Labsphere Spectralon® diffuse reflectance standards are available in different levels of reflectance, from 2% (black) up to 99% (white) and are used to calibrate and verify the linearity of spectrophotometers and reflectance measurement instrumentation in the 250-2500nm 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 diffuse reflectance standards also eliminates the need to rigorously control the temperature in the laboratory.
Spectralon® Diffuse Reflectance Standards
Labsphere Spectralon® diffuse reflectance standard are available in different levels of reflectance, from 2% (black) up to 99% (white) and are used to calibrate and verify the linearity of spectrophotometers and reflectance measurement instrumentation in the 250-2500nm 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 diffuse reflectance standards also eliminates the need to rigorously control the temperature in the laboratory.
Spectralon diffuse reflectance standards aid in developing consistent colour and reflectance 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 spectrophotometers, reflectometers, scatterometers and integrating sphere-based colorimeters.
Please note that SphereOptics offers reflectance measurement instrumentation, such as the Labsphere RT and RTC series of reflectance transmittance integrating spheres. Spectralon diffuse reflectance standards are suitable for calibrating these systems when combined with a light source and spectrometer.
Calibration Information
Spectralon diffuse reflectance standards are available calibrated or uncalibrated, with calibrations traceable to NIST. Furthermore, Labsphere’s laboratory performs reflectance calibrations under the scope of its NVLAP, ISO17025 accreditation. The standard measurement geometry is 8° directional illumination with specular-included hemispherical collection, 250-2500nm (8°/H). The certificate supplied lists the spectral reflectance factor every 50nm. In addition, each standard is supplied with electronic calibration data containing reflectance values reported every 1nm.
Ordering Information
Spectralon diffuse reflectance standards are available individually and in sets in 1.25 and 2.00 inch diameters. These are listed below. The individual reflectance levels available are 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 40, 50, 60, 75, 80 and 99%. We are pleased to supply uncalibrated sets, individual standards and custom sets containing specific combinations of reflectance levels on request.
Standard Sets – Calibrated
Individual Standards – Calibrated
To order an uncalibrated standard or sets of standards, add the prefix “U” to any part number listed above.
Spectralon Diffuse Reflectance Standards Specifications
Parameter | Specification |
Available Reflectance Levels | 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 40, 50, 60, 75, 80 & 99% |
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, 250-25000nm |
Reporting Interval | 50nm 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 reflectance 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 measurements to ensure the consistency of product performance. These include, but are not limited to:
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