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3.10.6 Common Measurement Errors
The most common sources of optical measurement error are listed in Table 23
below. Other common errors are discussed in the preceding subsections of
Section 3.10, Measurement Considerations.
Table 23 – Common Measurement Errors
Type of Error
What should be done?
Radiometry
Check that all of the light is actually hitting
the detector.
Ambient Light
Check that any ambient light was ZEROed
before the measurement was made.
Wavelength Calibration
Check that the Calibration Factor for the
measurement wavelength is properly set.
Detector Saturation
Check that the optical power density remains
or Damage
below the detector’s saturation or damage
threshold.
NOTE
The Model 2835-C will indicate when a detector is being operated above its
saturation or damage threshold by displaying “SA” in the measurement
display area. Be aware that detectors often experience local saturation or
damage without ever exceeding an overall saturation or damage threshold.
This only applies to semiconductor photodiodes and thermopiles used above
maximum intermittent power.
Detector damage can still arise even when “SA” is not displayed. Be sure to
follow your detector manual’s user guidelines.
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