1. Why does Mt. Baker Research offer 3 types of Ultra-White standards? The matte standard offers increased spectral reflectance at all wavelengths. Although this unglazed standard is less expensive, it is subject to soiling and contamination. (Note: See FAQs 12 and 13.)

Because all 6 surfaces of the semi-gloss standard are glazed, the optical surface is cleanable and the ceramic body is protected against contamination. Although the glazing technique is more expensive than that used to produce the glossy standard, the spectral reflectance is increased, particularly in the UV. At all wavelengths the semi-gloss standard exhibits higher spectral reflectance than the 4 CERAM White tiles in our collection. (Note: See FAQ 15.)

The glazed optical surface of the glossy standard is cleanable, and the ceramic body is sealed against contamination except at the exposed edges. The glossy standard achieves lower glazing cost in exchange for reduced spectral reflectance, especially in the UV. Above 400 nm the spectral reflectance of half of the glossy standards exceeds the values exhibited by our CERAM White tiles. Above 500 nm all of the glossy standards exhibit increased reflectance in comparison with our CERAM White tiles. (Note: See FAQ 14.)

2. What shapes and sizes of Ultra-White standards are available? We stock 2x2-inch matte, glossy, and semi-gloss standards. The manufacturer can supply custom shapes and sizes on a special order basis. Custom standards are available with round or orthorhombic shapes, thickness up to 1 inch, and maximum length, width, or diameter up to 12 inches. (Note: See FAQs 19 - 21.)

3. How durable are Ultra-White standards? In terms of durability, porosity, and mechanical strength these synthetic-alumina-based optical standards are comparable to high-quality ceramic tiles.

4. How stable are Ultra-White standards? The Ultra-White ceramic body contains no substances that change color with normal aging. No changes in color or appearance occur spontaneously, but the ceramic body and glaze are subject to physical scratching and to etching following exposure to strong acids or alkalies. Such changes usually are not reversible.

The ceramic body is porous and it contains kiln-fired aluminum oxide, which may adsorb chemical vapors or spilled liquids. Because the matte standard is not glazed, the ceramic body may become contaminated by skin oils, oily fluids, or other liquids. Contamination of the ceramic body renders the matte standard unusable. (Note: See FAQ 14.)

The manufacturer claims that the glaze and the ceramic body are not affected by exposure to UV light. In the absence of solarization there is no known mechanism for age-related color changes of the glaze. (Notes: See FAQ 18. Consult our Maintenance Manual for more information.)

5. How expensive are Ultra-White Standards? See the product pages for list prices and quantity discounts for mounted 2x2-inch Ultra-White Glossy, Matte, and Semi-Gloss standards. (Note: See FAQ 21.)

6. How are Ultra-White standards different from CERAM White tiles? In comparison with CERAM White tiles and other white ceramic tiles, our Ultra-White standards exhibit increased spectral reflectance in the near-ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared. Ultra-White standards are key to the success of OnColor Profiler software.

7. How are Ultra-White standards different from Spectralon® and Fluorilon®? Spectralon® and Fluorilon® consist of sintered optical-quality Teflon® powder. Both materials exhibit increased spectral reflectance in comparison with our Ultra-White standards. However, Ultra-White standards are more durable since the optical surface of Spectralon® or Fluorilon® is very soft. Ultra-White standards may be used at higher temperature than Spectralon® or Fluorilon®. All 3 materials can be fabricated in a wide range of shapes and sizes.

8. How consistent are the reflectance characteristics of Ultra-White Matte standards? As is typical for other ceramic optical standards, no two Ultra-White Matte standards exhibit identical spectral reflectance values.

9. How consistent are the reflectance characteristics of Ultra-White Glossy standards? We make each glossy standard by glazing the optical surface of an Ultra-White Matte standard. Although the glaze appears to be transparent, it absorbs UV light. Between individual Ultra-White Glossy standards variations in spectral reflectance result from two physical characteristics: (1) Variations in reflectance between different Ultra-White Matte standards. (2) Variations in glaze thickness.

10. How consistent are the reflectance characteristics of Ultra-White Semi-Gloss standards? We make each semi-gloss standard by glazing all 6 surfaces of an Ultra-White Matte standard. Between the individual Ultra-White Semi-Gloss standards variations in spectral reflectance result from two physical characteristics: (1) Variations in reflectance between different Ultra-White Matte standards. (2) Variations in glaze thickness. Although this proprietary glazing method increases the cost of manufacturing, it thins the glaze and increases the spectral reflectance in the UV.

11. How should I clean the optical surface of an Ultra-White Glossy or Semi-Gloss standard? The optical surface of any glazed Ultra-White standard may be cleaned with a lint-free, non-abrasive disposable wiper moistened with isopropyl alcohol. Use a gentle circular motion and don't reuse the wiper. (Notes: Grit accumulated on the wiper may scratch the glaze. Consult our Maintenance Manual for more information.)

12. How should I clean the optical surface of an Ultra-White Matte standard? Because the matte standard is not glazed, don't attempt to clean it with solvents or other liquid cleaners. Remove dust with a static-free brush, a dry lint-free, non-abrasive disposable wiper, or compressed chemically-pure tetrafluoroethane. (Note: Don't use tetrafluoroethane "canned air" that contains additives, and never shake the can. Consult our Maintenance Manual for more information.)

Remove stubborn particles with our special plastic cleaning tape. We include one roll of cleaning tape with each shipment of matte standards. (Note: Additional rolls of cleaning tape are available for separate purchase.)

Example: The original sample stage included with our 2002-model GretagMacbeth ColorEye 7000A spectrophotometer is coated with black paint that has deteriorated with aging. Because the optical surface of the matte standard is abrasive, it rubs off some of this paint during normal measurements. Our cleaning tape removes 100% of this contamination and completely restores the optical surface. Modern GretagMacbeth (X-Rite) sample stages are fabricated from black anodized aluminum, which doesn't contaminate the matte standard.

13. How can the optical surface of an Ultra-White Matte standard become soiled? Since the matte standard is not glazed, the optical surface is the precision-ground upper surface of the ceramic body, which is porous and easily contaminated. During normal use the optical surface may become soiled with dust or grit. To minimize the need for cleaning store the matte standard in a sealed container when it is not in use. Chemical contamination of the ceramic body renders the matte optical surface unusable. (Notes: See FAQs 12 and 14.)

14. Can the ceramic body of an Ultra-White Matte standard become contaminated? The porous ceramic body contains kiln-fired aluminum oxide, which may adsorb chemical vapors or spilled liquids. Because the matte standard is not glazed, the ceramic body may become contaminated by skin oils, oily fluids, or other liquids. In the absence of a reliable cleaning method, we recommend careful handling, maintenance, and storage procedures. To prevent soiling by skin oils, users should always wear lint-free cotton gloves when handling our standards.

15. Can the ceramic body of an Ultra-White Glossy standard become contaminated? The optical surface of the glossy standard is glazed and cleanable. However, the porous ceramic body contains kiln-fired aluminum oxide, which may adsorb chemical vapors or spilled liquids. The unglazed edges of a glossy standard may be contaminated by skin oils, oily fluids, or other liquids. In the absence of a reliable cleaning method, we recommend careful handling, maintenance, and storage procedures. To prevent soiling by skin oils, users should always wear lint-free cotton gloves when handling our standards.

16. Can the ceramic body of an Ultra-White Semi-Gloss standard become contaminated? All 6 surfaces of the semi-gloss standard are glazed and permanently sealed against penetration by chemical vapors or spilled liquids. To prevent soiling of the optical surface by skin oils, users should always wear lint-free cotton gloves when handling our standards.

17. Is the spectral reflectance of an Ultra-White standard affected by temperature or humidity? At this time we have no data on thermochromism or hygrochromism for Ultra-White standards.

18. Does the spectral reflectance of an Ultra-White standard change following exposure to ultraviolet light? The manufacturer claims that the glaze and the ceramic body are not affected by exposure to UV light. They formulated the glaze to resist "solarization" (yellowing caused by exposure to UV).

19. What is the typical delivery time for custom Ultra-White standards? The manufacturer requires 10 - 12 weeks to produce custom standards fob Bellingham, Washington.

20. What is the minimum order requirement for custom Ultra-White standards? The manufacturer requires a minimum order for each custom standard. To prevent contamination during fabrication they prefer to precision grind these materials to the specified dimensions and surface quality in house.

21. How expensive are custom Ultra-White standards? The list prices shown below are based on a recent quote from the manufacturer for 12x12x1-inch Ultra-White Matte plates. (Notes: These prices do not include the costs of shipping, calibration, or mounting the plates (if required). For these large plates the options for calibration are limited. This quote is valid through October 31, 2008.)

Quantity & Quote (USD) fob Bellingham, Washington
1 plate @ $1,900 each (minimum order $1,900)
5 plates @ $1,050 each (minimum order $5,250)
10 plates @ $950 each (minimum order $9,500)