A modular family of compact, multi-purpose integrating spheres delivers significant advances in design, performance, availability and affordability
An integrating sphere is a hollow, spherical optical chamber coated internally with a high reflectance material that exhibits lambertian (i.e diffuse) reflectance.
Spheres are used either as directionally-insensitive collectors of light (combined with photodetectors) or as sources of uniform light (when internally illuminated) and provide unique solutions in the field of optical radiation measurements.
The unique properties of the integrating sphere are exploited wherever there is a difficult to measure or divergent source to be tested, such as with lasers, LEDs, laser diodes, optical fibres, projectors and lamps.
As a uniform light source, spheres are routinely used in the test of spaceborne multispectral imagers, the flat-fielding of CCDs, the MTF testing of lens systems and the calibration of radiometers and photometers.
When used with UV-VIS and FTIR spectrophotometers, integrating spheres support advanced research with reflective and transmissive scattering materials, such as in the determination of sunscreen and sun protective clothing SPF levels.
Now, Pro-Lite Technology, the Cranfield photonics distributor, has released details of the Next Generation Modular Integrating Spheres from Labsphere.
The new Labsphere range is a modular family of compact, multi-purpose integrating spheres that deliver significant advances in design, performance, availability and affordability.
By providing designed-in modular flexibility, Labsphere expects that optical engineers will, for the first time, be able to choose optimised, bespoke sphere solutions at off-the-shelf prices and with off-the-shelf availability. Labsphere's Next Generation Modular spheres are available in sizes ranging from 25 to 150mm diameter and with either an orthogonal three or four port configuration.
The Miniature series have cubic outers and diameters of 1 and 2in, while the Standard series have spherical outers and diameters of 3, 4 and 6in. Labsphere provides three sphere coating options that support operation from less than 250nm to greater than 20 microns.
Of note is its award-winning Spectralon thermoplastic coating which provides state-of-the-art reflectance levels of up to 99% in the 250-2500nm range and results in improved measurement sensitivity, long-term environmental stability and greater spatial integration uniformity.
The Next Generation Modular spheres offer a greatly increased robustness as a result of a sturdy sphere mounting and an improved port frame design with standard metric fasteners.
The greater commonality of parts between the various models in the range supports reduced lead times and by only selecting those features and accessories that are actually required, customers will benefit from keener pricing.
Labsphere integrating spheres find application in optical radiation and material measurements in industries as diverse as aerospace, automotive, chemical, cosmetic, electronic, semiconductor, electronic imaging, LED, lamp and lighting, laser, medical imaging, optics and photonics, pharmaceutical, photographic imaging and telecommunications.
