{"id":58,"date":"2026-10-02T13:04:35","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T13:04:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ruraopticalsystems.com\/?page_id=58"},"modified":"2026-10-02T13:04:35","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T13:04:35","slug":"photonmetra-t-series","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ruraopticalsystems.com\/?page_id=58","title":{"rendered":"PhotonMetra T-Series"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n

Table-Top Integrating-Sphere Spectrophotometer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Simultaneous Reflection & Transmission for Glass and Films<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The PhotonMetra T-Series is a scalable integrating-sphere spectrophotometer for high-accuracy reflection and transmission measurements on flat and structured glass, coated glass and films.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designed for R&D, coating development and production quality control, the system combines flexible sample positioning with accurate optical characterization and modelling-ready measurement data.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Key Features<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Simultaneous Reflection & Transmission<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The PhotonMetra T-Series measures both reflection and transmission on the same sample using one measurement system. This allows the two data sets to be compared directly and provides a consistent basis for coating characterization, process development and production quality control.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Integrating-Sphere Measurement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The integrating sphere collects both specular and diffuse reflected light, enabling measurement of total reflectance. This is especially useful for coated, textured and structured glass, where part of the reflected light may be scattered in different directions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Flexible Sample Positioning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The sample can be positioned at any selected measurement locations, allowing reflection and transmission to be measured exactly where needed. This makes it possible to compare different areas of a sample and to evaluate local coating variations or uniformity across larger glass panels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

High-Accuracy Optical Characterization<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The PhotonMetra T-Series is designed for reliable and reproducible optical measurements in both R&D and production environments. Consistent measurement conditions support accurate comparison between samples, process settings and production batches.<\/strong>

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Flat & Structured Glass and Films<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The PhotonMetra T-Series is suitable for optical measurements on flat glass, structured glass and coated films. This makes the system applicable across a wide range of functional coating applications where both transmission and reflection need to be characterized.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Optional Optical Modelling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accurate reflection and transmission spectra can be used directly for quality control or, when required, as input for advanced optical modelling and coating analysis. This allows the PhotonMetra T-Series to be configured according to the application, without making optical modelling a requirement for routine production control.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Measurement Principle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The PhotonMetra -Series uses an integrating sphere to collect both specular and diffuse light from the sample. This is especially important for coated, textured and structured glass, where scattering can occur in different directions and conventional directional measurements may not capture the complete optical response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Substitution Error Correction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When a sample is introduced into an integrating sphere, it changes the internal radiance compared with the open-port reference condition. In an open-port reference measurement, part of the light can escape through the measurement port. Once a glass sample is placed in front of the port, part of the incident light is reflected back into the sphere, increasing the internal brightness. This can make the sample appear slightly more transmissive or reflective than it actually is and creates a systematic measurement error known as substitution error.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To correct for this effect, the PhotonMetra T-serie uses a dual-detector correction method. The primary measurement detector records the transmitted or reflected light, while an additional wall detector continuously monitors the internal radiance of the integrating sphere. The change in wall-detector signal between the reference and sample measurements is used to determine a wavelength-dependent correction factor. This correction compensates for changes in the sphere\u2019s internal light balance and improves the accuracy of both transmission and reflection measurements, especially when small differences in coating performance need to be resolved.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Reflection & Transmission Measurement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Reflection Measurement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The PhotonMetra T-series measures total reflectance using an integrating sphere, collecting both specular and diffuse reflected light. This is particularly important for coated, textured and structured glass, where the reflected light is not necessarily confined to a single direction. By collecting the complete reflected optical response, the system provides a more representative measurement of the actual behaviour of the sample.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike first-surface reflection methods, total-reflectance measurement does not rely on separating the front-surface reflection from the backside reflection of the glass. This makes the approach suitable for substrates where backside reflections would otherwise interfere with the measurement, including thinner glass. The resulting reflectance spectra can also be used for further optical analysis and thin-film modelling, for example to support determination of coating properties and layer structure.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Transmission Measurement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The PhotonMetra T-series measures transmission through a defined local area of the sample, making it possible to characterize both optical performance and spatial uniformity. This is especially useful for coated and structured glass, where local variations in coating thickness, refractive index or surface structure can influence the measured transmission.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The integrating-sphere configuration collects the transmitted light after interaction with the sample, including contributions that may be scattered away from the direct beam. In combination with the substitution-error correction, the transmission result is corrected for changes in the internal sphere radiance caused by introducing the sample. This improves measurement reliability when small differences in optical performance need to be resolved.<\/strong> Advancing AR Coating Performanc\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The resulting transmission spectra can be used directly for quality control, uniformity evaluation and comparison of coating processes, and can also serve as input for optical modelling together with reflectance data<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

From Measurement to Optical Modelling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The PhotonMetra T-serie provides accurate spectral reflection and transmission data for direct optical characterization and quality control. Optical modelling is optional and can be added when more detailed coating information is required, such as layer thickness, refractive index, extinction coefficient or multilayer structure.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many routine production-control applications, such as Low-E coating control, optical modelling is not required. The measured reflection and transmission spectra can be compared directly with reference spectra, product specifications or process limits to monitor coating performance and production consistency.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When deeper coating analysis is required, the measured spectra can be used as input for thin-film optical modelling. Depending on the coating structure and application, modelling can be performed using reflection data, transmission data, or a combination of both. The white paper gives examples of both single-layer and double-layer solar AR coatings analysed in this way.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Spectral Range Options<\/strong>.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The PhotonMetra T-Series is available in three spectral configurations. The appropriate wavelength range is selected according to the application and the optical properties that need to be characterized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

350\u20131100 nm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Suitable for applications where the main optical information is contained within the visible and near-infrared range, including solar glass, AR coatings and display applications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

350\u20131700 nm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Extends the measurement range further into the near-infrared for coatings and materials where spectral behaviour above 1100 nm is relevant. This configuration is suitable for applications where additional NIR information is required beyond the standard 1100 nm range.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

350\u20132500 nm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Designed for applications requiring characterization over a much broader near-infrared range. This configuration is particularly relevant for Low-E, solar-control and automotive glazing, where coating performance in the infrared is important for evaluating the full optical behaviour of the glass and coating system.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Typical Applications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Solar Glass Coatings<\/strong>
Accurate reflection and transmission measurements for coated and structured solar glass. The integrating-sphere design is particularly useful for textured substrates, where scattered light contributes to the total optical response. The system supports coating development, process optimization and production quality control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Architectural & Low-E Glass<\/strong>
Optical characterization of architectural, Low-E and solar-control glazing. Depending on the application, the T-series can be configured for extended spectral measurement into the near-infrared, allowing transmission and reflection performance to be evaluated over the wavelength range relevant to the coating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Automotive Glass<\/strong>
Measurement of reflection and transmission for coated automotive glazing, including functional coatings where visible and near-infrared performance is important. The T-Series can be adapted to the spectral range and measurement requirements of the specific automotive application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Display Coatings<\/strong>
Optical characterization of anti-reflection and other functional coatings used on display glass and transparent display substrates. The T-Series supports accurate reflection and transmission measurements for coating development, process optimization and production quality control. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Technical Specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

View the detailed specifications and available configuration options for the PhotonMetra T-Series. Each system can be adapted to the application, required spectral range, sample type and measurement requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
View Technical Specifications<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Table-Top Integrating-Sphere Spectrophotometer Simultaneous Reflection & Transmission for Glass and Films The PhotonMetra T-Series is a scalable integrating-sphere spectrophotometer for high-accuracy reflection and transmission measurements on flat and structured glass, coated glass and films. Designed for R&D, coating development and production quality control, the system combines flexible sample positioning with accurate optical characterization and modelling-ready […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-58","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ruraopticalsystems.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/58","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ruraopticalsystems.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ruraopticalsystems.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ruraopticalsystems.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ruraopticalsystems.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=58"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/ruraopticalsystems.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/58\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":75,"href":"https:\/\/ruraopticalsystems.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/58\/revisions\/75"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ruraopticalsystems.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=58"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}