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Flash Diffusivity Systems
TA Instruments offers a range of instruments for measuring thermal diffusivity over a wide temperature range (-150 to
2800°C). Modular architecture makes the Discovery Flash platform perhaps the most flexible system of its kind. It allows
the addition of other furnaces at a later date to grow with changing needs, and includes the multiple specimen testing
option for all models, pioneered by our predecessor company, Anter Corporation. This feature not only produces several
times increase in productivity, but also makes the optional specific heat capacity measurement more reliable.
You can learn more about Flash Diffusivity in our Technical Notes page.
♦ - Optional Configuration
Ø - Requires a source module adapter
Discovery Flash System Configuration
Configure Your System by clicking on the modules or configurations to the left.
Discovery Flash systems are configured by pairing a Source Module with an Environmental Module. The Source Module contains the energy pulse source, either a High Speed Xenon Discharge (HSXD) lamp or a laser, the data aquisition system, and the temperature control elements. The Environmental Module contains the furnace, specimen holder, indexing mechanism, and temperature detectors. Multiple combinations of Source Module and Environmental Modules are available to provide the most appropriate configuration, depending on the specimen, temperature range and budget. Our benchtop configurations can accommodate a range of Environmental Modules with changeover in minutes. Our free-standing DLF-2 laser source module is mobile and can be easily located near the environmental module in a cluster arrangement.
Source Modules
Please select a module or modules from the table above.
Discovery Xenon Flash (DXF)
The Discovery Xenon Flash (DXF) covers the most commonly needed cryogenic to 900°C temperature range with a
range of Environmental Modules. It is suitable for research and development programs as well as production control.
The DXF employs a High Speed Xenon-pulse Delivery source (HSXD) which is considerably lower cost and less
maintance than a laser and generates equivalent results. Our predecessor company, Anter Corporation, pioneered a
reflective optic configuration that effectively harnesses the power of a Xenon flash tube and with the aid of proprietary
wave guides delivers it to the specimen inside the Environmental Module, up to a limit of 900°C. The DXF produces a
pulse width that is shorter (400 to 600μs) than many laser-based commercial
systems, while uniformly concentrating sufficient power from the flash source
directly on the entire face of the specimen. Due to this optimized energy
gathering scheme, and the broad light spectrum, specimens as large as 25
mm in diameter can be illuminated with sufficient energy. An advantage of
the DXF over competitive laser systems is that it is considerably more efficient:
for the same power pulse, the power supply is substantially smaller and less
complex. Additionally, having fewer critical parts results in an operating cost
which is nearly half that of a comparable laser based unit.
Discovery Laser Flash (DLF-1)
The Discovery Laser Flash (DLF-1) Source Module employs a custom Class 1 Nd:glass laser pulse source to provide
collimated, monochromatic energy pulse to a specimen up to 1300°C. The DLF-1 combines with various Environmental
Modules to form an integral compact bench top unit. The standard
configuration produces a 300 to 400μs pulse width. A standard feature of
the DLF system is the full-time pulse mapping and recording capability that
allows precise pulse shape and pulse width correction calculations, as well
as determination of the t0. The DLF-1 is ideal for customer who wish to
measure thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity or heat capacity of
specimens at temperatures up to 1300°C, or who require the monochromatic
pulse inherent with a laser source in a compact bench-top footprint.
Discovery Laser Flash (DLF-2)
The Discovery Laser Flash (DLF-2) is a free-standing Source Module employing a custom
Class 1 35J Nd:glass laser pulse source to provide collimated, monochromatic energy
pulse to specimens up to 2800°C. The laser is fully shielded and completely safety
interlocked for laser radiation and high voltage shock prevention. The advantage of this
configuration lies in the available temperature range. As the laser source can be
physically separated from the Environmental Module furnace and heating elements, high
specimen temperatures can safely be achieved and maintained. The laser radiation is
delivered via a proprietary fiber optic pulse delivery wand which ensures a 99%
homogenized laser pulse and produces very high repeatability (roughly twice as good
as any direct firing laser pulse). The standard configuration produces a 300 to 400μs
pulse width. This modular configuration also provides for rapid (5 minutes or less)
switching between different Environmental Modules.
Enviromental Modules
Please select a module or modules from the table above.
EM-24
The EM-24 is an entry-level Environmental Module, designed for measurement at ambient temperature. Intended for
screening when a large number of specimens are involved, it includes a 24-position carousel, accommodating
specimens of 12.7mm diameter and up to 6 mm thick. The module includes a solid-state detector for uncompromised
sensitivity. Testing time is only minutes. Automatic sequencing of multiple tests ensures high statistical reliability for data
obtained.
EM-200
The EM-200 is a sub-ambient Environmental Module, providing operation from -150°C to 200°C in air or inert gas
purge. It is vacuum tight to 10-2 torr. The EM-200 includes a dual 25.4 mm diameter or square specimen holder,
which not only increases productivity, but also makes the optional specific heat capacity measurement more reliable.
Adapters are available for smaller cylindrical and/or square specimens. The module includes a solid-state detector for
high-sensitivity under cryogenic conditions.
EM-500
Employing nichrome heaters and an aluminum air-cooled shell, the EM-500 provides RT to 500°C operation in air or
inert gas purge and is vacuum tight to 10-2 torr. The EM-500 includes a four-specimen indexed holder which
accommodate a variety of specimen sizes and round or square shapes. Adapters are available for smaller cylindrical
and/or square specimens. An LN2-cooled IR detector is employed for precise temperature measurement.
EM-900
Compatible with the DXF, the EM-900 includes a resistance-heated furnace, providing RT to 900°C operation in air
or inert gas, or in vacuum to 10-3 torr. The EM-900 includes a multi-specimen indexed holder, supporting a variety of
specimen sizes. Adapters are available for smaller cylindrical and/or square specimens. The module includes an LN2-
cooled IR detector. Simple to operate and safe to use, the system is suitable for research and development programs,
as well as quality control. It is easy to maintain and very economical to operate in terms of consumables.
EM-1300
The EM-1300 is identical to the EM-900 with the exception of the temperature range. When combined with the DLF-1,
the EM-1300 provides RT to 1300°C operation in air or inert gas, or in vacuum to 10-3 torr. The EM-1300 includes
a multi-specimen indexed holder, supporting a variety of specimen sizes. Adapters are available for smaller cylindrical
and/or square specimens. The module includes an LN2-cooled IR detector. Simple to operate and safe to use, the
system is suitable for research and development programs, as well as quality control. It is easy to maintain and very
economical to operate in terms of consumables.
EM-1600
The EM-1600 employs MoSi2 heaters and a high-purity alumina muffle and specimen
holder, supporting continuous RT to 1600°C operation in air or inert gas purge and is
vacuum tight to 10-3 torr. The EM-1600 includes a six-specimen (nominally 12.7 mm
diameter or square) holder. Optional accessory rings allow for 10mm diameter or square
specimens.
EM-2800
Employing graphite heaters and specimen holder, the EM-2800 provides RT to 2800°C
operation in argon atmosphere after vacuum evacuation. No air or moisture-bearing
atmosphere is permitted. The EM-2800 includes a six-specimen holder, an LN2-cooled IR
detector and a proprietary pyrometer for seamless measurement of temperature from ambient
up to 2800°C. A variety of specimen sizes and shapes can be accommodated using optional
adapters.
