1.1 This practice describes a procedure for measuring the practical spectral bandwidth of a spectrophotometer in the wavelength region of 185 to 820 nm. Practical spectral bandwidth is the spectral bandwidth of an instrument operated at a given integration period and a given signal-to-noise ratio.

1.2 This practice is applicable to instruments that utilize servo-operated slits and maintain a constant period and a constant signal-to-noise ratio as the wavelength is automatically scanned. It is also applicable to instruments that utilize fixed slits and maintain a constant servo loop gain by automatically varying gain or dynode voltage. In this latter case, the signal-to-noise ratio varies with wavelength. It can also be used on instruments that utilize some combination of the two designs, as well as on those that vary the period during the scan. For digitized instruments, refer to the manufacturer's manual.

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

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.