Each TLS unit sold to a customer is tested prior to shipping to confirm that the unit meets factory standards. The customer receives this test report with his/her TLS unit for future reference. The final test data included with each unit includes:

• Spectral Output Irradiance measured from 350-1650 nm with both 280 µm and 600 µm slits installed
• Beam Spot Size and Beam Divergence Angle measured with both 280 µm and 600 µm slits installed
• Temporal Stability measured for 1 minute and 10 minute operating periods
• Beam Uniformity measured with both 280 µm and 600 µm slits installed at 450, 550, and 650 nm output
• Wavelength Accuracy measured with the TLS output set to 450, 500, 650, 750, 850, and 1064 nm

When the 6334NS QTH lamp inside the TLS system has reached its end of lifetime and needs replacement, changing the lamp is as simple as unplugging the old one and plugging in a new one. Due to small manufacturing differences between lamps, a minor alignment procedure is required when a new lamp is installed into the TLS. This simple installation and alignment procedure can be done in minutes, as demonstrated in the video above.

The TLS includes TRACQ-BASIC-V066 : the newest, most advanced version of Oriel’s TracQ Instrument Control and Data Acquisition software. Using the Cornerstone 130 Monochromator 's USB or RS232/GPIB (IEEE-488) port, TracQ switches the filter wheel position to the correct order sorting filter and the monochromator to the proper grating and position based on the TLS wavelength output chosen by the operator. When used with a compatible Newport power meter and detector, TracQ is a complete radiometry system control software, capable of displaying real time data acquisition. No prior knowledge of software programming is necessary to install or operate TracQ. Some of the scans made possible with the TLS by TracQ include:

• Time Interval
• Lamp Radiometry
• Optical Power
• Absorbance
• Transmittance

TracQ Basic is compatible with Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit) operating systems.

The TLS is capable of outputting white light or monochromatic light from 350-1800 nm with resolution as great as 0.7 nm (slit size dependent). Photodetectors with NIST traceable calibration are used to measure the output power from 350-1650 nm from each unit manufactured. The results are part of the characterization report packaged with each system. These are ideal for researchers or other end users who need a versatile light source that is ready to use out of the box.

The TLS system comes mounted as a single unit to a mounting plate. Optics are pre-aligned. All necessary interconnection cables are included and all of the hardware is mounted securely to the TLS baseplate.

The included OPS-Q250 power supply allows for simple starting and operation of the QTH lamp integrated into the TLS. This power supply features a large LCD display for easy setup and monitoring of lamp operation. Constant Power, Constant Current, and Intensity Control operation modes are possible through the OPS-Q250. For applications where high stability light output is especially critical, the optional LIK-LMP Light Intensity Controller Kit is suggested in order to compensate for such factors beyond the control of the power supply such as lamp aging, ambient temperature fluctuations, and filament erosion.

When wavelength scanning over a wide spectral band, it is important to use order sorting filters in order to prevent second order wavelength emission. This ensures true monochromatic light is output by the TLS and detected by the photodetector. The TLS incorporates a Motorized Filter Wheel. This filter wheel utilizes four 1.0 inch (25.4 mm) diameter order sorting filters to minimize second order wavelengths from entering the monochromator and being falsely detected as signal light by the photodetector.

The Cornerstone 130 Monochromator integrated into the TLS offers the option of external PC control. Choose the TLS-250QR for external PC control via RS232 or GPIB (IEEE-488). The RS232/GPIB (IEEE-488) option does not require driver software to interface with the Cornerstone 130. This provides for simple integration of the monochromator, especially where custom integrations are required. The RS232 or GPIB (IEEE-488) cable is not included with the TLS-250QR. These items are available separately from Newport. Choose the TLS-250QU for external PC control via the USB. The USB option requires a software driver to communicate with the Cornerstone 130 1/8 m Monochromator. The TLS-250QU includes the USB cable.

The TLS system uses fixed slits which offer the highest repeatability and accuracy. We include 280 µm and 600 µm slits. Other slit sizes are available here . Choose the optional 50 µm 77219 slit for 0.7 nm resolution. Determining which slit width to use is based on the tradeoff between light throughput and the resolution required for measurement. A larger slit width allows for more light throughput. However, more light throughput results in poorer resolution. When choosing a slit width to operate the monochromator at, both the input and output ports must be set to the same slit width.

The LT10-UADPT at the front of the TLS is the standard 1.5 inch flange designed to be compatible with Oriel Detectors and Detection Systems . This flange can be removed to change the size of the output flange to 1.0 inch, making the TLS compatible with Newport's 1.0 inch sized Calibrated Photodiode Detectors and Lens Tubes.

The TLS system includes a manual iris, adjustable from 2-36 mm diameter, in the light output path. This iris is a convenient for preventing detector saturation. By reducing the size of the output aperture to reduce output light intensity, a neutral density filter and mechanical coupling are not necessary.