Labsphere CSS-04-010 Spectralon-Based Calibration Color Target

Overview

The Labsphere CSS-04-010 Spectralon-Based Calibration Color Target is a high-precision, NIST-traceable reference standard engineered for spectral and colorimetric instrument validation. Constructed from proprietary Spectralon® polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), this 1.25-inch-diameter target delivers near-perfect Lambertian reflectance—exhibiting minimal angular dependence (< ±0.5° deviation across 0–60° incidence) and exceptional spatial uniformity (< ±0.2% reflectance variation across the active surface). Unlike painted or dyed standards, Spectralon® maintains stable optical performance over time and under varying environmental conditions, making it suitable for routine calibration of portable spectrophotometers, imaging colorimeters, multispectral cameras, and industrial vision systems operating in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories or production-floor QA environments.

Key Features

• High-fidelity spectral reflectance: >99% average diffuse reflectance (350–1800 nm), certified per ASTM E259 and ISO 2813 for gloss-independent color measurement
• Lambertian geometry: Enables accurate angular response characterization without correction algorithms—critical for telecentric lens calibration and BRDF modeling
• Thermally robust construction: Stable performance across –40 °C to +80 °C; no spectral shift or hysteresis after thermal cycling
• Chemically inert and cleanable: Resistant to UV degradation, solvents, and humidity; surface contaminants removable with deionized water and lint-free wipes
• Factory-certified metrology data: Supplied with full-spectrum reflectance curves and CIE 1931 (x,y), CIE 1976 (u′,v′), and CIELAB (L*, a*, b*) coordinates referenced to D65 illuminant and 10° observer
• Modular configuration support: Compatible with Labsphere’s Universal Mounting Kits (UMK series) and third-party goniometric stages for automated calibration workflows

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CSS-04-010 is validated for use with instruments requiring traceable color reference targets per ISO 13655 (spectral measurement of printing), ISO 12233 (image sensor resolution testing), and ASTM E308 (computation of CIE tristimulus values). Its Spectralon® substrate meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when used within validated software-controlled calibration protocols. Each unit ships with a Certificate of Conformance detailing batch-specific reflectance measurements at 10-nm intervals from 350 nm to 1000 nm, aligned to NIST SRM 2035 and NIST SRM 2065. For GLP/GMP environments, optional re-certification services are available at 12-month or 24-month intervals, including audit-ready documentation packages compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.5.2.

Software & Data Management

Labsphere provides the Spectralon® Calibration Manager (SCM) software suite—compatible with Windows 10/11 and macOS 12+—to import, visualize, and compare measured spectra against certified reference data. SCM supports direct integration with common OEM platforms including Ocean Insight OceanView, Avantes ASE, and Konica Minolta CM-700d SDKs. All delivered spectral datasets are encoded in ASTM E1331-compliant .jdx format and include embedded metadata tags for instrument ID, operator, date/time stamp, and environmental conditions (temperature, RH). Audit trails are enabled by default, logging all user-initiated data exports and parameter modifications in accordance with 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements.

Applications

• Factory calibration of handheld and benchtop spectrophotometers prior to field deployment
• Validation of spectral response linearity in hyperspectral imaging systems (e.g., push-broom scanners, UAV-mounted sensors)
• Color consistency verification in display manufacturing (OLED, microLED, LCD) and automotive paint QC lines
• Reference standard for developing and verifying machine learning models in spectral classification tasks
• Traceable inter-laboratory comparison studies under ILAC MRA frameworks
• Education and research in photometry, color science, and optical metrology curricula

FAQ

Is the CSS-04-010 supplied with NIST-traceable certification?
Yes—each unit includes a factory-issued Certificate of Conformance with spectral reflectance data traceable to NIST Standard Reference Materials. Optional NIST-accredited calibration reports are available upon request.
Can this target be used for UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy beyond 1000 nm?
Spectralon® maintains >95% diffuse reflectance up to 2500 nm; however, the CSS-04-010’s standard certification covers 350–1000 nm. Extended-range certification (up to 2500 nm) is available as a custom service.
How often should the target be recertified in a regulated environment?
Per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.7.1, annual recalibration is recommended for critical applications; Labsphere offers on-site or return-to-factory revalidation with full uncertainty budgeting.
Does surface cleaning affect calibration validity?
No—when performed per Labsphere Technical Note TN-007 (using deionized water and Class 100 cleanroom wipes), cleaning does not alter reflectance characteristics. Abrasive cleaners or ultrasonic baths are strictly prohibited.
Are custom color configurations or dimensions supported?
Yes—Labsphere accepts OEM requests for non-standard geometries (e.g., rectangular arrays, multi-segment targets), alternate illuminants (D50, A), and extended spectral bands. Lead time and pricing vary based on configuration complexity.