New spectrophotometer expands capabilities for optical characterization of thin films and solid surfaces

The research group Optics for Thin Films and Solid Surfaces at the Department of Plasma Physics and Technology of Prof. Ivan Ohlídal bought new spectrophotometer from the Department's investment funds.

The Perkin Elmer Lambda 1050+ spectrophotometer is suitable for near-infrared, visible, and ultraviolet regions. The instrument will serve as a replacement for an old, now outdated spectrophotometer. The new spectrophotometer was delivered and commissioned in November 2023. Using a combination of a photomultiplier tube and InGaAs and PbS detectors, it can cover the region from 175 nm to 3300 nm (0.38 eV - 7 eV). The spectrophotometer is in a dual-channel design with a double monochromator to achieve high accuracy. For layers deposited on planar substrates, normal transmittance and, with the use of reflective extensions, reflectance at an angle of incidence of 6° can be measured. With the help of cuvettes, measurements can be made with liquids.

This spectrophotometer complements a number of other instruments in the optical laboratory - an FTIR spectrophotometer for the infrared region and a trio of ellipsometers covering the spectral range from the far infrared to the vacuum ultraviolet region. The data from the new high-precision spectrophotometer, combined with data from other instruments, will allow higher-quality optics research at the Department of Plasma Physics and Technology. The new spectrometer will be used for research by DPPT scientists and also by students in their practices and final theses. The instrument will also be made available to external parties as part of contract research.

Do you want to use this instrument in your research? Would you like to try working on it or another device in the optical laboratory as part of your studies? Do not hesitate to contact one of the Optics for Thin Films and Solid Surfaces group members, e.g. Dr. Jiří Vohánka.