Abstract
A multichannel photometer has been developed for space applications requiring low weight and power, no moving parts, and high sensitivity. The photocathode of a special phototube is divided into four electrically and optically distinct quadrants. The system operates without degradation after exposure to full sunlight, and has a sensitivity down to the order of rayleighs (106 photons cm−2 sec−1). The complete photometer, including high voltage and control circuitry and signal conditioning with A/D converter and three lenses and interference filters, has a weight of 1.7 kg, power consumption of less than 0.3 W, and switching speeds up to 30 cycles/sec. These are to be compared with a previous multichannel photometer with a moving filter wheel, whose corresponding characteristics were 9 kg, 7–9 W, and 0.1 cycles/sec.
© 1967 Optical Society of America
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