MKS Announces Newport™ Solaris™ Series Solar Simulators: Xenon Arc Lamp, Output Beams up to 12x12 Inches, A+AA Certified

Andover, Mass., May 22, 2025 -- MKS Inc. (NASDAQ: MKSI), a global provider of enabling technologies that transform our world, today announced the Newport™ Solaris™ series Class A+AA Solar Simulators. The Solaris series simulators are based on a full spectrum, single emitter design that incorporates a xenon arc lamp; this provides a high reliability broadband light source that is exceptionally similar to natural sunlight. The lamp natively matches the full solar spectrum (UV + Visible + IR) to ensure the best matched photovoltaic performance without gaps in spectrum coverage. The Solaris series solar simulators, certified to the latest IEC 60904-9:2020 standards, are ideal for photovoltaic applications, including solar cell panel manufacturing and research that pushes the boundaries of new emerging PV technology, such as organic cells and perovskite-based tandem / multijunction cells. These solar simulator products are factory tested and certified against the most rigorous and demanding solar simulator standards for the highest level of confidence in the measurements, including a full statistical report with each instrument.

The Solaris series solar simulators feature a new, proprietary A+ rated filter to cover the extended 300 to 1200 nm reporting range required for A+ certification. A simple slide-in mechanism spectrally shapes the output for consistent and repeatable performance without the need for a software interface or PC. A partial sun attenuator allows adjustment of the intensity of the light to fit the sample while keeping the relative irradiance stable over the entire wavelength spectrum.

The Solaris series simulators are available as standard models; the largest illumination area of 12x12 inches can test large area solar cells, or test multiple devices at once to increase testing throughput of the solar simulator, saving time and increasing the value of ownership. The Solaris series simulators also feature a low ripple, highly regulated power supply for stable, long-term irradiance performance.

“The Solaris series are powerful solar simulators that use a single xenon lamp design to meet Class A+AA requirements without compromising their 1 SUN output power,” said Reuven Silverman, General Manager, Ophir Photonics Products. “This ensures stable, uniform performance, rather than the multiple emitters required for LED-based simulation. In addition, our in-house designed Air Mass 1.5G filter retains its optical properties under the full, long-term illumination conditions without degradation of the filter. The Solaris series is the latest addition to MKS Inc.’s Newport product line, continuing a legacy of over 50 years in delivering trusted photonics solutions. The Newport brand is known for offering the largest illumination area among standard benchtop models, along with a broad portfolio of accessories and complementary products that support streamlined, integrated system development.”

The Solaris series simulators are available in five standard configurations, with customized options to best meet your needs. The largest 12x12 inch offering is the widest illumination available on the benchtop research market, enabling testing of large area cells not possible on smaller solar simulators.

• SOLARIS-2: A+AA Solar Simulator, 450 Watt Xenon, 2x2 inch (51x51mm) illumination area
• SOLARIS-4: A+AA Solar Simulator, 450 Watt Xenon, 4x4 inch (102x102mm) illumination area
• SOLARIS-6: A+AA Solar Simulator, 1000 Watt Xenon, 6x6 inch (152x152mm) illumination area
• SOLARIS-8: A+AA Solar Simulator, 1600 Watt Xenon, 8x8 inch (203x203mm) illumination area
• SOLARIS-12: A+AA Solar Simulator, 1600 Watt Xenon, 12x12 inch (305x305mm) illumination area

Availability
Newport Solaris Series Solar Simulators are available now.

DATA SHEET: https://www.newport.com/f/solaris-a-plus-aa-solar-simulators

About Newport
Newport is a brand within the MKS Photonics Solutions division. The Newport product portfolio consists of a full range of solutions including precision motion control, optical tables and vibration isolation systems, photonic instruments, optics and opto-mechanical components. Our innovative Newport solutions leverage core expertise in vibration isolation and sub-micron positioning systems and opto-mechanical and photonics subsystems, to enhance our customers’ capabilities and productivity in the semiconductor, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial markets. For more information, visit www.newport.com.

For more information, contact:
Reuven Silverman, General Manager
Ophir Business Unit
Science-Based Industrial Park, Har Hotzvim
Jerusalem 9145001, Israel
Tel: +972-2-548-4444
E-mail: reuven.silverman@mks.com
Web: www.newport.com

Shari Worthington, PR
Telesian Technology
49 Midgley Lane, Worcester, MA 01604
Tel: +1 508-397-6345
E-mail: sharilee@telesian.com