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Definition
Spectral measurement is the process of analyzing the distribution of light intensity as a function of the incident wavelength. In the context of optical scattering, it involves measuring how light of different wavelengths is scattered by a material or surface. This type of measurement provides critical information about the optical properties of the material, such as its refractive index, absorption, and scattering coefficients, which are essential for accurately characterizing and designing optical systems.
Why is spectral measurement important to an optical design?
In an optical design, accurate simulation results rely on accurate optical properties. Geometry alone does not determine light distribution; it¡¯s the optical properties that determine how the energy and direction of the rays change. For this reason, it¡¯s important to know as precisely as possible the optical characteristics of the materials that will be used in the design. The best way to obtain precise optical characteristics is to measure them directly on the material and export the data to use in an optical software tool. With this capability, R&D engineers can design the right material with given optical properties.
The type of measurement performed can depend on the material. For example, spectral BSDF measurements can be the most relevant for colored material, because understanding how light interacts with materials at various wavelengths allows designers to optimize the performance of optical systems. With this data, it¡¯s possible to minimize unwanted scattering and absorption to enhance the efficiency and clarity of optical devices like lenses, mirrors, and coatings.
What solution does Synopsys offer for spectral measurements?
The Synopsys REFLET 180S is a specialized instrument designed to provide accurate and highly precise measurements of light scattering properties. It is equipped with two types of detection: photodiode, for classical BSDF measurement, and a spectrophotometer, for spectral measurements.
Measurements for spectral BSDF (BSDF as a function of wavelength) can be made in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 760 nm.
The number of wavelengths measured is variable, with a minimum step size of 0.62 nm. The dynamic range of the spectrophotometer is 4096:1.
The figure below shows the spectral BRDF measurement on a black metalized sample at a 10¡ã angle of incidence. These results were obtained from the Synopsys REFLET 180S by using the spectrophotometer detector.
As you can see, the BRDF of this sample is much more specular at longer wavelengths of light, which can be very impactful on your system performance.
The Synopsys REFLET 180S offers a robust solution for spectral measurements by providing high precision and accuracy, a wide spectral range, advanced data analysis capabilities, a user-friendly interface, versatility, and seamless integration with optical design software. These features make it an invaluable tool for optical designers aiming to optimize their designs and ensure that they meet the required performance specifications.
In addition, the Synopsys REFLET 180S integrates seamlessly with the optical design software in the suite of Synopsys Optical 91³Ô¹ÏÍø. This integration facilitates the transfer of spectral data directly into optical design models, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of the design process.
Precision Light Scatter Data
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