Irradiance calculation using radiance measurement

Recommended products: specbos 2501

A spectroradiometer JETI specbos 2501 can be used to caluclate Irradiance by measuring radiance.

Sometimes Irradiance (Illuminance) has to be measured indirectly by Radiance (Luminance), e.g. in case of limited space behind the measuring plane, if a luxmeter is not available or for comparing/ testing purposes. In this case it is necessary to use a white standard with known (spectral) Reflectance ρ (ρ(λ)) in addition to the Radiance meter. This standard plate must be positioned in the plane where the Irradiance shall be measured. The precondition to the plate is, that it reflects diffusely (Lambertian behaviour, see the figures below). Common commercial names of such material are Spectralon and Optopolymer.

Lambertian Reflection Plate

Scheme of the set up

Lambertian Reflection Plate (white standard) – the radiance L is angle-independent and the Radiant Intensity I changes cosine-dependent with the angle

Preferably the reflexion plate will be located perpendicularly to the optical axis of the source. The measuring instrument (Luminance meter or spectroradiometer in Luminance mode) must be positioned in an angle of 30 … 45° to the normal direction of the reflexion material.

The Illuminance E_v can be calculated from the measured Luminance L_v according to the following formula:

Formel

Ω₀ - solid angle of 1 sr

This formula is also valid for the spectral radiometric values E_e(λ), L_e(λ) and for the integral radiometric values E_e, L_e.

Set up on the optical bench

Diffuse reflection behaviour of the white standard

Recommended products and accessory

specbos 2501