CL-700A for Visible and NIR Light Measurement

Near-infrared technology is increasingly used in security cameras, facial-recognition systems, automotive sensing, smartphone cameras, and AR/VR devices. Horticulture lighting can also include far-red output beyond the conventional visible photosynthetic range. These applications depend on light sources with suitable spectral and radiometric characteristics. The nominal wavelength shown on an emitter’s datasheet may not provide enough information for product development or quality control. Differences in peak wavelength, spectral distribution, and radiant output can affect how a source interacts with a camera, optical sensor, or plant.

The Konica Minolta CL-700A Illuminance Spectrophotometer extends spectral measurement from visible light into the near-infrared region. Its 360–1,000 nm spectral measurement range covers visible wavelengths, the commonly used 850 nm and 940 nm NIR bands, and the far-red region relevant to horticulture lighting. With its extended spectral range and radiometric capabilities, the CL-700A provides engineers with a versatile platform for characterizing visible and NIR light sources during research, product development, and quality control.

Why Visible and NIR Spectral Measurement Matters

Two emitters with the same nominal wavelength may not have identical optical characteristics. Differences can occur in their actual peak wavelength, spectral distribution, and radiant output. Operating current, temperature, optical design, and component tolerances can also influence the measured result. Spectral measurement helps engineers compare light sources, investigate variation between samples, and establish repeatable measurement conditions. It can also help determine whether a change in system performance is related to the illumination source.

Selecting the correct measurement parameter is equally important. Illuminance, expressed in lux, is weighted according to human visual sensitivity. It is suitable for evaluating visible illumination but is not a substitute for radiometric measurement of NIR output. For 850 nm and 940 nm emitters, irradiance and spectral irradiance are generally more relevant than lux.

CL-700A Measurement Capabilities

The CL-700A combines photometric, colorimetric, and radiometric measurement capabilities in a compact instrument.

Capability	CL-700A specification
Spectral measurement range	360–1,000 nm
Illuminance range	0.01–200,000 lx
Output wavelength pitch	1 nm
Spectral bandwidth	Approximately 10 nm
Radiometric functions	Irradiance and spectral irradiance
Multi-point measurement	Up to 15 instruments
Software functions	Spectral display, PPFD, and additional lighting indices

The CL-700A supports spectral distribution and peak wavelength evaluation for visible and NIR sources within its measurement range. CL-S30 software provides instrument control, spectral visualization, data management, and additional measurement indices. Using CL-S30, up to 15 instruments can be controlled through Ethernet for simultaneous multi-point measurement.

Instrument suitability should be evaluated against the source wavelength, output level, geometry, and operating mode. Applications requiring individual high-speed pulse analysis, spatial or angular mapping, wavelengths above 1,000 nm, eye-safety assessment, or medical-device validation may require complementary instrumentation.

CL-700A Applications for Visible and NIR Measurement

Security Cameras and Night Vision

Security cameras commonly use NIR illumination to support image capture in low-light or dark environments. Typical IR illuminators operate around 850 nm or 940 nm.

The CL-700A enables engineers to measure the spectral distribution, peak wavelength, and irradiance of suitable IR illuminators. These measurements support source comparison, product development, and consistency checks between samples or production units. By providing spectral and radiometric information about the illuminator, the CL-700A helps engineers establish controlled source conditions for camera development, performance testing, and quality control.

Beyond source comparison and quality control, this characterization can support broader camera performance testing under relevant industry standards. IEC 62676-5:2018 defines requirements and measurement methods for specified performance characteristics of video-surveillance camera devices. Clause 5.4.6 describes the measurement method for determining the IR illumination operating view distance of cameras with built-in IR illuminators. The evaluation uses defined camera settings, a specified test chart, and assessment of the resulting camera image.

The CL-700A can support this testing workflow by characterizing suitable IR illumination sources. Camera performance and any claim of conformity with IEC 62676-5 must be evaluated using the complete test setup and the procedures defined by the applicable standard.

Biometric, Automotive, and AR/VR Sensing

Facial-recognition systems, automotive driver monitoring systems (DMS), and AR/VR eye-tracking devices can use NIR illumination to support camera-based sensing under changing visible-light conditions.

The CL-700A can measure the wavelength characteristics and irradiance of suitable NIR emitters used in these systems. The resulting data support emitter selection, illumination-module development, and consistency evaluation before system integration.

Smartphone Cameras and Image Sensors

Camera modules and image sensors are evaluated under controlled illumination during development and manufacturing. Depending on the imaging or sensing function, the test source may operate in the visible or NIR region.

The CL-700A can characterize visible and NIR test sources used in these applications. Its extended spectral range and broad illuminance range help engineers establish repeatable test conditions, compare illumination between test stations, and investigate source-related variation.

Horticulture Lighting

Horticulture lighting requires more than conventional illuminance measurement because plants respond differently to optical radiation than the human visual system. Conventional Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density, or PPFD, covers the 400–700 nm photosynthetic range, while far-red output is commonly reported separately over 700–800 nm.

The CL-700A’s 360–1,000 nm spectral range enables measurement across the visible and far-red regions, as well as longer NIR wavelengths that may be present in the output of horticultural light sources. Together with PPFD calculation through CL-S30, this gives lighting developers a broader view of source performance for indoor farms, growth chambers, and other controlled-environment applications.

Evaluation of Light Sources for Photomedicine and Photo biomodulation

Some photomedicine and photo biomodulation systems use visible red or NIR light sources. For suitable sources operating within 360–1,000 nm, the CL-700A can provide spectral distribution and irradiance data for source comparison, wavelength verification, and consistency evaluation. Medical-device validation and therapeutic dosimetry require separate assessment of parameters such as exposure time, fluence, spatial uniformity, calibration uncertainty, and photobiological safety.

Extending Measurement Beyond Visible Light

The Konica Minolta CL-700A extends spectral measurement from visible light into the near-infrared region. Its 360–1,000 nm wavelength range covers the commonly used 850 nm and 940 nm NIR bands, as well as the far-red region relevant to horticulture lighting.

By measuring spectral distribution, peak wavelength, irradiance, and spectral irradiance, the CL-700A helps engineers compare light sources, establish repeatable test conditions, and evaluate consistency during research, product development, and quality control. CL-S30 software further expands its capabilities with PPFD calculation, spectral visualization, and multi-point measurement support.

From security cameras and automotive sensing to imaging, AR/VR, and horticulture lighting, the CL-700A provides a versatile platform for visible and NIR light-source characterization.

Ready to explore visible and NIR light measurement with the CL-700A? Contact us to discuss your application and arrange a personalized demonstration.