Labsphere Spectralon® and Infragold® Diffuse Reflectance Targets & Standards
| Brand | Labsphere |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | RTC |
| Price Range | USD $0 – $50,000 |
Overview
The Labsphere RTC Series Diffuse Reflectance Targets and Standards are precision-engineered optical reference surfaces designed for radiometric, photometric, and spectral calibration across laboratory, field, and industrial environments. Built upon Labsphere’s proprietary Spectralon® and Infragold® materials—both certified for high diffuse reflectance, spectral stability, and long-term durability—these targets serve as traceable, NIST-compatible references in applications demanding rigorous measurement repeatability. Spectralon® operates across the ultraviolet–visible–near-infrared spectrum (250–2500 nm), delivering >99% Lambertian reflectance at 400–1500 nm with minimal angular or polarization dependence. Infragold®, optimized for mid- to far-infrared (1–20 µm), provides stable, spectrally flat reflectance (>95% typical) under thermal and radiant flux exposure. Unlike painted or coated standards, both materials maintain reflectance integrity after repeated cleaning, UV exposure, thermal cycling, and mechanical abrasion—critical for remote sensing validation, satellite sensor calibration, and environmental chamber testing.
Key Features
- Two material platforms: Spectralon® (UV-VIS-NIR) and Infragold® (MWIR–LWIR), each with documented BRDF and spectral reflectance data per ISO 20677 and ASTM E275
- Lambertian reflectance performance verified via goniometric measurement; <±0.5% spatial non-uniformity over active area
- Rugged anodized aluminum mounting frames with machined recesses for secure, strain-free material retention
- Water-washable surface: compatible with deionized water, isopropyl alcohol, and mild detergent cleaning without reflectance degradation
- Customizable geometry: standard 24 in² (155 cm²) Spectralon® targets; custom sizes up to 3 m² available with certified uniformity mapping
- Reflectance options: white (99% @ 450 nm), gray (10%, 20%, 50% nominal), and black (0.5% Vantablack-compatible variants)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
These targets are compatible with integrating spheres, imaging spectroradiometers (e.g., ASD FieldSpec, Ocean Insight QE Pro), FTIR systems, and UAV-mounted multispectral payloads. All Spectralon® targets are supplied with a certificate of conformance referencing NIST-traceable calibration at 10-nm intervals from 250–2500 nm. Infragold® targets include IR reflectance verification per ASTM E1933 (Standard Test Methods for Measuring and Compensating for Emissivity Using Infrared Imaging Radiometers). The RTC series meets requirements for GLP-compliant instrument qualification per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Annex A.2, supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trails when integrated with calibrated acquisition software, and is routinely specified in NASA Earth Science validation protocols (e.g., CEOS CAL/VAL Handbook).
Software & Data Management
While the targets themselves are passive hardware, Labsphere provides downloadable spectral reflectance datasets (.csv and .spc formats) for integration into common analysis environments including MATLAB, Python (NumPy/SciPy), ENVI, and OpticStudio. Each shipped unit includes a unique serial number-linked digital certificate containing full spectral reflectance curves, uncertainty budgets (k=2), and BRDF characterization at ±10°, ±30°, and ±60° incidence angles. Optional spectral modeling support is available through Labsphere’s Calibration Services Portal, enabling users to simulate target response under user-defined illumination geometries (e.g., solar zenith, collimated beam, diffuse dome) for uncertainty propagation analysis.
Applications
- Field validation of airborne and satellite-based hyperspectral sensors (e.g., Sentinel-2, Landsat 9, PRISMA)
- Calibration of display metrology systems for LCD, OLED, and microLED backlight uniformity and chromaticity assessment
- Reference surfaces in environmental test chambers simulating solar loading, thermal cycling, and salt fog exposure
- Target boards for LIDAR system alignment, beam profiling, and return signal normalization
- OEM integration into automated optical inspection (AOI) platforms requiring stable, low-drift reflectance references
- Material reflectance benchmarking for ASTM D2244 color difference calculations and ISO 11664-4 spectral matching
FAQ
What is the difference between Spectralon® and Infragold® targets?
Spectralon® is a sintered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based material optimized for UV–VIS–NIR reflectance stability and Lambertian behavior. Infragold® is a gold-coated, thermally stabilized substrate engineered for high, spectrally neutral reflectance in the infrared region (1–20 µm).
Can Spectralon® targets be cleaned with solvents?
Yes—Spectralon® is chemically inert and fully compatible with deionized water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mild aqueous detergents. Avoid chlorinated or abrasive cleaners.
Is NIST traceability included with every target?
Yes. Each RTC-series target ships with a NIST-traceable calibration certificate covering its specific spectral reflectance curve and associated expanded uncertainties (k=2).
How is uniformity validated across large-area custom targets?
Custom targets ≥1 m² undergo full-surface spectral mapping using a motorized XY stage and calibrated spectroradiometer; uniformity reports (±0.8% max deviation) are provided with shipment.
Do you offer OEM integration support?
Yes—Labsphere provides mechanical drawings, mounting interface specifications, spectral data APIs, and joint design reviews for embedded system integration.
