Opsytec Inert UV-LED Chamber BSL-01
Opsytec BSL-01i Inert UV-LED Irradiation Chamber
The Opsytec BSL-01i Inert UV-LED Irradiation Chamber is a compact, high-intensity tabletop irradiation system designed for laboratory development, process qualification, UV curing, bonding, encapsulation, and other controlled UV-LED exposure applications. Despite its compact footprint, the BSL-01i can deliver wavelength-dependent irradiance levels of up to 800 mW/cm², significantly exceeding the irradiance available from conventional irradiation chambers of comparable size.
The chamber is available with LED wavelengths of 365 nm, 385 nm, 395 nm, 405 nm, or 450 nm and can be configured in ECO+, ECO, or HO irradiance versions. An optional second independently controllable wavelength is also available, allowing two LED wavelengths to be combined or switched to better match different photoinitiators, materials, and research requirements.
A nearly airtight chamber design with separate gas inlet and outlet connections allows irradiation under inert conditions. Nitrogen can be introduced with slight positive pressure to reduce oxygen within the irradiation environment. For processes requiring additional verification, oxygen concentration may be measured at the rear gas outlet using suitable external equipment.
Irradiance and exposure time can be adjusted for repeatable process development. Depending on the selected control configuration, irradiation can be regulated by time or by measured UV dose. Optional calibrated radiometer sensors allow continuous irradiance measurement and automatic termination of the exposure when the programmed target dose is reached.
Available LED Wavelengths
- 365 nm: UVA LED output for UV-sensitive coatings, adhesives, photochemistry, and laboratory processes.
- 385 nm: UVA LED output suited to compatible photoinitiator systems and UV curing applications.
- 395 nm: High-intensity UVA/near-visible LED output commonly used with LED-curable materials.
- 405 nm: Near-visible violet LED output for compatible curing, bonding, and photochemical processes.
- 450 nm: Blue-light LED output for materials and photoinitiators responsive at longer wavelengths.
The UV LEDs have a specified peak wavelength tolerance of ±5 nm and a typical FWHM spectral bandwidth of 10–20 nm.
Irradiance Configurations
| Wavelength | ECO+ | ECO | HO |
|---|---|---|---|
| 365 nm | 100 mW/cm² | 200 mW/cm² | 400 mW/cm² |
| 385 nm | 150 mW/cm² | 300 mW/cm² | 600 mW/cm² |
| 395 nm | 150 mW/cm² | 300 mW/cm² | 600 mW/cm² |
| 405 nm | 150 mW/cm² | 300 mW/cm² | 600 mW/cm² |
| 450 nm | 200 mW/cm² | 400 mW/cm² | 800 mW/cm² |
Measurement Note: Published irradiance values are measured at an internal height of 30 mm. Higher irradiance may be achieved by positioning the sample closer to the LED source.
Dual-Wavelength Configuration
An optional second LED wavelength can be installed for applications requiring spectral matching, wavelength switching, or combined irradiation. The two wavelengths are separately controllable. In a dual-wavelength configuration, the chamber's total irradiance remains approximately equal to the corresponding single-wavelength configuration, with each wavelength providing approximately half of the available total irradiance when both are used.
Inert Nitrogen Irradiation
The BSL-01i is designed for processes where oxygen inhibition must be reduced. Separate gas inlet and outlet connections allow the chamber to be flushed with an inert gas. Nitrogen is recommended as the scavenging gas and is typically introduced with slight positive pressure. The rear outlet also provides a location where oxygen concentration may be monitored when process verification is required.
UV Dose and Exposure Control
The chamber supports both time-controlled and dose-controlled irradiation. A programmable timer provides an exposure range from 0.01 seconds to 9999 hours with 0.01-second resolution.
When equipped with a compatible calibrated sensor and UV-MAT controller, irradiance is monitored continuously during exposure. The controller can automatically stop irradiation when the preset target dose has been reached, helping improve process repeatability between samples and production runs.
UV-MAT Touch Irradiation Controller
The available UV-MAT Touch controller provides advanced measurement, documentation, and process-control capabilities through a 5-inch capacitive WVGA touchscreen. Irradiance and accumulated dose can be displayed numerically and graphically, including an oscilloscope-style view for evaluating irradiation behavior over time.
- Display: 5" capacitive WVGA touchscreen
- Displayed Values: Irradiance and dose
- Sensor Connector: 24-bit fully digital interface
- Number of Sensors: 1
- Controller Channels: 2
- Data Recording Rate: Adjustable from 1 second to 1 hour
- Recording Duration: Greater than 24,000 hours
- Memory: USB flash drive, up to 32 GB
- PC Interface: USB 2.0
- Dose Range: 0 to 1,000,000 J/cm²
- Dose Resolution: 1 mJ/cm²
- Timer: 0.01 seconds to 9999 hours
- Sensor Identification: Automatic sensor identification supported
- Controller Dimensions: 185 x 251 x 100 mm
- Controller Operating Temperature: 5 to 60 °C
UV-MAT Touch functions include measurement recording, oscilloscope display, USB screenshot storage, pause and restart functions, irradiation notes and comments, user/admin access control, firmware upgrades, and PC-based remote operation.
PC Software for Advanced Irradiation Profiles
Optional PC software expands the UV-MAT Touch for complex, multistage irradiation processes. Up to 30 dose-controlled or time-controlled steps and pauses can be programmed. This allows sequential irradiation processes to be created while irradiation data are simultaneously logged and stored on the connected PC.
Calibrated UVA+ Radiometer Sensor
A calibrated UVA+ radiometer sensor is available for closed-loop dose measurement and process documentation. Sensors are available for the different LED wavelengths and incorporate an optical diffuser for cosine correction. Calibration is traceable to PTB standards and a factory calibration certificate is supplied with the calibrated sensor. ISO 17025 / DAkkS calibration is also available as an option.
| Sensor Type | UVA+ |
| Spectral Range | 330–455 nm |
| Typical Measuring Range | 0–10 W/cm² |
| Resolution | 1 µW/cm² |
| Dose Measuring Range | 0–100 MJ/cm² |
| Dynamic Range | Up to 107 |
| A/D Conversion | 24 bit |
| Temperature Sensor | Integrated |
| Sensor Dimensions | Ø 40 mm x 35 mm high |
| Optical Surface | Ø 6 mm |
| Weight | 160 g |
| Connection Cable | 1.8 m |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 40 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -20 to 60 °C |
| Humidity | <80%, non-condensing |
Optional Heating/Cooling Plate
For materials or processes that require controlled sample temperature, the chamber base can be equipped with an optional water-flow heating/cooling plate. The recommended application range is 10 to 85 °C. Heating or cooling water must be supplied by the user.
Low Thermal Load
UV-LED technology reduces heat input compared with many conventional UV sources, helping minimize thermal stress on sensitive samples. Sample heating can still occur during high-intensity or extended irradiation, so process temperature should be evaluated for temperature-sensitive materials.
Safety
The BSL-01i uses a completely enclosed, monitored irradiation chamber to protect operating personnel from UV radiation during normal operation. The internal safety circuit includes door-contact monitoring and over-temperature protection.
Applications
- Inert irradiation under nitrogen atmosphere
- UV curing
- UV bonding
- Sealing and encapsulation
- Laboratory testing and research
- Process development and parameter optimization
- Photoinitiator evaluation
- Assembly of optoelectronic components
- Controlled UV dose studies
- Multi-wavelength irradiation studies
Technical Specifications
| Interior Chamber | 20 x 20 x 20 cm (7.9 x 7.9 x 7.9 in) |
| External Dimensions | 35 x 27 x 45 cm (W x D x H) / 13.8 x 10.6 x 17.7 in |
| Weight | Approx. 20 kg (44 lb) |
| LED Wavelengths | 365, 385, 395, 405, or 450 nm |
| Peak Wavelength Tolerance | ±5 nm |
| Spectral FWHM | 10–20 nm |
| Maximum Irradiance | Up to 800 mW/cm², depending on wavelength and selected power configuration |
| Irradiance Reference Height | 30 mm internal height |
| Power Consumption | 200–650 W |
| Mains | 110–230 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Operating Temperature | 10 to 40 °C (50 to 104 °F) |
| Storage Temperature | -10 to 60 °C (14 to 140 °F) |
| Humidity | <80%, non-condensing |
| Cooling | Air cooling |
| Timer | 0.01 seconds to 9999 hours |
| Timer Resolution | 0.01 seconds |
| PC Interface | USB 2.0 |
| Dose Control | Available with compatible optional calibrated sensor and controller |
| Safety Circuit | Over-temperature protection and door contact |
| Gas Inlet / Outlet | Festo QSK-G1/4-10 for 10 mm hose diameter |
| Classification | Group 0 according to DIN EN 12198:2000 |
Dimming Note: Manufacturer literature describes continuously adjustable LED output. Depending on the referenced configuration section, adjustment is specified as 1–100% system irradiance or 2–100% LED dimming.
Configuration Options
- LED Wavelength: 365 nm, 385 nm, 395 nm, 405 nm, or 450 nm
- Power Configuration: ECO+, ECO, or HO
- Second Wavelength: Optional independently controllable second LED wavelength
- UV Dose Measurement: Optional calibrated UVA+ sensor
- Advanced Controller: UV-MAT Touch
- PC Control: Optional multistage irradiation software
- Temperature Control: Optional water-flow heating/cooling chamber plate
- Calibration: Factory calibration with PTB traceability; ISO 17025 / DAkkS calibration available