Atmospheric Surface-Science Solar Simulator: An artificial solar irradiator for atmospheric photochemistry

Solar simulators are indispensable tools and are usually linked to industrial applications, e.g. for determining the precise characteristics of solar cells. In photochemistry, usually UV light is used to stimulate the photo-interactions without particular attention to the spectral distribution. However, the spectral distribution has a non-negligible effect on the photoreaction pathways. To address photochemistry under atmospheric conditions, it is necessary to use an irradiation source that emits light equivalent to the solar light. Solar simulator based on LED technology is the best candidate for irradiating natural photo-interactive substances at specific wavelength and intensity. We have devolved a homemade compact light source that is based on LED technology, and emits light with wavelength starts from 275 nm with tuneable intensity, selectable wavelength, homogenous illumination, compact size and light weight. In this presentation we present the design and characteristics of our homemade solar simulator and demonstrate potential application in atmospheric surface-chemistry.