referenssiväriyhdisteestä

A referenssiväriyhdiste, or reference color compound in English, is a substance used as a standard for color measurement and calibration. These compounds possess well-defined and stable color properties that are precisely known. They serve as benchmarks against which the colors of other materials are compared or measured. The primary purpose of a reference color compound is to ensure consistency and accuracy in color reproduction across different instruments, environments, and times.

The selection of a reference color compound depends on the specific application and the desired color space. For example, in the printing industry, specific pigments might be used as references to calibrate colorimeters and spectrophotometers. In scientific research, particularly in fields like chemistry and biology, reference compounds are crucial for identifying and quantifying substances based on their spectral absorption or emission characteristics, which are directly related to their color.

These compounds are often characterized by their spectral data, such as reflectance or transmittance curves across the visible spectrum, and are typically accompanied by established colorimetric values (e.g., CIELAB coordinates). The stability of a reference color compound is paramount, meaning its color should not change significantly due to factors like light exposure, temperature fluctuations, or chemical reactions over time. This stability allows for reliable and repeatable color measurements.