Integrating Sphere Spectrophotometer Research Articles

Surface roughness and optical characteristics evaluations after chairside adjustment of different zirconia types.

Limited evidence is available for the effect of chairside adjustment using rotary cutting instruments on the surface roughness and optical properties of different zirconia types. To evaluate the effect of simulated adjustments on surface roughness and optical properties of different zirconia types. Three Partially Stabilized Zirconia (PSZ) types based on mole percent yttria (Y) concentration from the same manufacturer (Katana; Kuraray) were used: 3Y-PSZ, 4Y-PSZ, and 5Y-PSZ. Thirty disk-shaped specimens (Ø14 × 1.2 mm) from different zirconia types (N = 90) were prepared. Specimens were either left without adjustment (NA), adjusted with Dialite ZR finishing and polishing system (Brasseler) (APol), or adjusted with course diamond instruments only (ADia). The specimens were distributed into 9 groups (n = 10): Group 3Y-PSZ/NA, Group 3Y-PSZ/APol, Group 3Y-PSZ/ADia, Group 4Y-PSZ/NA, Group 4Y-PSZ/APol, Group 4Y-PSZ/ADia, Group 5Y-PSZ/NA, Group 5Y-PSZ/APol, and Group 5Y-PSZ/ADia. The surface roughness of specimen was analyzed using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) (Bruker's Dimension Icon, Bruker) and Root Means Square (RMS) were recorded (nm). Surface Gloss (SG), Translucency Parameter (TP), and Contrast Ratio (CR) values of all groups were recorded using an integrating sphere spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's multiple comparison tests for pairwise comparisons at p < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. APol had no effect on the surface roughness (p = 0.88) while ADia had a significant negative effect (p < 0.05) despite the type of zirconia. Out of the three testes optical properties, only SG was negatively affected by ADia for all types of zirconia (p < 0.05). The two adjustment types did not affect the TP of all the tested zirconia (p = 0.91). The CR was not affected by the tested adjustments for all zirconia types (p = 0.726). Proper zirconia adjustment following a sequence of burs and polishers can maintain acceptable roughness and optical properties. Adjustment of zirconia with rough diamond can lead to deleterious effects and should be avoided. Chairside adjustment of zirconia could lead to rougher surface and unpredictable changes of surface gloss. Therefore, zirconia adjustment should be minimized to the greatest extent possible and a proper protocol should be followed if had to be done.

Comparative analysis between portable spectrometer and integrating sphere spectrophotometer for measuring solar reflectance of tiles

Resumo Conhecer as propriedades termofísicas das superfícies do envelope construtivo, como a refletância solar, é primordial para a adoção de estratégias passivas de melhoria do desempenho térmico das edificações. Contudo, ainda é escassa a divulgação desses dados por fabricantes de revestimentos nacionais, devido à dificuldade de acesso aos equipamentos e necessidade de técnicos especializados para seu manuseio. Buscando auxiliar o acesso a esses dados, este trabalho apresenta a avaliação do espectrômetro portátil ALTA II como alternativa aos métodos normatizados de medição da refletância solar para telhas cerâmicas e de fibrocimento. Para isso, foram comparados os valores de refletância solar obtidos a partir de um espectrofotômetro com esfera integradora e aqueles medidos com o ALTA II para 39 telhas. Análises de desempenho do ALTA II a partir de variações no método de medição (com e sem aparato escuro em ambiente interno e sem aparato em ambiente externo) foram inconclusivos para determinar a influência da ausência de um aparato para a medição nas amostras selecionadas. Apesar da incerteza observada, os resultados demonstraram forte correlação entre os dados medidos no ALTA II com aparato e com o espectrofotômetro, indicando o espectrômetro como uma alternativa para a medição de refletância solar das amostras.

Bioaccumulation and physiological responses of the Coontail, Ceratophyllum demersum exposed to copper, zinc and in combination.

Ceratophyllum demersum is a submerged aquatic angiosperm which is fast growing in contaminated water. This plant has no roots and so takes up nutrients from the water column without the complicating factor of differential shoot/root uptake of nutrients. This study aimed to compare the bioaccumulative capacities of Cu, Zn and their combination by C. demersum and physiological responses (growth, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic rate) of C. demersum to Cu and Zn. Additionally, pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) technology and integrating sphere spectrometer were applied to detect copper and zinc toxicity effects on the light reactions of photosynthesis C. demersum is an aquatic plant that could be a good accumulator of Cu and Zn in actual solution in the water column. Additionally, RGR (relative growth rate) and chlorophyll content of C. demersum show that toxic effects of Cu or Zn increased over time. Cu and Zn effects manifested themselves more slowly than expected: at least 5 to 10d were needed for noticeable effects both macroscopically (physical appearance), biochemical (chlorophyll content) and from measurements of photosynthesis using Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) fluorometry. Moreover, the combination of Cu and Zn caused more toxic effect than either Cu or Zn separately. Whole plant scans using an integrating sphere spectrophotometer showed that Cu, Zn and Zn+Cu toxicity effects could be identified from spectral scans but were not specific enough for Cu, Zn and Zn+Cu toxicity to be distinguished from one another.

Effect of masticatory simulation on the translucency of different types of dental zirconia

Statement of problemTranslucent zirconia has been marketed to dentists seeking to provide esthetic monolithic dental restorations. Evidence on differences in translucency between recently introduced translucent zirconia and conventional zirconia before and after fatigue testing with thermocycling is lacking. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of fatiguing and thermocycling on the translucency of 5 mol% yttria partially stabilized zirconia (5Y-PSZ) and 3 mol% yttria partially stabilized zirconia (3Y-PSZ) at clinically relevant thicknesses. Material and methodsTranslucent zirconia (BruxZir Anterior Solid Zirconia [5Y-PSZ]) and conventional zirconia (BruxZir Shaded Zirconia [3Y-PSZ]) were evaluated. Disk-shaped specimens were prepared to 0.7-mm and 1.2-mm thicknesses for each zirconia type. Four groups (n=10/group) were evaluated. Translucency parameter (TP), contrast ratio (CR), and light blockage percentage (Lb%) were recorded by using an integrating sphere spectrophotometer before and after fatiguing (1.2 million cycles at 110-N load with simultaneous thermocycling at 5 °C to 55 °C). Data were analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of variance for statistical significance (α=.05). CR values were compared with the reported 0.06 translucency perception threshold of the human eye. ResultsA statistically significant difference was found in TP, CR, and Lb% between 5Y-PSZ and 3Y-PSZ (P<.001). Thickness had a statistically significant effect on TP, CR, and Lb% (P<.05). The 0.7-mm thickness groups were more translucent and had lower Lb% than the 1.2-mm thickness groups (P<.001). Baseline ranking from most to least translucent according to TP and CR measurements was as follows: 5Y-PSZ (0.7 mm), 3Y-PSZ (0.7 mm), 5Y-PSZ (1.2 mm), and 3Y-PSZ (1.2 mm). Lb% was 64% at the 1.2-mm and 56% at the 0.7-mm thickness in the 3Y-PSZ groups. Lb% was 61% at the 1.2-mm and 53% at the 0.7-mm thickness in the 5Y-PSZ groups. None of the groups, before and after fatiguing, had a CR value exceeding the clinically perceivable 0.06 translucency perception threshold value. ConclusionsTranslucent (5Y-PSZ) and conventional (3Y-PSZ) zirconias evaluated in this study displayed degrees of translucency that were inversely related to the zirconia thickness. 5Y-PSZ was more translucent and blocked less light than 3Y-PSZ, but this difference may not be perceivable to the human eye. Both 5Y-PSZ and 3Y-PSZ were optically stable after fatiguing and thermocycling.

Variable structural colors and hydrophobicity of SiO2/polyethyleneimine coating on glass substrate

Films composed of nanoparticles have been commonly used in decorative applications due to their striking colors and useful self-cleaning properties. An efficient option for the structural coloration has been developed through fabrication of the thin films on substrates from SiO2 nanoparticles and PEI. The surface morphology and microstructure of SiO2/polyethyleneimine (PEI) film on glass substrate were analyzed with an SEM, AFM, and thickness analyzer. The homogeneous coatings of limited SiO2 aggregation with air voids were formed on glass substrates. It was strongly suggested that optical properties of the films came from the single-layer thin film interference effect. The structural colors of SiO2/PEI films were captured by digital camera, integrating sphere spectrophotometer and multi-angle spectrophotometer. The results indicated that the films illuminated distinctly as the thickness increased, and presented different lightness values and hues at various viewing angles. Moreover, those films with some surface roughness exhibited high water static contact angle, which endowed the films potential hydrophilicity and self-cleaning property.

CIEL⁎a⁎b⁎ color space predictive models for colorimetry devices – Analysisof perfume quality

Color perception plays a major role in the consumer evaluation of perfume quality. Consumers need first to be entirely satisfied with the sensory properties of products, before other quality dimensions become relevant. The evaluation of complex mixtures color presents a challenge even for modern analytical techniques. A variety of instruments are available for color measurement. They can be classified as tristimulus colorimeters and spectrophotometers. Obsolescence of the electronics of old tristimulus colorimeter arises from the difficulty in finding repair parts and leads to its replacement by more modern instruments. High quality levels in color measurement, i.e., accuracy and reliability in color control are the major advantages of the new generation of color instrumentation, the integrating sphere spectrophotometer. Two models of spectrophotometer were tested in transmittance mode, employing the d/0° geometry. The CIEL⁎a⁎b⁎ color space parameters were measured with each instrument for 380 samples of raw materials and bases used in the perfume compositions. The results were graphically compared between the colorimeter device and the spectrophotometer devices. All color space parameters obtained with the colorimeter were used as dependent variables to generate regression equations with values obtained from the spectrophotometers. The data was statistically analyzed to create predictive model between the reference and the target instruments through two methods. The first method uses linear regression analysis and the second method consists of partial least square regression (PLS) on each component.

Method for more accurate transmittance measurements of low-angle scattering samples using an integrating sphere with an entry port beam diffuser

For most integrating sphere measurements, the difference in light distribution between a specular reference beam and a diffused sample beam can result in significant errors. The problem becomes especially pronounced in integrating spheres that include a port for reflectance or diffuse transmittance measurements. The port is included in many standard spectrophotometers to facilitate a multipurpose instrument, however, absorption around the port edge can result in a detected signal that is too low. The absorption effect is especially apparent for low-angle scattering samples, because a significant portion of the light is scattered directly onto that edge. In this paper, a method for more accurate transmittance measurements of low-angle light-scattering samples is presented. The method uses a standard integrating sphere spectrophotometer, and the problem with increased absorption around the port edge is addressed by introducing a diffuser between the sample and the integrating sphere during both reference and sample scan. This reduces the discrepancy between the two scans and spreads the scattered light over a greater portion of the sphere wall. The problem with multiple reflections between the sample and diffuser is successfully addressed using a correction factor. The method is tested for two patterned glass samples with low-angle scattering and in both cases the transmittance accuracy is significantly improved.

Light-scattering properties of a Venetian blind slat used for daylighting applications

The low cost, simplicity, and aesthetic appearance of external and internal shading devices, make them commonly used for daylighting and glare-control applications. Shading devices, such as Venetian blinds, screens, and roller shades, generally exhibit light scattering and/or light redirecting properties. This requires the bi-directional scattering distribution function (BSDF) of the material to be known in order to accurately predict the daylight distribution and energy flow through the fenestration system. Acquiring the complete BSDF is not a straightforward task, and to complete the process it is often required that a model is used to complement the measured data. In this project, a Venetian blind slat with a white top surface and a brushed aluminum bottom surface was optically characterized. A goniophotometer and an integrating sphere spectrophotometer were used to determine the angle resolved and hemispherical reflectance of the sample, respectively. The acquired data were fitted to a scattering model providing one Lambertian and one angle dependent description of the surface properties. These were used in combination with raytracing to obtain the complete BSDFs of the Venetian blind system.

Optical characterization of pigments by reflectance spectroscopy in support of UV laser cleaning treatments

The study of optical properties of artwork materials is of fundamental importance for laser-based restoration techniques. In this work, reflectance spectroscopic measurements and colorimetric analyses of painted wooden models were performed to discriminate between pigments on the basis of their spectral features. In particular, the spectral reflection factors of different white pigments were recorded with a fibre optics reflectance spectroscopy module, both before and after excimer laser (248 nm) irradiation. Colour data were obtained and monitored with an integrating sphere spectrophotometer and expressed with the CIE L*a*b* colour coordinates. Moreover, the laser-induced morphological changes of the samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy.

Optical properties of normal and cancerous human skin in the visible and near-infrared spectral range

Differences in absorption and/or scattering of cancerous and normal skin have the potential to provide a basis for noninvasive cancer detection. In this study, we have determined and compared the in vitro optical properties of human epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat with those of nonmelanoma skin cancers in the spectral range from 370 to 1600 nm. Fresh specimens of normal and cancerous human skin were obtained from surgeries. The samples were rinsed in saline solution and sectioned. Diffuse reflectance and total transmittance were measured using an integrating sphere spectrophotometer. Absorption and reduced scattering coefficients were calculated from the measured quantities using an inverse Monte Carlo technique. The differences between optical properties of each normal tissue-cancer pair were statistically analyzed. The results indicate that there are significant differences in the scattering of cancerous and healthy tissues in the spectral range from 1050 to 1400 nm. In this spectral region, the scattering of cancerous lesions is consistently lower than that of normal tissues, whereas absorption does not differ significantly, with the exception of nodular basal cell carcinomas (BCC). Nodular BCCs exhibit significantly lower absorption as compared to normal skin. Therefore, the spectral range between 1050 and 1400 nm appears to be optimal for nonmelanoma skin cancer detection.

Single-beam integrating sphere spectrophotometer for reflectance and transmittance measurements versus angle of incidence in the solar wavelength range on diffuse and specular samples

A multipurpose instrument for the measurement of reflectance and transmittance versus angle of incidence for both specular and diffuse samples in the solar wavelength range has been constructed and evaluated. The instrument operates in the single-beam mode and uses a common light source for three experimental setups. Two integrating spheres, 20 cm in diameter, are used for diffuse transmittance and reflectance measurements. The transmittance sphere can be turned around an axis through the sample to vary the angle of incidence. The reflectance sphere uses a center mounted sample and a special feature is the position of the detector, which is mounted on the sample holder at the center of the sphere. This way the detector always sees the same part of the sphere wall and no light can reach the detector directly from the sample. The third setup is an absolute instrument for specular samples. It uses a small averaging sphere as a detector. The detector is mounted on an arm which rotates around the center of the sample, and it can thus pick up both the reflected and transmitted beams including all multiply reflected components. The averaging sphere detector is insensitive to small side shifts of the detected beams and no multiple reflections between detector and optical system occur. In this report a number of calibration procedures are presented for the three experimental setups and models for the calculation of correct transmittance and reflectance values from measured data are presented. It is shown that for integrating sphere measurements, the geometry of the sphere and the diffusivity of the sample as well as the sphere wall reflectance and port losses are important factors that influence the result. For the center mounted configuration these factors are particularly important and special emphasis is given to the evaluation of the reflectance sphere model. All three instrument setups are calibrated using certified reference materials and nonscattering mirrors and substrates. The results are also compared to the results of a double-beam Beckman integrating sphere for near normal angles of incidence and Fresnel calculations. The results in this article show that good agreement is obtained between results from the different instruments if, and only if, proper evaluation procedures are applied to the measured signals.

Measurement of thermal effects on the optical properties of prostate tissue at wavelengths of 1,064 and 633 nm

Background and Objective The extent of thermal injury during laser prostatectomy is dependent on the light distribution in laser-irradiated tissue. As tissue is irradiated, the optical properties change as a function of temperature due to an alteration of molecular and cellular structure. The purpose of the present study was to determine how the exposure of both fresh and previously frozen canine prostate tissue to elevated temperatures affects the optical properties. Study Design/Materials and Methods Optical properties were measured by using a double integrating sphere spectrophotometer with an inverse adding-doubling algorithm. Measurements were made at two wavelengths (1,064 nm and 633 nm) on samples heated in a waterbath in 5°–10° increments for 10 min through a 50°C temperature range. Results Upon coagulation, the absorption coefficient of fresh tissue decreased from the baseline measurement for both wavelengths (0.027 ± 0.003 to 0.019 ± 0.002 for λ = 1,064 nm; 0.073 ± 0.007 to 0.061 ± 0.006 for λ = 633 nm). However, the scattering coefficient increased sharply from the baseline measurement following coagulation (3.06 ± 0.26 to 6.05 ± 0.29 for λ = 1,064 nm; 4.89 ± 0.23 to 7.22 ± 0.30 for λ = 633 nm). Thermal coagulation occurred during exposure to temperatures between 60°C and 70°C. Conclusion Data obtained in this study indicate that thermal coagulation of tissue alters the optical properties. The extent to which these changes occur was found to be dependent on wavelength and freshness of tissue. These results are significant because they suggest how thermally induced changes in the optical properties may limit the depth of light penetration in tissue thus compromising treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 24:38–47, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Spectroscopic changes in human dentine exposed to various storage solutions — short term

Objectives: Tooth storage conditions in studies of dentine have not been standardized. The objective of this investigation was to determine the effects of storage solution and time on dentine, using spectroscopic methods. Methods: Twenty-seven dentine disks (0.75 mm thick) were prepared from freshly extracted third molars with documented histories. The teeth were sectioned parallel to the occlusal plane using a diamond saw. Specimens were analysed non-destructively for surface chemical changes using specular reflectance infra-red Fourier transform spectroscopy (SRIFTS), and changes in optical properties were measured in the ultraviolet, visible and near-infra-red spectral ranges with an integrating sphere spectrophotometer (UV/VIS/NIR) before and after storage. A minimum of five specimens were stored in distilled water with 0.02% thymol, purified and filtered water, phosphate buffered saline with 0.02% thymol, 70% ethanol or 10% buffered formalin and evaluated at 0, 1, 2, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. After each measurement, specimens were stored in fresh solutions. IR spectra were obtained from 4400 to 400 wave-numbers (cm −1). Optical properties of reflectance and transmittance were determined from 200 to 2500 nm, and absorbance was calculated. Results: Analysis of the IR spectra indicated no significant differences in collagen or mineral peak positions for any solution at any time period. There were significant differences in peak intensities of dentine stored in distilled water, purified and filtered water and phosphate-buffered saline over time in the IR spectra. Furthermore, differences in optical properties of dentine disks were detected by UV/VIS/NIR. Conclusion: It was concluded that changes in surface chemistry and optical properties of dentine occur as a function of storage solution and time, which must be considered when studying dentine.

Optical characterization of commercial large area liquid crystal devices

Three chromogenic glazed units made of a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) flexible film laminated between two glasses have been optically characterized. These glazed units are based on the same PDLC device inserted in different bulk-colored (clear, grey, bronze) glasses. The applications of this device are intended for large area glazing in building and transportation industry. The general electro-optic characteristics of the device (spectral transmittance at 550 nm as a function of voltage, switching time, self-transparency temperature) are presented. The optical characterization has been performed at normal incidence in the solar range with an integrating sphere spectrophotometer and in the visible range with a large integrating sphere taking care of distinguishing between the regular and the diffuse components of the transmitted and reflected radiation. Integrated values of luminous and energetic parameters are compared and discussed.

Determination of Deformability of Erythrocytes by Change in Scattering Cross Section

A simple method to measure the deformability of erythrocytes was proposed. The scattering cross section depends on the shape and the size of a particle. In addition, the deformation of erythrocytes under shear stress can be established from the change in the scattering cross section. An integrating sphere spectrophotometer and a special flow cell were used to measure the optical properties of blood samples. The blood samples were made to flow into the flow cell at various velocities controlled by a pump. Normal, shrunken and swollen erythrocytes were compared by this method. The characteristic of the change in the scattering cross section under shear stress was different for each sample. Moreover, the shape of the erythrocytes was estimated by a computational method.

非接触型微小面積測色用分光光度計の開発

A method of applying the CCM system to reproduce natural tooth color in metal ceramic restorations was successfully undertaken by a newly modified spectrophotometer and measuring system.The spectrophotometer utilizes bidirectional (45/0) geometry and a telephoto camera lens capable of measuring small areas (1×2mm) of the tooth and gingiva by the “noncontact” method. Furthermore, color measurements were automatically done by means of a scanning program.The standard deviation (S. D.) of the reflectance factors, measured 10 consecutive times, was under 0.16, and the color difference dE was around 0.21. Both the measuring data of the Munsell color chips by this spectrophotometer and integrating sphere spectrophotometer Macbeth CE 3000 were nearly identical.It was concluded that this newly modified spectrophotometer could measure small areas of the tooth efficiently, and also be beneficial for use in dental clinics and research.

Applications of the 1-D diffusion approximation to the optics of tissues and tissue phantoms

Optical constants of animal and plant tissues were measured over a wide spectral range using an integrating sphere spectrophotometer. The data were analyzed with two formulations of the 1-D diffusion approximation differing in the phase function. The accuracy of the similarity transformation was examined with tissue phantoms incorporating known chromophores in light scattering media.

Study of the relationships between materials and their radiative properties: Application to natural fibers for the spectral wavelengths range 0.25–2.5 μm

Measurements were made of the reflectance and transmittance of wool and cotton, natural and dyed, using an integrating sphere spectrophotometer.

Refractive index—A key to understanding color differences

AbstractA problem encountered in the instrumental evaluation of color is the use of integrating sphere spectrophotometers to compare materials where the standard color plaque is not constructed from the same material as the sample. This problem is encountered in the automobile industry, where polypropylene master plaques are commonly used as the standards constructed from different materials than the sample being evaluated. The paper demonstrates how these problems result from the impact of a polymer's refractive index on the reflectivity of light from its surface, and the effect of this light on the instrumental evaluations of color. The paper also discusses how the Fresnel equation can be utilized to calculate the amount of light reflected from a polymer's surface and describes a mathematical procedure that can help compensate for these differences when matching and approving colors.

Modeling optical and thermal distributions in tissue during laser irradiation.

The propagation of light energy in tissues is an important problem in phototherapy, especially with the increased use of lasers as light sources. Often a slight difference in delivered energy separates a useless, efficacious, or disastrous treatment. Methods are presented for experimental characterization of the optical properties of a tissue and computational prediction of the distribution of light energy within a tissue. A standard integrating sphere spectrophotometer measured the total transmission, Tt, total reflectance, Rt, and the on-axis transmission, Ta, for incident collimated light that propagated through the dermis of albino mouse skin, over the visible spectrum. The diffusion approximation solution to the one-dimensional (1-D) optical transport equation computed the expected Tt and Rt for different combinations of absorbance, k, scattering, s, and anisotropy, g, and by iterative comparison of the measured and computed Tt and Rt values converged to the intrinsic tissue parameters. For example, mouse dermis presented optical parameters of 2.8 cm-1, 239 cm-1, and 0.74 for k, s, and g, respectively, at 488 nm wavelength. These values were used in the model to simulate the optical propagation of the 488-nm line of an argon laser through mouse skin in vivo. A 1-D Green's function thermal diffusion model computed the temperature distribution within the tissue at different times during laser irradiation. In vitro experiments showed that the threshold temperature range for coagulation was 60 degrees-70 degrees C, and the kinetics were first order, with a temperature-dependent rate constant that obeyed an Arrhenius relation (molar entropy 276 cal/mol-degrees K, molar enthalpy 102 kcal/mol). The model simulation agreed with the corresponding in vivo experiment that a 2-s pulse at 55 W/cm2 irradiance will achieve coagulation of the skin.