Establishing a 3D BRDF database for Acktar’s ultra-black coatings and foils

Stray light is a significant challenge in optical systems, degrading image quality, contrast, and sensitivity. Acktar’s ultra-black coatings and foils address this issue by absorbing almost all incident light, minimizing stray light and improving optical performance. To facilitate accurate simulation of Acktar’s ultra-black coatings and foils, we have developed a 3D BRDF and TIS database. This comprehensive database provides a detailed representation of the coatings’ reflectance and scattering properties across a wide range of wavelengths and incident angles. The 3D BRDF and TIS data were measured using a Synopsys instrument and are available in both raw format and integrated into various simulation software packages. The database’s accuracy has been validated against experimental data sets, demonstrating its reliable representation of Acktar’s ultra-black coatings. This 3D BRDF and TIS database empowers researchers, engineers, and designers to effectively incorporate Acktar’s ultra-black materials into optical systems, optimizing their performance and minimizing stray light-induced artifacts. The ensures accurate simulation across diverse optical applications.