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At least 523 records · Page 29

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NASA NTRS1979

Video techniques in comet-debris studies

The paper describes techniques for examining comets and meteors. Data was obtained on four nights around the peak of the Geminid shower, using SEC Vidicon equipment at Mount Hopkins Observatory in Arizona at a latitude of 31 deg 41.9 north, longitude 110 deg 52.7 west, and 2320 meters above sea level. The TV employed, was mated to an f/0.75 lens of 105 mm focal length, and agove the lens a transmission diffraction grating was fixed with 300 lines/mm. Attention is given to the calibration curve of the seven-pixer means and to the contour lines drawn by the Image Data Processing System (IDAPS).

Millman, P. M.↗

NASA NTRS1980

IR observations of the double quasar 0957 + 561 A, B and the intervening galaxy

Infrared observations of the double quasar 0957 + 561 A, B and the intervening galaxy believed to be responsible for its double appearance by gravitational light deflection are reported. Observations were obtained of each quasar at 1.6 and 2.2 microns and of the 12.5 arcsec region centered between the two quasars at 1.2, 1.6 and 2.2 microns. Extended IR emission is observed in the vicinity of both quasars and is attributed to emission from the intervening galaxy. The two quasars are found to have a constant flux ratio in all observed wavelength ranges, consistent with the achromatic imaging predicted by the gravitational lens model, and to exhibit an unusual continuum distribution in the region 0.35-2.2 microns. The infrared observations are also consistent with a giant elliptical lens galaxy at a redshift of approximately 0.40.

Soifer, B. T.↗

NASA NTRS1980

HOE/lensless matched spatial filter wavelength-scaling correlator

A scaling correlator optical pattern recognition system is described in which a lensless matched spatial filter (with the second Fourier transform lens and the matched spatial filter recorded on the same plate) is used with a first Fourier transform lens that is also an holographic optical element. The matched spatial filter is recorded at one wavelength and correlation is obtained at a second wavelength. Experimental demonstration and output correlation SNR data are reported, together with a comparison of the system's noise level using conventional optics and holographic elements.

Shen, M.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Passive solar reflector satellite revisited

Passive light weight reflectors in space which direct the incident solar energy to a specified location on the Earth surface are proposed as an alternative system for the solar power satellite to overcome conversion losses and to avoid the need for photovoltaic cells. On Earth, either photovoltaic cells or a steam turbine alternator on a solar tower, or a similar conventional, relatively high efficiency cycle are used for electricity generation. The constraints which apply to the design of the optical system if a single satellite is placed in geostationary orbit are outlined. A single lens and a two lens system are discussed.

Polk, C.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Solar concentration properties of flat fresnel lenses with large F-numbers

The solar concentration performances of flat, line-focusing sun-tracking Fresnel lenses with selected f-numbers between 0.9 and 2.0 were analyzed. Lens transmittance was found to have a weak dependence on f-number, with a 2% increase occuring as the f-number is increased from 0.9 to 2.0. The geometric concentration ratio for perfectly tracking lenses peaked for an f-number near 1.35. Intensity profiles were more uniform over the image extent for large f-number lenses when compared to the f/0.9 lens results. Substantial decreases in geometri concentration ratios were observed for transverse tracking errors equal to or below 1 degree for all f-number lenses. With respect to tracking errors, the solar performance is optimum for f-numbers between 1.25 and 1.5.

Cosby, R. M.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Secondary concentrators for parabolic dish solar thermal power systems

A variety of different concepts are currently being studied with the objective to lower the cost of parabolic mirrors and to provide alternatives. One of the considered approaches involves the use of compound concentrators. A compound solar concentrator is a concentrator in which the sunlight is reflected or refracted more than once. It consists of a primary mirror or lens, whose aperture determines the amount of sunlight gathered, and a smaller secondary mirror or lens. Additional small optical elements may also be incorporated. The possibilities and problems regarding a use of compound concentrators in parabolic dish systems are discussed. Attention is given to concentrating secondary lenses, secondary imaging and concentrating mirrors, conical secondary mirrors, compound elliptic secondary concentrating mirrors, and hyperbolic trumpet secondary concentrating mirrors.

Jaffe, L. D.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Imaging antenna arrays

Many millimeter and far-infrared imaging systems are limited in sensitivity and speed because they depend on a single scanned element. Because of recent advances in planar detectors such as Schottky diodes, superconducting tunnel junctions, and microbolometers, an attractive approach to this problem is a planar antenna array with integrated detectors. A planar line antenna array and optical system for imaging has been developed. The significant advances are a 'reverse-microscope' optical configuration and a modified bow-tie antenna design. In the 'reverse-microscope' configuration, a lens is attached to the bottom of the substrate containing the antennas. Imaging is done through the substrate. This configuration eliminates the troublesome effects of substrate surface waves. The substrate lens has only a single refracting surface, making possible a virtually aplanatic system, with little spherical aberration or coma. The array is characterized by an optical transfer function that is easily measured. An array with 19 dB crosstalk levels between adjacent antennas has been tested and it was found that the array captured 50 percent of the available power. This imaging system was diffraction limited.

Rutledge, D. B.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Beam Splitter Introduces Little Aberration

Placing beam splitter inside existing lens minimizes aberrations. Six channel beam splitter has optical paths of lengths equal to distances traveled by rays. Lens element cemented to each of exit faces of beam splitter is optically concentric with element cemented to entrance face and with center of curvature of monocentric optical system. Beam splitter makes it possible to form separate image in each wavelength channel of interest.

Evans, N. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Controlling TV-Camera f-Stop Remotely

Lens opening of television camera controlled manually from remote location by simple and inexpensive data link without modifications to camera lens system. Allows closeup views of wide-brightness-range events otherwise hazardous for human operator.

Talley, G. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Optical Turbopump Speed Sensor

Optical tachometer measures shaft rotation from outside turbopump housing. Laser-diode beam passes through quartz lens into shaft nut with alternating reflective and nonreflective surfaces. Reflected pulses collected by lens and transmitted to photodetector.

Swain, D.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Ocular screening tests of elementary school children

This report presents an analysis of 507 abnormal retinal reflex images taken of Huntsville kindergarten and first grade students. The retinal reflex images were obtained by using an MSFC-developed Generated Retinal Reflex Image System (GRRIS) photorefractor. The system uses a 35 mm camera with a telephoto lens with an electronic flash attachment. Slide images of the eyes were examined for abnormalities. Of a total of 1835 students screened for ocular abnormalities, 507 were found to have abnormal retinal reflexes. The types of ocular abnormalities detected were hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, esotropia, exotropia, strabismus, and lens obstuctions. The report shows that the use of the photorefractor screening system is an effective low-cost means of screening school children for abnormalities.

Richardson, J.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Development of the multiwavelength monolithic integrated fiber optics terminal

This paper describes the development of the Multiwavelength Monolithic Integrated Fiber Optic Terminal (MMIFOT) for the NASA Johnson Space Center. The program objective is to utilize guided wave optical technology to develop wavelength-multiplexing and -demultiplexing units, using a single mode optical fiber for transmission between terminals. Intensity modulated injection laser diodes, chirped diffraction gratings and thin film lenses are used to achieve the wavelength-multiplexing and -demultiplexing. The video and audio data transmission test of an integrated optical unit with a Luneburg collimation lens, waveguide diffraction grating and step index condensing lens is described.

Chubb, C. R.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Tracking antenna arrays for near-millimeter waves

A two-dimensional monolithic array has been developed that gives the elevation and azimuth of point source targets. The array is an arrangement of rows and columns of antennas and bismuth bolometer detectors on a fused quartz substrate. Energy is focused onto the array through a lens placed on the back side of the substrate. At 1.38 mm with a 50 mm diameter objective lens, the array has demonstrated a positioning accuracy of 26 arcmin. In a differential mode this precision improves to 9 arcsec, limited by the mechanics of the rotating stage. This tracking could be automated to a fast two-step procedure where a source is first located to the nearest row and column, and then precisely located by scanning. With signal processing the array should be able to track multiple sources.

Tong, P. P.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Aircraft-borne lightning sensor

An instrument is described that has been used to measure the spatial and temporal distributions of lightning strokes as seen from a high-altitude aircraft platform. It consists of two separate sensors. One has a lens, selectable filters, and a 50 x 50 element array of photodiodes. The second has an identical lens, filters, and a single detector that covers the same total field of view.

Wolfe, W. L.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Direction Judgement Errors in Perspective Displays

Spatial information transfer characteristics of perspective situation displays were investigated by having eight subjects judge the directions of displayed targets relative to a fixed position in the center of computer generated perspective scenes. Their errors in judging azimuth angles varied sinusoidally with the azimuth of the targets. Errors alternated between clockwise and counterclock wise from one direction quadrant to the next. As the perspective geometry was varied between telephoto lens and wide angle lens views, the direction of error gradually reversed in all quadrants. The results can be explained by systematic differences between the three-dimensional stimulus angles and the perspective projections of those angles onto the display screen.

Mcgreevy, M. W.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Remote sensing of directional wave spectra using the surface contour radar

A unique radio-oceanographic remote sensing instrument was developed. The 36 GHz airborne Surface Contour Radar (SCR) remotely produces a real-time topographical map of the sea surface beneath the aircraft. It can routinely produce ocean directional wave spectra with off-line data processing. The transmitter is a coherent dual-frequency device that uses pulse compression to compensate for the limited available power at Ka band. The radar has selectable pulse widths of 1, 2, 4, and 10 nanoseconds. The transmitting antenna is a 58 lambda horn fed dielectric lens whose axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. It illuminates an elliptical mirror which is oriented 45 deg to the lens' longitudinal axis to deflect the beam towards the region beneath the aircraft. The mirror is oscillated in a sinusoidal fashion through mechanical linkages driven to a variable speed motor to scan the transmitter beam (1.2 deg X 1.2 deg) with + or - 16 deg of the perpendicular to the aircraft wings in the plane perpendicular to the aircraft flight direction.

Walsh, E. J.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Test and evaluation of the 2.4-micron photorefractor ocular screening system

An improved 2.4-m photorefractor ocular screening system was tested and evaluated. The photorefractor system works on the principal of obtaining a colored photograph of both human eyes; and, by analysis of the retinal reflex images, certain ocular defects can be detected such a refractive error, strabismus, and lens obstructions. The 2.4-m photorefractory system uses a 35-mm camera with a telephoto lens and an electronic flash attachment. Retinal reflex images obtained from the new 2.4-m system are significantly improved over earlier systems in image quality. Other features were also improved, notably portability and reduction in mass. A total of 706 school age children were photorefracted, 211 learning disabled and 495 middle school students. The total students having abnormal retinal reflexes were 156 or 22 percent, and 133 or 85 percent of the abnormal had refractive error indicated. Ophthalmological examination was performed on 60 of these students and refractive error was verified in 57 or 95 percent of those examined. The new 2.4-m system has a NASA patent pending and is authorized by the FDA. It provides a reliable means of rapidly screening the eyes of children and young adults for vision problems. It is especially useful for infants and other non-communicative children who cannot be screened by the more conventional methods such as the familiar E chart.

Richardson, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Design of a variable-focal-length optical system

Requirements to place an entire optical system with a variable focal length ranging from 20 to 200 cm within a overall length somewhat less than 100 cm placed severe restrictions on the design of a zoom lens suitable for use on a comet explorer. The requirements of a wavelength range of 0.4 to 1.0 microns produced even greater limitations on the possibilities for a design that included a catadioptric (using mirrors and glass) front and followed by a zooming refractive portion. Capabilities available commercial zoom lenses as well as patents of optical systems are reviewed. Preliminary designs of the refractive optics zoom lens and the catadioptric system are presented and evaluated. Of the two, the latter probably has the best chance of success, so long as the shortest focal lengths are not really needed.

Ricks, D.↗