Parametric modeling of reflectance spectra for dyes and their mixtures in fabrics using reference spectra

Abstract

This study describes a parametric model of diffuse reflectance that simulates the spectral response of light-absorbing dyes and their mixtures in fabrics for tailoring reflectance spectra of dyed fabrics. This model combines diffuse-reflectance theory with reference spectra for simulating resonant absorption in dyed fabrics. Fabric samples consisting of a cotton blend were used as the test substrate for dyes having characteristic resonant light-absorption. The results of this study demonstrate the application of the parametric model for simulating spectral responses corresponding to variable dye and dye blend concentrations in fabrics.

Keywords:

• Diffuse reflectance
• parametric modeling
• dyed fabrics
• absorption spectra

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

R. Viger

R. Viger is currently a Research Engineer at the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC. She received a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder, in 2014 and is currently pursuing an MS degree in Electrical Engineering at the George Washington University. Her recent studies concern computational electromagnetics.

S. Ramsey

S. Ramsey received the MS degree in Forensic Chemistry from Michigan State University (2004), and BS degrees in Biology (1995) and Chemistry (2000) from Florida State University and University of North Florida, respectively. He is currently a Senior Research Scientist at the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington DC, where he has been for over 13 years, and has many publications, patents and awards. His expertise includes multispectral signature characterization and environmental testing of both fielded and prototype combat uniform systems, and also develops and incorporates into camouflage fabrics innovative visible and thermal signature reduction capabilities.

T. Mayo

T. Mayo is Lead Technician of the Signature Technology Office, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington DC. He is responsible for spectral-signature quality control evaluations for all fielded warfighter gear, and for a wide range of spectral analysis programs, which include testing prototype combat uniform fabrics for thermal signature performance and durability.

S. G. Lambrakos

S. G. Lambrakos received the Ph.D. in Physics from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University in 1983. He is currently a Research Physicist at the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington DC, where he has been for over 36 years. His expertise is computational physics in general, and has many publications, patents and awards. His recent studies concern computational materials physics and inverse spectral analysis.