The SolarLab XM is a dedicated system for solar cell and photovoltaic research, offering advanced techniques for characterizing photoelectrochemical devices. It integrates high-performance potentiostats and frequency response analyzers, providing precise measurements essential for studying energy conversion, corrosion, and analytical electrochemistry.
Description
🟧 SolarLab XM Photoelectrochemical Test System
SolarLab XM is an application-specific XM (Xtreme Measurement) product that is primarily focused on solar cell and photovoltaic research. The system, based upon Solartron Analytical’s world-leading experience in transfer function measurements, offers a high-quality measurement platform for characterizing a range of photoelectrochemical devices such as DSSC’s, Perovskite cells, and Photoanodes,” noted Professor Laurie Peter, world-leading expert, University of Bath, UK. Professor Peter acted as scientific advisor during the development of the ModuLab PhotoEchem system and helped ensure the system met the requirements of the most demanding photovoltaic researchers in the market today.
SolarLab XM includes a reference grade potentiostat, frequency response analyzer (FRA), and PhotoEchem module that provide complete characterization of a wide range of solar cells and PV cells, including Perovskite and Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC). Additionally, the system can be used for the development of visible spectrum photoelectrochemical systems such as Iron-Oxide photo-splitting of water.
A key feature of this system is its ease of use, with data analysis requiring just one click of the mouse! For experienced users, SolarLab XM offers the ability to develop new experiment types with the powerful step sequencer.
A configurable version exists as the ModuLab XM PhotoEchem system.
✅ Developed in conjunction with Professor Laurie Peter
✅ Frequency and time domain techniques including IMPS, IMVS, Impedance, Photovoltage Decay, Charge Extraction, I-V
✅ Auto analysis for calculating effective diffusion coefficients and electron lifetimes
✅ NIST traceable light source calibration
✅ Excellent thermal management of light sources for long-term stability
✅ Full set of electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry, chrono methods, galvano methods, impedance, and AC voltammetry)
✅ IPCE option for quantum efficiency measurements
✅ SolarLab XM’s impedance accuracy contour plot highlights Solartron’s best in class measurement performance.
🟧 Applications and Software
The SolarLab XM is a specialized system designed to support a wide range of photoelectrochemical and photovoltaic applications. It utilizes advanced techniques such as IMPS, IMVS, Photovoltage Decay, I–V, and Charge Extraction to extract key performance metrics of solar cells and photoanodes. Combined with its IPCE option and powerful AC measurement capabilities, the system enables precise evaluation of parameters such as quantum efficiency, electron diffusion coefficients, lifetimes, and charge densities—making it an ideal tool for in-depth photovoltaic research.
| Technique | Measured Parameter |
|---|---|
| IMPS | Effective Diffusion Coefficient of Electrons |
| IMVS | Effective Lifetime of Electrons |
| Photovoltage Decay | Effective Lifetime of Electrons |
| I–V | Fill Factor, Pmax, Voc, Isc, Efficiency |
| Charge Extraction – Dark | Trapped Charge Density |
| Charge Extraction – Short Circuit | Trapped Charge Density |
| IPCE Option | Quantum Efficiency |
| AC Measurement | Impedance, Capacitance |
🟧 Specifications
| Specification | SolarLab XM |
|---|---|
| Wavelength Range | 350 nm – 1100 nm |
| Intensity Range (with ND Filter) | 6 Decades |
| Maximum Beam Divergence | 4 degrees |
| Maximum Beam Diameter / Cell Size | 1 cm |
| IMPS / IMVS Transfer Function | Reference Photodetector |
| Calibration | NIST Traceable |
| LED Driver Maximum Current | 10 A |
| Typical LED Stability at Max Power | < 2% Drift after 24 hours |
| LED Driver Maximum Frequency (IMPS and IMVS) | 250 kHz |
| Expandable to Materials Testing | ❌ Not Expandable |
| Low-current Measurements (Femto Amp range) | ❌ Not Supported |
IDEAL FOR
✅ Photoelectrochemical Device Characterization – Ideal for studying Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) and Perovskite Solar Cells.
✅ Photovoltaic Energy Applications – Used for solar energy conversion studies and evaluating solar cell systems.
✅ Research Laboratories & Universities – Perfect for research teams studying new technologies in energy efficiency and electrochemistry.
✅ Corrosion and Material Stability – Ideal for studying the corrosion of materials used in photovoltaic systems and other energy applications.
✅ Analytical Electrochemistry – Ideal for applications requiring precise measurements of the electrochemical behavior of materials and systems.
