Neutral density filters
It is relatively easy to determine a 100%
level of transmitance. That can be done by
arranging a setup where a material of interest
is between a source of light and, typically, a
spectrometer. Then, by removing any sample
and any obstruction between the source and
the spectrometer, the full light source will
registger as the 100% level of transmittance.
With the full 100% registered, the light signal
through the material is in place and the
resulting signal will be the transmitted signal,
an identification may be readily determined.
Should quantitative data be wanted, it will
be necessary to measure the reflectance and
to figure the absorbance from:
Light in minus light reflected and minus light
ill be light (energy) absorbed.
In most cases, for light hitting the magterial
at 90°, available software can provide valid
absorbance calculations.
In many cases, it is desireable to calibrate
the spectrometer, radiometer,
etc., over the range of response. This is
where use of neutral density filters becomes
valuable. Calibrated ND filters
are used to assess the dynamic range
of detecgtors and their associated optical
systems. Avian‘s standard ND sets are
available as neutral density glass (best
used in the visible range only) and as
metal (Inconel) on optical glass (Vis-NIR
range). Alternately, fused silica filters
(UV-Vis range) are available in a
variety of sizes. All calibrations are
traceable to NRC/NIST.
The Avian neutral density fiters
which are available are noted below:
Inconel on Optical Glass Neutral Density Filter Sets:
Part number TS-ND06-02C includes six neutral density filters, calibrated from 400-2000
nm. Nominal densities are 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 OD. Filter size 2" ×
2" × 2.0 mm. Boxed, calibration certificate included.
Part number TFS06-02 M is a set of six standards, Inconel on glass, 50.8 mm
square, absorbance levels 0.3, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 A. Also includes a dymium oxide
wavelength cali bration filter. Calibrated from 400-2000 nm at 10 nm intervals.
Glass Neutral Density Filters:
Part number TS-NDG06-02 includes six neutral density filters, calibrated over the
range of 360-780 nm (CIE color range). Nominal densities of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.6, 1.0
and 2.0 OD. Filter size 2" × 2"
Neutral density filters in cuvette form
Transmittance standards in cuvette form is a convenient way of checking the
performance of any specgtrophotometer that accepts standard 10 mm cuvettes. The four
neutral density filters allow a user to check the photometric linearity of detector response.
The standards are Inconel on glass, canted to to eliminate inter-reflection
error. The wavelength calibration standard assures that the spectrometer’s
wavelength accuracy is within specifications. The set is housed in a wooden box and
is available with two different calibratons. Both photometric and wavelenth calibrations
are traceable to NIST or NRC.
Part number TFS-06M is a set of six standards. They are inconel on glass, having
absorbance levels 0.3, 0.5, 1.0 and 2,0 A. Includes a didymium oxide wavelength,
calibration filter. Blank in same configuration as filters. Density calibration is from
400-2000 nm at 10 nm intervals. Wavelength calibration from 350-2000 nm.
Part number TFS-06GW includes five standards and a blank. The filters are Schott
color glass, absorbance levels 0.3, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 A. Includes a didymium oxide
wavelength calibration filter. Blank in same configuration as filters. Density calibration
is from 360-830 nm at 10 nm intervals; data is on a CD at 1 nm intervals. Wavelength
calibration from 350-830 nm.
Part number TFS-06 Sety of five standards and blank, similar to the TFS-06 but
without the didymium oxide wavelength calibration filter.
Part number TFS-06GWX Set of six standards and blank. The filters are Schott
color glass, absorbance levels 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 A. with a holmium oxide
wavelength calibration filter. Blank in same configuration as filters. Density calibration
is from 360-830 nm at 10 nm intervals; data is on a CD at 1 nm intervals. Wavelength
calibration from 350-830 nm.
Transfer Standard – Mid-Infrared
A valid transfer standard for mid-infrared transmittance is a Schott neutral density
glass that is calibrated for transmittance at seven points in the mid-IR
between 5000 cm-1 and 2000 cm-1. The Avian Technolgies MIR transmittance
standard includes the filter, a standard filter holder that fits all dispersive and Fourier
transform infrared spectrophotometers and a calibration (traceable to NRC)
at all seven points, along with a transmittance curve. Instructions on the use of
the standard are provided.