A solar simulator reproduces a standard solar spectrum (commonly AM1.5G) indoors using an artificial source. For photocatalytic water splitting, PEC water splitting, and perovskite or silicon solar-cell characterization, whether you can "shine like the sun" directly determines the comparability of your data. Perfectlight's xenon-light-source series (e.g., the PLS-FX300HU) is frequently used as the high-uniformity core of a solar simulator.
A solar simulator is judged by three metrics: spectral match (deviation from AM1.5G), irradiance non-uniformity (variation across the spot), and irradiance instability (drift over time). Non-uniformity is especially critical for large-area samples—if the center-to-edge irradiance differs too much, the yield of an entire photoelectrode gets averaged out and the conclusion becomes distorted.
| Type | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Xenon solar simulator | Continuous spectrum, close to AM1.5G | Luminous decay, needs calibration |
| LED solar simulator | Long life, stable, adjustable | Spectrum is stitched, higher cost |
Your choice depends on how you weigh "spectral authenticity" against "long-term stability."
Either way, calibrate the irradiance at the true sample position with a light power meter / irradiance meter (the 1-sun standard of 100 mW/cm² is common), and state the class and calibration method in the methods section of your paper. This is what reviewers ask about most often.
Contact Perfectlight: Doing photocatalysis or cell characterization under solar simulation? Tell us your sample size and class requirement, and Perfectlight will help you select a high-uniformity solar simulator with calibration.
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Spectral match (deviation from AM1.5G), irradiance non-uniformity (spot variation), and irradiance instability (time drift). Non-uniformity is especially critical for large-area samples.
Xenon gives a continuous, near-real-sun spectrum but needs calibration; LED is long-lived and stable but spectrally stitched. Trade off by how you weight spectral authenticity against long-term stability.
Commonly the standard solar irradiance of 100 mW/cm²; experiments should calibrate to near this value at the sample position and state it in the paper.
This article does not constitute a performance commitment; specific technical parameters are subject to the actual product documentation and mutual confirmation.
