Each light source includes an arc lamp, appropriate socket adapter, lamp housing interconnection cable, power supply, and Research Lamp Housing. After a quick and easy assembly, the light source is ready for use and easily integrated into a user's setup. The lamp housings offered with these light source kits are capable of operating a variety of DC arc lamps. This allows the user to interchange lamps in their setup simply by replacing the lamp, socket adapter, and lamp housing interconnection cable (if necessary) in their lamp housing. It is recommended to confirm lamp compatibility prior to purchase.

Due to small manufacturing differences between lamps, the rear reflector position and lamp position relative to the condenser lens must be adjusted when a new lamp is installed in the housing. Adjustment knobs located on the exterior of the lamp housing allow for optimum positioning of the lamp and rear reflector.

Xenon arc lamps have a relatively smooth emission curve in the UV to visible spectrums, with characteristic wavelengths emitted from 750-1000 nm. Their sun-like emission spectrum make them a popular choice for solar simulation, as well as absorption and fluorescence and source spectral scanning applications. If additional UV output is required the offers enhanced UV output intensity.

As mentioned above, the Ozone Free lamp is a good option if wavelength emission below 240 nm is not required.

All Oriel Research Arc Lamp Housings include a built-in ignitor board and rear reflector for optimum lamp performance. The rear reflector collects backscattering from the lamp that would otherwise be lost and approximately increases the output intensity by 60%. A built-in cooling fan maintains a safe operating temperature for the lamp. The user is protected from accidental exposure to UV radiation and electrical shock by the lamp housing's safety interlock, which disables ignition and power to the lamp if the housing door or lamp housing interconnection cable is not securely connected. These four lamp housing options differ in the condenser lens assembly mounted. Condenser lens assemblies differ in the type of lens used and F/#.

The  power supply provided with these light sources is a highly regulated 500 W arc lamp power supply. Much of an arc lamp's stability in wavelength and output intensity is due to keeping the temperature and pressure of the gas inside the lamp's envelope as constant possible. The power supply provides highly stable voltage and current supply to the arc lamp, keeping the arc lamp's ripple to less than 0.5% rms while maximizing the lifetime of the lamp.

Arc lamps may emit dangerous levels of UV radiation depending on their source type. Ensure that only authorized personnel are in the vicinity of the source, and wearing the necessary safety equipment such as UV protective eyewear, clothing, and gloves. Lighted UV warning signs, posted outside laboratory doors where UV sources are operating, can prevent accidental exposure. Newport also recommends using an electronic shutter to block the beam when the source is not in use but remains turned on. Alternatively, the beam can be safely contained by using beam tubes or fiber optic cables to deliver the light to a sample. It is recommended to vent the ozone that is produced by some lamp models to the outside or use the