Using the UV-2600i Plus and ISR-2600Plus to Perform UV-Vis-NIR Measurements on Various Types of Glass

Importance of the Topic

The measurement of transmittance and reflectance across ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared wavelengths is essential for many modern glazing applications, including heat-mirror and UV-blocking glasses. These materials contribute to energy savings by controlling solar heat gain and improving occupant comfort, while also protecting against harmful ultraviolet radiation. Rapid, accurate characterization supports product development, quality control, and building energy management.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study demonstrates the use of the Shimadzu UV-2600i Plus spectrophotometer coupled with the ISR-2600Plus integrating sphere to measure a variety of glass samples over a broad wavelength range (220 to 1,400 nm). The work aims to showcase the spectral evaluation features of the LabSolutions UV-Vis software—particularly its averaging functionality—and to compare the optical performance of three glass variants: one standard transparent glass and two coated derivatives (glass A and B).

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

The measurements were conducted under controlled conditions using:

• Shimadzu UV-2600i Plus UV-Vis spectrophotometer
• ISR-2600Plus integrating sphere attachment
• LabSolutions UV-Vis software for data acquisition and spectral evaluation

The instrument settings included a scanning speed set to medium, a wavelength range of 220–1,400 nm, a sampling interval of 1.0 nm, and a slit width of 5.0 nm. Transmittance and reflectance spectra were recorded for each glass sample under identical conditions.

Main Results and Discussion

Transmittance analysis revealed that the uncoated transparent glass transmitted near-infrared light above 780 nm at very high levels, while coated glasses A and B allowed less than 50% transmission in this region. In the visible range (380–780 nm), transparent glass and glass B exhibited high transmission, whereas glass A showed reduced visible light throughput. Below 380 nm, glasses A and B effectively blocked ultraviolet wavelengths, in contrast to the transparent control.

Relative reflectance measurements using a barium sulfate standard indicated low reflectance (approximately 10%) across UV, visible, and IR wavelengths for the transparent glass and glass B. Glass A displayed a pronounced increase in reflectance toward the visible range, suggesting improved privacy by limiting inward light penetration.

The averaging functionality in LabSolutions UV-Vis was configured to compute mean values across user-defined ranges (UV: 280–380 nm; visible: 380–780 nm; NIR: 780–1,400 nm). These quantified metrics provided a clear statistical basis for comparing glass performance and were automatically populated in the evaluation table.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enables rapid evaluation of glass optical properties over a wide spectral range
• Supports the development of energy-saving and UV-blocking glazing solutions
• Facilitates quality control by offering automated data processing and averaging
• Improves decision-making for building design, automotive glazing, and outdoor shading products

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements may include integration with automated sample handling for high-throughput screening and expanded spectral analysis into the shortwave infrared region. Combining spectral data with machine learning algorithms could enable predictive modeling of glass performance under various environmental conditions. Additionally, angular-resolved measurements and time-resolved spectroscopy may further enrich material characterization.

Conclusion

The combined use of the UV-2600i Plus spectrophotometer, ISR-2600Plus integrating sphere, and LabSolutions UV-Vis software provides a robust platform for comprehensive optical characterization of glass materials. The averaging and automation features streamline data analysis, making this approach highly valuable for research, development, and quality assurance in industrial and architectural applications.

References

No formal literature references were provided in the source document.