Spectrometer‌ ‌vs.‌ ‌Radiometer‌ ‌vs.‌ ‌Spectroradiometer‌ ‌-‌ ‌Major‌ ‌Differences‌

Radiometry professionals may be familiar with the theories of light and color measurement; the equipment used to detect light and color. The instrument for such calculations includes radiometer, spectrometer and spectroradiometer. However, all three devices can measure light and energy. Therefore, the capabilities, intended uses, and applications of radiometers, spectrometers and spectroradiometers vary greatly. To determine which instrument will best suit your needs, it is essential to understand and comprehend the differences among these instruments.

Many devices in field radiometry(for light and display measurement) have the same names. However, each device can detect different types of visible light. Therefore, the names of many of the light measurement devices are pretty distinct, and they are all designed for specific purposes. People frequently use the terms radiometer, spectrometer, and spectroradiometer in loose terms and interchange their meanings. This article will help you understand the differences and strengths between the three types of instruments.

What is a Radiometer?
Radiometers measure electromagnetic energy in a wavelength range. For example, the radiometer measures ultraviolet and infrared light and measures energy beyond the visible spectrum. The radiometer works by measuring the incoming voltage or current and then adjusting the voltage to produce a calibrated light level measurement. The radiometer can then provide one reading for all wavelengths that reach it with this information.

Radiometers measure electromagnetic energy within a wavelength range. The unit of power used to detect the measurement is Watts (W). we use a radiometer to measure energy beyond the visible spectrum. It can also measure infrared and ultraviolet light.

The museum lighting industry is an everyday use for a UV-meter. Unfortunately, UV can cause serious problems. Due to its higher energy, UV energy accelerates the aging process. Therefore, any energy below 400nm must be filtered or eliminated. A radiometer can also detect and measure infrared (or IR). It can measure heat on surfaces. Technicians use them to measure and repair shorted wiring or overheating motors. Simple radiometers are quick to measure because they only use one sensor and a wavelength range filter.

The pros and cons of radiometers
Radiometers can be carried around and are portable, making them an economical and practical option. This instrument can detect and measure heat energy from surfaces and eliminate UV energy. One sensor allows it to measure wavelengths quickly. However, radiometers can’t identify the wavelengths emitted.

What is a Spectrometer?
Spectrometers measure wavelengths using multiple sensors, an optical grating to split the energy into parts, and a prism to detect it. The spectrometer creates an image of the output by taking a photo of the light. It works in the same way as a camera. They allow in light and then break down the signal to spread it over a sensor range. Based on the incoming signal amplitude, this sensor divides the wavelengths and scales them.

Like radiometers, spectrometers measure specific wavelengths. The main difference between spectrometers and radiometers is that they use an optical prism or multiple sensors and multiple wavelengths or component detectors to separate the incoming energy. To work correctly, spectrometers must be used in conjunction with optics. For example, you can use a camera system to measure watts/square meter (W/m2*SR*nm) or a cosine corrected head to measure radiation and report watts/square meter (W/m2 *nm). The spectrometers can contain up to 2048 sensors. As a result, they are incredibly analytical, provide exact data, and measure highly accurately. We can use spectrometers in many industries and applications because they are not complete systems.

Pros and cons of spectrometers
The thousands of sensors in spectrometers make them highly accurate, precise, and analytical. Spectrometers have several applications. To work correctly, however, spectrometers must be used in conjunction with optics. What is a Spectroradiometer? Spectroradiometers measure light intensity using precision radiance, luminance, and chromaticity. A spectroradiometer helps as a reference tool in research and development laboratories.

A spectroradiometer measures precision luminance, radiance, and chromaticity. It features an integrated optical measuring and targeting system that measures light from approximately 380nm to 780nm. It assists in many research and development laboratories because of its high accuracy. Moreover, a spectroradiometer helps in an automated display characterization system, where all aspects of a screen are measured. This involves viewing angles, contrast ratios, and gamma rays. A spectroradiometer has the advantage of being a standalone system that can work without being connected to a computer. Spectroradiometers can be used in harsh field conditions to take precise measurements. The optical design and signal processing technologies provide exact measures of a light source or display’s chromaticity. And it gives accurate measurement data for deficient luminance levels. It delivers measurements output in only 5 seconds.

Pros and cons of spectroradiometers
There are many benefits to spectroradiometers over cons. They are portable, accurate, and work as standalone systems without a computer.

Conclusion
LISUN optical spectroradiometers can measure the spectral characteristics of light radiation. LISUN offers a wide range of optical spectroradiometers that can measure light radiation’s spectral characteristics. There are many differences between radiometers, spectrometers and spectroradiometers. While radiometers can be carried around and are portable, they are not as accurate and can provide fast measurements. On the other hand, spectrometers are more precise and modular and offer many settings and applications. Finally, spectroradiometers combine the best of both worlds. They can be used in specific applications and offer accuracy and portability. 

Lisun Instruments Limited was found by LISUN GROUP in 2003. LISUN quality system has been strictly certified by ISO9001:2015. As a CIE Membership, LISUN products are designed based on CIE, IEC and other international or national standards. All products passed CE certificate and authenticated by the third party lab.

Our main products are Goniophotometer, Integrating Sphere, Spectroradiometer, Surge Generator, ESD Simulator, EMI Receiver, EMC Test Equipment, Electrical Safety Tester, Environmental Chamber, Temperature Chamber, Climate Chamber, Thermal Chamber, Salt Spray Test, Dust Test Chamber, Waterproof Test, RoHS Test (EDXRF), Glow Wire Test and Needle Flame Test.

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