Products

Pulsed Broadband Infrared Light Source INTX 17 0900

Intex has developed a series of unique high-intensity pulsed infrared (IR) light sources capable of operating at high frequencies. Modulation of the light output is achieved by modulating the input electrical power, thereby eliminating moving parts. The emission spectrum is that of a black body. The IR sources are based on patented thin nanoamorphous carbon membranes as thermoresistive elements. High emissivity, high thermal conductivity and low thermal mass of the membranes allow rapid heating and cooling for pulsed operations at frequencies higher than is typically possible with thermal infrared sources. The IR light sources are micromachined using silicon MEMS technology.

Specifications

All parameters measured at 10 Hz, 50% duty cycle open to air, at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. For other frequencies, parameters may vary. Packaging in TO-5 or TO-39. The IR emitters can be supplied with CaF₂, BaF₂, ZnSe, Sapphire or AR-coated Si windows.

Lifetime of INTX 17 0900 IR Emitter

The lifetime tests are performed in ambient atmosphere using a square input pulse at 10 Hz and 50% duty cycle at the maximum rated input power corresponding to a temperature of ~750°C in the center of the membrane. The results show no measurable degradation within the rated lifetime of 5000 hours at 750°C.

Dependence of lifetime as function of membrane temperature for INTX17 0900 infrared emitter relative to the lifetime at 750°C. By lowering the membrane temperature the lifetime increases according to the formula [D = K * (Ta / e^{t + 273})]where D is the durability (days), t is the temperature of the membrane (°C) and K and Ta are constants selected by a least squares fit. As can be seen, by lowering the temperature to 600°C, the lifetime increases by more than a factor of 10.