We are sometimes asked if FilmStar can predict coating performance as a function of temperature. Unless one is very lucky in a literature search, this requires materials knowledge that can only be obtained through multiple scans over the temperature range. Measurements entail many hours, and will be tedious, expensive, and error-prone when performed manually.

Recently PerkinElmer accepted an order for a Lambda 1050 with the proviso that it automatically acquire and save spectra over a wide temperature range. The end-user, a well-known Korean company, had purchased Instec temperature control apparatus and required spectral DAQ software integrated with the mK1000 controller.

Realizing that customized software was required, PE contacted us for a low-cost solution based on FilmStar MEASURE. In addition to the problem of controlling the temperature there was the issue of what to do with the data.

Our control solution takes the form of an ActiveX EXE server as shown here. The server can run standalone for testing and under control of MEASURE BASIC. There is no simpler way to control the mK1000. Click here to download a simulator. Windows 7 users may need to manually run as administrator before the server can be used under BASIC control.

As saving spectra in individual files is very unwieldy we decided to utilize Excel. The leftmost column indicates wavelength while each subsequent column contains R or T values. Automation is again required as the system must be capable of unattended, possibly overnight, operation. A read-only Excel file serves as template and is included as part of the solution.

Standalone operation




Under BASIC control