1.1 This practice describes procedures for estimating the spectral bandwidth of a spectrophotometer in the wavelength region of 185 to 820 nm.

1.2 These practices are applicable to all modern spectrophotometer designs utilizing computer control and data handling. This includes conventional optical designs, where the sample is irradiated by monochromatic light, and ‘reverse' optic designs coupled to photodiode arrays, where the light is separated by a polychromator after passing through the sample. For spectrophotometers that utilize servo-operated slits and maintain a constant period and a constant signal-to-noise ratio as the wavelength is automatically scanned, and/or utilize fixed slits and maintain a constant servo loop gain by automatically varying gain or dynode voltage, refer to the procedure described in Annex A1. This procedure is identical to that described in earlier versions of this practice.

1.3 This practice does not cover the measurement of limiting spectral bandwidth, defined as the minimum spectral bandwidth achievable under optimum experimental conditions.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.