Press Release:
Two Essential Steps for Preparing to Take Your Spectroradiometer or Spectrometer into the Field.
Lawrence, MA – April 12, 2019 – The field research season is beginning. Before you take your Spectral Evolution field spectrometer or spectroradiometer into the field here are two routine maintenance procedures you should take to ensure successful field research/usage.
First, check your fiber optic cable to make sure all the fibers are working. Our metal clad fiber optic cables are pretty rugged. The best way to ensure that the fiber doesn’t break is to keep from bending it too sharply – the minimum bend radius is 10 centimeters. If you suspect you have broken fibers, hold the end of the cable that is inserted in the spectrometer or the spectroradiometer up to a light source. Any broken fibers will appear dark when you look at the end that plugs into your accessories.
A- This end of the fiber is attached directly to the spectrometer with a bracket held on with 4 allen bolts. A wrench is provided for easy removal. The fibers terminate in a bundle of 60 fibers, terminated in 3 rows of 20 fibers, to provide good light transfer through the instrument entry slit. If light is applied to the SMA-905 end (not shown), the 60 fibers will illuminate, allowing the end user to check the health of the fiber, as shown in “B”
B- Illuminated fiber- 2 of the fibers are defective- this is still considered to be a good fiber ( we advise customers to replace fibers if at least 4 fiber cores are “bad”
C- Defective fiber- at least half of the fibers are weak or broken. The profile of a fiber in “C” will also change as the fiber is bent. we recommend replacing fibers when at least 4 fiber cores do not illuminate properly
Our fiber optic cables are easily replaced – field swappable – so you don’t have to send the instrument back to the factory to replace your fiber optic cable. On some Spectral Evolution instruments, the fiber optic is held in place with four Allen bolts.
These bolts (3/32 inch) are easily removed with the included Allen wrench. Once the fiber retention bracket is removed,
the fiber can be easily checked. To reassemble make sure the fiber key way slot is reinserted in its proper orientation. Second, check your white reference for cleanliness. Our spectrometers and spectroradiometers can be purchased with different size white reference plates: 2”x2”, 5” x 5”, 10” x 10” or 12” x 12”. The White Reference Plate is designed to be used as the reference material for reflectance scans. The plate is made of polytetrafluoroethlyene (PTFE) and has high diffuse reflectance. Over time the surface of the plate may become dirty or scratched. In order to restore the plate to its original properties, it can be cleaned by sanding the PTFE material under running water with a 220-240 grit waterproof emery cloth until the surface is totally hydrophobic (water beads and runs off immediately). Sanding should be done gently, in a figure-8 motion, rinsing away the sanded off layer as you go. When complete, dry the surface by blowing nitrogen or clean compressed air over the surface.
Spectral Evolution spectroradiometers and spectrometers are designed for field use. To ensure you get the measurements you need, take the time to prepare your instrument before you take it into the field.
For more information, visit: https://spectralevolution.com/faqs
About SPECTRAL EVOLUTION
Established in 2004, SPECTRAL EVOLUTION is a leading manufacturer of laboratory and handheld portable spectrometers, spectroradiometers and spectrophotometers. SPECTRAL EVOLUTION spectrometers are used worldwide for many mission-critical lab and field applications in mining, remote
sensing, vegetative studies, ground truthing, environmental and climate studies, developing satellite calibrations, and more, due to their reliable, robust, rugged design and user-friendly one-touch features.
Press contact
Nicolas Venjean
Marketing & Sales
978-687-1833
Nicolas.venjean@spectralevolution.com
SPECTRAL EVOLUTION
26 Parkridge Road
Suite 104
Haverhill, MA 01835
www.spectralevolution.com