Applications of Vacuum Ultra Violet Spectroscopy (VUV)

VUV technology offers a range of benefits and has a number of practical applications across a wide variety of sectors. Some of these are outlined below.

VUV Plasma Diagnostics

Laser-induced plasma gives off VUV radiation, meaning that the ability to analyze this radiation allows direct access to information on plasma parameters like electron temperature and density.

High Harmonic Generation Studies

Because the process is coherent; solid samples, plasma or gases that are illuminated by a pulse laser will emit the high harmonics of the generation beam itself. This can then be used as a discontinued emission light source within the domain of VUV.

VUV Tunable Filter/Light Source

By using a VUV monochromator, it is possible to deliver a selected wavelength that exactly meets a desired specification. This wavelength can be as low as the Soft X-ray spectrum, meaning that the VUV monochromator can actually act as a tunable light source or filter if the correct accessories are available.

EUV Reflectivity

A number of domains can be reflectively investigated ‘in vacuum’. These can include the improvement of the reflectivity of mirrors (optics of a synchrotron), multilayer structural analysis or radiation damage studies.

X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)

When irradiating a material with a beam of X-rays, it is possible to measure the kinetic energy and the number of electrons that escape from the top 1 to 10 nm of the material at the same time. This measurement provides a number of useful sets of data including chemical state, elemental composition and electronic state.

VUV Fluorescence/Phosphorescence

Scintillators or phosphors that are based on inorganic or organic crystal or even noble gases can be characterized by using this technique. Studies over recent years have revealed fascinating insights into the lifetime measurements of these substances.

Figure 1. VUV fluorimeter (Ex: 120 - 350 nm - Em 120 - 600 nm)

Quality Control in VUV

VUV light has practical applications within the realms of quality control; particularly as it is able to stimulate fluorescent dyes, thus allowing defects in materials to be highlighted and addressed.

Solar Astronomy Physics

It is possible to investigate and explore the ultraviolet spectrum of the sun with high spatial, temporal and spectral resolutions. This provides valuable information on the solar atmosphere, forming the cornerstone of projects such as SOHO, EVE, IRIS and ICON.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by HORIBA.

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