Selecting the best CCD-based imaging colorimeter for your application requires understanding a few basic trade-offs in imaging colorimeter architecture.
Given the choices available for CCD technology, noise reduction, and color filtering, there is a broad range of imaging colorimeter configurations. The most precise measurements are achieved using a cooled, temperature stabilized, large pixel, full-frame CCD together with a mechanical filter wheel using precision absorptive filters.
CCD selection is the most important factor. This determines pixel resolution, bit depth and – in conjunction with lens selection – achievable viewing angles.
Closely related to CCD selection is the design of the control electronics requirements to minimize electronic noise and support electrical and optical calibrations.
Filter selection is usually a choice between standard configurations for photometric or colorimetric operation. Further options are available for enhanced color, radiometric and Near-IR measurement performance. Filter technology options are available, based on standalone filters, on-CCD filter arrays, and beam splitting.
Lenses are selected based on working distance and field-of-view requirements. The optical geometries affecting lens selection will also be constrained by the specific CCD used.
Taken together, the various CCD, electronics, filter, and lens options provide great flexibility in determining the performance and cost of the imaging colorimeter selected.
