Photometry and radiometry
Uncertainties
Unless otherwise specified, the uncertainties quoted in the descriptions below are expanded uncertainties representing a confidence level of approximately 95 percent. They were obtained by multiplying the standard overall uncertainty (one standard deviation) by a coverage factor of k=2.
Facilities
The primary standard for realizing luminous intensity (candela) is an NRC-built electrically calibrated thermal detector (absolute radiometer) equipped with V(λ)-correcting filters. Secondary standards of luminous intensity are in the form of carefully selected lamps traceable to the NRC absolute radiometers. The primary scales of spectral transmittance, reflectance and gloss are based on specially built NRC reference instruments.
Calibration facilities include:
- cryogenic and room-temperature absolute radiometers for first level spectral calibrations of transfer standard detectors;
- automatic spectroradiometers;
- lamp aging facilities;
- photometric benches and an integrating sphere;
- an automated spectral responsivity measurement facility;
- automated detector characterization facilities for linearity, spatial and angular variation of detector responsivity;
- a reference glossmeter;
- an absolute reflectometer for ISO 2469 calibrations of diffuse reflectance;
- a two-monochromator reference spectrofluorimeter, for calibrations of fluorescent reflecting materials;
- several automated spectrophotometers equipped with a variety of sampling accessories;
- an observation booth equipped with artificial daylight for visual assessments of colour differences between coloured materials; and
- a computer-controlled CRT-based visual colorimeter for research into improved colorimetry.
Fees for service
If you wish to order a calibration service, please request a quote from the following technical contact:
Dr. Joanne Zwinkels
Telephone: 613-993-9363
Email: Joanne.Zwinkels@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Note that the calibration costs quoted DO NOT include shipping, insurance or the cost of a customs broker. The client must arrange and pay for these services separately.
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-00-00 | Custom photometric or radiometric metrology services | Fee on request |
| A33-06-00-01 | Handling fee. A charge is levied for any instrument found to be unsuitable for calibration. This fee covers opening, inspection and return and is based on the work done prior to discovery of the fault. | $250 |
Photometry of incandescent lamps
The NRC scale of luminous intensity is based on the international 1979 CGPM definition of the candela using NRC absolute radiometers and is maintained on a group of specially selected Osram Wi41/G incandescent lamps. The standard uncertainty (1σ) of the primary luminous intensity scale is 0.5 percent. The NRC scale of luminous flux is based on measurements traceable to an NRC platinum blackbody source and is maintained on a set of 200 Watt and 500 Watt GEC incandescent lamps. The standard uncertainty (1σ) of the primary luminous flux scale is 1.5 percent. The following services describe routine photometric measurements that are available. Other specialized photometric tests may be performed upon special request.
Lumen standards - for use in sphere photometers
These services cover the determination of the luminous flux (lumens) from one or more incandescent lamps at one voltage or current per lamp, up to 1000 watts, as follows:
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-01-01 | One lamp at one voltage or current. | $1755 |
| A33-06-01-02 | Each additional lamp of the same size and type, supplied at the same time and calibrated under the same conditions as A33-06-01-01. | $350 |
Luminous intensity standards - for use on a horizontal bar photometer
The horizontal luminous intensity (candelas) of one or more incandescent lamps is determined in a fixed direction at one or more voltages or currents per lamp, as follows:
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-01-03 | One lamp at one voltage or current. | $1755 |
| A33-06-01-04 | Each additional lamp of the same size and type, supplied at the same time and calibrated under the same conditions as A33-06-01-03. | $350 |
| A33-06-01-05 | Each additional voltage or current, requested at the same time as A33-06-01-03, per lamp. | $525 |
Aging of incandescent lamps
To ensure that lamps are stable enough to be used as standards, they should be operated or aged for a number of hours. These services cover the aging of lamps in a controlled environment, as follows:
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-01-06 | Initial set-up charge for one lamp. | $875 |
| A33-06-01-07 | Set-up charge for each additional lamp of the same size and type as A33-06-01-06. | $175 |
| A33-06-01-08 | Hourly charge for aging each lamp (A33-06-01-06 and A33-06-01-07). | $15 |
Colour temperature of incandescent lamps
The colour temperature or the voltage for a specified colour temperature on one or more incandescent lamps can be determined within the range 2000 kelvin to 2856 kelvin, as follows:
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-02-01 | Colour temperature of one lamp or the voltage for one colour temperature of one lamp. | $1755 |
| A33-06-02-02 | Each additional lamp at the same colour temperature measured at the same time as A33-06-02-01. | $350 |
| A33-06-02-03 | Each additional colour temperature on the same lamp measured at the same time as A33-06-02-01. | $160 |
Calibration of photometric instruments and sources
Illuminance meters and luminance meters are calibrated photometrically on a custom basis using NRC luminous intensity standards. Special luminance tests are also available for displays, sphere sources and other luminance sources.
If you wish to order a calibration service, please request a quote from the following technical contact:
Dr. Arnold Gaertner
Telephone: 613-993-9344
Email: Arnold.Gaertner@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-02-20 | Illuminance meters. | Fee on request |
| A33-06-02-30 | Luminance meters. | Fee on request |
Spectophotometry and colorimetry
Spectral diffuse transmittance and reflectance factors
Diffuse reflectance and transmittance measurements are routinely available over the wavelength range 250 nm to 2200 nm and from 5000 cm-1 to 600 cm-1. Arrangements can also be made to calibrate samples over an extended wavelength range from 200 nm to 2500 nm, but this requires supplementary measurement/validation steps and additional charges apply. It should be noted that the current scope of accreditation for these services is for the wavelength range 250 nm to 850 nm only.
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-03-01A | Total (regular and diffuse) reflectance or transmittance, 400 nm to 700 nm at 5 nm intervals, one sample. | $667.50 |
| A33-06-03-01B | Diffuse-only reflectance or transmittance, 400 nm to 700 nm at 5 nm intervals, one sample. | $667.50 |
| A33-06-03-02A | Total (regular and diffuse) reflectance or transmittance, 250 nm to 850 nm at 5 nm intervals, one sample. | $812.50 |
| A33-06-03-02B | Diffuse-only reflectance or transmittance, 250 nm to 850 nm at 5 nm intervals, one sample. | $812.50 |
| A33-06-03-03A | Each additional sample for A33-06-03-01A. | $275 |
| A33-06-03-03B | Each additional sample for A33-06-03-01B. | $275 |
| A33-06-03-03C | Each additional sample for A33-06-03-02A. | $530 |
| A33-06-03-03D | Each additional sample for A33-06-03-02B. | $530 |
| A33-06-03-04A | Total (regular and diffuse) reflectance or transmittance, 250 nm to 2500 nm at 10 nm intervals, one sample. | $1400 |
| A33-06-03-04B | Diffuse-only reflectance or transmittance, 250 nm to 2500 nm at 10 nm intervals, one sample. | $1400 |
| A33-06-03-04C | Total (regular and diffuse) reflectance or transmittance, 250 nm to 2200 nm at 10 nm intervals, one sample. | $1300 |
| A33-06-03-04D | Diffuse-only reflectance or transmittance, 250 nm to 2200 nm at 10 nm intervals, one sample. | $1300 |
| A33-06-03-04E | Each additional sample of A33-06-03-04A. | $800 |
| A33-06-03-04F | Each additional sample of A33-06-03-04B. | $800 |
| A33-06-03-04G | Each additional sample of A33-06-03-04C. | $800 |
| A33-03-03-04H | Each additional sample of A33-06-03-04D. | $800 |
| A33-06-03-05A | Total (regular and diffuse) reflectance, 5000 cm-1 to 600 cm-1. | $2000 |
| A33-06-03-05B | Diffuse (non-specular) reflectance, 5000 cm-1 to 600 cm-1. | $2000 |
| A33-06-03-05C | Each additional sample for A33-06-03-05B. | $1460 |
Spectral regular transmittance factors
(A33-06-03-06 to A33-06-03-10E) Calibrations of regular transmittance are traceable to the NRC reference spectrophotometer, which has an uncertainty of 2.5 parts in 104 in the visible range and 4.0 parts in 104 in the near-infrared range. Routine calibrations are performed on high-precision research spectrophotometers over the wavelength range 190 nm to 3200 nm, with a best measurement capability (relative) of 0.2 percent. Services are for calibrations using monochromatic irradiation. Arrangements can be made for special setups and supplementary measurements. Additional charges may apply for non-standard measurements, such as polarizing, highly spectrally selective, high transmission density, or small size samples. Spectral regular transmittance factors are measured for specified wavelength ranges, for one or more samples, as follows:
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-03-06 | From 380 nm to 760 nm at 5 nm intervals, one sample. | $575 |
| A33-06-03-06A | Each additional sample of A33-06-03-06. | $345 |
| A33-06-03-07 | From 190 nm to 860 nm at 5 nm intervals, one sample. | $655 |
| A33-06-03-07A | Client-specified single wavelength (UV-VIS-NIR range). | $375 |
| A33-06-03-07B | Each additional sample for A33-06-03-07. | $465 |
| A33-06-03-09 | From 190 nm to 3200 nm at 10 nm intervals. | $970 |
| A33-06-03-10 | Each additional sample (A33-06-03-09). | $685 |
| A33-06-03-10A | Re-certify NIST SRM 930 filters (set of three). | $730 |
| A33-06-03-10B | Re-certify NIST SRM 1930 filters (set of three). | $958 |
| A33-06-03-10C | NG-11 glass filter and calibration at 4000 cm-1 to 2000 cm-1. This service includes the purchase of the glass filter. | $1405 |
| A33-06-03-10D | Wavelength absorption peaks, 250 nm to 900 nm. | $700 |
| A33-06-03-10E | Wavenumber, polystyrene film, 4000 cm-1 to 800 cm-1. | $930 |
Absolute specular reflectance - Near-normal incidence
The following services measure the absolute specular reflectance at near-normal incidence (usually 8°) for one or more samples for specified wavelength ranges and for a minimum and maximum sample size of 35 mm diameter and 50 mm diameter, respectively, and for a nominal reflectance exceeding 10 percent. Arrangements can be made to calibrate samples of smaller size or lower reflectance, but additional charges may apply.
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-03-11A | Spectral reflectance, visible range, 380 nm to 760 nm. | $890 |
| A33-06-03-11B | Spectral reflectance, UV-Vis range, 220 nm to 850 nm. | $1050 |
| A33-06-03-11C | Spectral reflectance, Vis-NIR range, 380 nm to 2500 nm. | $1370 |
| A33-06-03-11D | Spectral reflectance, UV-Vis-NIR range, 220 nm to 2500 nm. | $1530 |
| A33-06-03-12A | Each additional sample for A33-06-03-11A. | $785 |
| A33-06-03-12B | Each additional sample for A33-06-03-11B. | $785 |
| A33-06-03-12C | Each additional sample for A33-06-03-11C. | $950 |
| A33-06-03-12D | Each additional sample for A33-06-03-11D. | $1100 |
Calculation of colorimetric quantities
In the following services, various colorimetric quantities are calculated from the spectrophotometric data. Calculations of other quantities (e.g. solar transmittance and reflectance) are available upon special request.
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-03-13 | Tristimulus values and chromaticity coordinate's (one sample). | $125 |
| A33-06-03-14 | Colour differences (one sample). | $190 |
| A33-06-03-14A | CIE whiteness and CIE tint, ISO brightness. | Fee on request |
Calibration of white reflectance standards according to ISO 2469 and ISO 2470 standards
The following services provide for the calibration of white reflectance standards for the pulp and paper industry, according to ISO 2469 and ISO 2470 specifications.
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-03-15A | Diffuse reflectance, 380 - 760 nm and ISO brightness. | $1210 |
| A33-06-03-15B | Diffuse reflectance, 380 - 1100 nm and ISO brightness. | $1530 |
| A33-06-03-16A | Additional sample of A33-06-03-15A. | $760 |
| A33-06-03-16B | Additional sample of A33-06-03-15B. | $850 |
Spectral radiance factors, 45°:0°geometry
The NRC scale of absolute 45:0 spectral radiance factors is traceable to a master NRC pressed tablet of polytetrafluoroethylene calibrated for 45:0 geometry by NIST. The uncertainty of these NRC calibrations is ±0.7 percent.
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-03-26 | Bidirectional reflectance, 380 - 760 nm. | $810 |
| A33-06-03-27 | Additional sample of A33-06-03-26. | $415 |
| A33-06-03-28 | Bidirectional reflectance, 380 - 1100 nm. | $975 |
| A33-06-03-29 | Additional sample of A33-06-03-28. | $490 |
Calibrated stainless steel reflectance standard
NRC calibrates and issues a stainless steel reflectance standard for use in calibrating the specular reflectance scale of spectrophotometers.
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-03-40 | Stainless steel reflectance standard and calibration at 250 nm to 2500 nm, 8° incidence. Calibrations at other geometries are available upon special request. | $2545 |
| A33-06-03-42 | Calibration at oblique incidence, specified spectral range. | Fee on request |
Absolute specular reflectance at 10° to 80° incidence
(s- and p-polarized)
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-03-50 | 380 nm to 780 nm, one geometry, one sample. | $1050 |
| A33-06-03-50A | Additional sample for A33-06-03-50. | $835 |
| A33-06-03-51 | 220 nm to 380 nm, one geometry, one sample. | $1050 |
| A33-06-03-51A | Additional sample for A33-06-03-51. | $835 |
| A33-06-03-52 | 220 nm to 780 nm, one geometry, one sample. | $1690 |
| A33-06-03-52A | Additional sample for A33-06-03-52. | $1035 |
| A33-06-03-54 | 380 nm to 2300 nm, one geometry, one sample. | $1610 |
| A33-06-03-54A | Additional sample for A33-06-03-54. | $1155 |
| A33-06-03-56 | 220 nm to 2300 nm, one geometry, one sample. | $2300 |
| A33-06-03-56A | Additional sample for A33-06-03-56. | $1710 |
Spectroradiometry
The NRC scale of spectral irradiance from 300 nm to 800 nm is based on the world-mean scale resulting from a 1973 international intercomparison of spectral irradiance scales, and is maintained on a group of 500 Watt quartz-halogen lamps. Calibrated spectral irradiance standard lamps can be purchased. These standards are 200 Watt quartz-halogen lamps, specially selected, aged and calibrated at a fixed dc current and with the spectral irradiance defined at a working distance of 43 cm. The standard uncertainty (1σ) in these lamp standards varies from 2 percent (400 nm to 800 nm) to 3 percent (350 nm to 400 nm) to 10 percent (300 nm to 350 nm).
Spectral irradiance and spectral radiance calibrations are also available on user-supplied lamps over the same wavelength range. The spectral radiance calibrations are derived from NRC spectral irradiance standards or NIST spectral radiance standards.
Spectral irradiance (incandescent lamp)
The following services cover measurements in specified wavelength ranges of the spectral irradiance, from an incandescent lamp at a fixed distance and in a given direction.
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-04-01 | 350 to 1100 nm at 10 nm intervals, one lamp. | $4565 |
| A33-06-04-02 | 800 to 1600 nm at 10 nm intervals, one lamp. | $4565 |
| A33-06-04-03 | From 300 nm to 350 nm. | Fee on request |
| A33-06-04-04 | Additional lamp of each of above three. | Fee on request |
Spectral radiance (of a uniform incandescent lamp)
These services measure the spectral radiance of a uniform incandescent lamp, in a given direction, for specified wavelength ranges and intervals.
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-04-09 | From 380 nm to 780 nm at 5 nm intervals. | $2865 |
| A33-06-04-10 | From 380 to 1060 nm at 4 nm intervals. | $2865 |
| A33-06-04-12 | From 300 to 800 nm. | Fee on request |
Spectral radiance (of a strip-filament lamp)
The spectral radiance of a portion of a strip-filament lamp can be measured, in a given direction, for specified wavelength ranges and intervals.
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-04-12 | From 300 nm to 800 nm at 5 nm intervals. | Fee on request |
Total spectral radiance factors, two monochromator method (45°:0°)
The measurement facilities in spectrophotometry include a two-monochromator reference spectrofluorimeter for absolute radiometric calibrations of fluorescent reflecting materials. This instrument conforms to CIE and ASTM colorimetry standards and employs a measurement geometry of 45º annular illumination and 0º viewing, and an operating range of 250 nm to 1050 nm. The overall uncertainty of calibrations of total and reflected radiance factors of fluorescent standards is 1 percent (excluding sample-dependent effects).
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-04-32 | From 300 nm to 850 nm, one illuminant. Reflected and total spectral radiance factors are also provided on diskette. | $1850 |
| A33-06-04-34 | Additional illuminant (A33-06-04-32). | $275 |
| A33-06-04-36 | Additional bispectral luminescent radiance factor data, on diskette (A33-06-04-32). |
$235 |
| A33-06-04-38 | As per A33-06-04-32 except reflected radiance factors only. | $813 |
Measurement of detectors, radiometers and photometers
Spectral responsivity calibrations are traceable to NRC absolute radiometers. Measurements are performed using continuous (i.e. not chopped) radiation. The overall expanded uncertainty (k=2) of routine calibrations ranges from 0.25 percent to 5 percent, depending upon the wavelength range and the type of detector, and excluding detector-specific effects.
For absolute calibrations, a minimum detector size of 2.0 mm is normally required, but smaller detectors can sometimes be calibrated. Special set-up charges apply to photomultipliers. High-accuracy calibrations of specially-selected silicon and germanium photodiodes are also available upon special request. The minimum detector size for these calibrations is 5 mm. The combined standard uncertainty (1σ) for these measurements is about 0.3 percent for silicon (400 nm to 1000 nm) and 0.35 percent for germanium (1000 nm to 1600 nm). Detectors will be measured at 10 nm steps within the specified service range; however alternate, step sizes can be measured upon request and at additional cost. Detectors will be measured with no (zero) reverse bias; however reverse bias can be applied upon request, with additional costs for set up. Additional costs may apply for some non-standard, extensive physical set-ups.
Other detector characterization measurements are available: temperature coefficients of responsivity; linearity (dynamic range of approximately six decades); spatial uniformity of responsivity; angular variation of responsivity (underfill mode); and calibration of shortwave and longwave UV meters. The following services are for one receiver of a given model.
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-05-04 | Absolute spectral responsivity: UV-VIS (maximum range is 250 nm to 700 nm). | $1110 |
| A33-06-05-05 | Absolute spectral responsivity: VIS-IR (maximum range is 400 nm to 1200 nm). | $1110 |
| A33-06-05-06A | Absolute spectral responsivity: FIR (maximum range is 700 nm to 1800 nm). | $1110 |
| A33-06-05-06B | Absolute spectral responsivity: FIR (maximum range is 1200 nm to 2700 nm). | $1110 |
Gloss measurements
Specular gloss calibrations are performed on the NRC reference glossmeter using a specially-developed NRC quartz wedge as the primary standard. This measurement service is available for 20°, 60° and 85° geometries according to ASTM D523 and ISO 2813 specifications, with an uncertainty of 0.3 gloss units, and at 45° geometry according to ISO 7668 specifications. The following fees are for non-metallic specimens. Additional charges apply for mirror samples.
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-06-01 | Gloss at one geometry (20°, 60°, or 85°), one sample. | $950 |
| A33-06-06-02 | Each additional sample, calibrated under the same conditions as A33-06-06-01. | $275 |
| A33-06-06-10 | Gloss at 45°, one sample. | $1185 |
| A33-06-06-12 | Each additional sample, calibrated under the same conditions as A33-06-06-10. | $355 |
| A33-06-06-14 | Gloss at 75°, one sample. | $950 |
| A33-06-06-16 | Additional sample, calibrated under the same conditions as A33-06-06-14. | $600 |
Colorimetry of video displays
Colour characterization of customer's video displays (CRT, FPD, etc.) is available upon special arrangement. The reference spectroradiometer used at NRC for these measurements is traceable to NRC primary photometric standards. The following services are available:
- measurement of the tristimulus values (including absolute luminance) of the RGB primaries of the display;
- measurement and mathematical modelling of the relationship between digital data and radiometric data in accordance with CIE recommendations (CIE Pub. 122-1996).
In addition, calibration and verification services are available for colorimeters used for the routine measurement and adjustment of video displays of given types. This involves determining the relationship between the colorimeter's built-in colour matching functions and the CIE colour-matching functions.
| Calibration number | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A33-06-07-02 | Custom colorimetric services for digital imaging devices. | Hourly charge |
| A33-06-08-01 | Custom test of Bidirectional reflectance distribution function. | Fee on request |
| A33-06-09-01 | Custom service for video display. | Fee on request |
Contact
Dr. Nelson Rowell
Telephone: 613-993-2377
Email: Nelson.Rowell@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Business Office: inmsbusino@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
- Date modified:
