What is Spectrophotometer? MiniScan EZ by HunterLab

1          Abstract:

Every industry needs different types of equipment and instruments to analyze its performance and to compare actual results with standard results. Every company wants to produce best products according to standards for its reputation in market and gain maximum profit. Similarly, some industries where color is a big factor like Textiles, Plastics, Paints, Glass, Paper, etc. need some equipment to measure the color of products and standardize it. Spectrophotometers are best for this purpose. In this draft, we explained working and application of spectrophotometer. A spectrophotometer named MiniScan EZ by HunterLab is studied for detailed elaboration.

2          What is Spectrophotometer?

Instrument used to measure the intensity of wavelengths in a spectrum of light compared with the intensity of light from a standard source is called spectrophotometer.

According to Beer's law, the amount of light absorbed by a medium is proportional to the concentration of the absorbing material or solute present. Thus the concentration of a colored solute in a solution may be determined in the lab by measuring the absorbency of light at a given wavelength. Wavelength is measured in nm.

3          How it Works?

The spectrophotometer technique is to measures light intensity as a function of wavelength. 

It does this by:

•  diffracting the light beam into a spectrum of wavelengths
•  direct it to an object
• receiving the light reflected or returned from the object
•  detecting the intensities with a charge-coupled device
•  displaying the results as a graph on the detector and then the display device

Figure 1: Principle of Spectrophotometer

4          What are its Applications?

Spectrophotometers have wide application area. Some major applications are;

• Measure the concentration of the solution.
•  Identify organic compounds by determining the absorption maximum.
•  Used for color determination within the spectral range.
• Detection of Impurities (UV absorption spectroscopy is one of the best methods for determination of impurities in organic molecules).
•  Chemical Kinetics (The UV radiation is passed through the reaction cell and the absorbance changes can be observed).
•  Molecular weight determination.

5          What is HunterLab?

Richard Hunter, developed the measurement scale of L,a,b values, in 1942, that are the basis for every color measurement technique and scale used today by all involved in the business of color.

Utilizing their industry-leading, innovative technology, and backed by over 60 years of experience, HunterLab provide products that measure color the way human eye sees it.

HunterLab's spectrophotometer systems are industry-leading color measurement systems. The only color measurement company in the world offering a complete line of 45º/0º geometry instrumentation; portable, laboratory bench-top, and production in-line.

6          MiniScan EZ by HunterLab:

If one need to measure color outside the laboratory, take the MiniScan EZ. The MiniScan EZ spectrophotometer gives the best of two worlds; laboratory performance in a light-weight, take-anywhere design. Sophisticated dual-beam technology, normally found only in bench-top sensors, ensures accuracy. The durable ergonomic design promotes one-hand, one-touch operation so sample measurements are taken in seconds.

6.1         Measuring Principle:

Measuring principle of MiniScan EZ is dual-beam spectrophotometer. It works as;

Figure 3: MiniScan EZ Principle

6.2         System Geometry:

System geometry defines how the sample is illuminated and the angle at which the reflected light is measured. To best fit measurement requirements, MiniScan EZ is available with 45°/0° or diffuse/8° measurement geometry.

6.2.1        45°/0° Geometry:

If one wants to measure how the sample appears to customer, the 45°/0° system is best. This system illuminates the sample at a 45° angle and measures it at 0° which is perpendicular to the sample. The 45°/0° MiniScan EZ ignores the glare from the sample (specular excluded) and sees both the effect sample coloration the effect of its gloss or texture. This is how your customer visually sees it.

6.2.2        Diffuse/8° Geometry:

If you want to know only the sample’s coloration, ignoring the effect of its gloss or texture, then the d/8° system is best. The diffuse/8° MiniScan EZ illuminates the sample diffusely and measures it at an 8° angle to the surface.  This geometry includes the sample glare (specular included) and will only see the effect of coloration, ignoring its surface characteristics.

6.3         Pulsed Xenon Lamp:

Pulses Xenon Lamp is used as light source in MiniScan EZ. Pulsed Light can deliver peak energies 100,000 times higher than the sun's intensity on the earth's surface. Pulsed Light is high-energy light delivered in incredibly short periods of time. It’s a simple concept with profound ramifications, because it means we can produce extremely large amounts of energy, up to 1 megawatt, while generating very little heat.

6.3.1        The Benefits of Pulsed Light:

• Deeper penetration for complete cures with full and consistent results. Pulsed Light penetrates thick and semi-opaque substrates more effectively than continuous light.
• Uses far less power for lower cost of ownership. Light is only produced for a small portion of the typical duty cycle, saving up to 80% on energy use compared to continuous light.
• Process flexibility. Engineers can tailor key parameters including peak power, pulse repetition rate, pulse sequencing, cure duration, and output spectrum, to achieve the optimal balance of energy, heat, and processing times.
• Reduced cure time for much higher throughput. Pulsed Light keeps temperatures low even while it delivers high energy, allowing higher throughput for volume manufacturing.

6.4         Specifications:

Major specifications of MiniScan EZ are;

Table 1: Specifications of MiniScan EZ

Measurement
Measurement Principle	Dual-beam spectrophotometer
Geometries	Diffuse/8° (specular component included) OR Dirrectional annular 45° illumination/0° viewing (specular component excluded)
Spectrophotometer	256 element diode array and high resolution, concave holographic grating
Sphere Diameter	63.5mm
Spectral Component	Excluded on 45°/0° models, Included on Diffuse/8° models
Spectral Range	400nm – 700nm
Spectral Resolution	<3nm
Effective Bandwidth	10nm equivalent triangle
Reporting Interval	10nm
Photometric Range	0 – 150%
Light Source	Pulsed Xenon Lamp
Flashes per Measurement	1
Lamp Life	> 1million flashes
Measurement Time	< 1 second from button push to measurement 2 seconds from button push to data display
Firmware
Data View	Color Data, Color Difference Data, Tristimulus Color Plot, Spectral Data, Spectral, Difference Data, Spectral Plot, Spectral Difference Plot
USB Flash Drive Features	Backup of Setups and Data, Setup Transfer to Multiple Units, Data Export to Excel
Other Features	Pass/Fail, Average Multiple Readings, Search for Closest Standard
Illuminants	A, C, D50, D55, D65, D75, F2, F7, F11
Observers	2° and 10°
Color Scales	CIE L*a*b*, Hunter Lab, CIE L*C*h, CIE Yxy, CIE XYZ
Color Difference Scales	∆L*a*b*, ∆Lab, ∆L*C*H, ∆Yxy, ∆XYZ
Physical/Electrical
Dimensions	Height: 13.9 cm (5.5 in.) Width: 10.9 cm (4.3 in.) Depth: 26.7 cm (10.5 in.) Weight: 1 kg (2.2 lbs) with batteries
Display	5.8 cm x 5.8 cm (2.3 in. x 2.3 in.) backlit LCD, blue monochrome
Interface	USB 2.0
Power	Six AA-size alkaline batteries or nickel metal-hydride rechargeable batteries
Operating Environment	10° to 40°C (50° to 104° F), 10 % to 90 % RH, noncondensing

6.5         Special Features:

Some distinct features of MiniScan EZ are;

6.5.1        Easy to use:

• Ergonomic and flexible design and ease of use, reducing user fatigue and preventing reading errors.
• In-hand controls provide easy one-handed operation with thumb-tip navigation of all functions.
• Easy pass/fail determination based on user-entered tolerances or automatic tolerances.
•  Large   easy-to-read, LCD graphical display  with screen four rotation options: 0°, 90°, 180°and 270°.
• Lightweight construction, weighing only 1kg (2.25lbs) including batteries.

6.5.2        Accurate:

• Available in 45°/0° and diffuse/8° geometry systems, each with large area or small area view options. Wavelength calibration check filter provided.
• Displays color data, color difference data, color plot, spectral data, spectral data difference, spectral plot, and spectral difference plot.
• Measures the visible spectrum from 400 nm to 700 nm with 10 nm resolution.

6.5.3        The HunterLab Advantage:

• EZ is backed by over 60 years of quality innovation and experience from HunterLab, the world’s most trusted color quality experts.
• With an unmatched reputation for delivering the right solution for any challenge, HunterLab tailors products and technologies for every color measurement need and budget offering the broadest range of color measurement solutions in the industry.

Figure 6: Special Features of MiniScan EZ

6.6         Application Area of MiniScan EZ:

MiniScan EZ is designed for color measurements in following areas;

Table 2: Application Areas of MiniScan EZ

Applications of MiniScan EZ
Sr. No.	Area of Application	Sr. No.	Area of Application
1	Paint Chips	2	Metals
3	Extruded Plastic Pieces	4	Meat
5	Patties	6	Carpet
7	Pallets	8	Yarn
9	Siding	10	Tiles
11	Steaks	12	Fiber Packages
13	Decking Materials	14	Translucent Solids
15	Paper	16	Plastic Parts
17	Opaque Solids	18	Threads
19	Glass	20	Plastic Plaques
21	Fabric	22	Packaging Materials
23	Fillets

7          Conclusion:

After all explanation, it is concluded that spectrophotometers have wide application area and have acquired a very important place in industries. HunterLab is one of the most reputed manufacturers of spectrophotometers and they ensure accuracy and consistency in their instruments. MiniScan EZ by HunterLab is one of the finest instruments produced by them and the biggest advantage is that it is portable along with accurate measurements.