Flash Photolysis

Flash photolysis has proved to be a powerful experimental technique, developing considerably during the past few years to encompass an ever-widening range of applications. However, most commercial flash photolysis equipment is based on technologies that are now several years old. When our fluorescence customers persuaded us to become interested in flash photolysis, we took the opportunity to develop a completely new design incorporating a number of proprietary features. The resulting Cairn Flash Photolysis System, now a mature product, has rapidly redefined the state of the art, with a burgeoning reputation for power, versatility and ease of use.

Why Cairn for Flash Photolysis?

• Cairn's proprietary low-impedance igniter circuit is incorporated into the lamphouse, providing arc lamp ignition pulses that are balanced with respect to ground. This balancing, and the igniter's proximity to the lamp leads to a system with exceptionally low noise emissions; your computer is safe with us!
• We exploit advanced switch mode power supply technology, resulting in a unit that is smaller than its competitors with shorter charge times.
• Modern capacitors provide high energy density, giving a light and compact unit.
• Variable charging capacitance as well as voltage gives the user greater control of flash intensity and duration; reducing flash intensity by reducing capacitance rather than voltage gives the advantage of briefer pulses.
• Input and output optically isolated TTL trigger pulse facilities are included, making integration of the system straightforward.
• Two units may be used in parallel to double potential power output, or decrease recharge times for applications requiring rapid sequential pulses.
• Choice of reflector based housing for optimal efficiency with light guide, or condenser focussed arrangement. The condenser lamp housing has higher peak intensity for direct illumination (can also be used with a light guide but our reflector based housing is more suitable for these applications).
• Combined flash photolysis and fluorescence couplings for all popular epifluorescence microscopes.
• Fully compatible with other Cairn equipment and works directly from 90V-250V mains power inputs; giving a flexible and competitively priced system for use anywhere in the world.
• Exclusive use of a custom lamp designed to withstand the high power output specification of the Cairn system, by Advanced Radiation Corporation (ARC), long established leaders in this field.