Air Mass/Solar

Air Mass/SolarAir Mass filters are designed to imitate solar conditions for a variety of solar angles and atmospheric depths. The spectrum of solar radiation is expressed in different ways, depending on the location of measurement. Total ground radiation is called global radiation. The direction of the target surface must be defined for global irradiance. The target surface faces the incoming beam for direct radiation.

The ASTM 927-05(2005) and IEC-904-9 ANSI standards apply only in the wavelength range between 300-1400nm. According to these standards the spectral uniformity is ±25% in increments of 100nm between 300-1400nm. For Scienctech AM0 filter these standards are applicable only in the wavelength range from 400-1100nm. Accuracy in the UV spectrum is not mandated by the standards. The spatial uniformity requirement is ±2% for class A, ±5% for class B, and ±10% for class C (small solar simulators with less than 30 cm beam diameter). For large solar simulators,class A,the spatial uniformity is ±3%. The temporal uniformity requirement is ±2%.

Stacking of Filters
Sciencetech's line of Air Mass filters are designed to be used individually to achieve the standardized conditions that they are labeled for. That is to say: where the competitive filters need to be stacked to achieve the performance required, Sciencetech's filters stand alone. This reduces the amount of intensity lost when the filter is used. If the application only requires one solar condition then the user need purchase only one filter. The filters can be used in series if non-standard conditions are required, and Sciencetech's line of Solar Simulators have filter holders that can hold several filters.

Which Side is Front?
The coated side of the filter should face the light source. This is because it would then filter the light first before passing through its substrate on the back side allowing it to absorb less heat. The coating side of the filter is marked with the filter value AM0 on the frame. If for some reason the filter is removed from the frame, look for the side with a reflective edge as it marks the coating side.