ISBN 978 3 900734 88 6

PRACTICAL METHODS
FOR THE MEASUREMENT
OF REFLECTANCE AND
TRANSMITTANCE
CIE 130-1998
UDC: 535.345.1 Descriptor: Regular transmittance
535.312 Regular reflectance
535.361.1 Diffuse transmittance
535.361.2 Diffuse reflectance
THE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON ILLUMINATION
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 CIE 1998
 ISBN 978 3 900 734 88 6

PRACTICAL METHODS
FOR THE MEASUREMENT
OF REFLECTANCE AND
TRANSMITTANCE
CIE 130-1998
UDC: 535.345.1 Descriptor: Regular transmittance
535.312 Regular reflectance
535.361.1 Diffuse transmittance
535.361.2 Diffuse reflectance
CIE 130-1998

This Technical Report has been prepared by CIE Technical Committee 2-14 of Division 2
“Physical measurement of light and radiation” and has been approved by the Board of
Administration of the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage for study and application. The
document reports on current knowledge and experience within the specific field of light and
lighting described, and is intended to be used by the CIE membership and other interested
parties. It should be noted, however, that the status of this document is advisory and not
mandatory. The latest CIE proceedings or CIE NEWS should be consulted regarding possible
subsequent amendments.

Ce rapport technique a été préparé par le Comité Technique CIE 2-14 de la Division 2
“Mesures physiques de la lumière et des radiations” et a été approuvé par le Bureau
d'Administration de la Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage, pour étude et application. Le
document traite des connaissances courantes et de l'expérience dans le domaine spécifique
indiqué de la lumière et de l'éclairage, et il est établi pour l'usage des membres de la CIE et
autres groupements intéressés. Il faut cependant noter que ce document est indicatif et non
obligatoire. Pour connaître d'éventuels amendements, consulter les plus récents comptes
rendus de la CIE ou le CIE NEWS.

Dieser Technische Bericht ist vom CIE Technischen Komitee 2-14 der Division 2
“Physikalische Messungen von Licht und Strahlung” ausgearbeitet und vom Vorstand der
Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage gebilligt worden. Das Dokument berichtet über den
derzeitigen Stand des Wissens und Erfahrung in dem behandelten Gebiet von Licht und
Beleuchtung; es ist zur Verwendung durch CIE-Mitglieder und durch andere Interessierte
bestimmt. Es sollte jedoch beachtet werden, daß das Dokument eine Empfehlung und keine
Vorschrift ist. Die neuesten CIE-Tagungsberichte oder das CIE NEWS sollten im Hinblick auf
mögliche spätere Änderungen zu Rate gezogen werden.

Any mention of organisations or products does not imply endorsement by the CIE. Whilst
every care has been taken in the compilation of any lists, up to the time of going to press,
these may not be comprehensive.

Toute mention d'organisme ou de produit n'implique pas une préférence de la CIE. Malgré le
soin apporté à la compilation de tous les documents jusqu'à la mise sous presse, ce travail
ne saurait être exhaustif.

Die Erwähnung von Organisationen oder Erzeugnissen bedeutet keine Billigung durch die
CIE. Obgleich große Sorgfalt bei der Erstellung von Verzeichnissen bis zum Zeitpunkt der
Drucklegung angewendet wurde, ist es möglich, daß diese nicht vollständig sind.

 CIE 1998

II
 CIE 130-1998

This guide is dedicated to the memory of the late Professor Jürgen Krochmann.

The following members of TC 2-14 "Measurement of Reflectance and Transmittance,

including Turbid Media" took part in the preparation of this Technical Report. The TC comes
under CIE Division 2 "Physical Measurement of Light and Radiation".

J. Krochmann* (Chairman) Germany

P. Polato (Chairman) Italy
F. Geotti-Bianchini Italy
D. Gundlach Germany
J.J. Hsia U.S.A.
L. Morren Belgium
H. Terstiege Germany
J. Verrill Great Britain

* Professor J. Krochmann passed away on 27 January 1991.

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CIE 130-1998

Table of Contents

Summary ............................................................................................................................... VII

Résumé ................................................................................................................................. VII
Zusammenfassung ............................................................................................................... VIII

1. Scope...................................................................................................................................1
2. Definitions ............................................................................................................................1
2.1 Processes ......................................................................................................................1
2.1.1 Reflection ................................................................................................................1
2.1.2 Transmission ...........................................................................................................1
2.1.3 Absorption ...............................................................................................................2
2.1.4 Regular reflection; specular reflection (Regular transmission; direct transmission) 2
2.1.5 Diffuse reflection (Diffuse transmission) .................................................................2
2.1.6 Mixed reflection (Mixed transmission).....................................................................2
2.1.7 Isotropic diffuse reflection (Isotropic diffuse transmission) .....................................2
2.1.8 Perfect reflecting diffuser (Perfect transmitting diffuser).........................................2
2.1.9 Translucent medium................................................................................................2
2.2 Characteristics ...............................................................................................................2
2.2.1 Reflectance (ρ) (Transmittance (τ)) ........................................................................2
2.2.2 Regular reflectance (ρr) (Regular transmittance (τr))..............................................2
2.2.3 Diffuse reflectance (ρd) (Diffuse transmittance (τd))................................................2
2.2.4 Radiance factor/Luminance factor (β).....................................................................3
2.2.5 Radiance/Luminance coefficient (q)........................................................................3
2.2.6 Absorptance (α) ......................................................................................................3
3. Parameters affecting the characterictics .............................................................................3
3.1 Spectral parameters.......................................................................................................3
3.1.1 Spectral composition of the incident radiation ........................................................3
3.1.2 Integral characteristics ............................................................................................4
3.2 Geometric conditions .....................................................................................................4
3.3 Thin and thick translucent samples ...............................................................................6
3.4 Other parameters...........................................................................................................7
4. Measurement principles ......................................................................................................7
4.1 Absolute and relative methods ......................................................................................7
4.2 Spectral and integral characteristics..............................................................................7
4.2.1 Spectral method ......................................................................................................7
4.2.2 Integral method .......................................................................................................7
4.2.3 Photometer, radiometer, spectroradiometer ...........................................................8
4.3 Spatial evaluation...........................................................................................................8
4.3.1 Gonioradiometers/goniophotometers......................................................................8
4.3.2 Practical methods....................................................................................................8
4.3.2.1 Methods using an integrating sphere ..................................................................8
4.3.2.2 Directional methods .............................................................................................8
5. Measuring equipment ..........................................................................................................9
5.1 Components...................................................................................................................9
5.2 Equipment for irradiation................................................................................................9
5.2.1 Single and double beam .........................................................................................9
5.2.2 Geometric conditions ............................................................................................10
5.2.3 Spectral conditions ................................................................................................10
5.2.4 Polarization............................................................................................................10
5.2.5 Lamps....................................................................................................................11
5.3 Equipment for detection ...............................................................................................11
5.3.1 Irradiance/illuminance and radiance/luminance measurement ............................11
5.3.2 Radiometer/photometer head ...............................................................................11
5.3.3 Radiometer/photometer ........................................................................................12
5.3.4 Data recording.......................................................................................................12
5.4 Monochromator............................................................................................................12

6. Integrating sphere..............................................................................................................13

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 CIE 130-1998

6.1 Measurment principles.................................................................................................13

6.2 Sphere theory ..............................................................................................................13
6.3 Substitution and comparison methods ........................................................................14
6.4 Sphere coating.............................................................................................................14
6.5 Sphere geometry .........................................................................................................15
6.5.1 Diameters of the sphere and sample port.............................................................15
6.5.2 Ports ......................................................................................................................16
6.5.3 Radiometer/photometer head ...............................................................................18
6.5.3.1 Irradiance/illuminance measurement.................................................................18
6.5.3.2 Radiance/luminance measurement ...................................................................19
6.5.4 Auxiliary lamp/auxiliary screen..............................................................................19
6.5.5 Additional observations on sphere geometry........................................................20
7. Measurement of reflection characteristics using a sphere radiometer/photometer ..........21
7.1 Reflectance for directionally incident radiation ............................................................21
7.1.1 Introduction............................................................................................................21
7.1.2 Equipment for irradiation .......................................................................................21
7.1.3 Sphere geometry...................................................................................................21
7.1.3.1 Thin samples .....................................................................................................21
7.1.3.1.1 Near-normal incidence.............................................................................21
7.1.3.1.2 Other angles of incidence ........................................................................22
7.1.3.2 Thick translucent samples .................................................................................22
7.1.3.2.1 Near normal incidence .............................................................................22
7.1.3.2.2 Other angles of incidence ........................................................................22
7.1.4 Reflectance standards ..........................................................................................23
7.1.5 Measurements and calculations ...........................................................................24
7.1.5.1 Thin samples .....................................................................................................24
7.1.5.2 Thick translucent samples .................................................................................24
7.1.6 Corrections in the case of mixed reflection ...........................................................25
7.2 Diffuse reflectance .......................................................................................................26
7.2.1 Samples with diffuse reflection only ......................................................................26
7.2.2 Samples with mixed reflection...............................................................................26
7.2.3 Diffuse reflectance standards................................................................................26
7.2.4 Measurements and calculations ...........................................................................27
7.2.4.1 Thin samples .....................................................................................................27
7.2.4.2 Thick translucent samples .................................................................................28
7.3 Reflectance for hemispherical irradiation ....................................................................28
7.3.1 Surface reflecting materials...................................................................................28
7.3.1.1 Integrating sphere method.................................................................................28
7.3.1.2 Diffuse reflectance standards ............................................................................30
7.3.1.3 Measurements and calculations ........................................................................30
7.3.2 Thick translucent samples.....................................................................................30
7.3.2.1 Principle .............................................................................................................30
7.3.2.2 Measurements and calculations ........................................................................30
8. Measurement of transmission characteristics using a sphere radiometer/photometer ....31
8.1 Transmittance for directionally incident radiation ........................................................31
8.1.1 Absolute methods..................................................................................................31
8.1.2 Integrating sphere method ....................................................................................31
8.1.2.1 Sphere with small sample port ..........................................................................31
8.1.2.2 Sphere with large sample port...........................................................................32
8.1.2.3 Measurement of transmittance as a function of the angle of incidence ............33
8.1.3 Transmittance standards.......................................................................................33
8.1.4 Measurements and calculations ...........................................................................34
8.1.4.1 Small sample port ..............................................................................................34
8.1.4.2 Large sample port..............................................................................................34
8.1.5 Corrections in the case of mixed transmission .....................................................35

8.2 Diffuse transmittance ...................................................................................................37

8.2.1 Samples with diffuse transmission only ................................................................37
8.2.2 Samples with mixed transmission .........................................................................37

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CIE 130-1998

8.2.3 Measurements and calculations ...........................................................................37

8.3 Transmittance for hemispherical irradiation.................................................................38
8.3.1 Equipment for irradiation .......................................................................................38
8.3.2 Integrating sphere method ....................................................................................39
8.3.3 Measurements and calculations ...........................................................................39
8.3.4 Calculation of τdif from measured values of τ(ε)....................................................40
9. Measurement of regular reflectance..................................................................................41
9.1 Samples with regular reflectance only.........................................................................41
9.1.1 Integrating sphere method ....................................................................................41
9.1.2 Illuminance ratio method .......................................................................................41
9.1.2.1 Absolute method................................................................................................41
9.1.2.1.1 Method with double reflection (V-W method) ..........................................41
9.1.2.1.2 Goniometric method.................................................................................42
9.1.2.2 Relative method .................................................................................................43
9.2 Samples with mixed reflection .....................................................................................45
9.2.1 Luminance ratio method........................................................................................45
9.2.1.1 Relative method .................................................................................................45
9.2.1.2 Goniometric method ..........................................................................................45
9.2.2 Integrating sphere method ....................................................................................45
10. Measurement of regular transmittance ...........................................................................46
10.1 Samples with regular transmittance only...................................................................46
10.1.1 Integrating sphere method ..................................................................................46
10.1.2 Illuminance ratio method .....................................................................................46
10.2 Samples with mixed transmittance ............................................................................47
10.2.1 Luminance ratio method......................................................................................47
10.2.2 Integrating sphere method ..................................................................................48
11. Measurement of absorptance..........................................................................................48
11.1 4π method ..................................................................................................................48
11.2 Calculation from reflectance and transmittance ........................................................49
12. Measurement of radiance/luminance factor and radiance/luminance coefficient ...........49
12.1 Radiance/luminance factor ........................................................................................49
12.1.1 Measurement geometry..........................................................................................49
12.1.2 Measurement with directional irradiation and observation..................................50
12.1.3 Measurement with diffuse irradiation and normal observation ...........................51
12.1.4 Standards for radiance/luminance factor............................................................52
12.2 Radiance/luminance coefficient .................................................................................52
13. Sources of error and corrections .....................................................................................52
13.1 General ......................................................................................................................52
13.2 Absolute and relative methods ..................................................................................52
13.3 Integral or spectral determinations ............................................................................53
13.3.1 Possible sources of error in detectors.................................................................53
13.3.2 Possible additional sources of error with integral detectors ...............................53
13.3.3 Possible additional sources of error with spectroradiometers ............................54
13.4 Geometrical considerations .......................................................................................54
13.4.1 Methods using an integrating sphere..................................................................54
13.4.2 Methods without an integrating sphere ...............................................................55
14. Characterization of the measuring equipment ................................................................55
14.1 Measurable quantities and required reference materials ..........................................55
14.2 Equipment for irradiation............................................................................................55
14.3 Monochromator..........................................................................................................56
14.4 Integrating sphere ......................................................................................................56
14.5 Detector .....................................................................................................................56
14.6 Further information.....................................................................................................56
15. Bibliography.....................................................................................................................57

VI
 CIE 130-1998

PRACTICAL METHODS FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF REFLECTANCE AND

TRANSMITTANCE

SUMMARY
The characteristics of materials related to their reflection and transmission properties are
defined in accordance with the International Lighting Vocabulary and other relevant CIE
publications.
The parameters affecting these characteristics and the principles of measurement involved,
which are the same whether the measurement is made in terms of spectral or weighted (e.g.
luminous) characteristics, are specified.
Methods, using an integrating sphere, are recommended for the measurement of
- reflectance for directional ρ, ρ(ε) and hemispherical ρdif incidence of radiation,
- diffuse reflectance ρd,
- transmittance for directional τ, τ(ε) and hemispherical τdif incidence of radiation,
- diffuse transmittance τd.
Specific methods are also recommended for the measurement of
- regular reflectance ρr,
- regular transmittance τr,
- radiance/luminance factor β (radiance/luminance coefficient q).
The absorptance α can either be measured directly or calculated from the measured values
of reflectance and transmittance. Both procedures are described.
The principal measurement errors are examined and, where possible, methods for their
elimination indicated.

METHODES PRATIQUES DE MESURE DES FACTEURS DE REFLEXION ET DE

TRANSMISSION

RESUME
Les caractéristiques des matériaux qui se réfèrent à leurs propriétés de réflexion et de
transmission des rayonnements optiques sont définies en conformité avec le Vocabulaire
International de l’Eclairage et autres publications de la CIE sur le même sujet.
Les paramètres pouvant affecter les caractéristiques susdites et les principes de mesure sont
spécifiés, ces principes étant les mêmes qu’il s’agisse de mesures de caractéristiques
spectrales ou intégrales (lumineuses par exemple).
Des méthodes de mesure faisant usage d’une sphère intégratrice sont recommandées pour
les déterminations
- du facteur de réflexion sous incidence directionnelle ρ, ρ(ε) et hémisphériques ρdif,
- du facteur de réflexion diffuse ρd,
- du facteur de transmission sous incidence directionnelle τ, τ(ε) et hémisphériques
τdif,
- du facteur de transmission diffuse τd.
Des méthodes de mesure particulières sont recommandées pour les déterminations
- du facteur de réflexion régulière ρr,
- du facteur de transmission régulière τr,
- du facteur de luminance β (ou du coefficient de luminance q), ces grandeurs
pouvant être énergétiques ou lumineuses.

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CIE 130-1998

Le facteur d’absorption α peut être mesuré directement ou calculé à partir des mesures des
facteurs de réflexion et de transmission. Les deux procédures sont décrites.
Les erreurs de mesure les plus importantes et, dans la mesure du possible, des méthodes
pour les éliminer, sont indiquées.

PRAKTISCHE METHODEN FÜR REFLEXIONS- UND TRANSMISSIONSMESSUNGEN

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG
Die Eigenschaften von Materialien in bezug auf ihre Reflexion und Transmission werden in
Übereinstimmung mit dem Internationalen Wörterbuch der Lichttechnik und den
entsprechenden CIE Publikationen definiert.
Es werden die Parameter, die diese Eigenschaften und Meßverfahren beeinflussen,
angegeben, wobei die Verfahren zur Messung der spektralen und integralen (z.B.
lichttechnischen) Eigenschaften gleich sind.
Meßmethoden, die eine Ulbricht-Kugel benutzen, werden empfohlen für
- Reflexionsgrad bei gerichtetem, ρ, ρ(ε) und diffusem ρdif Strahlungseinfall,
- Grad der gestreuten Reflexion ρd,
- Transmissionsgrad bei gerichtetem τ, τ(ε) und diffusem τdif Strahlungseinfall,
- Grad der diffusen Transmission τd.
Spezielle Meßmethoden werden empfohlen für
- Grad der gerichteten Reflexion ρr,
- Grad der gerichteten Transmission τr,
- Strahldichte/Leuchtdichtefaktor β (Strahldichte/Leuchtdichtekoeffizient q).
Der Absorptionsgrad α kann entweder direkt gemessen werden oder aus den gemessenen
Reflexions- und Transmissionsgraden errechnet werden. Beide Verfahren werden
beschrieben.
Es werden auch die häufigsten Meßfehler und, so weit wie möglich, Methoden zu ihrer
Beseitigung angeführt.

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 CIE 130-1998

1. SCOPE
The CIE has published four Technical Reports which are basic documents for this
Publication:
- International Lighting Vocabulary [1];
- Radiometric and Photometric Characteristics of Materials and their Measurement [2];
- Absolute Methods for Reflection Measurements [3];
- A Review of Publications on Properties and Reflection Values of Material Reflection
Standards [4].
The reflection and transmission properties of materials in the wavelength range of
optical radiation, particularly light, are important in many fields. This report deals mainly with
the wavelength range 200 nm < λ < 3 000 nm. These properties are characterized by
reflectance and transmittance with their regular and diffuse components, and
radiance/luminance factor.
Different methods are described in the literature for the measurement of these
characteristics and the results may differ according to the method used. It is, therefore,
necessary to standardize one or more methods for the measurement of each defined
quantity, designed to keep systematic errors as small as possible. This is the only way to
ensure that the results of measurements, obtained with different instruments are comparable.
This CIE Technical Report sets out to define recommended methods for measuring
the most important characteristics of reflection and transmission in industrial laboratories and
to describe both the measurement geometry and the radiometric/photometric specification of
the equipment used for irradiation and detection.
Absolute measurements of diffuse reflectance and measurements of the
gonioradiometric/goniophotometric properties of materials are outside the scope of this
publication. They are the subject of the work of other CIE Technical Committees.
Measurements on retroreflecting materials are also not treated here [5] and only a
few brief notes, for guidance, are given on luminescent materials [2].

2. DEFINITIONS
The definitions relating to materials which are given in this Technical Report apply to optical
radiation and particularly to visible radiation. The characteristics used for the description of
these properties are generally expressed in terms of radiant, luminous or spectral quantities,
but can also relate to other spectral weighting functions (see 3.1.2).
The definitions given here are taken from the International Lighting Vocabulary [1].
Where additional explanatory notes not in the ILV have been added, these are indicated by
an asterisk *.

2.1 Processes

2.1.1 Reflection
Process by which radiation is returned by a surface or a medium, without change of
frequency of its monochromatic components.
Note 1: Part of the radiation falling on a medium is reflected at the surface of the medium
(surface reflection); another part may be scattered back from the interior of the
medium (volume reflection).
Note 2: The frequency is unchanged only if there is no Doppler effect due to the motion of
the materials from which the radiation is returned.

2.1.2 Transmission
Passage of radiation through a medium without change of frequency of its monochromatic
components.