Photochromic lens spectrophotometer

BPC300 from Bentham

The BPC300 spectrophotometer offers accurate characterisation of photochromic (photosensitive) lens transmission in the faded and AM2 conditioned states.The fully automated BPC300 enables product testing of prescription and non-prescription sunglasses in accordance with international standards, and the development of photochromic formulations.The versatile BPC300 permits darkening and fading-back kinetic studies, whilst the modification of sample temperature, conditioning beam illuminance and spectrum accounts for a broad range of lens exposure conditions. An optional polarising lens capability is on offer for the extension of the measurement scope.

Features
  • Monochromator based, collimated tuneable light source (280-780nm)
  • Temperature-controlled water bath with mount for plano lens sample
  • AM2 conditioning beam (including facility to attenuate and filter spectrum)
  • Optically chopped monochromatic beam with lock-in signal recovery enables measurement under AM2 activation
  • Automated reference level measurement
  • Fully-automated by Windows application including establishment and running of pre-defined measurement profiles
  • Generation of measurement report including parameters required by standards

Further information

Core benefits

  • Accurate transmission testing of photochromic lenses
  • Explore lens performance in range of conditions
  • Monitor rates of darkening and fading
  • Easy and highly repeatable process

Reported parameters

  • τV0 : Luminous transmittance in the faded state at (25±2)°C
  • τV1 : Luminous transmittance in the darkened state at (25±2)°C
  • τV0 /τV1 : Photochromic Response
  • Lens category
  • Colourimetric parameters: CIE 1931 & CIE Lab
  • τSUVA : Mean UVA spectral transmittance weighted by AM2
  • τSUVB : Mean UVB spectral transmittance weighted by AM2
  • Qsign : Visual attenuation coefficient for red, green, blue and yellow incandescent
  • τsb : Solar blue light transmittance
  • The rate of darkening and fading at a single wavelength

Optional reports include:

  • τVW : Luminous transmittance at (5±2)°C
  • τVS : Luminous transmittance at high temperature (35±2)°C
  • τVA : Luminous transmittance at reduced solar simulator level and (25±2)°C

Specifications

Measurement

Spectral range of operation

280-780nm

Bandwidth

5nm

Wavelength accuracy

± 0.1nm (2400g/mm), ± 0.2nm (1200g/mm)

Beam diameter at sample plane

4mm diameter

Measured transmission range

0.5-100%

Maximum sample diameter

75mm

Conditioning beam

AM2 with requirements of ISO8980-3:2013
0-50klx
Shutter
Optional filtering

Temperature range

5-50°C

Temperature accuracy

± 0.2°C

Bench space required

1m deep x 2.5m wide

Services requirements

6 x main sockets 1200W power consumption
Nitrogen gas supply where measurements below ambient are required

Monochromatic probe source

UV source

30W Deuterium lamp

UV-Vis source

100W Quartz Halogen lamp

Monochromator configuration

Symmetric, single Czerny-Turner

Monochromator focal length

300mm

Diffraction gratings

2400 & 1200 g/mm

Diffraction grating mount

Triple grating turret

Dispersion

5.4nm/mm (2400g/mm)
2.7nm/mm

Bandwidth

5nm

Wavelength accuracy

± 0.1nm (2400g/mm)
± 0.2nm (1200g/mm)

Chopping frequency

175 Hz (typical)

Beam diameter at sample plan

4mm diameter

Water bath

Temperature range

5-50°C

Temperature accuracy

±1°C

Conditioning beam

Spectral match

AM2 with requirements of ISO8980-3:2013

Beam illuminance

0-50klx

Beam filtering

Optional filtering

Computer requirements

OS

Windows 7, Windows 8 (32-/64-bit) operating systems (or newer)

Software control

BenWin+ Spectral acquisition software

Minimum hard disk space

Approx. 100MB

Minimum RAM

2 GB

Interface

4 x USB 2.0 ports

Applications

  • ISO/ EN 8980-3:2013 - "Ophthalmic optics. Uncut finished spectacle lenses. Transmittance specifications and test methods."
  • ISO/ EN 12312-1:2013 - "Eye and face protection. Sunglasses and related eyewear. Sunglasses for general use."
  • ANSI Z80.3: 2015 - "Non-prescription Sunglass and Fashion Eyewear Requirements."
  • A S/NZS 1067-2016 - "Sunglasses and fashion spectacles."

Downloads

B-BPC300 Photochromic lens spectrometer
Photometric lens transmittance report

Contact

Julien Dumouchel
Julien Dumouchel

Contact

Quantum Design AG

Route du Roule 41
CH-1723 Marly
Switzerland

Phone:+41 21 8699-033
E-Mail:suisse@qd-europe.com
Julien DumouchelSales Manager
+41 21 8699033
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