The most accurate NIST-traceable calibration available

Manufacturers of LEDs, light fixtures and displays can now calibrate their spectral or luminous flux measurement systems quickly and accurately with Forward Flux Lamp Standards from Labsphere. This entirely new technology, available only from Labsphere, provides an exceptional artifact for maintaining and verifying 2p integrating sphere spectrometer calibration with a highly reliable standard calibrated directly to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) lumen.

Refer to picture above: Forward Flux Lamp Standards from Labsphere are calibrated directly to the NIST lumen for extremely accurate integrating sphere spectrometer calibrations.

Available in 400 and 1000 lumen models, Forward Flux Lamp Standards can be used to calibrate integrating sphere spectrometers for total forward spectral radiant flux responsivity from 350 nm to 1050 nm. The lamp standards are designed to meet the recommended practices of the Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) LM-79 for 2p measurements of solid state lighting. 

Each lamp standard is carefully seasoned, screened. All lamp standards are first seasoned for 1% of their rated life, and then screened for stability and repeatable performance, before transferring the lumen directly from a NIST lumen reference. The result is an accurate and reliable system calibration with a lamp standard distribution similar to the light sources being tested.

Lamp standards include a calibration certificate and calibration data on CD-ROM. Labsphere is an ISO 9001: 2000 Certified company.

For further information on Labsphere's Forward Flux Lamp Standards view website: www.labsphere.com

Labsphere's diffuse reflectance materials and
coatings increase medical imaging performance

With 96 to 98 percent reflectance, Labsphere's Spectralon® and Spectraflect® provide the highest level of uniform light integration for maximum efficiency in light collection tubes and light guides used in medical imaging equipment.

Refer to picture above: Labsphere's diffuse reflectance materials and coatings increase light collection tube and light guide throughput in medical imaging equipment.

The near-Lambertian properties of Spectralon and Spectraflect deliver a uniform dispersion of light that integrates light and reduces hotspots better than other materials in coated cavity applications. A high reflectance over a broad spectral range of 250-2500 nm increases optical efficiency. With increased efficiency, less light input is required for performance, lowering energy and design costs. Since light collection and reflectance are not dependent on the geometry of light input, design flexibility is increased.  Inert, thermally stable and UV-resistant, Labsphere's materials ensure consistent optical stability and long term performance reliability. 

Machined Spectralon can be economically fabricated into a wide variety of shapes to meet many imaging instrument designs. In-house machining allows samples to be created quickly and easily, and modified throughout the design, prototyping and testing process. For other applications, Spectraflect diffuse reflectance material can be uniformly spray-coated on customer provided substrates.

Part of the global Halma group of technology companies, Labsphere is a world leader in light testing and measurement, and diffuse optical coatings. The company's products include LED, laser and traditional light source light measurement systems; uniform light sources for imaging device calibration; spectroscopy accessories; and high diffuse reflectance materials and coatings for applications in backlit panel displays, computed radiography, and system calibration. Their expertise has resulted in multiple patents in areas such as methods for testing LEDs on a wafer and UV transmittance.

Labsphere's engineering staff often collaborates with customers to develop custom light collection tubes and light guides. To request a prototype, submit a specification drawing via e-mail to: labsphere@labsphere.com  Refer to page 265

Measure several properties of light output on
LED, tungsten, xenon and krypton lamp assemblies

With new standards for flashlight measurement on the horizon, Labsphere has developed the FS2 Spectral Flux Measurement System to facilitate accurate spectroradiometric, photometric and colorimetric characterization.  These application-specific, turnkey systems evaluate lamp efficiency for flashlight development and manufacture in commercial, marine, military, head-wear, emergency roadside and outdoor equipment applications.

Refer to picture above : Labsphere's FS2 Systems are custom designed for accurate spectral lamp measurements used in flashlight development and manufacture.

The FS2 system assesses Total Spectral Flux (Watts/nm), Total Radiant Flux (Watts), Total Luminous Flux (lumens), Color (CCT), Lamp Performance vs. Time, Peak and Dominant Wavelength, Spectral Purity, Colour Rendering Index (CRI), Chromaticity Coordinates and Half-Bandwidth.  The high dynamic range is suitable for a broad range of flashlights, including those with LED, tungsten, xenon and krypton lamps. 

The system's integrating sphere, coated with Labsphere's proprietary highly reflective diffuse Spectraflect®, delivers exceptional spatial integration, critical for uniform, repeatable and reproducible measurements of directional light sources. Total Forward Spectral Flux measurements are possible with the easy access side mount port, and an optional internal mounting platform in the integrating sphere delivers total spectral flux measurement of flashlight lamps.

Substitution errors are corrected with an absorption correction lamp and a forward spectral flux standard is provided for user calibrations. The lamp distribution further reduces spatial substitution errors. The MtrX-Flashlight, Flashlight Spectral Flux Measurement Software provides a user-friendly, intuitive platform for calibrating the system and analyzing measurements. All measurement results are captured instantly with real time graphics and the ability to generate and export reports. 

Labsphere's experienced engineering staff is able to specifically address the unique needs of each customer, designing a custom FS2 system for the type of flashlight application under study. For further information, e-mail to: labsphere@labsphere.com   Refer to page 270

TRaC offers safety test service for In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Systems

TRaC, the leading test house, now has full accreditation at its UK facilities to carry out safety testing of all medical diagnostic products that fall within the scope of the In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) Medical Devices Directive.

In Vitro Devices are items of diagnostic equipment that carry out medical tests on samples (for example, blood) obtained from the human body, but that do not operate directly in contact with the body.  The IVD Directive lays down a specific set of requirements for such equipment (distinct from diagnostic equipment such as monitors that are connected to the patient and have their own regulatory framework) in terms of their safety, quality and performance.

The IVD Directive sets out four classifications of product: General; Self-Test (i.e. products that patients may use themselves without medical supervision); and two higher categories of Test Kits and Devices that test for specified conditions.  As with any electrical product offered for sale in Europe, the supplier within the EU must affix the CE Mark; specified test regimes range from Self-Declaration of Conformance by the manufacturer (which is permitted for the General product category); through to a Declaration endorsed via an audit by a Notified Body; to a full third-party test programme carried out on production samples of a product.

TRaC is authorised and equipped to review design dossiers that manufacturers prepare, and to carry out type-testing where appropriate, in respect of the Safety requirements of the Directive. TRaC is accredited by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) for EN 61010-2-101, the standard that governs safety in laboratory equipment, and especially (IVD) medical equipment.  This qualification increases TRaC's support of Medical Device manufacturers by adding the endorsement of a widely-recognised test house to the CE Marking of their products, and by speeding their time-to-market through comprehensive knowledge of the IVD Directive's regulations and processes.

As with the many other Standards and Directives for which the test house holds qualifications, TRaC's involvement with a client's product design cycle can begin long before the audit or test programme is due, ensuring that all requirements are met during the design process and avoiding any delays as the product comes to market.

TRaC provides accredited approval services for other legislative requirements applicable to these products and through close coordination can manage complete qualification and approval programmes.

Key Facts
1) Test service extended to IVD medical products. 2) Covers medical systems that operate without patient contact. 3) Endorses CE Marking for safety under IVD Directive. 4) UKAS Accreditation to EN 61010-2-101 supports certification process.

TRaC in profile
TRaC is a leading test group with accreditations for all major markets worldwide. It has established itself with a reputation for unrivalled excellence in global approvals, testing and certification.

TRaC provides the assessment route to product manufacturers and designers to ensure they fulfil their legal obligations and demonstrate full compliance with the requirements of countries around the world.

For further information, view website: www.tracglobal.com   Refer to page 258