Xenon Arc Light Sources
![](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/Images/GuideImages/13016_BenchtopXeArc_1.jpg)
- >1.3 W Power Light Sources with 240 - 2400 nm Output
- Mercury-Xenon Lamp with Increased UV Emission Available
- Long Lamp Lifespan: 2000 Hours (Average)
SLS401B
Replacement Xenon Arc Lamp
SLS401
Xenon Short-Arc Light Source,
240 - 2400 nm, >1.3 W Output
Controller Included
SLSLLG2
Liquid Light Guide
Adapter with Shutter
and Controller
![](../../images/loading-red.gif)
Please Wait
Key Specificationsa | ||
---|---|---|
Item # | SLS401 | SLS402 |
Lamp Type | Xenon Arc | Mercury-Xenon Arc |
Wavelength Range | 240 - 2400 nm | |
Color Temperature | 5800 K | 6000 K |
Output Optical Power | >1.3 Wb | |
Output Beam Diameter | 35 mm | 35 mm |
Output Power Stabilityc | <0.3% | |
Optical Drift per Hour (Typical) | 0.1% | |
Optical Power Drift per °C (Typical) | 0.12% | |
Lamp Electrical Power | 150 W | |
Lamp Lifespan (Average) | 2000 Hoursd |
Features
- Two Options:
- SLS401 Light Source with Xenon Arc Lamp for 240 - 2400 nm, 5800 K
- SLS402 Light Source with Mercury-Xenon Arc Lamp for 240 - 2400 nm, 6000 K
- Collimated Output for Free-Space Applications
- Internally SM2-Threaded Aperture
- Four 4-40 Threaded Holes for 60 mm Cage System at Front Output
Optional Accessories
- Liquid Light Guide Adapters with or without Integrated Electronic Shutter
- Replacement Lamps
Thorlabs' SLS401 and SLS402 Xenon Short-Arc Light Sources provide stable, high-power illumination from UV to NIR wavelengths. The SLS402 source incorporates a mercury-xenon lamp for additional strong lines in the blue to UV spectral region. See the Specs tab above for complete specifications. Since the blackbody spectrum of these sources covers a wide spectral range, these sources are ideal for integration into optical measurement equipment, such as back illumination for a test target as part of a detector calibration system.
Each short-arc light source includes a lens to collimate the high-power, broadband output into a Ø35 mm beam for free-space applications. For convenience, the position of the collimation lens is factory set; however, it is also user-adjustable should slight tweaks to the collimation be necessary. For additional mechanical stability, the feet are removable, allowing the source to be bolted directly to any standard imperial or metric optical table with user supplied 1/4"-20 or M6 screws, respectively. The front face features four 4-40 taps (as shown in the image to the lower right) for 60 mm cage rods, making these devices compatible with Thorlabs' 60 mm cage system. Using the cage system, it is possible to incorporate various optic mounts that are centered along the optical center of the lamp.
A variety of accessories is available separately below. Adapters designed to integrate Ø3 mm or Ø5 mm core liquid light guides are threaded directly onto the output port of the lamp; this does not require the removal of the collimating lens. The adapters are available with or without an integrated electronic shutter. Replacement lamps are also available. Please see the Lamp Installation tab for detailed instructions.
If a higher color temperature is desired, our color-balancing filters can be used to attenuate red light from a light source while passing blue light. This results in a beam with a higher color temperature and lower total power.
![Filter Holder Attached to Benchtop Light Source](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/Stabilized_HP_Lamp_LCP05A_A1-200.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
Benchtop Light Source with 60 mm Cage System and
LCP05A(/M) Filter Mount with Color-Balancing Filter
![](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/tabimages/Stabilized_HP_Lamp_A4-200.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
Collimated Output
Item # | SLS401 | SLS402 |
---|---|---|
Lamp Type | Xenon Arc | Mercury-Xenon Arc |
Wavelength Range | 240 - 2400 nm | |
Color Temperature | 5800 K | 6000 K |
Output Optical Power | >1.3 Wa | |
Typical Spectral Output | 0.1 W (200 - 400 nm) 0.2 W (400 - 700 nm) 1 W (700 - 2800 nm) |
0.16 W (200 - 400 nm) 0.24 W (400 - 700 nm) 0.9 W (700 - 2800 nm) |
Optical Power Stabilityb | <0.3% | |
Optical Drift per Hour (Typical) | 0.1% | |
Optical Power Drift per °C (Typical) | 0.12% | |
Output Beam Diameter | 35 mm | |
Beam Divergencec | 3.2° | |
Lamp Electrical Power | 150 W | |
Lamp Lifespan (Average) | 2000 Hoursd | |
Lamp Housing Dimensions (L x W x H) |
214.7 mm x 217.0 mm x 261.2 mm (8.41" x 8.54" x 10.28") |
|
Controller Dimensions (L x W xH) |
350.0 mm x 200.0 mm x 82 mm (13.75" x 7.87" x 3.23") |
|
Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 45 °C | |
Storage Temperature | -15 °C to 70 °C |
Lamp Specifications | ||
---|---|---|
Item # | SLS401B | SLS402B |
Wavelength Range | 240 - 2400 nm | |
Lamp Type | Xenon | Mercury-Xenon |
Color Temperature | 5800 K | 6000 K |
Lamp Electrical Power | 150 W | |
Glass Envelope Material | Ozone-Free Quartz | |
Arc Gap | 1.9 mm | |
Brightness (Average) | 18 000 Cd/cm2 | |
Luminous Flux | 2800 Lumens | |
Light Intensity | 280 Cd | |
Solid Angle of Output | 10 Steradians | |
Lifespan (Average) | 2000 Hours | |
Operating Voltage | 17.5 VDC | |
Current | 8.5 A (Nominal) |
Liquid Light Guide Adapter Specifications
Item # | SLSLLG1 | SLSLLG2 | SLSLLG3 |
---|---|---|---|
Wavelength Range | Uncoated: 185 nm - 2.1 µm | AR Coated: 350 nm - 700 nm; Ravg < 0.5% | |
Integrated Electronic Shutter | No | Yesa | No |
Lens | LA4464 | ACL5040U-A | |
Lens Material | UV Fused Silica | B270 Optical Crown Glass | |
Coupling Efficiency (with SLS401 / SLS402) | >30% (3 mm LLG); >35% (5 mm LLG) | >30% (3 mm LLG); >40% (5 mm LLG) |
![Mercury Xenon Arc Lamp Spectrum](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/SLS402_Spectrum_450.gif)
Click to Enlarge
Click for Raw Data
The measured spectral power distribution for the SLS402 Light Source. This source uses a mercury-xenon bulb that features stronger emission lines in the blue and UV region of the spectrum. The spectrum is plotted on a log scale so that both the underlying shape and spectral lines are visible; prominent mercury lines are called out in the graph.
![Xenon Arc Lamp](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/tabimages/SLS401_Spectrum_450.gif)
Click to Enlarge
Click for Raw Data
The measured spectral power distribution for the SLS401 Light Source. The spectrum is plotted on a log scale so that both the underlying shape and spectral lines are visible.
![Bulb Handling](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/tabimages/Arc_Bulb_Handling_A1-350.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
The lamp can be held by its electrodes with gloved hands. Avoid making contact with the glass envelope.
Lamp Handling
The lamps used in broadband light sources have a high internal pressure and operate at a very high temperature. If handled incorrectly, they will become a serious hazard to users and could potentially cause severe injury. It is critical to follow safety instructions when handling them.
The guidelines below describe safe lamp handling.
- Due to the high internal pressure, the glass of a broadband light source can burst when handled incorrectly, even when not in operation, causing serious injuries. Always wear eye/face and body protection when handling a lamp.
- Never bump, drop, apply excessive stress, or scratch the lamp. This could cause it to burst.
- Always transport the lamp in the provided protective case or cover until installation.
- Save the protective case or cover and packaging materials (box) for lamps that have been used to their rated service life.
- Any dust or grease on the lamp will compromise the integrity of the glass envelope, increasing the chance that the lamp will burst. Clean any dirt, oil, or lint away from the lamp with alcohol and a lint free cloth or tissue.
- Always wear gloves when handling the lamp; never hold the lamp by its envelope. Thorlabs offer gloves that can be used for lamp handling.
- The lamp generates very high-intensity light output; never stare directly into the lamp.
- The lamp gets very hot during operation. Always wait at least 30 minutes after operation for the lamp to cool down before handling.
- Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is recommended when handling the lamp.
Lamp Installation/Replacement
The installation instructions and video below detail the recommended procedure for installing or replacing the lamps in our SLS401 and SLS402 Short-Arc Light Sources using either the SLS401B Xenon or SLS402B Mercury-Xenon Lamps. Do not attempt to change the lamp while the lamp and lamp housing are hot. Allow at least 30 minutes after turning the light source off before attempting to replace the lamp.
We strongly recommend wearing gloves when replacing the lamp to prevent skin oils from being deposited onto the lamp. If you suspect the lamp is dirty, carefully clean it with alcohol before connecting it to a power supply.
Lamp Handling
Short-arc lamps require caution during handling. When handled correctly, the lamp is a very safe instrument; however, improper handling can be hazardous to users.
- Always wear proper protective gloves when handling the lamp. Moisture and grease from the hands left on the lamp may affect the integrity of the glass envelope, shortening the lamp lifetime. In the most extreme cases, it can cause the lamp to explode.
- Only hold the lamp at its electrodes. Avoid holding the lamp by the glass envelope.
- Keep the glass envelope clean at all times.
- When not using the lamp, always seal it in the plastic case in the original package.
- The temperature of the lamp may reach several hundred degrees Celsius during operation. Always wait at least 30 minutes for the lamp to cool down before handling.
Open the Lamp Housing
- Using a 4 mm hex key, remove the screws on the side plate. An engraving on the top of the unit indicates which side plate to remove.
Remove the Old Lamp
- Loosen the two thumbscrews locking the lamp in place by turning them counterclockwise.
- Remove the anode (+) connector from the top of the lamp.
- Remove the old lamp by lifting it out of the bottom holder while holding onto the top electrode. Place it in the original lamp box.
Install the New Lamp
- Orient the new lamp so that the anode is at the top.
- Insert the cathode into the base.
- Place the anode connector over the anode and make sure that the lamp is securely inserted.
- Tighten both thumbscrews by rotating them clockwise.
- Replace the side panel and secure with the four M5 cap screws.
SLS401 and SLS402 Connector
![Connector Diagram](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/SLS401_Pin_Out_D1-200.gif)
4-Pin Female Connector | |
---|---|
Pin | Connection |
1 | Bulb Cathode |
2 | Bulb Anode |
3 | Bulb Detection Resistor |
4 | Bulb Detection Resistor |
SLSLLG2 Shutter Interface Connector
![SHB1 4-Pin Mini-Din Female Plug](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/tabimages/SHB1_Connector2_150.jpg)
Male Plug on 35" (889 mm) Long Shutter Cord
![SHB1 4-Pin Mini-Din Female Plug](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/tabimages/SHB1_Connector1_150.jpg)
Female Jack on Controller
4-Pin Mini-DIN Connector | |
---|---|
Pin | Connection |
1 | Shutter Detect |
2 | Modulation + |
3 | +5 VDC |
4 | Modulation - |
Shield | GND |
External Modulation Input: TTL 0 to 5 V, Female BNC
Interlock Output: 2.5 mm Mono Phone Jack
Posted Comments: | |
ILIYA SHOFMAN
 (posted 2024-06-26 02:27:15.497) Hello,
I'm interested in using the THORLBS SLS402 Xenon-Mercury Light Source to calibrate a SWIR spectrometer using the sharp spectral peaks. Would you be able to supply the emission spectrum plot data, e.g. in csv format, so that we can know the wavelengths of the actual spectral peaks?
Thank you,
Iliya Shofman. cdolbashian
 (posted 2024-07-01 02:59:02.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The relative power spectral data for this SLS402 is available by clicking Raw Data under the "Graphs" tab. We will contact you directly to discuss your application in more detail. Elif Nur Dayi
 (posted 2024-04-10 09:03:05.887) Hi,
We are interested in purchasing a Xe lamp and the SLS401 is one of our strong options. However, we have questions about the spectral power. On the spectra provided here, the Y axis is relative power, which makes it hard to understand/compare. Is there any data for the actual spectral power, especially in the visible range?
Thank you very much.
Best regards,
Elif cdolbashian
 (posted 2024-04-26 02:54:36.0) Thanks for contacting Thorlabs! The estimated absolute power can be calculated from the total output power spec and the measured relative power spectrum. We will contact you to provide it. |
Below is a selection guide for all of our white-light, broadband, lamp-based light sources. In addition to these sources, Thorlabs also offers unmounted white-light LEDs, white-light mounted LEDs, white-light fiber-coupled LEDs, and high-powered, white-light Solis® LEDs.
Broadband Light Source Selection Guide | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Item # | (Click to Enlarge; Not to Scale) |
Emitter Type | Wavelength Range (Click for Plot) |
Output Coupling | Output Power | Lamp Electrical Power |
Color Temperature |
Lamp Lifetime |
Replacement Lamp |
|
SLS204 | ![]() |
Deuterium | 200 - 700 nm | Free Space or Fiber Coupled (SMA) |
2 mWa 0.1 mWb (Typ.) |
30 W | N/A | 2000 hc | SLS254B | |
SLS205 | ![]() |
Xenon Arc | 240 - 1200 nm | Free Space or Fiber Coupled (SMA) |
290 mWa 5 mWd (Typ.) |
75 W | 5800 Ka 5400 Kd |
2000 hc | SLS255B | |
SLS401 | ![]() |
Xenon Arc | 240 - 2400 nm | Free Spacee | >1.3 Wa | 150 W | 5800 K | 2000 hc | SLS401Bf or SLS402B |
|
SLS402 | ![]() |
Mercury-Xenon Arc | 240 - 2400 nm | Free Spacee | >1.3 Wa | 150 W | 6000 K | 2000 hc | SLS401B or SLS402Bf |
|
SLS302 | ![]() |
Quartz Tungsten-Halogen |
360 - 2500 nm | Free Spacee | >10 Wa | 150 W | 3400 K | 1000 hg | SLS301B | |
SLS201L(/M) | ![]() |
Quartz Tungsten-Halogen |
360 - 2600 nm | Free Spacee or Fiber Coupled (SMA) |
500 mWa 10 mWh |
9 W | 2796 K | 10 000 h | SLS251 | |
SLS301 | ![]() |
Quartz Tungsten-Halogen |
360 - 3800 nm | Free Spacee | >1.6 Wa | 150 W | 3400 K | 1000 hg | SLS301B | |
SLS603 | ![]() |
Xenon Arc | 380 - 780 nm | Ø3 mm Liquid Light Guide |
>7 Wh | 300 W | 6000 Ki | 1000 hc | SLS600B | |
SLS605 | ![]() |
Xenon Arc | 380 - 780 nm | Ø5 mm Liquid Light Guide |
>15 Wh | 300 W | 6000 Ki | 1000 hc | SLS600B | |
OSL2 | ![]() |
Tungsten-Halogen | 400 - 1600 nm (Typical) |
Fiber Bundle | 1.4 Wk | 150 W | 3200 K | 1000 hc | OSL2Bf, OSL2B2, or OSL2BIR |
|
OSL2IR | ![]() |
Tungsten-Halogen | 400 - 1750 nm (Typical) |
Fiber Bundle | 3.8 Wk | 150 W | 3200 K | 200 hc | OSL2B, OSL2B2, or OSL2BIRf |
|
QTH10(/M) | ![]() |
Quartz Tungsten-Halogen |
400 - 2200 nm | Free Space | 50 mW (Typ.) | 10 W | 2800 Kl (Typ.) | 2000 h | QTH10B | |
SLS203F(/M) | ![]() |
Silicon Carbide Globar | 500 nm - 9 µm | Free Spacee or Fiber Coupled (SMA) |
1.8 Wa | 24 W | 1500 K | 10 000 h | SLS253 | |
SLS303 | ![]() |
Silicon Nitride Globar | 550 nm - 15 µm | Free Space | 4.5 Wa | 70 W | 1200 K | 5000 hg | SLS303B |
![Back to Top Back to Top](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/arrow_Vert.gif)
![Xenon Arc Lamp Spectrum](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/tabimages/SLS401_Spectrum_300.gif)
Click to Enlarge
Click for Raw Data
The measured spectral power distribution for the SLS401 Light Source. The spectrum is plotted on a log scale so that both the underlying shape and spectral lines are visible.
![Mercury Xenon Arc Lamp Spectrum](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/tabimages/SLS402_Spectrum_300.gif)
Click for Details
Click for Raw Data
The measured spectral power distribution for the SLS402 Light Source. The spectrum is plotted on a log scale so that both the underlying shape and spectral lines are visible.
![Xenon Arc Lamp Power Supply](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/tabimages/Arc_Lamp_Controller_A1-150.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
The control unit for the SLS401 or SLS402.
![Xenon Arc Lamp Adjusters](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/tabimages/Arc_Lamp_Mirror_Adjustment_A1-150.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
While the mirror alignment is pre-set to the optimal position, three knobs on the back of the housing allow the user to make further adjustments if desired.
![Xenon Arc Lamp Mirror](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/tabimages/Arc_Lamp_Mirror_A1-150.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
These short-arc sources include a concave mirror to focus light radiated behind the lamp back towards the front aperture.
- Short-Arc Sources for 240 - 2400 nm
- >1.3 W Output Power Collimated in a Ø35 mm Beam
- Low Power Fluctuations of <0.3% within 1 Hour
- Optical Drift: 0.1% per Hour / 0.12% per °C
- Ozone Free
- 60 mm Cage System Compatible
- Manual Shutter
Thorlabs' Xenon and Mercury-Xenon Short-Arc Light Sources are designed to provide >1.3 W of free-space illumination over the 240 - 2400 nm range. The spectrum of each source is shown in the graphs to the right. Compared to the xenon arc lamp, the mercury-xenon lamp provides additional strong lines in the blue to UV spectral region. The lamps are interchangeable between the SLS401 and SLS402 light sources and each source provides stable illumination with power fluctuations smaller than 0.3% per hour.
The >1.3 W output is collimated into a Ø35 mm beam for free-space applications. A silver-coated mirror at the back of the housing collects light from behind the lamp and reflects it towards the front of the housing in order to maximize the output power. The mirror alignment is factory set to maximize the output, but it can also be adjusted by the user using the three adjustment knobs on the back of the housing.
These light sources are shipped with factory-installed collimation lenses. The lens tube of the collimation lens features internal SM2 (2.035"-40) threading for easy integration of SM2-threaded parts, including the liquid light guide adapter sold below. A knob on the front of the lamp housing allows a manual shutter to block the output if desired. The front face of the lamp housing can also integrate a 60 mm cage system.
The included controller, pictured to the upper right, has two LED indicator lights for temperature and lamp status. During normal operation, both lights will be green. If the controller becomes overheated, the "Temperature" indicator will switch to red and the lamp will be automatically shut off. The "Lamp Status" indicator will show green if the correct lamp is installed or red if no lamp is present or if the wrong lamp is installed. The LCD display of the controller also shows a timer that counts down the lamp's lifespan. Note that this is estimated using the typical 2000 hour lifetime of the compatible lamp; the actual lifetime will vary from lamp to lamp.
The large box design of the arc lamp housing allows for the safe dissipation of thermal energy produced by the 150 W lamp. When used for an extensive amount of time, the housing can heat up to ~60 °C, so extensive contact should be avoided. Replacement lamps are sold below.
The arc lamps are ozone free: they do not produce enough deep UV radiation to convert oxygen to ozone within the beam path, allowing the light source to be safely used without the need for a system to purge the environment around the light source of ozone.
![Back to Top Back to Top](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/arrow_Vert.gif)
- Couples the Output of the Broadband Light Source into a Liquid Light Guide
- Adapters Designed for 185 nm - 2.1 µm or 350 - 700 nm Wavelength Range
- Compatible with Ø3 mm and Ø5 mm Core Liquid Light Guides
- SLSLLG2 Includes Integrated Electronic Shutter with External Controller
These Liquid Light Guide Adapters are designed to quickly and easily integrate with the Broadband Light Sources to couple the output into Ø3 mm or Ø5 mm core Liquid Light Guides (LLGs). The adapters contain a collimating lens and are externally SM2 threaded (2.035"-40), allowing them to directly thread onto the collimation lens assembly without the need to remove or adjust either lens.
The SLSLLG1 is designed with an uncoated collimating lens, which provides a wide operating range from 185 nm - 2.1 µm. For superior performance from 350 nm - 700 nm, the SLSLLG2 and SLSLLG3 lenses use an AR-coated lens that provides improved coupling efficiency in this wavelength range. Transmission of wavelengths longer than 800 nm through the LLG for longer than an hour may result in permanent damage to the LLG tip; to reduce damage during extended use, incorporate a filter to limit transmission of IR wavelengths.
![Liquid Light Guide in Stabilized Lamp](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/LLG_Adapter_Shutter_A1-216.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
The SLSLLG2, with a liquid light guide, attached to the SLS402 Light Source.
The SLSLLG2 features an integrated diaphragm shutter and an external controller that can operate at continuous frequencies up to 10 Hz and burst frequencies up to 15 Hz. For more information on the integrated shutter, please refer to the manual.
All liquid light guide adapters come with the AD3LLG adapter preinstalled, making them compatible with Ø3 mm LLGs out of the box. They are also shipped with the Ø5 mm LLG-compatible AD5LLG adapter, which can be swapped in by unthreading the AD3LLG and replacing it with the AD5LLG.
Item # | SLSLLG1 | SLSLLG2 | SLSLLG3 |
---|---|---|---|
Wavelength Range | Uncoated: 185 nm - 2.1 µm | AR Coated: 350 nm - 700 nm; Ravg < 0.5% | |
Integrated Electronic Shutter | No | Yesa | No |
Lens | LA4464 | ACL5040U-A | |
Lens Material | UV Fused Silica | B270 Optical Crown Glass | |
Coupling Efficiency (with SLS401 / SLS402) | >30% (3 mm LLG); >35% (5 mm LLG) | >30% (3 mm LLG); >40% (5 mm LLG) |
![Back to Top Back to Top](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/arrow_Vert.gif)
Item # | SLS401B | SLS402B |
---|---|---|
Compatible Light Sources | SLS401, SLS402 | |
Lamp Type | Xenon Arc | Mercury-Xenon Arc |
Electrical Power | 150 W | |
Color Temperature (Click for Spectrum) |
5800 K | 6000 K |
- SLS401B Replacement Xenon Short-Arc Lamp
- SLS402B Replacement Mercury-Xenon Short-Arc Lamp
- Both Lamps Compatible with SLS401 and SLS402 Light Sources
- Ozone Free Lamps
The SLS401B and SLS402B replacement lamps are compatible with the SLS401 and SLS402 short-arc light sources. Each lamp offers a different output spectrum and is cross-compatible with the SLS401 and SLS402 sources. Please see the Lamp Installation tab for detailed instructions.
These arc lamps are ozone free: they do not produce enough deep UV radiation to convert oxygen to ozone within the beam path, allowing the lamp to be safely used without the need for a system to purge the environment around the light source of ozone.
Note: We strongly recommend wearing gloves when replacing the lamps in our light sources to prevent skin oils from being deposited onto them. If you suspect the lamp is dirty, carefully clean it with alcohol before connecting it to a power supply.