Albedo is the diffuse reflection of shortwave solar radiation from a surface in the wavelength range 285 to 2800 nm. It is the ratio of reflected radiation to incoming radiation and varies from 0 (dark) to 1 (bright). For example, the albedo of grass is 0.15, that of dry sand is 0.5, and that of fresh snow is 0.8.
An albedometer consists of two pyranometers. The upward-facing sensor measures the incoming solar radiation, while the downward-facing sensor measures the radiation reflected from the surface. Once the two sensor signals are converted into a W/m² radiation value, the albedo can be easily calculated.
The CMA11 albedometer complies with the requirements of ISO 9060 and is traceable to the World Radiometric Reference in Davos, Switzerland.
Selecting the right albedometer depends on the desired accuracy and performance requirements. The CMA11 albedometer features broadband thermopile detectors, a double glass dome, a level bubble, and a white sunshade to prevent the device body from heating up.
The waterproof connector on the 10m cable features gold-plated contacts. The sensors require no power supply and are delivered with a calibration certificate traceable to the WRR (World Radiometric Reference).
The CMA11 albedometer consists of two CMP11 pyranometers and complies with the highest standard according to ISO classification, the Secondary Standard . It has all the features of the CMA6 albedometer , but also features higher-quality glass domes and a sensor element with even faster response time and temperature compensation.
The CMA11 albedometer is recommended for scientific applications where the highest accuracy requirements are placed.
