Natural Science Forum / Physics / Optics / October 2005

  We need to make measurements of the spectral reflectance and
transmission of a 4" x 8" window in the visible.  The accuracy should
be within a percent or so, and the spectral resolution sufficient to
characterize laser line filters.  This is a development effort, and
we'd like to get an instrument to use in the lab, as opposed to sending
the window out for testing after every revision of the window, to
shorten development time.  Unfortunately, I have exactly zero
experience with instruments that make these measurements.
  One of the lab guys recommended a PR-650 SpectraScan from Photo
Research, with all accessories.
  Can someone with ten years of experience in these measurements tell
me:
1) Is this an appropriate choice, or is the lab asking for a Ferrari to
get groceries? (Not that I wouldn't like a Ferrari, or don't buy
groceries, but some guys who buy Ferraris find they can't buy
groceries.)
2) What instruments are preferably used for these measurements?
3) Can these instruments be rented, or bought used?

Wade Kelman