Optical device images the sun on a mask that transmits it or prevents its transmission to a photodetector behind the mask depending on image position on the mask. The device uses a pinhole as the image former to provide a large field of view and diffraction-limited resolution

Arndt, J. H.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

Incoi 
Bear 
F
ector 
June 1966
	
Brief 66-10263 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U. S. space 
program and to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public from 
the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Optical Device Enables Small Detector to See Large Field of View 
Radius of Spherical 
Reflecting Surface 
Spherical Reflecting Surfaces 
The problem: 
Make a device that images the sun on a mask that 
transmits it or prevents its transmission to a photo-
detector behind the mask depending upon image posi-
tion on the mask. A resolution of 0.5° or less over a 
60° field of view is required. 
The solution: 
A device using a pinhole as the image former to 
provide a large field of view and diffraction limited 
resolution. 
How it's done: 
Detector and pinhole lie at the center of curvature 
of a spherical reflector and the path het een them is
intersected by a mask having a semitransparent reflec-
tive coating. When sunlight passes through the pin-
hole, part of it is reflected from the mask to the left-
hand spherical reflecting surface where it is reflected 
back through the mask and illuminates the detector 
positioned along the system axis at the right-hand 
spherical reflecting surface. 
Notes: 
1. This device could be used as the detector in a servo 
system to prevent a sensitive optical or photo-
graphic instrument from pointing directly toward 
the sun.
-nun-do, erl­ t 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
OoN 	 nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes an\ liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19660000262 2020-03-11T17:38:52+00:00Z
2. Inquiries concerning this invention may be di-
	 Patent status: 
rected to:
	 Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
Technology Utilization Officer
	 use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
Western Operations Office
	 GP, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
ISO Pico Boulevard	 Source: J. H. Arndt Santa Monica, California 90406
	 of TRW Space Technology Laboratories Inc. 
Reference: B66-10263
	
under contract to 
Western Operations Office 
(WOO-253) 
Brief 66-10263
Category 62


Optical device enables small detector to see large field of view

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