Sphere surface is covered with plain weave of glass fibers coated with polytetrafluoroethylene and one or two layers of magnesium oxide vapor. The resultant lining is suitable for measurement of radiation in the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared wavelengths, is not damage prone, and is easily cleaned

Fergerson, P. O.

French, B. O.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

October 1970	 Brief 70-10413 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs announce new technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage commercial 
application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical 
Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Division, NASA, Code UT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Improved Linings for Integrating Spheres 
Integrating spheres, for measurement of the thermo-
optical properties of materials, can be lined by a 
novel and improved method that is quick (in about 
20% of the time taken for MgO coatings) and easy. 
The polished metallic surface is covered with a tailored 
layer of 4484-beta fabric which is a plain weave of 
glass fibers coated with polytetrafluoroethylene. The 
fabric is then coated with MgO deposited from vapor 
generated by burning of magnesium. A second layer 
of the same processed material may be applied to the 
sphere if required to increase the total thickness to 
2.5 mm. 
The resultant lining is suitable for measurement 
of radiation in the ultraviolet, visible, and near-in-
frared ranges of wavelength and is not damage-prone. 
Snapping of the fabric does not easily remove the MgO 
from its interstices, nor is the MgO rubbed from the 
layer next to the basic material. The fabric scatters 
irradiant light and, when coated with MgO, ideally 
presents the desired detection properties.
When cleaning the sphere for a fresh preparation 
of MgO, distilled water or Freon can be used without 
damaging the fabric or releasing the bond between the 
fabric and the sphere. 
Notes: 
I. Tech Brief 68-10126 describes alternative linings. 
2. No additional documentation is available. Specific 
questions, however, may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Manned Spacecraft Center, Code BM7 
Houston, Texas 77058 
Reference: B70-10413 
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, D.C., 20546. 
Source: Burrell 0. French and Paul 0. Fergerson
Manned Spacecraft Center

(MSC-12237) 
Category 03 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned.rights.
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Improved linings for integrating spheres

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