Measuring Light at the National Institute

McPherson (Chelmsford, MA USA) manufactures dispersive spectrometers that are used to measure or tune in specific wavelengths of light. The National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) under auspice of the Ministry of Science and Technology contracted McPherson to construct by an optical test and measurement system. It has recently been commissioned. The McPherson spectral test and calibration system provides new capability for NIMT and help fulfill the institutes mission.

The contract is composed of sub‐systems like a Model 2035DS double monochromator, a collimator, a variable‐angle sample chamber, integrating spheres and more. Exhibiting excellent reproducibility, the double monochromator allows users to “dial in” very pure wavelengths of light anywhere from the invisible ultraviolet to the infrared. This light is the bundled together by the collimator and sent to the sample‐under‐test. Samples may include various optical materials, windows, filters, coatings, solar cells, and photosensitive detectors and so on. The McPherson system’s variable angle capability and integrating spheres allow the users at the National Institute of Metrology (NIMT) to perform many types of tests to characterize the interaction materials with different wavelengths of light.