Development of a pulsed vacuum ultraviolet light source with adjustable intensity

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Optical Engineering
• Instrumentation

Background:

• Characterizing vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) sensitive devices requires specialized light sources.
• Existing VUV sources may lack the precise control needed for single-photon level testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel pulsed light source for VUV detector testing.
• To enable precise attenuation of light pulses down to single photon levels.

Main Methods:

• Utilized electrode discharge in various noble gases to generate pulsed light.
• Designed a novel spark driver circuit and a variable gas-filled spark chamber.
• Incorporated an optical attenuation cell with adjustable gas filling for precise light control.

Main Results:

• Successfully constructed and calibrated a pulsed light source.
• Demonstrated the capability to attenuate light pulses to single photon levels.
• Characterized the source performance at a dedicated test stand.

Conclusions:

• The developed pulsed light source is suitable for characterizing VUV sensitive light detection devices.
• The novel design offers precise control over light intensity, down to single photon levels.
• This instrument provides a valuable tool for advancing VUV detector technology.