FilmStar MEASURE supports the UMA (Universal Measurement Accessory) for Agilent Cary 4000/5000/6000i. Note that the UMA is standard on the Cary 7000 UMS (Universal Measurement Spectrophotometer). MEASURE offers many advantages including a common user interface and direct Excel compatibility. The UMA contains a rotating sample holder and rotating detector. It provides absolute %R and %T. FilmStar MEASURE simplifies and enhances operation via a spreadsheet workbook where each sample has its own worksheet: simple and effective, easy to deal with.

Some advantages, perhaps best appreciated by current UMA users:

• Easy to set up scans, including collections with the UMA Solids Autosampler and similar devices. Automatic backup and just-in-case Crash Recovery!

• A master baseline eliminates the need to repeat 0% and 100% scans when changing wavelength ranges. The previous baseline is automatically saved for reuse in a new scan sequence. Option to automatically refresh baselines between sample scans.

• Fixed sample generates multiple detector angles for a given sample angle.

• Discrete wavelength mode for measurements at laser or other specific wavelengths.

• FilmStar's spreadsheet paradigm simplifies results. Instantly normalize, average S and P polarizations, and positive and negative angles. These built-in capabilities do not require macros.

• Scan sequences and measured spectra saved as Excel XLS/XLSX. Excel is not required.

• Plot single or multiple scans by selecting spreadsheet column(s) and pressing <F4>.

• Simple scans (with or without UMA) are really simple and do not require a scan sequence.

• Test Mode makes it possible to set up and verify complex scan procedures in minutes.

• Powerful FilmStar graphics, reports, BASIC, etc. Integration with FilmStar DESIGN.

• Custom scan sequences as in angular dispersion wherein angle varies with wavelength

Scan sequences are developed via the dialogs shown below. It's easy to specify a multi-sample sequence using the same baseline (0%, 100%) settings. In the case of the PIKE and other multiple-sample holders, specifying Num samples > 1 automatically generates numbered worksheets. A FilmStar BASIC macro drives the autosampler utilizing sheet numbers to ensure proper placement.
 
Lacking optical-quality samples, we measured reflectance from a CD-ROM and a chrome plated business card case. Even at one angle, four measurements are required: P, S and positive, negative angles. Results can be downloaded here. A great number of measurements are required when utilizing an autosampler over a range of angles.

'Fixed sample angle' changes Sample Angle Range to Detector Angle
Range for beamsplitters, gratings, scatter measurements, etc.

Clicking OK generates the confirmation screen shown below. Repeat to include other ranges.

Incorrect? Press <Shift+Del> to clear and start over.

The final scan sequence can now be inspected. There is an option to scan a 0% baseline or just assume it's zero as shown here. While the scan sequence can be saved in Excel format, it is also saved automatically. Should the UMA Sequence Builder not meet requirements, users can create sequences in Excel.

When Autosampler is unchecked the technician is prompted to manually load samples.

The Collector is finally ready to scan and fill blank cells. Users are prompted to mount each sample. In Auto Sample mode automation, however, a BASIC macro automatically selects the next sample.

Scan completed! Green numbers indicate raw machine data. Clicking Setup..Normalize adjusts for baseline measurements, adding new columns in black. Optionally auto-delete raw data before saving.

Prefer a list starting at low wavelength? Click Spectra...Sort.

Finally, averaging P and S as well as positive and negative sample angles gives the following:

RR = Reflectance Random, no '+' or '-' signs indicates averaged angles.

The Collector is integrated with the FSPlot Module. Open FSPlot and select one or more columns and hit <F4> to create plots such as the one shown below.

The Spectra Collector can also be opened in DESIGN, providing seamless integration between multi-angle measurements and analysis. Agilent Technologies kindly provided a Cary 7000 for FTG development. While we no longer have access to the instrument, MEASURE Test Mode enables us to demonstrate features via ZOOM.
 

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Integration with the UMA Solids Autosampler (manufactured by PIKE) and similar devices is provided through new BASIC function ScanPart$() which transfers worksheet labels (sample names). When Num samples is greater than one, each sheet is automatically labeled with "01" to "99" appended to Description. In the code below we've assumed that position #0 is empty. This simplifies operation since the autosampler can be left in place during 100% baseline (reference) scans. For further details, please click here.

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