Abstract: A spectral instrument including a light source configured to produce a light beam, the light beam comprising a plurality of wavelengths, and the light beam being about collimated or pseudo-collimated. The spectral instrument also includes a spectral dispersion device in optical communication with the light source. The spectral instrument also includes a screen disposed in the optical path after the spectral dispersion device. The screen comprises a material configured to be substantially opaque to at least some of the plurality of wavelengths. The screen is sized and dimensioned to at least partially block selected ones of the plurality of wavelengths. The screen is movable with respect to an axis of the screen. The spectral instrument also includes an imaging lens disposed in the optical path and disposed either after the screen or before the screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating light. A first light from a first filterer is output to a solar cell. The first light output by the first filterer has a coarse spectrum that simulates the light in a selected environment. A second light from a second filterer is output to the solar cell while the first light is output by the first filterer. The second light output by the second filterer has a fine spectrum selected for a group of junctions in the solar cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating light. A first light from a first filterer is output to a solar cell. The first light output by the first filterer has a coarse spectrum that simulates the light in a selected environment. A second light from a second filterer is output to the solar cell while the first light is output by the first filterer. The second light output by the second filterer has a fine spectrum selected for a group of junctions in the solar cell.

Abstract: A spectral instrument including a light source configured to produce a light beam, the light beam comprising a plurality of wavelengths, and the light beam being about collimated or pseudo-collimated. The spectral instrument also includes a spectral dispersion device in optical communication with the light source. The spectral instrument also includes a screen disposed in the optical path after the spectral dispersion device. The screen comprises a material configured to be substantially opaque to at least some of the plurality of wavelengths. The screen is sized and dimensioned to at least partially block selected ones of the plurality of wavelengths. The screen is movable with respect to an axis of the screen. The spectral instrument also includes an imaging lens disposed in the optical path and disposed either after the screen or before the screen.

Abstract: A solar simulator is tested using a ceramic board having a number of circuits on the ceramic board, wherein one of the number of circuits contains a solar cell and each of a remaining number of the number of circuits contain a different solar cell isotype, and a number of resistors, each resistor configured for a specific circuit of the number of circuits when engaged by one of a number of switches. For each circuit, a current versus voltage curve for each circuit is made when a switch of the circuit is in an open position and a shunt resistor measurement is made when the switch of the circuit is in a closed position.