• Xenon lamp broadband light source

• Collimated 1.3 in. (33 mm) diameter output beam

• Built in power supply - no voltage or current adjustments required

• Simple lamp replacement – no alignment needed

• Adjustable lens for F/# matching when coupling to a monochromator or spectrograph

• Integrated filter wheel holds up to 6 filters, can be manually or software controlled 

The Oriel Instruments’ APEX2 series is an illumination system using a highly efficient Xenon lamp 6252 to provide cost effective solutions for scientific and industrial applications. The APEX2 series includes a standard integrated six-position filter wheel (filters sold separately) that can be controlled manually, via USB 2.0, or through Oriel Instruments’ Cornerstone Series and MS257 Series Monochromators.

With an integrated power supply, the APEX2 is specifically designed for applications requiring simple turn key operation and portability. Intensity adjustment is achieved using the built in mechanical iris for a light intensity range of 100% when the iris is fully open, to 2% at its minimum diameter. An easily accessible manual shutter provides complete light blockage and eliminates the need to power down the lamp when adjusting your setup. An “adjustment free” drop in lamp design ensures minimal effort is necessary to replace lamps. For maximum versatility, the APEX2 accepts either Oriel Instruments 1.5 inch flanges or the Newport Lens Tube (LT), enabling it to couple to a wide assortment of optics and optical components, such as beam expanders, telescopes, microscopes, collimators, fibers or monochromators.

The optional Lock-In Digital Amplifier Stanford Research Systems Kit ( LIDA-SRS-KIT ) transforms the APEX2 into a modulated light source ideal for time transient studies or lock-in detection.

Principle of Operation

The APEX2-XE uses a 100W Xe lamp ( 6252 ) to provide an efficient broadband grey body source. The integrated ellipsoidal reflector offers increased light coupling efficiency by capturing a larger solid emission angle, a simplified drop-in lamp installation, and an alignment free lamp replacement.

Integrated Filter Wheel

The APEX2 Illumination System incorporates a motorized filter wheel that holds up to six 1 in (25.4 mm). diameter filters, with maximum 0.20 in. (6.0 mm) thickness, that can be sequentially selected manually or through computer control via USB 2.0. The stepper motor has been optimized to provide consistent filter positioning as well as a speed of 1.7 sec/filter. An easy to read LED display indicator positioned on the rear-facing panel of the filter enclosure indicates which filter is in use for easy and safe monitoring of the system. 

The filter wheel is referred to as “universal” because it can be controlled by connecting it to a variety of Oriel monochromators such as Oriel’s Cornerstone 130, Cornerstone 260 or MS257 families. The utility programs included with the monochromators or their optional hand controllers may also be used to control the filter wheel. 

A LabVIEW™ based APEX2 Utility Software is provided with the APEX2 to allow full filter wheel control via USB connection. The APEX2 Utility Software is compatible with Windows XP and Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit) operating systems.

TracQ Basic ( TRACQ-BASIC-V066 ) radiometry software is ideal for acquiring, processing and displaying data in real time. TracQ Basic integrates Oriel monochromators with detection systems, and no programming knowledge is required to set up and control the instruments. For those who wish to create their own programs, low-level commands may be sent from the computer to the APEX2 via its USB connector.

Integration with Oriel Monochromator

The APEX2 is readily integrated with an Oriel Monochromator, such as the Cornerstone 130 / 260 or MS257. The monochromator directly controls the filter wheel, which in turn controls the function from the monochromator, making it fully backward compatible. The filter wheel changing speed is 1.7 sec/filter. The filter wheel holds six 1.0 inch (25.4 mm) diameter filters up to 0.20 in. (5 mm) thick.

Spectral Output

Normalized spectrum of 6252 Xenon lamp used in the APEX2-XE Illuminator.

The fused silica lenses of the APEX2 have a transmittance range of 200 nm to 2500 nm. The APEX2 is designed to provide higher optical power than earlier Apex models. An ellipsoidal reflector is precisely aligned to maximize light throughput.

Light Output Control

A built-in mechanical iris allows the output intensity to be manually controlled. At its minimum diameter, the iris reduces the output intensity of the APEX2 to approximately 2% of its original intensity when the iris is open at its maximum diameter.

The APEX2 includes a manually operated shutter. When the lamp is not needed, it may remain on by closing off the light path. The lamp can remain warmed up, while lamp stress is reduced with fewer lamp ignitions or startups. The ability to close the shutter when desired also helps to prevent unnecessary exposure to UV.

Mounting

APEX2 uses four adjustable feet with a 0.5 inch (13 mm) height adjustment to level the unit. For convenient mounting to an optical table, the feet may be removed and the mounting holes on the base plate can bolt the APEX2 to an optical table. The mounting holes on the base plate support both metric and imperial optical tables.

Accessories

Monochromator Mounting Kits

Monochromator mounting kits are offered to couple the APEX2 Illuminator to a variety of the Monochromator and Spectrograph options offered by Oriel. These monochromator mounting kits provide a quick, simple method of maximizing monochromator throughput by focusing the illuminator precisely on the monochromator slit through coupling efficiency. The Mounting Kit Models offered by Newport are below:

Focusing Lens Assemblies

To focus the collimated output of the APEX2 into a concentrated spot, connect the Oriel model 6195 lens holder to the output flange of the APEX2. Choose any 1.5 inch (38.1 mm) lens from Newport\'s extensive selection or order one of Oriel\'s preconfigured Focusing Lens Assemblies.

Beam Turners

The light path extends horizontally out from the APEX2. To direct the beam up, down, or sideways, order the 66245 1.5 Inch Series Flange Beam Turning Mirror Housing. Then choose a dichroic or full reflector to install into the housing.

66245 1.5 Inch Flange Series Beam Turning Mirror Housing.