Efficient and versatile internal reference sources for remote sensing space telescopes

Eric C. Kintner, Wallace K. Wong, Eric S. Jacobs, Paul J. Cucchiaro, R. John Koshel

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Access to an internal calibration reference system during flight is an important requirement for contemporary remote sensing missions. L-3 Communications SSG-Tinsley has designed, built, and tested a novel internal calibration source based on ribbon sources. Via a flip-in mirror, the source assembly couples light through the field stop of an off-axis reimaging telescope to provide a reliable test of the following optics and electronics. Non-imaging illumination design principles assure uniform illumination of the sensor focal plane at levels adjustable over a very wide dynamic range. The source assembly can be packaged into a compact, lightweight, and efficient flight unit for convenient installation at an accessible location on the telescope. While the prototype source was specifically designed to match the GIFTS telescope as a representative example of an off-axis re-imaging telescope, the design principles are flexible to allow optimization for any comparable telescope system.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationInfrared Spaceborne Remote Sensing XIV
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
EventInfrared Spaceborne Remote Sensing XIV - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Aug 15 2006Aug 17 2006

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume6297
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherInfrared Spaceborne Remote Sensing XIV
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period8/15/068/17/06

Keywords

  • Calibration
  • Compound parabolic concentrator
  • Dynamic range
  • Illumination
  • Integrating sphere
  • Non-imaging
  • Optics
  • Reference
  • Remote sensing
  • Repeatability
  • Stability
  • Telescope
  • Uniformity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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