VW Absolute Specular Reflectance accessory

For the Cary 1, 3, 100 and 300 instruments

The Absolute Specular Reflectance accessory is designed to measure the 'mirror-like' reflectance off a sample surface.

It has applications in measuring the specular reflectance of different types of surfaces such as mirrors or gloss paints. In addition it can be used to determine the degree of polishing of an optical surface, or to measure the film thickness of thin coatings. It can be also be used in a wide variety of other applications.

Design features

The accessories feature a unique variation of Strong's 'VW' design. By using the same optical elements for both calibration and sample measurement, a truly absolute reflectance measurement may be attained.

The dual 'VW' design features a kinematically mounted spherical mirror which is used for both calibration and sample measurement. With the exception of the sample, the same optical elements are always in the light path, providing a truly absolute reflectance measurement.

This is in contrast to designs which measure the sample relative to an aluminium mirror or those which use two 'matched' mirrors and assume that they will remain matched.

Small sample measurement

The measurement of samples as small as 12 mm in diameter, and samples with very low reflectance (such as anti-reflection coatings) can be enhanced with the use of the 'single bounce' technique.

A mirror of known reflectivity is placed next to the sample, reflecting the first bounce of the light. The sample then reflects the second bounce. This technique ensures the maximum light throughput. The data is then corrected for the contribution of the mirror.

Specifications

Ordering information

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