SphereOptics Emerges as Leader in Optical Reference Materials and Measuring Equipment

Posted  by GoPhotonics

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SphereOptics, a highly technically focused company serving various areas of photonics, has carved out a prominent position in the high-end market segment with its superior products and services in the field of optical reference materials and measuring equipment. As the use of optical sensors expands across various applications, driven by synergies with Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence, this technology is poised to become a cornerstone of the 21st century. SphereOptics GmbH’s commitment to quality positions it as an ideal partner to tackle future challenges head-on. Founded in 2003 and a member of the British Pro-lite Group since 2011, SphereOptics GmbH specializes in:

  • Manufacturing and calibrating optical materials and reference standards for diffuse transmission and reflection.
  • Providing measurement systems, including integrating sphere systems, spectroradiometers, and luminance cameras for light measurement technology and display calibration.
  • Supplying field spectrometers, thermal imaging cameras, and hyperspectral cameras for remote sensing across the spectral range of 0.250 µm to 15 µm.
  • Conducting analysis using Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy.
  • Offering test and measurement services for light measurement technology and display calibration.

With its rigorous quality policy, SphereOptics GmbH aims to meet the highest market standards, ensuring reliability and excellence in all its offerings. Their services include:

DAkkS Accredited Reflectance Measurements

SphereOptics GmbH provides DAkkS accredited measurement services for spectral reflectance in accordance with DIN 5036 Part 3: 11.79 for diffusely reflecting materials. These measurements, conducted in the wavelength range from 250nm to 2450nm, meet the increasing demands for accuracy and confidence in the industry, ensuring a fully surveilled process traceable to national standards (PTB).

The calibration laboratory offers services for measuring both SphereOptics' standards and targets, as well as customer-provided samples. Calibration is performed using a PerkinElmer Lambda 950 double beam spectrophotometer with a 150 mm integrating sphere for hemispherical reflection measurement. This high-performance UV/Vis/NIR spectrometer system is specifically developed for the spectral analysis of surface properties, enabling the determination of the 8°/hemispherical reflection of materials.

Key calibration specifications include:

  • 8°/hemispherical measurement geometry
  • Wavelength range from 250 to 2450nm
  • Measuring interval of 1 nm
  • Calibration object dimensions: 28 to 100mm diameter, up to 40mm thickness
  • Calibration objects must have a flat side to fully contact the sample port and be solid or abrasion-resistant
  • Output of measurement data as a DAkkS calibration certificate and on a digital medium
  • Traceability to PTB calibration certificate

Typical application areas include:

  • LiDAR references
  • Calibration of 1D and 2D sensors
  • Medical applications
  • White references for remote sensing

Reflection and Transmission Measurements

SphereOptics GmbH offers specialized calibration and cleaning services for a variety of optical measurements including diffuse reflection, specular reflection, transmission, color value deviation (Lab), and wavelength measurements. These services cater to both SphereOptics' standards and targets, as well as customer-provided samples.

Calibration Services

Reflectance and transmittance measurements are conducted using high-end spectrometers, the Perkin Elmer Lambda 950 or Lambda 19, both equipped with an integrating sphere. The reflectance measurement uses an 8° geometry, where the sample is mounted at the port of the sphere at an 8° angle, shifting the specular reflection towards the sphere's wall. An optional light trap at this position allows for the measurement of both diffuse and specular components of the total reflection.

Measurements are referenced against standards certified by the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), with periodic checks of wavelength accuracy using a SRM-2036 standard from the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST).

Accuracy and Range

  • Standard measurement range: 250 – 2450 nm in 1 nm steps
  • Absolute accuracy: better than <0.45% in the 300 – 1750 nm range
  • Wavelength accuracy: <0.75 nm in the 250 – 1900 nm range

Applications

  • (Re)calibration of optical standards and reflecting materials
  • Verification of wavelength standards
  • Deviation of color values
  • Determination of transmission properties of glass
  • Custom measurement services upon request

Photometric and Optical Testing Service

SphereOptics GmbH operates a lighting test laboratory designed for demonstration purposes and the determination of photometric parameters for luminaires, lamps, and LEDs. The laboratory offers calibration services for integrating sphere systems, spectrometers, and imaging systems. It measures the quantity of light produced, color, rendering quality, and spatial or angular distribution for light sources, displays, and signs. Energy efficiency metrics, including Light Output Ratio (LOR), luminous efficacy, and energy efficiency index, are also reported. Additionally, photometric data is compiled in .ies and .ldt (EULUMDAT) standard formats, along with Unified Glare Rating (UGR) tables. The laboratory also measures material optical properties, such as reflectance, transmittance, and scatter, ensuring precise and reliable measurements that meet the highest industry standards.

Scatter and Appearance Light Measurements

SphereOptics GmbH offers a specialized service for measuring optical surface parameters such as BRDF, BTDF, and TIS using a Radiant Vision Systems device known as the Imaging Sphere. This service caters to various materials, including metals, polymers, textiles, and paper. The Imaging Sphere measures BRDF for incidence angles ranging from 0° to 80° and BTDF for angles from 100° to 180°, with the option for cosine correction. Customers can choose different types of illumination, with halogen light as the standard for photopic and radiometric measurements, and the option for monochromatic illumination within the VIS spectrum (380 – 780 nm) or optionally in NIR.

Accuracy and Range

  • BRDF accuracy: ±5%
  • Continuously adjustable incidence angles: 0° – 80° (BRDF) and 100° – 180° (BTDF)
  • Monochromatic illumination available in the VIS spectrum (380 – 780 nm), optionally in NIR

Applications

  • Measurement of BRDF, BTDF, and TIS
  • Characterization of optical surface parameters for various materials
  • Deviation of surface reflection models
  • Custom measurement services upon request

Other services provided by SphereOptics includes, Photobiological Security Measurements and Calibration Service of Spectrometers & Imaging Sensor Systems.

With its products and services in the field of optical reference materials and measuring equipment, SphereOptics GmbH has firmly established itself in a high-end market segment, upholding the highest standards of quality and reliability. As optical sensors find applications in increasingly diverse fields, driven by synergies with Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence, they are poised to become a key technology of the 21st century. SphereOptics GmbH, committed to meeting the strictest market requirements through its rigorous quality policy, positions itself as an ideal partner to tackle future challenges.

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