The Optical Properties Measurements Lab at Surface Optics is a leading supplier of reflectance, BRDF, transmittance, solar absorptance and emittance testing services.
Surface Optics’ founders pioneered the design of analytical instrumentation for hemispherical and bidirectional reflectance measurements and established Surface Optics in 1977 to meet the optical properties testing needs of the aerospace and defense industry. Today our lab serves customers in commercial electronics, solar energy, biomedical technology, computer-generated imagery, cool roofing, construction, and many other applications requiring optical data for heat transfer modeling. Surface Optics customers receive the same high-quality testing and analysis we use for our own AS9100 coatings lab.
Our mission is to provide accurate measurements with quick turnaround times, affordable costs, and superior customer support for our unique service offerings. We welcome both U.S. and international customers.
Applications
Our measurement data is used in analysis and modeling for:
Our instruments and procedures are traceable to the National Institute of Standards & Technology. Surface Optics is an ASTM Organizational member and we use testing methods consistent with applicable ASTM standards.
Available Testing Services
Hemispherical Directional Reflectance
Measures the fraction of the light incident on a sample at a given angle that is reflected back into the hemisphere. Measurements of HDR from 0.3 μm to 50 μm. Typical HDR measurements are made out to 25 μm. We measure HDR as a function of incident elevation, polarization, wavelength, temperature, and provide both the specular and diffuse components.
Scatter, BSDF, BRDF, BTDF
The bidirectional reflectance (BRDF) and bidirectional transmittance (BTDF) of a surface are defined as the ratios of the luminous radiance reflected or transmitted into a unit solid angle to the total incident radiance. BRDF/BTDF measurement capabilities span from 0.4 μm to 14 μm with a full four degrees of angular freedom (incident elevation and azimuth, and reflected elevation and azimuth).
Emissivity
From reflectance measurements (and transmittance where necessary), we generate emittance data as a function of polarization, wavelength, angle, and temperature.
Solar Absorptance & Thermal Emittance
A/E Solar Absorptance and Emittance Measurement Services
Transmittance
Scattered or Collimated Transmittance from Hemispherical Directional Reflectance measurements.
ASTM Standard Testing
Comprehensive optical property testing that adhere to the rigorous standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Other Information
What is the standard lead time for a measurement?
2-4 weeks. Expedited measurement service available for an additional fee.
What size should my sample be?
Sample size requirements vary by measurement type but range from 1 in. x 1 in. (2.54 cm x 2.54 cm) to less than 4 in. x 4 in. (10.16 cm x 10.16 cm).
What data output(s) do you provide?
Raw data is provided in a comma separated .txt file that can be viewed easily in a text editor or Excel.
Measurement Type |
Avg Lead Time |
Sample Size |
|---|---|---|
Unpolarized spectral reflectance measurements |
2 weeks |
< 4″ square, flat |
Polarized single angle spectral reflectance – 0.3 to 25 microns |
2 weeks |
1 x 1.5″, flat |
Polarized single angle spectral reflectance – 2.0 to 25 microns |
2 weeks |
< 4″ square, flat |
Polarized multi angle spectral reflectance – 0.3 to 25 microns |
3 weeks |
1 x 1.5″, flat |
Polarized multi angle spectral reflectance – 2.0 to 25 microns |
3 weeks |
< 4″ square, flat |
Unpolarized collimated transmittance |
2 weeks |
< 4″ square, flat |
Unpolarized scattered transmittance |
2 weeks |
< 4″ square, flat |
BRDF at 1 wavelength, 1 incident angle, In-plane data only |
3 weeks |
< 4″ square, flat |
All other BRDF |
4 weeks |
< 4″ square, flat |
Handheld reflectometer solar absorptance and emittance |
2 weeks |
< 12″ flat |