Optimizing array spectroradiometer readings using adaptative bracketing.

Single monochromator array spectroradiometers are convenient instruments for measuring spectral quantities in the UV-Vis-NIR range. They monitor the sensor array signal based on the same integration time for all wavelengths. However, the signal-to-noise ratio may be too low to provide useful readings at weaker signal wavelengths. The so-called "bracketing" technique overcomes this drawback by performing successive retrievals using different integration times, thereby ensuring that sufficiently high signal-to-noise ratio signals are recorded and non-relevant and low ratio signals are ignored. This paper proposes the use of an automated bracketing method based on the currently used array spectroradiometer noise models and analysis of retrieved spectra. Integration time at each array pixel fits spectral signal distribution with respect to a user-defined accuracy criterion and relevance constraints for the spectroradiometer used.