New service assures spectral radiance accuracy, saves time and money

North Sutton, N.H. (May 6, 2013) – Labsphere can now perform on-site calibration services directly at customer facilities for all brands of integrating sphere Uniform Source Systems. The cost-effective service includes a professional assessment of the overall system condition, re-lamping the sphere with before and after measurements, optional power supply calibration and Labsphere’s certified calibration with NIST-traceable measurements.

Service is recommended if the system lamps have been operated for more than 50 hours, the uniform source system is more than two years old or the system has been used in a dusty environment.  It should also be performed if a company’s Quality Management System mandates annual calibrations on critical measurement equipment, or if the monitor detector disagrees with the original calibration certificate.

Product Manager Richard Corbyn explains, “Having this service done on-site at the customer’s facility is a huge advantage:  less downtime, no expensive dismantling or transit costs and flexible scheduling to meet the customer’s needs.”

Labsphere’s Uniform Light Source systems can provide uniform radiance or irradiance, with applications that include the test and calibration of focal-plane arrays and cameras for areas such as pixel gain normalization, photographic sensitometry, and remote-observation system calibration. Sources are used in the ultraviolet, visible and near infrared regions of the spectrum.

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Highest diffuse reflectance material with most Lambertian properties

North Sutton, New Hampshire (February 28, 2013) — Labsphere products have met NVLAP ISO 17025 technical competence and management system requirements that demonstrate its ability to routinely deliver technically valid test results and calibrations. Labsphere’s chemically inert standards offer the highest diffuse reflectance values of any known substance.

Labsphere has received accreditation for its Spectralon® Diffuse Reflectance Standards and Targets as an NVLAP ISO 17025 calibration laboratory. Previously, Labsphere earned accreditation as an NVLAP Lab 200951-0 for calibrated Spectral Flux Lamp Standards and Calibrated Forward Spectral Flux Standards. All were the result of rigorous on-site assessments and technical evaluations of the company’s engineering, manufacturing, and calibration departments. The National Institute of Standards and Technology governs the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP).

Spectralon Standards and Targets offer the highest diffuse reflectance values of any known substance and are available in gray, white and various colors. Durable, chemically inert Spectralon is spectrally flat over the UV-VIS-NIR spectrum. It is optically flat to +/- 4 percent over the range of 250 – 2500 nm and +/- 1 percent over the photopic region of the spectrum. Spectralon Diffuse Reflectance Standards and Targets are the most Lambertian reflectors available for use over the wavelength range from 250 – 2500 nm.

NVLAP accreditation signifies that Labsphere operates in accordance with stringent guidelines pertaining to quality systems, engineering expertise, technical personnel, test and calibration methods, laboratory equipment and environment, measurement traceability, handling of test and calibration items and accuracy in test and calibration reports.

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Integral™ can be accessed from multiple devices

North Sutton, New Hampshire (Feb 12, 2013) – Labsphere unveiled its newest software suite for light measurement applications at the Strategies in Light conference today in Santa Clara, Calif.  The Integral™ Light Measurement Software enhances the way light measurement data is collected, analyzed and accessed.

Integral is unique to the industry in its flexibility and adaptability.  There is no need to install the software on computers or mobile devices; the product runs seamlessly on the supplied Labsphere Cube and can be accessed globally from multiple devices using any HTML5-enabled browser and any language. The Cube is a small form-factor PC that acts as a server. By loading Integral on the Labsphere Cube, there is no need for users to install software on their own laptops, eliminating any compatibility issues.

Integral supports Labsphere systems and hardware and components from other manufacturers, allowing immediate turnkey adoption with no downtime or additional expense. Integral enables one user to manage the workflow of multiple light measurement systems, increasing efficiency in laboratory and production environments. Optional API capabilities allow customers to customize the software to match their unique requirements.

For more information, contact Technical Sales at +1-603-927-4266, email
sales@labsphere.com or visit www.labsphere.com.

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UV-2000S validation kit and software compliant to ISO 24443:2012 and COLIPA UVA In Vitro Test Method 2011
North Sutton, New Hampshire (September 6, 2012) – Labsphere’s UV-2000S Transmittance Analyzer for sunscreen products provides fast, accurate, in vitro measurements that comply to all international standards for UVA and UVB sun protection measurements. Recent upgrades to the instrument validation kit and software ensure that it remains in compliance with the latest standards from ISO and COLIPA.

Labsphere’s UV-2000S benchtop system and software comply with all international standards for UVA and UVB sun protection measurements.

Labsphere’s UV-2000S Transmittance Analyzer benchtop R&D system rapidly measures the diffuse transmittance of sunscreen samples in the ultraviolet wavelength region from 250 – 450 nm. This affordable in vitro method delivers UVA factor measurements without additional data manipulation.

The UV-2000S application software allows users to view, archive, retrieve and export data and supports evolving regional methods. The system is current with ISO 24443:2012, COLIPA UVA in Vitro Test Method 2011, FDA Final Rule 2011 for Sunscreen Labeling, DR AS/NZS 2601 Australia 2011 Sunscreen Proposal and Boots Star Rating System.

An integrated Performance Validation Routine enables on-site validation and re-validation to ensure optimum instrument performance. A set of calibrated standards, including a wavelength standard that captures six relevant spectral bands, is included with each UV Transmittance Analyzer.

The upgraded software and validation kit are available free to customers on Labsphere’s subscription plan and for purchase to other customers. New customers will receive the upgraded components with system purchase. To request a free subscription upgrade, or for upgrade and system pricing, email labsphere@labsphere.com, or phone +1 (603) 927-4266

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Sphere-based flux and color measurements with handheld unit
North Sutton, New Hampshire (July 16, 2012) – Labsphere, Inc. has expanded its illumia LED and light measurement product range with the introduction of illumia®lite. The portable system packages the accuracy of sphere-based measurement in a cost-effective handheld device suitable for use on the production floor, in the lab or in the field.

Labsphere illumia®lite portable handheld spectral flux analysis.

The illumia lite overcomes the drawbacks inherent in other handhelds by incorporating a spectrometer calibrated for absolute spectral flux and employs an integrating sphere in its design. This combination delivers more complete spectral flux measurement capability than simple illuminance meters using near cosine receivers. The ergonomic handheld instrument measures both luminous flux and color of a device under test, including LEDs and other sources up to 1 cm in diameter. A built-in auxiliary lamp provides self-absorption correction for highly accurate results.

The luminous flux range of illumia lite is 0.1 lumens to 5000 lumens, with a wavelength resolution of <5nm and accuracy of <0.5nm. Data is retrieved via USB connection to any laptop or PC and analyzed with Labsphere’s easy-to-use MtrX-Spec software. The software calculates all industry standard color parameters such as x, y, CCT, CRI, and lumens, as well as spectral irradiance.

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illumia and illumia®pro Light Measurement Systems scalable to fit application and budget
North Sutton, New Hampshire (April 10, 2012) – Labsphere, Inc. has introduced the illumia® and illumia®pro series of LED and light measurement systems. The new systems offer flexibility in measuring thermal, optical, and electrical characteristics of LEDs and arrays, as well as solid state and traditional lighting products.

illumia and illumia®pro Light Measurement Systems scalable to fit application and budget

The illumia systems measure Total Spectral Flux, Luminous Flux, Radiant Flux, Chromaticity, CCT and CRI, Peak Wavelength, Dominant Wavelength I, V, and Luminous Efficacy. With the addition of a TEC temperature control and monitoring component, the illumia pro also delivers complete Thermal, Optical and Electrical characterization of LEDs.

Labsphere’s MtrX-SPEC software delivers spectral results in milliseconds that conform to global standards and measurement geometries. Labsphere’s NIST-traceable, NVLAP® accredited calibrated lamp standards allow manufacturers to move product development from design to market more quickly with in-house testing of the thermal, optical, and electrical properties in preparation for meeting global market standards.

All systems are sold with Labsphere’s Spectraflect® high reflectance coating, providing a nearly perfect diffuse reflectance for greatest measurement accuracy. Additional accessories are available for integration into the illumia systems for customers requiring specific application results.

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Hardware and software meets measurement criteria unveiled in June
North Sutton, New Hampshire (July 29, 2011) – Labsphere’s UV-2000S Transmittance Analyzer for sunscreens is immediately available to assist manufacturers in complying with new guidelines for the labeling of sunscreen products. Issued in June by the United States Food and Drug Administration, the new rules allow US manufacturers for the first time to label products as effective protection against skin cancer and early skin aging.

Labsphere’s UV-2000S benchtop system and software comply with newly released FDA testing criteria.

The change follows standards already in place globally. Products must first meet stringent UVA and UVB broad spectrum measurement protocols. UVB rays are the major cause of sunburn, while UVA rays contribute not only to skin aging but to deeper damage to skin cells which could result in cancer.

The new guidelines are designed “to reduce consumer confusion,” said Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Labsphere’s UV-2000S instrument is an easy-to-use and accurate solution for manufacturers to perform in vitro measurements in compliance with the new FDA labeling criteria.

Labsphere’s UV-2000S Transmittance Analyzer benchtop R&D system rapidly measures the diffuse transmittance of sunscreen samples in the ultraviolet wavelength region from 250 – 450 nm. Labsphere’s Spectralon® integrating sphere incorporates a re-optimized xenon flash lamp to provide exceptional diffuse illumination of the product sample and minimize data integration time. High performance diode array spectrometers coupled by new, advanced fiber optics are optimized at the system level for low stray light with superior wavelength stability and flash-to-flash repeatability.

UV-2000S application software includes an integrated Performance Validation Routine that allows for on-site validation and re-validation to ensure optimum instrument performance. The platform allows users to view, archive, retrieve and export data and supports evolving regional methods. A set of calibrated standards, including a wavelength standard that captures six relevant spectral bands, is included with each UV Transmittance Analyzer.

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Partnership with Q-Lab brings customer savings
North Sutton, New Hampshire (December 9, 2010) – Labsphere, maker of the UV-2000S Transmittance Analyzer for Sunscreens, has developed a new software routine allowing sunscreens to be characterized per the latest global in-vitro testing standards.  This addition, available immediately, to the analyzer’s software anticipates the release by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of its final rule for in-vitro sunscreen testing.

Labsphere’s UV-2000S software has been upgraded for the new FDA testing method.

Labsphere’s UV-2000S Transmittance Analyzer benchtop R&D system is designed to rapidly measure the spectral transmittance of sunscreen products, especially those with very high sun protection factors (SPF 50+), as well as UVA/UVB protection factor.  Its application software automatically converts measurement data to provide the Sun Protective Factor (SPF), UVA to UVB ratio, critical wavelength (COLIPA 2009), Boot Star Rating, UVA I/UV ratio (FDA proposed rule) and UVA-PF (COLIPA Method).

The platform allows users to view, archive, retrieve and export data for measurements on both bare substrates and product substrates and supports evolving regional methods.  Labsphere also plans to incorporate proposed changes to Euro-commission (COLIPA) guidelines, the FDA monograph and to add new ISO guidelines to future software releases, as these tests are issued by the relevant regulatory bodies. The most recent software is supplied with new purchases of the UV-2000S and current users can upgrade with subscription-based updates.

The FDA’s proposed rule and the new emerging ISO and COLIPA standards will also require the use of a device for exposing sunscreens to a specified solar irradiance photostability testing.  Labsphere has arranged a marketing partnership with a world leader in weathering and solar aging testing equipment, Q-Lab Corporation (www.q-lab.com).  Any customer that acquires a Labsphere UV2000S and Q-Lab Q-Sun Xenon Light Stability Tester within six months of each other will be eligible for special pricing on both products.

To speak to an experienced applications engineer, or to learn more about pricing incentives, send an e-mail to labsphere@labsphere.com, or phone +1 (603) 927-4266.

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CDS-5400 and -9800 deliver spectroradiometric and photometric measurement for solid state lighting
North Sutton, New Hampshire (December 1, 2010) – Designed for a full range of LED characterization measurements, Labsphere has introduced the CDS-5400 and CDS-9800 High Speed LED Spectrometers.  Both models offer reliability, speed and accuracy with a choice of spectral range to suit specification application needs.

Labsphere’s CDS-5400 spectrometer.

The CDS spectrometers, when integrated into Labsphere’s systems, measure critical spectral characteristics of LEDs including flux; intensity; chromaticity coordinates; dominant, peak, and centroid wavelengths; color temperature and rendering properties; and purity.  To capture and organize data, DLL drivers are available to connect the spectrometers to proprietary QA, calibration and production software.

With a spectral range of 305-930 nm, the CDS-5400 is well suited for production line testing of high brightness LEDs. With a 2ms integration time, the CDS-5400 delivers the high speed required by these environments. For more high precision applications including fixed quantity UV and quantum efficiency measurement, the CDS-9800 has a wide dynamic range and four models covering the spectral range of 240-1100 nm.  With low stray light, the highly accurate CDS-9800 is intended for demanding R&D environments where precision is critical and a wide variety of devices need to be tested.

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Complete simultaneous thermal, optical, and electrical characterization of light sources
North Sutton, New Hampshire (August 25, 2010) – To more easily meet new reporting specifications, Labsphere’s new Thermal/Optical/Electrical LED Measurement Systems (TOCS) enables measurement of optical properties as a function of temperature and operating current using a single instrument.  The TOCS complies with IESNA LM-79 standards, delivering accurate and reproducible LED measurements.

Labsphere’s TOCS system conforms to IESNA LM-79 and LM-80 recommendations for LED characterization.

Available in a range of integrating sphere sizes from 20 to 76 inches, the TOCS systems are designed for both 2pi and 4pi measurement geometries.  A lamp measurement integrating sphere, high resolution CCD array spectrometer, thermal plate with temperature controller, auxiliary lamp, calibration source, power supply and Labsphere’s powerful TOCS-SS software comprise the basic system.  Owners of current Labsphere and SphereOptics spectral lamp measurement systems may purchase an upgrade retrofit to the TOCS system to achieve LM-79 compliance.

Labsphere’s TOCS-SS is a powerful, accurate software which automates procedures for measuring spectral characteristics, and controlling current and temperature.  Users control LED temperature and operating current at specified ranges, measuring and characterizing the device under test over a wide temperature range. The simultaneously collected electrical, optical and thermal data is graphed for quick on-screen viewing and can be exported to Excel format for in-depth analysis. 

The TOCS can be customized with the integrating sphere size, calibration source and accessories to fit testing needs.

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