An integrating sphere is an optical sphere internally coated with a reflective material such that light shining into its input port would be complete diffused and uniform by the time it reaches its output port. An integrating sphere has an input port and an output port which is typically mated to a detector, monochromator, or sample chamber. The light source can be placed inside the integrating sphere and sometimes it is used as a sample chamber itself. A baffle between the input and output port is optionally available to assure no input light directly reaches the output port without first being diffused by the internal reflective coating. The light that reaches the output port is completely diffused meaning it can reach the output port at any reflective angle. Sciencetech provides a range of integrating spheres ranging from 4" to 12" diameter. Due to the many reflective bounces a ray of light has to take before reaching the output port, efficiency is typically around 30%, although this can be more accurately estimated following an approximated equation in the Product Details section. Various internal reflective coatings can also be chosen (depending on spectral region required) and additional ports and baffles can also be ordered. Please consult a Sciencetech Applications Specialist to have an integrating sphere configured to your requirements.

Light Collection Efficiency Of Integrating Sphere
An approximate method to calculate the efficiency of an integrating sphere in preserving light generated within is: % of Light Power reaching output port at all angles = 12 x area of output port / surface area of sphere x 100%
This assumes you can collect all light from all angles as normally you would then have to ratio the solid angle of collection to the light collected at all angles as well. If you are calculating the light that gets collected into a detector or monochromator, use the area of the detector or monochromator slit and not the actual output port area.