Colorimetric is the study of colors as the human eyes perceive them. As such, colorimeters (also known as Chroma meters, color meters, or color readers) do not measure spectral output on wavelengths like spectrophotometers, but rather give red, blue, and green chromaticity coordinates or values in much the same way that human eyes see color. In the past, these measurements were done with three glass filters that matched up with different colors. These would let radiation from wavelengths of the blue, green and red parts of the visible spectrum pass through, but no other wavelengths.
These measurements have a number of applications. Since they help compute a person’s perception of color, they are frequently used in R&D to help develop electronic devices with screens, including phones, tablets, and computers. Although there are other methods of measurement that are more comprehensive, like spectrometry, the readings from colorimeters offer more relevant data.
In addition, scientists can use Chroma meters to analyze chemicals that have chromospheres. These are areas in the chemicals that take invisible radiation. Research in fields such as pharmaceuticals and history can benefit from quantifying colors to properly measure their subjects.
Color readers also can serve as quality control monitors for production lines or food. Makers of toys, textiles, and other products could utilize them to ensure that colors are equivalent for all items. Chroma meters can be used to do the same for food too.
A colorimeter uses the human eye as the detector. The user compares the observed color of the unknown sample against a standard or a series of colored standards of known concentrations. In addition, the colorimeter has another function.
- The colorimeter is a small and portable device that can be used to analyze the color contrast and the brightness on a television or computer screen, allowing the user to adjust the settings to obtain the best quality picture.
- In the printing industry, this device is a basic element in a color management system, in addition to checking the electronic components and quality of pulp paper and measuring the quality of the printing ink.
- The colorimeter is also used by diamond merchants to measure the optical properties of precious stones.
- The instrument is also used in cosmetology to measure the sun protection factor of the products that are applied to the skin.
- These can analyze the skin tomes and tooth color to help diagnose dermal and dental diseases.
- In real life, hospitals use some types of these devices to test the concentration of hemoglobin blood. When the Hb is oxygen-rich, the blood appears red.
- A high concentration of Hb in the blood is an indicator of good health, while low levels suggest that the muscles, internal organs and brain are not receiving a sufficient supply of oxygen.
- The colorimeter is also used to test for water quality in real life by screening for chemicals such as chlorine, fluoride, cyanide, dissolved oxygen, iron, molybdenum, num, and hydrazine.
These are just some of the possible applications for colorimeters. But no matter what your needs are, ATO Colorimeter.org has your solution. The Caliber 8mm Color Spectrophotometer is a portable device with long battery life. It can take readings of uneven surfaces and those with a lot of color variation, and, as a result, be used in a number of fields, such as on production floors. Caliber 4mm Pocket Colorimeter also offers a variety of meters for the food industry.
