
Lamp Type |
Spectral Output (nm) |
Arc Diameter (mm) |
Model |
| High Uniformity, Ozone Free |
180 - 500 nm |
|
63161
|
| High Uniformity, Full Spectrum |
160 - 500 nm |
|
63162
|
| High Irradiance, Full Spectrum |
160 - 500 nm |
|
63163
|
| High Irradiance, Ozone Free |
180 - 500 nm |
|
63164
|
| High Irradiance/ Stability, Ozone Free |
180 - 500 nm |
|
63165
|
Lamp Housing
The lamp housing is the one used in our popular Series Q Arc Lamp Sources. An F/1.5 condenser made from UV grade fused silica collects and collimates the lamp's radiation. Output is a 1.3 inch (33 mm) diameter beam. You can focus it to a tight spot for fiber or monochromator illumination by using a secondary focusing lens assembly.
Power Supply
The 66080 Source uses the 68942 Power Supply. The 68942 was designed for simplicity, economy, and size. It runs the lamp at a fixed 300 mA current. The only control is the power on/off switch. Two LEDs indicate status.
Mounting
The Series Q Housing has four leveling feet for free standing use. The height is adjustable by 0.50 inches (12.7 mm). For mounting to inch or metric optical tables, remove the feet and use the proper mounting holes. The optical axis is then 5.0 inches (127 mm) above the table.
Safety Considerations
Deuterium lamps emit dangerous levels of UV radiation. Ensure that only authorized personnel are in the vicinity of the source, and wearing Ultraviolet Safety Equipment like UV protective eyewear, clothing and gloves. Lighted UV warning signs, posted outside laboratory doors where UV sources are operating, can prevent accidental exposure.
We also recommend using an electronic shutter to block the beam when the source is not in use. Or, keep the beam contained by using beam tubes or fiber optics to carry it to your target.
If you do not require output below 180 nm, choose an ozone free lamp. For DUV work, vent the ozone to the outside or use an Oriel Ozone Eater.
