Labsphere Spectralon® diffuse colour standards are used to calibrate colorimeters and spectrophotometers in the 360-830nm range. Compared to plastic or ceramic standards with a gloss surface, the diffuse nature of Spectralon simplifies measurements by removing the effects of viewing or illumination geometries. With Lambertian reflectance, the reflected radiance remains constant for all angles of illumination and view. Spectralon is thermally stable, durable, washable and waterproof. The high thermal stability of Spectralon standards also eliminates the need to rigorously control the temperature in the laboratory.
Spectralon® Colour Calibration Standards Overview
Labsphere Spectralon® diffuse colour standards are used to calibrate colorimeters and spectrophotometers in the 360-830nm range. Compared to plastic or ceramic standards with a gloss surface, the diffuse nature of Spectralon simplifies measurements by removing the effects of viewing or illumination geometries. With Lambertian reflectance, the reflected radiance remains constant for all angles of illumination and view. Spectralon is thermally stable, durable, washable and waterproof. The high thermal stability of Spectralon standards also eliminates the need to rigorously control the temperature in the laboratory.
Spectralon colour standards aid in developing consistent colour reproduction for manufacturers of products such as textiles, papers, pharmaceuticals, paints and inks. These standards are durable, washable and maintain a consistent reflectance over time. Lambertian behaviour, durability and stability make Spectralon standards the ideal choice for calibrating colorimeters and spectrophotometers.
Calibration Information
Spectralon colour standards are available calibrated or uncalibrated, with calibrations traceable to NIST. The standard measurement geometry is 8° directional illumination with specular-included hemispherical collection, 360-830nm (8°/H). The certificate supplied lists spectral reflectance every 10nm, tristimulus values, chromaticity coordinates, UCS coordinates and CIELAB and CIELUV values. Each standard is supplied with electronic calibration data containing reflectance values reported every 1nm.
Ordering Information
Standards are available individually and in sets (optionally with white and greyscale Spectralon reflectance standards) in 1.25 and 2.00 inch diameters. These are listed below. Colours available include red, green, blue, yellow, cyan, orange, purple and violet. We are pleased to supply uncalibrated sets, individual standards and custom sets containing specific combinations of colours and reflectance levels on request.
Standard Sets – Calibrated
Standard Sets – Uncalibrated
Individual Standards – Calibrated
Spectralon Colour Reflectance Standards Specifications
Parameter | Specification |
Available Colours | Green, red, blue, yellow, orange, cyan, purple & violet |
Optical Surface | 1.25 inch or 2.00 inch (31.8 or 50.8mm) diameter |
Standard Type | Diffusely reflecting (Lambertian) |
Calibration Type | 8°/H (directional illumination with hemispherical collection), NIST traceable |
Parameters Reported | Spectral hemispherical reflectance factor, 360-830nm CIE tristimulus values CIE chromaticity coordinates CIE UCS coordinates CIELAB & CIELUV values |
Reporting Interval | 10nm on report |
Overall Dimensions | 1.25 inch standards: 1.50 inch diameter x 0.55 inch thick (38.1 x 14mm) with cover |
Spectralon diffuse colour standards are used whenever you need to calibrate – or validate the calibration of – your colorimeter, reflectometer or UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometer. Spectralon exhibits diffuse reflectance, often termed Lambertian. But what is a Lambertian reflector? Imagine a material which reflects light equally in all directions. It appears equally bright to an observer, regardless of the angle from which they view it. A material that exhibits Lambertian reflectance is one which is a perfectly matte, or diffusely reflecting. In physics, we say that the material obeys Lambert’s Cosine Law, named after Johann Lambert, who described the concept of a perfect diffuse reflector in his 1760 book “Photometria”.
In purely practical terms, by using a diffusely reflecting standard rather than a glossy plastic or ceramic material to calibrate your instrument gives you more consistent results, and results that can be compared between different instruments and between different laboratories. In comparison, a glossy calibration standard will impart a calibration that will depend upon the exact measurement geometry used in the particular instrument.
Many industries rely upon reflectance and reflected colour measurements to ensure the consistency of product performance. These include, but are not limited to:
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