Purpose
This filter is a useful tool for routinely checking the wavelength and absorbance accuracy of a visible spectrophotometer. Like its liquid counterpart, the didymium glass filter produces characteristic peaks that make it suitable for use as a wavelength reference material in the visible region of the spectrum. In this filter, the didymium is optically bonded to a neutral density filter giving a nominal 1A background absorbance that can be used to check the absorbance accuracy of the instrument
Description and Discussion
Glass filter containing didymium (a mixture of neodymium & praseodymium) oxide, optically bonded to a neutral density filter and mounted stress free in an anodised aluminium holder. Sliding window covers are provided to protect the surface from damage when not in use. Variations from melt to melt of the glass can cause small uncertainties in peak position, so each Starna filter is individually certified.
Typical spectra
9 peak wavelengths are certified at nominal values of 473, 514, 530, 572, 586, 739, 748, 807 and 879 nm.
Note: The above values are for guidance only. TheCalibration Certificate accompanying each Starna Didymium Glass Reference gives actual values measured at a bandwidth of 1 nm and only these certified values should be used for instrument qualification. On request, Starna can provide certified values at other wavelengthsand bandwidth values.
The absorbance values, nominally 1A, are certified at wavelengths between the didymium peaks, at 410, 455, 550, 637 and 773 nm.