Traditionally, reflectance targets for white referencing of satellite systems, sensor or camera systems are made out of heavy and cost intensive porous PTFE sold under brand names like Spectralon® or Zenith™. Main criteria for the choice of a reference target for system calibration are high reflectance over a wide range like 350 nm to 1150 nm, diffuse reflectance, meaning uniform over all angles and stable over time and under changing conditions. Some Indoor applications can also use a BariumSulfate based paint, as long as water resistance or stable and high IR reflection is no demand.

The new Permaflect coating of the company Labsphere is unifying the positive properties of optical PTFE with the highly cost efficient and easy to use properties of BariumSulfate coating. Permaflect can be used under harsh environmental conditions, being exposed to water, UV radiation and dust, still maintaining its excellent optical characteristic with a nearly lambertian reflection over 94 %, uniform and constant reflection over the surface area as well as over the wavelength range of 350 nm to 1150 nm. This coating can be applied also to complex shaped surfaces. In some outdoor applications it is recommended to have a lower reflectivity from the beginning to avoid changes over time and measurement instability.

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