ISO 23584-2:2012

Overview

ISO 23584-2:2012 - "Optics and photonics - Specification of reference dictionary - Part 2: Classes’ and properties’ definitions" specifies a reference dictionary of standardized product properties for the optics and photonics domain. Built on the methodologies of ISO 13584-42, ISO/IEC Guide 77‑2 and IEC 61360‑1, this part defines how properties are structured, classified and described so they can be used unambiguously across standards, catalogs and digital systems. The standard establishes a reference hierarchy of definition classes (Clause 5) and their associated property definitions (Clause 6), with root application classes for ISO/TC 172 and its subcommittees (Clause 7).

Key Topics and Requirements

• Reference dictionary model: Properties are defined from standardized attributes and organized into definition classes to form a standardized “reference hierarchy”.
• Definition classes: Covers generalities (terminology, documentation), quantities (including quantities of light), optical materials, optical glass, optical elements, optical systems, coatings, surfaces (dioptric, diffractive, optically used) and more.
• Property definitions: Includes a wide set of optics-relevant properties such as refractive index, Sellmeier coefficients, temperature coefficients of refractive index, internal transmittance, surface form deviations, surface imperfections, coating names and primary functions, and durability classes (acid/alkali/phosphate resistance).
• Attribute and metadata requirements: Clause 5 provides attribute information for definition classes; Clause 6 specifies the attribute information for each property to ensure consistent interpretation and data exchange.
• Traceability and reuse: Properties defined in a class can be referenced by application classes or user systems, supporting traceable reuse of standard property definitions.

Practical Applications and Users

• Manufacturers and suppliers: Standardize product data and catalogs for lenses, optical glass, coatings and components.
• Engineers and designers: Ensure consistent interpretation of optical properties (n(λ), dispersion, thermal behavior) in optical system design.
• Standards committees and technical editors: Create application-specific classes and harmonize terminology across ISO/TC 172 subcommittees.
• Data architects, PLM and ERP developers: Implement interoperable parts libraries, product metadata models and machine-readable dictionaries for procurement and component selection.
• Metrologists and testing labs: Reference well-defined property descriptions for measurement and reporting.

Related Standards

• ISO 23584-1:2009 - General overview on organization and structure (see for definition class principles)
• ISO 13584-42, ISO/IEC Guide 77-2, IEC 61360-1 - Methodologies and technical principles used to structure and define properties

Keywords: ISO 23584-2, reference dictionary, optics and photonics, standardized product properties, definition classes, refractive index, Sellmeier coefficients, optical coatings, surface imperfections, product data.