AURA

Discover performance-limiting defects with ultra-high sensitivity

AURA enables researchers to measure optical absorption with up to 1000x higher sensitivity than other commercial systems. It is the first commercially available and fully-integrated Photothermal Deflection Spectrometer (PDS).

Whilst initially targeted at thin films and devices such as solar cells, optical coatings, and LEDs, the system remains generally applicable, enabling lower limits of detection in a broad range of fields.

AURA measures optical absorption with unparalleled dynamic range and ultra-high sensitivity down to 0.005%, complete with surface selectivity that minimizes masking by substrate absorption. In comparison, common UV-Vis spectrophotometers can only reliably measure down to 0.5%.

PDS is the most sensitive and versatile technique presently available for characterizing absorption in thin films.

Download the datasheet here.

Features

  • Measure absorption with up to 5 orders of magnitude dynamic range
  • Easy alignment-free sample mounting
  • Seamless automated measurement from 250 to 2500 nm
  • Optional far-IR extension
  • Able to measure absorption on extremely rough surfaces
  • Small measurement spot of 5.5 x 0.75mm
  • Double-monochromator light source for high spectral contrast
  • Intelligent adaptive acquisition minimizes measurement time
  • No detector changeovers to cause spectral artefacts
  • Built-in vibration and acoustic isolation

Applications

  • Photovoltaics
  • Material discovery
  • Trace-level contaminants
  • Nano particles
  • Chemical analysis
  • LEDs
  • Thin film displays
  • Process quality control
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Medical diagnostics

Example application

Perovskites are one of the most promising materials for next-generation solar cells, yet require substantial work to resolve efficiency and stability limiting defects. Here, the absorption spectra of a novel single crystal 2D perovskite film [1] is shown.

The black curve is the data from a leading UV-Vis spectrophotometer whilst the blue curve is from our AURA system. The superior sensitivity of the AURA system reveals critical defect absorption that would otherwise remain hidden. It should be noted that the sensitivity limit of the AURA system was not reached.

Notes

[1] Samples were kindly provided by Dr. A. Mahboubi-Soufiani (UNSW) and Y. Zhang (UQ)