Infrared Light Sources

The company offers the new reflectIR line of broadband infrared light sources for use in non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) gas and chemical sensor systems. The product line provides stable, efficient in-band IR emissions for the ranges of 2-5 um, 2-12 um, and 2-20 um. The half-inch parabolic reflector package provides increased on-axis power thus improving the signal level reaching the detector. A variety of designs are available.

The light source has a unique design using a tightly wound spiral filament mounted along the axis of the parabolic reflector for increased optical coupling, along with a light radiation pattern that is independent of the rotation of the reflector. The filament is fabricated using a patented process that supplies more IR power output above 4 um than traditional competing technologies. Thus the reflectIR products can provide greater IR output while operating much cooler (less than 850°C). This lower temperature operation reduces the chance of igniting combustible gases, improves power efficiency, and reduces the parasitic heating of the optics and detectors.

Although the products can be used for DC operation, they are typically pulsed at rates from 0.5 to 10 Hz allowing the design of smaller and simpler systems that do not require the added complexity of a mechanical chopper. The low-thermal-mass design allows for quick warm-up and several hundred degrees of temperature modulation with each pulse of energy.

The products are suitable for use in many applications including air quality monitoring, refrigerant monitoring, combustion emissions monitoring, toxic and combustible gas detection, respiration monitoring, anesthesia monitoring, and breath-alcohol testing. The infrared sources have been used in gas and chemical analysis of CO, CO₂, Methane, N₂O, NO_x, CFCs, Halogens, Hydrocarbons, PFCs, and many others.

Ion Optics, Inc., 411 Waverly Oaks Rd., Suite 144, Waltham, MA 02452. Tel: 781-788-8777. Fax: 781-788-8811.