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NBS specular reflectometer-spectrophotometer.

V R Weidner, J J Hsia

|March 12, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

A new specular reflectometer calibrates mirror standards from 250-2500 nm. This instrument offers precise absolute reflectance measurements with an uncertainty of +/-0.2%.

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Area of Science:

Optical Engineering
Metrology
Spectrophotometry

Background:

Accurate calibration of mirror standards is crucial for reliable optical measurements.
Existing spectrophotometers often measure diffuse or fixed-angle reflectance, necessitating specialized instruments for specular measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and validate a specular reflectometer for calibrating mirror standards.
To extend reflectance calibration capabilities across a broad spectral range (250-2500 nm) and various angles of incidence.

Main Methods:

Construction of a specular reflectometer as an accessory to a reference spectrophotometer.
Utilized a beam tracking system and a signal averaging sphere for absolute reflectance measurements.
Employed a computer-controlled turntable for precise control of the optical system at incidence angles from 5 to 80 degrees.

Main Results:

The instrument successfully calibrates mirror standards within the 250-2500 nm spectral range.
Demonstrated the capability to measure reflectance at various angles of incidence using polarized radiation.
Achieved low measurement uncertainties of +/-0.2% for absolute reflectance.

Conclusions:

The developed specular reflectometer provides a reliable and accurate method for calibrating mirror standards.
This instrument enhances the capabilities of reference spectrophotometers for comprehensive optical property characterization.
The system's design ensures high precision and versatility in specular reflectance measurements.