What Is Photometric Range and Photometry?

Spectrophotometers use photometric range data to provide you with valuable insights into your products and help you ensure maximum quality assurance through color. At HunterLab, we understand color means everything and is essential to maintaining your brand integrity. 

Photometric range refers to the range of light waves from ultraviolet to infrared wavelengths. The photometric range spans both the visible spectrum of color and wavelengths invisible to the naked eye. Measuring the photometric range requires converting light into an electrical current by using photodiodes, photoresistors or photomultipliers. Through measuring photometric range, you can calculate:

• Fluorescence.
• Irradiance.
• Light absorption.
• Luminance.
• Phosphorescence.
• Reflection of light.
• Scattering of light.

Principles of Photometry

Photometers determine the wavelength of samples by testing how light interacts with reflective materials. This analysis requires the measurement of light after it has passed through a monochromator or filter to determine spectral distribution or the light’s defined wavelengths. There are two types of photometers: those that work by judging how light reflects and absorbs wavelengths, and those that measure light by converting it into a measurable electrical current.

Most photometers detect light with photodiodes, photomultipliers or photoresistors. Photometers measure light by studying it after it crosses a filter or monochromator to determine the wavelengths on the photometric range and analyze spectral distribution. 

The photometric range is measured in terms of absorbance units. For consistently accurate readings, you need a high-performance instrument capable of handling low transmission/strongly absorbing samples. Aside from absorbance units, a good photometer has high spectral bandwidth, resolution and straight light level. 

Applications and Types of Photometry

Photometry is frequently used in biology and chemistry to study solutions and liquids. Photometry can accurately measure organic and inorganic materials alike. Aside from biology and chemistry, astronomers use photometers to restrict certain wavelengths and allow desired ones to pass through the filter for measurement. This equipment also plays an important role in capturing and observing accurate photographs of celestial and planetary bodies. 

Photometers in Biology, Environmental Science and Medicine

In biology, both environmental scientists and those in the medical sector use photometers. In environmental science, photometers analyze organic samples for purposes such as examining ionic content. 

The medical field uses photometers to study medical samples such as blood serum, plasma, urine and more. Through photometric analysis of these subjects, you can measure sodium, lithium levels and more — all without invasive testing. 

HunterLab Spectrophotometers Offer Effective Color Testing

At HunterLab, we’ve spent more than half a century leading the spectrophotometry field and creating innovative equipment that elevates labs like yours. We’ve gotten color intensity, transmittance and reflectance down to a strict science and can help you measure color in an objective, true, replicable and scientific manner. With our spectrophotometers, you can accurately measure everything from the freshness of your food products to the accuracy of your paint hues. Elevate your quality assurance process and build brand integrity with spectrophotography solutions from HunterLab.

Contact us online today to learn about the right spectrophotometric solutions for your business.