Labsphere News - a Halma PR news blog

Partnership brings new product development, production and sales opportunities
North Sutton, New Hampshire and Kirkland, Washington (June 4, 2009) – Light measurement companies Labsphere and Orb Optronix have announced a far-reaching collaboration to encompass product development, manufacturing and distribution.

Under the new agreement, select Orb Optronix LED test instrumentation will be manufactured at Labsphere’s New Hampshire facility.  The two companies will cooperate on the development of a broad range of new LED, display and light metrology products.  Orb Optronix also plans to expand its thriving LED measurement services laboratory with the addition of several Labsphere systems.

In addition, the companies will now share sales channels. Orb Optronix’s LED characterization systems and software will be sold through Labsphere’s worldwide sales organization while Labsphere products will be available through Orb Optronix’s United States distribution network.

Orb Optronix President Dave Jenkins commented, “We’ve developed strong product design relationships with a number of high profile companies through our Engineering Services Group and LED Measurement Laboratory.  Now that we are ready to release hardware and software targeted at the LED test and measurement markets, we’ve partnered with the premier light metrology organization and look forward to a long and fulfilling distribution and product development relationship with Labsphere.”

“Dave Jenkins and his partners and associates at Orb Optronix have built a world-class product development organization in an incredibly short time,” adds Labsphere President Kevin Chittim. “We believe the partnership between Orb and Labsphere will offer our customers incredible benefits in terms of innovation, customer service and value.  In addition, Orb’s Washington location will allow us to provide expanded measurement services capability in the Western United States.”

About Labsphere
Part of the global Halma group of technology companies, Labsphere (www.labsphere.com) is a world leader in light testing and measurement and diffuse optical coatings.  The company’s products include LED, laser and traditional light source light measurement systems; uniform light sources for imaging device calibration; spectroscopy accessories; and high diffuse reflectance materials and coatings for applications in backlit panel displays, computed radiography, and system calibration.  The company’s expertise has resulted in multiple patents in areas such as methods for testing LEDs on a wafer and UV transmittance.

About Orb Optronix
Orb Optronix (www.orboptronix.com), founded in 2006, provides world-class engineering services and products for the illumination, optical and opto-electronic industries through its LED Technology Center, Engineering Services Group and Product Development Group.

New UV-2000S software version calculates FDA, SPF, UVA to UVB ratio, Boot Star, and COLIPA
North Sutton, New Hampshire  (April 30, 2009) – To support its UV-2000s transmittance analyzer, used for quality assurance and UVA Protection Factor (UVA-PF) analysis in the formulation, development and testing of sunscreen products, Labsphere has introduced a software upgrade.  Together, the instrument and UV-2000S version 1.2 software form the only system on the market capable of performing in-vitro, Boot Star, COLIPA, FDA, and user-defined SPF measurement methods.

The user-friendly application software automatically converts measurement data to provide the Sun Protective Factor (SPF), UVA to UVB ratio, critical wavelength, Boot Star Rating, and UVA-PF (COLIPA Method).  It includes an FDA Method that meets proposed rules for in-vitro UVA/UVB protection factor results.  In addition, its COLIPA substrate test allows users to quickly determine if their PMMA substrates meet the COLIPA recommendations.  To ensure accuracy, the software performs reference channel saturation checks of the sample if the substrate or plate is highly absorbing.  Unlike previous software versions, the same blank scan can be used for multiple studies.

The platform allows users to view, archive, retrieve and export data for measurements on both bare substrates and product substrates.  The wavelength range and wavelength interval selection feature exports spectral data of interest to .csv format.  To support evolving regional methods (e.g., revised Boot Star, PA+ Method, UVAI/UV Ratio, etc.), the software is now available on a subscription basis.  Users who subscribe to Labsphere’s software will be updated as new standards and regulations for in-vitro sunscreen testing are added to the software.

Ball Aerospace chooses Space-Grade Spectralon flight diffusers for mission’s Operation Land Imager
North Sutton, New Hampshire (March 23, 2009) – Labsphere has been selected to custom-engineer a set of in-flight diffuser panels for an upcoming NASA Earth observation mission.  Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. is supplying the Operation Land Imager (OLI) to the LANDSAT Data Continuity Mission using Labsphere’s Space-Grade Spectralon® plates to calibrate the instrument’s in-flight cameras.  The Labsphere targets deliver the highest level of uniform light integration with the stability required for the five-year global imaging mission.

For the OLI’s sensor, Ball Aerospace required an optically, thermally and environmentally stable calibration standard that delivers extremely stable, reproducible spectral reflectance.  Labsphere’s Space-Grade Spectralon was selected for its greater than 99 percent reflectance value and proven track record of success in over 25 space-flight applications.

Labsphere’s Space-Grade Spectralon is the only recognized Lambertian material that has been used in launch environments and is fully characterized.  The company will develop and build six in-flight diffusers for delivery in spring of 2009. 

LANDSAT satellites have been collecting data of the Earth’s continental surfaces for the last 30 years, creating the longest continuous record of Earth’s surface as seen from space.  The data and imagery collected in these missions is used agricultural monitoring, natural resource management and land-use planning.  The OLI is to be part of the eighth mission in the series, slated to launch in 2012.  Its 15 meter panachromatic and 30 meter multi-spectral imaging spatial resolutions create a wide enough swath to image the entire planet in just 16 days.

Part of the global Halma group of technology companies, Labsphere is a world leader in light testing and measurement and diffuse optical coatings.  The company’s products include LED, laser and traditional light source light measurement systems; uniform light sources for imaging device calibration; spectroscopy accessories; and high diffuse reflectance materials and coatings for applications in backlit panel displays, computed radiography, and system calibration.  The company’s expertise has resulted in multiple patents in areas such as methods for testing LEDs on a wafer and UV transmittance.

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. supports critical missions of important national agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, NOAA and other U.S. government and commercial entities. The company develops and manufactures spacecraft, advanced instruments and sensors, components, data exploitation systems and RF solutions for strategic, tactical and scientific applications.

Highly diffuse reflectance material provides reliable known reflectance values
North Sutton, New Hampshire (March 4, 2009) – With the highest diffuse reflectance values of any known substance, Labsphere’s Spectralon® Reflectance Standards provide the most accurate calibration for a variety of testing equipment.  Spectrophotometers, Densitometers, Integrating Sphere Systems, Optical Equipment, Photographic Equipment, Reflectometers and Remote Sensing Instruments can be calibrated according to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable standards.

Available in a variety of reflectance values and colors with values ranging from 2 to 99 percent reflectance values over the 250 – 2500 nm wavelength range, the diffuseness of Labsphere’s standards eliminate viewing angle errors.  Spectralon is the only known substance on the market that stays completely diffuse at these high reflectance values.

The standards come both calibrated and uncalibrated and are available individually and as sets.  The durable units are thermally stable, washable and waterproof for use in a wide variety of environments from laboratory to production and quality control.

Labsphere is currently offering a 20% discount on orders of 10 or more standards placed before March 15, 2009.  For more information e-mail Labsphere at standards@labsphere.com or phone +1 (603) 927-4266.

Highly diffuse reflectance material inert and stable for space flight applications
North Sutton, New Hampshire (February 5, 2009) – With a reflectance value greater than 99 percent, Labsphere’s Space-Grade Spectralon® delivers the highest level of uniform light integration with the stability, sustainability and purity required for applications involving space flight.  Used to recalibrate in-flight cameras, Space-Grade Spectralon coating material and targets have a proven track record of success in a number of spacecraft currently in flight.  

Chemically inert, and thermally and environmentally stable, Space-Grade Spectralon provides extremely stable, reproducible spectral reflectance.  It achieves reflectance values of greater than 99 percent for wavelength ranges from visible through mid wave infrared.

Through extensive testing for UV-VUV radiation exposure, a stringent manufacturing process was developed to eliminate potential contaminants that can lead to UV degradation.  The high purity and cleanliness requirements in space environment applications are further ensured by Labsphere’s sophisticated manufacturing, shipping and contamination process controls.

Labsphere’s Space-Grade Spectralon is the only recognized Lambertian material that has been used in launch environments and is fully characterized.  It has been used for sensor calibration in over 25 space applications, including MODIS, MSIR, MERIS, GOSAT and ABI sensors.

Recently, ITT Industries Space Systems Division selected Labsphere’s Space-Grade Spectralon for a project “because it is the only reflectance material in the industry that has proven results in space for terrestrial remote sensing applications,” according to Senior Systems Engineer, Kim Slack.

Celebration to be held at Photonics West
North Sutton, New Hampshire (January 22, 2009) – In 1979 Phillip Lape founded Labsphere, the first commercial manufacturer of integrating spheres, paving the way for the company to become a world leader in light testing and measurement, and optical coatings.  Three decades later, Labsphere has designed, tested, and calibrated thousands of light metrology and spectroscopy systems, and finished or machined millions of components with its near-Lambertian reflectance coatings and materials.  This year, the company celebrates 30 years, with a reception at Photonics West.

In addition to the new products and technologies developed over the years, Labsphere has also firmly established a reputation for its applications expertise and customer service.  The company’s engineering staff often collaborates with customers, creating custom system and component designs to meet emerging industry needs. 

Labsphere will mark three decades of cutting edge light measurement and reflectance technologies at Photonics West with a reception at the company’s booth, 541, at 4 p.m. Tuesday, January 27.  The celebration will include food and drink, as well as the opportunity to socialize and view Labsphere’s latest products.  The event is open to all Photonics West attendees.

The most accurate NIST-traceable calibration available
North Sutton, New Hampshire (December 18, 2008) – Manufacturers of LEDs, light fixtures and displays can now calibrate their spectral or luminous flux measurement systems quickly and accurately with Forward Flux Lamp Standards from Labsphere.  This entirely new technology, available only from Labsphere, provides an exceptional artifact for maintaining and verifying 2π integrating sphere spectrometer calibration with a highly reliable standard calibrated directly to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) lumen.

Available in 400 and 1000 lumen models, Forward Flux Lamp Standards can be used to calibrate integrating sphere spectrometers for total forward spectral radiant flux responsivity from 350 nm to 1050 nm.  The lamp standards are designed to meet the recommended practices of the Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) LM-79 for 2π measurements of solid state lighting. 

Each lamp standard is carefully seasoned, screened, and calibrated.  All lamp standards are first seasoned for 1% of their rated life, and then screened for stability and repeatable performance, before transferring the lumen directly from a NIST lumen reference.  The result is an accurate and reliable system calibration with a lamp standard distribution similar to the light sources being tested.

Lamp standards include a calibration certificate and calibration data on CD-ROM.  Labsphere is an ISO 9001: 2000 Certified company.

Total forward spectral flux measurement systems deliver full integrating sphere accuracy in compact design
North Sutton, New Hampshire (December 3, 2008) – Labsphere, a world leader in light testing and measurement and optical coatings, and Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd of Japan have collaborated to develop a new light measurement system.  Designed for manufacturers of LEDs, light fixtures and displays, the HalfMoon Total Forward Spectral Flux Measurement Systems deliver accurate and efficient light source measurements.

Available in standard 12, 20 and 40 inch diameters, the HalfMoon system provides an alternative to integrating sphere photometer and goniophotometer methods of measuring total forward spectral flux of forward emitting lamps, luminaires and displays.  The unique compact design, available only from Labsphere and Otsuka, creates a virtual integrating sphere by pairing an interior mirrored surface cap with half an orb coated with Labsphere’s highly reflective diffuse Spectraflect® material.  The resulting system saves space, minimizes absorption errors and facilitates quick sample changes.

While the HalfMoon has a small footprint, it shares the accuracy of an integrating sphere, but with twice the efficiency of an integrating sphere of the same diameter.  The center sample mounting keeps base electronics and thermal management peripherals out of the detection area to reduce absorption errors.  The easily accessible mount also reduces the time to set up and change samples for measurement.  The system is configured for base up to horizontal measurement geometry, allowing products to be tested in the same orientation as the fixtures they are intended for.

In Japan, China, Korea, and Taiwan, contact Otsuka (www.photal.co.jp/global; funato@photal.co.jp; 81-72-855-8550) for more information.  United States and rest of world, contact Labsphere direct (www.labsphere.com; labsphere@labsphere.com; +1 603 927-4266).

Ensure measurement quality and reduce downtime with on-site integrating sphere coating
North Sutton, New Hampshire (November 21, 2008) – Labsphere, a world leader in light testing and measurement and optical coatings, now offers on-site service for recoating of integrating spheres.  The company’s Spectraflect® and Duraflect® highly diffuse reflectance materials can be applied at customer facilities for routine integrating sphere maintenance. 

In production environments, the dust in the air can settle into integrating spheres used for light testing and measurement, resulting in a lack of spatial uniformity that leads to measurement errors.  Labsphere recommends annual recoating of spheres operating in warehouses to maintain measurement consistency.  Sending away large area spheres (some as large as 76 inches in diameter) can be a packing and shipping hassle that creates increased production downtime. 

With its new service Labsphere recoats customer spheres on-site, vastly reducing production downtime.  Labsphere’s coating representatives are able to apply the company’s proven, proprietary Spectraflect and Duraflect coatings to spheres in the field with the same care and attention given to those coated at Labsphere’s facility. 

Labsphere is currently offering a 20 percent price reduction for on-site recoating services booked before December 31, 2008.  For more information and to schedule an on-site recoating appointment, phone +1 (603) 927-4266, or send an e-mail to labsphere@labsphere.com.

Customers to benefit from HalfMoon light test systems for Solid State Lighting and Display testing
North Sutton, New Hampshire (October 27, 2008) Labsphere, Inc and Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd. have partnered to develop the next generation of total spectral light measurement systems, based on Otsuka’s patented HalfMoon hemispherical design.  By incorporating traditional diffuse reflectance technology with specular imaging technology, the new systems provide a far more efficient and practical means for testing forward emitting light engines.

For 30 years Labsphere has been a knowledge leader in light metrology, with a portfolio of unique, reliable solutions designed to test or integrate with a wide variety of photonics products. Otsuka provides the gold standard in measurement equipment to R&D and production organizations in the display industry.  The company uses its expertise in optical metrology technologies to assist manufacturers in maintaining the highest quality and performance of displays and constituent materials. Combining time-tested experience in reflectance technology, Labsphere and Otsuka will introduce a series of high quality spectral flux test systems that are both user-friendly and meet the ever-changing needs of the light test industry.

“Otsuka Electronics, an expert in spectroscopy measurement in east Asia, the center of the world’s display industry, developed this innovative new technology to bring performance evaluation to the light source/lighting industry,” said Takashi Maruyama, President of Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd. “This is an opportunity for Labsphere to answer the demand from its worldwide customer base for this specific solution and take advantage of Otsuka’s strong distribution network in east Asia.”

Labsphere President Kevin Chittim commented, ”Until now, the integrating sphere was the simplest and fastest method for testing the total light and color of omni-directional light sources.  Over the years we have continued to stay at the forefront of innovation in the diffuse reflectance technologies, light test and sensor calibration industries.  Aligning with Otsuka brings us the latest imaging technology and expertise to continue meeting changing industry demands.“

Otsuka will be responsible for sales of all Labsphere products in Korea and sales of the HalfMoon product family in east Asia.  Labsphere will distribute HalfMoon products throughout the rest of the world.
 
About Labsphere
Established in 1979, Labsphere is an internationally recognized photonics industry leader with a network of worldwide dealers specializing in light measurement, sensor calibration, spectroscopy accessories, and materials and coatings.  Labsphere’s culture is based on delivering innovative, high-quality standard, custom and OEM solutions of a diverse array of test and measurements applications to governments, scientific institutes and industry.  A member of the global Halma group, Labsphere has its U.S. offices in North Sutton, New Hampshire.  For information on the company’s full range of products, go to www.Labsphere.com or call 603-927-4266. 

About Otsuka Electronics
Established in 1970, Otsuka Electronics is a manufacturer of industrial and scientific measurement, analytical and medical equipment with optical technology as its base.  It has a broad customer base of electronics and its material supply makers in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China with products for the recently expanding FPD industry.  As a subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company, it supplies clinical diagnosis equipment.  Otsuka Electronics has its headquarters in Hirakata, Osaka, Japan with subsidiary companies in Korea, Taiwan and China.  For information about the company and its full range of products, go to www.photal.co.jp/global, or call 81-72-855-8550.