Labsphere News - a Halma PR news blog

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).

Measure several properties of light output on LED, tungsten, xenon and krypton lamp assemblies
North Sutton, New Hampshire (July 2, 2008) – With new standards for flashlight measurement on the horizon, Labsphere has developed the FS2 Spectral Flux Measurement System to facilitate accurate spectroradiometric, photometric and colorimetric characterization.  These application-specific, turnkey systems evaluate lamp efficiency for flashlight development and manufacture in commercial, marine, military, head-wear, emergency roadside and outdoor equipment applications.

The FS2 system assesses Total Spectral Flux (Watts/nm), Total Radiant Flux (Watts), Total Luminous Flux (lumens), Color (CCT), Lamp Performance vs. Time, Peak and Dominant Wavelength, Spectral Purity, Color Rendering Index (CRI), Chromaticity Coordinates and Half-Bandwidth.  The high dynamic range is suitable for a broad range of flashlights, including those with LED, tungsten, xenon and krypton lamps. 

The system’s integrating sphere, coated with Labsphere’s proprietary highly reflective diffuse Spectraflect®, delivers exceptional spatial integration, critical for uniform, repeatable and reproducible measurements of directional light sources.  Total Forward Spectral Flux measurements are possible with the easy access side mount port, and an optional internal mounting platform in the integrating sphere delivers total spectral flux measurement of flashlight lamps.

Substitution errors are corrected with an absorption correction lamp and a forward spectral flux standard is provided for user calibrations.  The lamp distribution further reduces spatial substitution errors.  The MtrX-Flashlight, Flashlight Spectral Flux Measurement Software provides a user-friendly, intuitive platform for calibrating the system and analyzing measurements. All measurement results are captured instantly with real time graphics and the ability to generate and export reports. 

Labsphere’s experienced engineering staff is able to specifically address the unique needs of each customer, designing a custom FS2 system for the type of flashlight application under study. 

Calibrate and analyze spectral radiometric, photometric and colorimetric properties of lamps and LEDs
North Sutton, New Hampshire  (May 27, 2008) – For research and development, quality control and production of LEDs, solid state lighting and other light sources, Labsphere’s powerful MtrX-SPEC light metrology software module delivers user friendly spectrometer calibration and control for spectral characterization (flux, color, intensity and irradiance).

The MtrX-SPEC is unique to the industry in that it is the first software platform that is commercially viable; its intuitive interface means it can be used easily by engineering staff and production floor operators alike.  The system calibrates Labsphere’s spectrometers and analyzes spectral radiometric, photometric and colorimetric properties of light sources.  Spectral, electrical and thermal controls provide complete characterization of a wide range of light sources, from simple lamps and LEDs to solid state lighting assemblies and traditional indoor/outdoor lighting. 

Temporal measurement features track photometric performance with time.  Quadrangle measurements facilitate color performance binning of white LEDs for solid state lighting applications.  All measurement results are captured instantly with real time graphics and the ability to generate and export reports. 

A Windows® compatible interface with methods driven operations reduces the software learning curve, enabling results in the lab to be easily repeated on the shop floor.  User calibration and validation processes adhere to the user’s quality management system. 

Free MtrX-SPEC demo software is available for download.  To request a copy, contact your local Labsphere representative, send an e-mail to labsphere@labsphere.com, or phone +1 (603) 927-4266.

Custom designed to measure several properties of light output on wide variety of lamps
North Sutton, New Hampshire  (April 10, 2008) – Energy efficient lighting is the goal of many lamp manufacturers, departments of energy and lighting engineers. Labsphere’s Fluorescent Spectral Lamp Measurement Systems (FSLMS) facilitate accurate photometric and electrical characterization with application-specific, turnkey systems that evaluate lamp efficiency, with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable results.

The system’s 2 meter lamp measurement integrating sphere accommodates light sources positioned base up, base down, or longitudinally, to easily and efficiently measure virtually any lamp type, including fluorescents up to 48 inches in length.  One stationary hemisphere and one on an easy to open slide rail track allows light sources to be quickly switched in and out during testing.  The integrated TE cooled CCD spectrometer evaluates lamp photometric and colorimetric performance by measuring Total Spectral Flux, Luminous Flux, Correlated Color Temperature (CCT), Color Rendering Index (CRI), and Chromaticity.

The FSLMS includes software controlled AC and DC power supplies to allow for measurement of fluorescent, compact fluorescent, and incandescent lamps.  A wide range of screw base and G type lamp sockets are available to hold several sizes of tubular and compact fluorescent lamps including compact fluorescents with and without electronic ballasts.

The integrated system from Labsphere is contained in an ergonomically designed workstation.  Testing and measurement are run by Labsphere’s user-friendly application-specific control software.  A single screen guides the user through all lamp measurement procedures, continually reporting all spectral energy distribution and color data on the test lamp.  On-screen graphics clearly display spectral flux vs. wavelength, on a CIE chromaticity diagram with the measured chromaticity.

Labsphere’s experienced engineering staff is able to specifically address the unique needs of each customer, designing a custom FSLMS that addresses the most minute application details. 

Continuous and stepped modules uniformly illuminate imaging and non-imaging devices for responsivity characterization
North Sutton, New Hampshire (February 11, 2008) – For calibration of cameras, displays, remote sensing devices, telespectroradiometers, and imaging radiometers, Labsphere’s USS-800 series uniform source systems provide unmatched application flexibility and upgrade potential.  Available in continuous (USS-800C) or stepped (USS-800S) output models, Labsphere’s systems are a low cost solution for responsivity characterization in research, quality control and process engineering settings.  

Systems are built on an eight-inch diameter integrating sphere, coated with Labsphere’s proprietary Spectraflect®.  This highly reflective diffuse coating delivers exception spatial integration exceeding 98%. The two-inch exit port is suitable for most portable imaging systems and arrays, with optional Spectraflect coated accessories to reduce port size as dictated by application.  A broad range of light sources offer several levels of radiance performance; current regulated DC power supply ensures lamp consistency for reproducible results.  Exit port luminance is controlled and monitored with Labsphere’s SC 6000 radiometer.  USS-800 systems’ calibrations are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The fixed radiance output of the USS-800S is ideal for uniform illumination of devices under test or to source a non-imaging optical train, with stepped radiance outputs of 70500, 31000, or 3000 cd/m2.  For greater flexibility, the USS-800C provides adjustable continuous spectral radiance and irradiance with luminance levels ranging from 0 to 9800, 13500, or 24,000 cd/m2.  This configuration is most often used to characterize the linearity of non-imaging (ccd array) and imaging (camera) systems.

Labsphere’s engineering staff is available to assist in selecting system models and components best suited to application needs. 

Spectralon® and Spectraflect® improve light collection tube and light guide throughput
North Sutton, New Hampshire (January 28, 2008) – With 96 to 98 percent reflectance, Labsphere’s Spectralon® and Spectraflect® provide the highest level of uniform light integration for maximum efficiency in light collection tubes and light guides used in medical imaging equipment.  

The near-Lambertian properties of Spectralon and Spectraflect deliver a uniform dispersion of light that integrates light and reduces hotspots better than other materials in coated cavity applications.  A high reflectance over a broad spectral range of 250-2500 nm increases optical efficiency.  With increased efficiency, less light input is required for performance, lowering energy and design costs.  Since light collection and reflectance are not dependent on the geometry of light input, design flexibility is increased.  Inert, thermally stable and UV-resistant, Labsphere’s materials ensure consistent optical stability and long term performance reliability. 

Machined Spectralon can be economically fabricated into a wide variety of shapes to meet many imaging instrument designs.  In-house machining allows samples to be created quickly and easily, and modified throughout the design, prototyping and testing process.  For other applications, Spectraflect diffuse reflectance material can be uniformly spray-coated on customer provided substrates.

Labsphere’s engineering staff often collaborates with customers to develop custom light collection tubes and light guides.  To request a prototype, submit a specification drawing to labsphere@labsphere.com. 

Increased dynamic range for use in developing highest levels of sun protection products

North Sutton, New Hampshire (December 5, 2007) – To keep pace with demanding industry methods for quality assurance and UVA Protection Factor (UVA-PF) analysis in the formulation, development and testing of sunscreen products, Labsphere has introduced its next generation UV Transmittance Analyzer, the UV-2000S.  Designed to rapidly measure the spectral transmittance of sunscreen products, especially those with high protection factors SPF 50 and above, the UV-2000S builds on the platform of Labsphere’s industry standard UV-1000S with increased dynamic range and functionality.

The rugged bench top instrument quickly measures the diffuse transmittance of a product sample over the 280 nm – 410 nm wavelength range.  A dual beam spectrometer with diffuse illumination accommodates accurate measurement of highly scattering samples.  No filters are needed to prevent sample overexposure.

The 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).  The platform allows users to view, archive, retrieve and export data for measurements on both bare substrates and product substrates.  The software is structured to support evolving regional methods for analyzing product UVA Protection Factor (e.g., revised Boot Star, PA+ Method, UVAI/UV Ratio, etc.), meeting foreseeable changes and challenges in the dynamic sun protection industry.

With accurate in-vitro measurement of SPF and UVA-PF, the UV-2000S can greatly reduce the need for expensive in-vivo testing protocols, such as UVA-PF based on Persistent Pigment Darkening.  The unit’s sample positioning stage, with user defined sample patterns, enables fast positioning with the accuracy required by approved and proposed UVA-PF test methods.  The RoHS compliant instrument meets corporate environmental mandates on hazardous substances. 

Industry’s first uniform source system for testing and calibration of sunlight/daylight conditions

North Sutton, New Hampshire (October 4, 2007) – Light metrology experts at Labsphere have made it possible to generate a uniform radiance field simulating the spectral shape of solar light with the Solar Spectrum Uniform Source system.  As testing and calibration demands change for increasingly portable display and imaging capabilities, this industry-first, extended uniform source can be used in applications requiring the replication of sunlight and daylight conditions.

Designed for Lambertian solar simulation testing of high speed video and film systems, space-based imaging systems, single element broadband sensors, photovoltaic and quantum efficiency, as well as dynamic range, linearity and uniformity testing of focal plane arrays, the Solar Spectrum Uniform Source duplicates the spectral shape of solar radiation with xenon and tungsten halogen sources and an integrating sphere.  The system is capable of approximating the spectral radiance of a 100% albedo source, or the spectral curve of the ASTM Standard D65. 

With a radiance uniformity of more than 98%, the Solar Spectrum Uniform Source also approximates near blackbody spectrums with color temperature ranges from 3000 K to 6000 K.  The system includes a photopic detector for luminance monitoring, a high-dynamic range, low-noise CCD-based spectrometer to monitor spectral irradiance from 350 nm to 1050 nm, spectrometer and uniform source control software, and multiple detector options.  It is available in two models to meet customer output radiance and illumination area requirements. 

Variable attenuaters and motor controllers allow users to automatically control spectral radiance through the exit port.  Luminance levels are monitored in candelas per square meter (cd/m2) and foot-Lamberts (fL), and calibrations are traceable to the National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST).

Compact, Flexible SC 6000 Allows Up to 100 Programmed Calibrations

North Sutton, New Hampshire (August 28, 2007) – To meet the need for a versatile system controller, Labsphere, Inc a world leader in light metrology, spectroscopy and reflective materials recently launched the new SC 6000 programmable radiometer and photometer.  The new system controller allows for up to 100 programmed calibrations and can be used for photometric or radiometric applications. Users are able to create, upgrade or expand a calibration in minutes using a wide variety of interchangeable detector assemblies, integrating spheres, light sources and power supplies.

A true out-of-the-box system controller, the SC 6000 is programmed to monitor luminous and radiant flux, luminance, radiance, intensity, illuminance, and irradiance.  These values make the SC 6000 an integral component for any calibration system, and allow it to be used across a wide range of applications such as uniquely designed imaging calibration instruments, lamp measurement photometers, or laser power measurement systems.

Labsphere’s SC 6000 is best for controlling calibration systems, photometric and radiometric monitoring of camera calibration systems, lamp measurement, and photometry and laser power measurement.  The system controller also features compatibility with Si, Ge, InGaAs and many other photovoltaic detectors.