Reducing intensity of xenon lamp

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on reducing the intensity of a Xenon continuous arc lamp used in absorption experiments with a spectrometer. A neutral density filter, specifically the absorptive type, is recommended as the standard solution to decrease the lamp's brightness without compromising the light quality. A 1" (2.5 cm) square filter is commonly used, with larger 2" (5 cm) options available. Vendors such as Newport, Melles Griot, and Thorlabs provide these filters, ensuring accessibility for users in the USA.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of optical components, specifically neutral density filters
  • Familiarity with Xenon continuous arc lamps and their applications
  • Basic knowledge of spectrometry and light absorption principles
  • Experience with fiber optic cable integration in optical setups
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specifications and applications of absorptive neutral density filters
  • Explore the use of fiber optic cables in conjunction with high-intensity light sources
  • Learn about the characteristics and performance of Xenon arc lamps
  • Investigate alternative methods for light intensity reduction in optical experiments
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Optics researchers, experimental physicists, and laboratory technicians working with spectrometers and high-intensity light sources will benefit from this discussion.

riclambo
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Hello Forum,
An optics question here. I'm using a Xenon continuous arc lamp as a source of broadband light together with a spectrometer for an absorption experiment. However the lamp is too bright and is saturating the spectrometer. Is there a standard way to reduce the intensity of the lamp, using a mirrors and/or filters? The situation is complicated by the fact that the diameter of the beam from the arc lamp is on the order of a few centimeters and it has to be fed into a fibre optic cable.

Regards,
R
 
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I would use a neutral density filter, preferally the absorptive kind, to reduce the beam power. A 1" (2.5 cm) square filter size is pretty standard, but 2" (5 cm) squares are available too.

In the USA you should be able to get them from Newport, Melles Griot, or Thorlabs. Here is a link to Newport:
http://www.newport.com/Absorptive-Neutral-Density-Filters/141138/1033/catalog.aspx
 
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