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Light or laser flash is a crucial measurement technique used to determine the thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity of materials. This method is useful in characterizing the heat transfer and storage properties of a variety of materials, providing essential information about material composition and structure. Light/Laser flash is the most effective method for measuring thermal diffusivity over a wide range of temperatures and offers non-destructive material testing with accurate, reproducible results. The Xenon and Laser Flash instruments generate high-energy Laser or Xenon pulse sources and use a PIN contact detector or non-contact IR detector to measure the resulting temperature rise. The selection of the ideal source and detector depends on various factors such as sample morphology, dimensions, expected thermal conductivity, and measurement temperature range.

TA Instruments Discovery Flash product line offers the most compelling range of benchtop and floor-standing flash diffusivity analyzers, enabling the analysis of a wide array of material forms and providing true measurements without the need for extrapolation. TA Instruments’ proprietary light flash technology, combined with full time pulse mapping, precision optics, and the latest data analysis models, make the Discovery Flash platform the most versatile, accurate and precise light flash system of its kind. It offers measurement capabilities over the broadest temperature range from -175°C up to 2800°C and multiple source and detector options. Additionally, a variety of sample holders and fixtures allow for in-plane measurement of thin-films, through-plane analysis of thick samples, and metals through their melt transition. Every system includes a multiple specimen autosampler that provides a several times increase in productivity and accuracy of specific heat capacity results. The Discovery Flash platform is an ideal choice for non-destructive material testing, providing reliable and reproducible results for a wide range of applications.

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Technical Specifications

DLF 2800 DLF 1600 DLF 1200 DXF 900 DXF 500 DXF 200+
Source
Type Class 1Nd: Glass, Floor-standing Class 1Nd: Glass, Floor-standing Class 1Nd: Glass, Benchtop Benchtop Benchtop Xenon, Benchtop
Pulse Energy (Variable) Up to 35 Joules Up to 35 Joules Up to 17 Joules Variable up to 15 Joules Variable up to 15 Joules Variable up to 15 Joules
Pulse Width 300 µs to 400 µsec 300 µs to 400 µsec 300 µs to 400 µsec 400 µs to 600 µsec 400 µs to 600 µsec 400 µs to 600 µsec
Proprietary Transfer Optics Fiber Optic Wand Fiber Optic Wand Optic Beam Guide Patented Light Pipe Beam Guide Patented Light Pipe Beam Guide Light Pipe Beam Guide
Furnace
Temperature Range RT to 2800°C RT to 1600°C RT to 1200°C RT to 900°C RT to 500°C -175°C to 200°C
Atmosphere Inert, vacuum (50 mtorr) Air, inert, vacuum (50 mtorr) Air, inert, vacuum (50 mtorr) Air, inert, Max. vacuum (50 mtorr) Air, inert, Max. vacuum (50 mtorr) Air, inert, vacuum (50 mtorr)
Detection
Thermal Diffusivity Range 0.01 to 1000 mm2/s 0.01 to 1000 mm2/s 0.01 to 1000 mm2/s 0.01 to 1000 mm2/s 0.01 to 1000 mm2/s 0.01 to 1000 mm2/s
Thermal Conductivity Range 0.1 to 2000 W/(m*K) 0.1 to 2000 W/(m*K) 0.1 to 2000 W/(m*K) 0.1 to 2000 W/(m*K) 0.1 to 2000 W/(m*K) 0.1 to 2000 W/(m*K)
Data Acquisition - 16 bit 16 bit 16 bit 16 bit 16 bit
Accuracy
Thermal Diffusivity ±2.3% ±2.3% ±2.3% ±2.3% ±2.3% ±2.3%
Thermal Conductivity ±4% ±4% ±4% ±4% ±4% ±4%
Repeatability
Thermal Diffusivity ±2.0% ±2.0% ±2.0% ±2.0% ±2.0% ±2.0%
Thermal Conductivity ±3.5% ±3.5% ±3.5% ±3.5% ±3.5% ±3.5%
Sample
Round 8, 10, & 12.7 mm Diameter 8, 10, 12.7, & 15.9 mm Diameter 8, 10, 12.7, & 25.4 mm Diameter 8, 10, 12.7, & 25.4 mm Diameter 8, 10, 12.7, & 25.4 mm Diameter 8, 10, 12.7, & 25.4 mm Diameter
Square 8 & 10 mm length 8 & 10 mm length 8 & 10 mm length 8, 10, & 12.7 mm length 8, 10, & 12.7 mm length 8, 10, & 12.7 mm length
Maximum Thickness 10 mm 10 mm 10 mm 10 mm 10 mm 10 mm
Autosampler
Type Six-Position Carousel Five-Position Carousel Four-Position Linear Tray Four-Position Tray, inert,
Max. vacuum 50mtorr
Four-Position Tray, inert,
Max. vacuum 50mtorr
Twelve-Position Carousel

Available models

DLF 2800

The Discovery Laser Flash DLF 2800 is an advanced freestanding instrument for the measurement of thermal diffusivity and specific heat capacity of materials from room temperature to 2800°C. The distinctive design incorporates a proprietary laser, laser optics, detector, and furnace technologies, and along with the unique six-position sample carousel, ensures unprecedented measurement accuracy and sample throughput. With the ability to operate in a variety of atmospheric conditions, including inert gas or under vacuum, the DLF 2800 can characterize a wide variety of materials, including polymers, ceramics, carbons, graphite, composites, glasses, metals, and alloys.

 

Key Features

  • Powerful laser provides 40% more energy than any competitive design
  • Proprietary fiber optic wand delivers 99% homogeneous beam at the sample
  • Unique six-position carousel for unmatched throughput and accurate heat capacity measurements
  • Flexible carousel design configurable with a variety of sample holders, adapters and special fixtures
  • Advanced furnace for uncompromised temperature performance from RT to 2800°C, and measurements in inert gas or vacuum
  • High sensitivity IR detector for optimum signal-to-noise ratio
  • Real-time pulse mapping for unmatched accuracy of thermal diffusivity measurements
  • Meets industry standard test methods, including ASTM and ISO standards
DLF 1600

The Discovery Laser Flash DLF 1600 is an advanced freestanding instrument for the measurement of thermal diffusivity and specific heat capacity of materials from room temperature to 1600°C. The distinctive design incorporates a proprietary laser, laser optics, detector, and furnace technologies, and along with the unique patented high purity alumina five-position sample carousel, ensures unprecedented measurement accuracy and sample throughput. With the ability to be operated in a variety of atmospheric conditions, including air, inert gas, or under vacuum, the DLF 1600 can characterize a wide variety of materials including polymers, ceramics, carbons, graphite, composites, glasses, metals, and alloys.

 

Key Features

  • Powerful laser provides 40% more energy than any competitive design
  • Proprietary fiber optic wand delivers 99% homogeneous beam for uniform delivery of radiation
  • Patented five-position carousel for unmatched throughput and superior heat capacity measurements
  • Flexible carousel design, configurable with a variety of sample holders, adapters and special fixtures
  • Advanced alumina muffle tube furnace for uncompromised temperature performance from RT to 1600°C
  • High sensitivity IR detector for optimum signal-to-noise ratio
  • Real-time pulse mapping for superior thermal diffusivity measurements
  • Meets a variety of industry standard test methods including ASTM and ISO standards
DLF 500/ DXF 900/ DXF 1200

The Discovery Laser Flash DLF 1200 is a compact benchtop instrument for the measurement of thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity of materials from room temperature to 1200˚C. It features a proprietary laser source with 17 Joules of energy for testing of the widest range of samples under the most demanding conditions. Productivity is no problem with the four-sample tray design. It is the only benchtop light flash instrument available with a laser pulse source for enhanced precision, accuracy and capabilities beyond competitive Xenon light source designs.

 

Key Features

  • Powerful laser with 65% higher energy compared to competitive Xenon systems for accurate testing of widest range of samples to 1200˚C
  • Laser is coherent and irradiates only the sample surface, eliminating the need to correct for lateral heat transfer
  • Autosampler with patented four-position alumina sample tray for maximum productivity
  • Wide variety of sample trays accommodates multiple sample sizes and shapes for maximum flexibility
  • Advanced resistance heated furnace provides best-in-class temperature stability and uniformity
  • High sensitivity IR detector for optimum signal-to-noise ratio
  • Real-time pulse mapping for superior thermal diffusivity measurements
  • Meet industry standard test methods including ASTM and ISO standards
DLF 500/ DXF 900/ DXF 1200

The Discovery Xenon Flash DXF 900 platform features a patented High-Speed Xenon-pulse Delivery source (HSXD) and an anamorphic multi-faceted Light Pipe. Together, these optics deliver a light pulse of unsurpassed power and uniform intensity to the specimen, while preventing sample holder over-flash. The TA Instruments High-energy Xenon design is capable of testing samples up to a diameter of 25.4 mm over a temperature range from ambient to 900°C. The use of large samples diminishes errors associated with inhomogeneity and permits representative measurements of poorly dispersed composites. The DXF platform is designed for research and development programs as well as production control.

 

Key Features

  • Patented High-Speed Xenon Pulse-Delivery system provides 50% more energy than competitive designs
  • Patented Light Pipe for effective collection and collimation of light, and homogeneous delivery of radiation to the sample
  • Real-time pulse mapping for superior thermal diffusivity of thin and highly conductive materials
  • Wide variety of sample trays accommodates multiple sample sizes and shapes for maximum flexibility
  • Autosampler with patented four-position alumina sample tray for maximum productivity
  • Advanced resistance heated furnace design provides best-in-class temperature stability and uniformity
  • High sensitivity IR detector for optimum signal-to-noise ratio
  • Meet industry standard test methods including ASTM and ISO standards
DLF 500/ DXF 900/ DXF 1200

The Discovery Xenon Flash DXF 500 platform features a patented High-Speed Xenon-pulse Delivery source (HSXD) and an anamorphic multi-faceted Light Pipe. Together, these optics deliver a light pulse of unsurpassed power and uniform intensity to the specimen, while preventing sample holder over-flash. The TA Instruments High-energy Xenon design is capable of testing samples up to a diameter of 25.4 mm over a temperature range from ambient to 500°C. The use of large samples diminishes errors associated with inhomogeneity and permits representative measurements of poorly dispersed composites. The DXF platform is designed for research and development programs as well as production control.

 

Key Features

  • Patented High-Speed Xenon Pulse-Delivery system provides 50% more energy than competitive designs
  • Patented Light Pipe for effective collection and collimation of light, and homogeneous delivery of radiation to the sample
  • Real-time pulse mapping for superior thermal diffusivity of thin and highly conductive materials
  • Wide variety of sample trays accommodates multiple sample sizes and shapes for maximum flexibility
  • Autosampler with patented four-position alumina sample tray for maximum productivity
  • Advanced resistance heated furnace design provides best-in-class temperature stability and uniformity
  • High sensitivity IR detector for optimum signal-to-noise ratio
  • Meet industry standard test methods including ASTM and ISO standards
DXF 200+

The Discovery Xenon Flash 200+ features a patented High Speed Xenon-Pulse Delivery source (HSXD) and a multi-faceted Light Pipe. Together these optics deliver a light pulse of unsurpassed power and uniform intensity to the specimen while preventing sample holder overflash. Only TA Instruments high energy Xenon design is capable of testing samples to a diameter of 25.4 mm over a temperature range from -175 °C to 900 °C. The use of large samples diminishes errors associated with inhomogeneity and permits representative measurements of poorly dispersed composites. The DXF platform is designed for research and development programs as well as production control.

 

Key Features

  • Subambient temperature system with highly efficient liquid nitrogen cooling system and solid state PIN detectors for accurate and stable temperature control to an industry leading -175˚C
  • Easily swappable autosampler trays can accommodate multiple sample sizes and shapes
  • Software controlled PIN loading can be adjusted to maintain perfect contact regardless of sample thickness
  • Patented High-Speed Xenon Pulse-Delivery system provides 50% more energy than competitive designs
  • Wide variety of sample trays accommodates multiple sample sizes and shapes for maximum flexibility
  • Patented Light Pipe for effective collection and collimation of light, and homogeneous delivery of radiation to the sample
  • Test samples with maximum diameter of 25.4 mm for improved results in inhomogeneous materials
  • Real-time pulse mapping for superior thermal diffusivity of thin and highly conductive materials
  • Meet industry standard test methods including ASTM and ISO standards

DLF 1600 - The Best Performing High Temperature Laser Flash Diffusivity System

TA instrumentsTA instruments provides innovative material characterization instruments that are widely used for research, analysis, and quality control in the evaluation of physical properties. We are the world’s leading supplier of thermal analysis, rheology, and microcalorimetry instruments, and our product areas have expanded to include thermal conductivity & diffusivity, dilatometry, rubber testing, and dynamic mechanical characterization.
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