Abstract: A method for calibrating a sensor in a vehicle, such as a space capsule or other space borne apparatus, uses an expandable integrating sphere. A sensor in the vehicle measures the energy from an electromagnetic energy source within the integrating sphere through a calibration window. The expandable fluid impermeable integrating sphere expands when filled with a fluid, such that when filled with the fluid, its interior is viewable through the calibration window. The system includes a source of fluid to fill the integrating sphere and a fluid regulator coupled to the vehicle to determine when to supply the fluid to the integrating sphere to maintain an appropriate gas pressure level with the integrating sphere.

Abstract: A system provides white light having a selectable spectral characteristic (e.g. a selectable color temperature) using an optical integrating cavity to combine energy of different wavelengths from different sources with white light. The cavity has a diffusely reflective interior surface and an aperture for allowing emission of combined light. Control of the intensity of emission of the sources sets the amount of primary color light of each wavelength added to the substantially white input light output and thus determines a spectral characteristic of the white light output through the aperture. A variety of different elements may optically process the combined light output, such a deflector, a variable iris, a lens, a variable focusing lens system, a collimator, a holographic diffuser and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A system and method that redistributes light from a light source. The controller can redistribute light to make an irradiance profile of the light source more uniform or make the irradiance profile match a fluid flow profile. The irradiance profile may be controlled by modifying light leakage from a plurality of waveguides or changing the light-directing properties of reflectors and/or lenses.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a sensor in a vehicle, such as a space capsule or other space borne apparatus, uses an expandable integrating sphere. A sensor in the vehicle measures the energy from an electromagnetic energy source within the integrating sphere through a calibration window. The expandable fluid impermeable integrating sphere expands when filled with a fluid, such that when filled with the fluid, its interior is viewable through the calibration window. The system includes a source of fluid to fill the integrating sphere and a fluid regulator coupled to the vehicle to determine when to supply the fluid to the integrating sphere to maintain an appropriate gas pressure level with the integrating sphere.

Abstract: A microscopic lens, of size approximately 1 micron is used for its optical characteristics.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus including a cylindrical member and an optical system. The cylindrical member rotates about a rotational axis and has an outer surface to support a storage phosphor sample thereon. The optical system moves in translation parallel to the rotational axis to scan the sample. The optical system comprises an opening, an excitation beam, an integrating member, and a single detector. The excitation beam is directed through the opening to impinge on a sample and cause light to be emitted from the sample. The integrating member reflects the emitted light using an interior three-dimensional polynomial surface providing diffuse reflection. The single detector is disposed adjacent the integrating member for collecting the reflected emitted light.

Abstract: A system to provide radiant energy of selectable spectral characteristic (e.g. a selectable color combination) uses an integrating cavity to combine energy of different wavelengths from different sources. The cavity has a diffusely reflective interior surface and an aperture for allowing emission of combined radiant energy. Sources of radiant energy of different wavelengths, typically different-color LEDs, supply radiant energy into the interior of the integrating cavity. In the examples, the points of entry of the energy into the cavity typically are located so that they are not directly visible through the aperture. The cavity effectively integrates the energy of different wavelengths, so that the combined radiant energy emitted through the aperture includes the radiant energy of the various wavelengths. The apparatus also includes a control circuit coupled to the sources for establishing output intensity of radiant energy of each of the sources.

Abstract: A system to provide radiant energy of selectable spectral characteristic (e.g. a selectable color combination of light) uses an optical integrating cavity to combine energy of different wavelengths from different sources. Sources of radiant energy of different wavelengths, typically different-color LEDs, supply radiant energy into the interior of the cavity. The cavity has a diffusely reflective interior surface and an aperture for allowing emission of combined radiant energy. Control of the intensity of emission of the sources sets the amount of each wavelength of energy in the combined output and thus determines a spectral characteristic of the radiant energy output through the aperture. A variety of different elements may optically process the combined light output, such a deflector, a variable iris, a lens, a variable focusing lens system, a collimator, a holographic diffuser and combinations thereof. Such systems are useful in various luminous applications as well as various illumination applications.

Abstract: A system to provide radiant energy of selectable spectral characteristic (e.g. a selectable color combination) uses an integrating cavity to combine energy of different wavelengths from different sources. The cavity has a diffusely reflective interior surface and an aperture for allowing emission of combined radiant energy. Sources of radiant energy of different wavelengths, typically different-color LEDs, supply radiant energy into the interior of the integrating cavity. In the examples, the points of entry of the energy into the cavity typically are located so that they are not directly visible through the aperture. The cavity effectively integrates the energy of different wavelengths, so that the combined radiant energy emitted through the aperture includes the radiant energy of the various wavelengths. The apparatus also includes a control circuit coupled to the sources for establishing output intensity of radiant energy of each of the sources.

Abstract: A test and measurement system to assess performance characteristics of an endoscope or other optically based diagnostic or treatment devices. The performance characteristics can include the photometric characteristics, the imaging characteristics and the physical characteristics of the structural elements including mechanical, pneumatic and fluidic systems. The system comprises software and related devices for calibrating the measurement devices, collecting and controlling measurements, analyzing measurements and comparing them to established performance criteria. The system also analyzes previous measurements and provides analysis and reports to assess trends and plan for replacement or servicing.

Abstract: A system to provide radiant energy of selectable spectral characteristic (e.g. a selectable color combination of light) uses an optical integrating cavity to combine energy of different wavelengths from different sources. Sources of radiant energy of different wavelengths, typically different-color LEDs, supply radiant energy into the interior of the cavity. The cavity has a diffusely reflective interior surface and an aperture for allowing emission of combined radiant energy. Control of the intensity of emission of the sources sets the amount of each wavelength of energy in the combined output and thus determines a spectral characteristic of the radiant energy output through the aperture. A variety of different elements may optically process the combined light output, such a deflector, a variable iris, a lens, a variable focusing lens system, a collimator, a holographic diffuser and combinations thereof. Such systems are useful in various luminous applications as well as various illumination applications.

Abstract: The disclosed light standard system provides flat field illumination through the use of an integrating light chamber which is in communication with a microprocessor. The light chamber has at least one high performance light source, such as LED's, recessed within the walls and positioned to prevent light from directly exiting the chamber. A photosensor monitors multiple parameters within the chamber and interacts with the microprocessor to control intensity, temperature and wavelengths. The lights standard operates in benchmark, ratio light, linearity and transient response modes with all parameters being programmable and storable within said microprocessor.

Abstract: A single vane shutter flag is asynchronously controlled so that a measuring system light source is interrupted for a minimum necessary amount of time for standardization/calibration and normalization of InGaAs system detectors. Source/detector hemispheres or serially connected randomly oriented fiber bundles homogenize light passing to the detectors. Light source testing is performed by measuring spectral power distributions at a plurality of light source power levels and comparing the measurements to baseline characteristics established for the light source. Calibration sample life is extended indefinitely by controlling the shutter flag to block source light except for short calibration time periods during which standard light levels are provided.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for facilitating the input of information into a computing device by a scanning means. A pocket scanner that has only the minimum components/parts therein and will not operate without being connected to the computing device that subsequently receives scanning signals therefrom. In particular, the disclosed scanner does not have a separate power supply to energize the components/parts to work.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a light-collecting device equipped in an information reading system for reading, for instance, the radiation image information stored in a photo stimulable storage phosphor sheet. The light-collecting device includes a reflector, shaped like a longish cylinder, a surface of which is a light-reflecting surface finished as a mirror surface; and a photo-detector to detect light residing inside the reflector. The reflector includes a light-incoming aperture to guide light inside the reflector, and a perpendicular line at the light-incoming aperture is shifted from a center line of a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the reflector.

Abstract: A spectrophotometric system includes a zoom lens assembly that is mounted for axial translation relative to an integrating sphere. The zoom lens assembly includes first and second focusing lens mounted to an axially movable lens carrier. The lens carrier is positioned intermediate first and second sets of mirrors for reflecting/directing SCE and SCI beams toward fiber ports. A reference beam is also emitted from the integrating sphere and transmitted to a processor, thereby resulting in simultaneous tri-beam measurements. The disclosed spectrophotometric systems may also include an aperture plate detection assembly and/or a sample holder assembly that incorporates a dampening gas spring. The aperture plate detection system includes a detection disk that may include a plurality of pre-positioned sensors that interact with an activating ridge formed on the aperture plate for identification thereof.

Abstract: A radiometrically stable, spectrally tunable, solid-state source combines the radiometric outputs of individually controlled, narrow bandwidth, solid-state sources (e.g., LEDs) with different spectral distributions in an integrating sphere so as to approximate any desired spectral distribution. By using a sufficient number of independent solid-state source channels, the source can be tuned to approximate the spectral distribution of any desired source distribution. A stable reference spectroradiometer, integrated into the solid-state light source, measures the spectral radiance or irradiance and is used to adjust the output of the individual channels of the individually controlled sources.

Abstract: A plurality of image sensors are tested concurrently by supplying light emitted by a light source to a first integrating sphere having an input port that receives the light emitted by the light source and having an output port providing output light. The output light of the first integrating sphere is spatially divided to provide a plurality of divided lights and the plurality of divided lights are supplied to a plurality of second integrating spheres respectively, each second integrating sphere having an input port that receives a divided light and an output port providing an output light. The output lights of the second integrating spheres are directed onto active regions of respective image sensors.

Abstract: A test and measurement system to assess performance characteristics of an endoscope or other optically based diagnostic or treatment devices. The performance characteristics can include the photometric characteristics, the imaging characteristics and the physical characteristics of the structural elements including mechanical, pneumatic and fluidic systems. The system comprises software and related devices for calibrating the measurement devices, collecting and controlling measurements, analyzing measurements and comparing them to established performance criteria. The system also analyzes previous measurements and provides analysis and reports to assess trends and plan for replacement or servicing.

Abstract: Many commercial radiant energy processing systems, such as luminaires and light detectors, require highly efficient diffusely reflective surfaces that can withstand high temperatures. As disclosed herein, a reflector for such a device is constructed of a substrate with a reflective coating, for example painted onto one or more surfaces of the substrate. The coating material comprises a zinc oxide pigment, preferably an uncalcined zinc oxide together with a small amount of a dispersing agent. The pigment and water are mixed together with an alkali metal silicate vehicle-binder (preferably a potassium silicate), for example, in a sheer mixer. The resulting material can be painted onto the desired surface, for example by spraying, spot-brushing or dipping.

Abstract: In a detector for spectrometry attached to an integrating sphere, a plurality of detection elements having different spectral sensitivity characteristics is arranged side by side in the same plane on a base, and a side cover is provided such that the detection elements receive light. Thus, the measurement light is directly irradiated to the respective detection elements. Accordingly, the detector for spectrometry has a fast response speed and is excellent in the sensitivity characteristics in a wide wavelength region in the near-infrared area.

Abstract: There is provided a collector for illumination systems for light having a wavelength ≦193 nm comprising. The collector includes (a) a first mirror shell adjacent to, and positioned inside of, a second mirror shell around a common axis of rotation, in which the first and second mirror shells are rotationally symmetric, and (b) a component in a region between the first and second mirror shells. The collector is for receiving the light from a light source via an object-side aperture and for illuminating an area in an image-side plane, and the region is not used by the light.

Abstract: A light integrator produces diffuse illumination from a beam of light wherein image artifacts due to debris within the integrator are suppressed. The light integrator includes an integrator block having an elongated cylindrical light integrating cavity enclosed by end walls and a longitudinal cylindrical chamber wall having a diffusely reflecting interior surface The chamber wall includes a longitudinally extending output slit for emitting light from the cavity. A dust-free zone exists within the cavity in the shape of a sector of a circle within which contaminants cannot come to rest without producing visible artifacts, wherein the origin of the sector is located at or nearby a plane of the original. An elongated light pipe extends into the cavity through one of the end walls, where the light pipe has an input port at one end thereof for introducing the beam of light and a treatment along its length for emitting light entering its port into the cavity.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a surface are disclosed. The system includes a light source optic which direct a beam of light toward the surface. Scattered light and a spectacular beam are reflected from the surface. A collector collects the scattered light and directs the scattered light to a detector. The detector measures the intensity of the scattered light. A shutter is advanced into position to intersect the scattered light and to block a segment not having substantially any anisotropic light scatter. The shutter further passes another segment having substantially all of the anisotropic light scatter. The detector measures the intensity of the passed segment. A roughness ratio indicative of the anisotropic roughness to the isotropic roughness is produced by evaluating the total intensity of the scattered light and the intensity of the passed segment.

Abstract: A media width detecting system is adapted to measure an absolute width of media without the need for human intervention or without the need for media to be referenced against a known location. The media width detecting system includes a measuring pattern that is provided across a media path for media. The measuring pattern can be in the form of, for example, a bar code pattern. The system further includes a reader that is provided relative to the measuring pattern so as to read the width of the measuring pattern. When media traverses the measuring pattern, a portion of the measuring pattern, for example, a subset of the bars of the bar code pattern, is covered by the media. The reader would then be adapted to determined a width of the measuring based on the covered portion of the media pattern in relation to the uncovered portion or uncovered bars.

Abstract: Many commercial radiant energy processing systems, such as luminaires and light detectors, require highly efficient diffusely reflective surfaces that can withstand high temperatures. As disclosed herein, a reflector for such a device is constructed of a substrate with a reflective coating, for example painted onto one or more surfaces of the substrate. The coating material comprises a zinc oxide pigment, preferably an uncalcined zinc oxide together with a small amount of a dispersing agent. The pigment and water are mixed together with an alkali metal silicate vehicle-binder (preferably a potassium silicate), for example, in a sheer mixer. The resulting material can be painted onto the desired surface, for example by spraying, spot-brushing or dipping.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for irradiating a specimen with a beam of radiation are provided. The method comprises the steps of providing an integrating sphere, a radiation source radiatively communicating with the sphere, and a specimen, the integrating sphere radiatively communicating with the specimen through an aperture in the sphere. The apparatus comprises a radiation source, an integrating sphere in radiative communication with the radiation source, and a specimen holder in radiative communication with the integrating sphere. The disclosed apparatus and method allow the irradiance of a beam of radiation impinging on the specimen to be maintained at a uniform level across the width of the beam to allow quantitative specimen evaluation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device to carry out the method to provide quality control for a photosensor, especially a photodiode array, whose output signal depends on the intensity of an input signal formed by electromagnetic waves. The photosensor to be tested receives stimulation signals forming the input signals while the stimulation signal intensity of the stimulation signals is varied. The associated output signals of the photosensor to be tested are measured and recorded for evaluation purposes. The photosensor preferably receives at least two independently controllable, superposed individual stimulation signals with individual intensities. The different stimulation signal intensities of the individual stimulation signals are set with the aid of a controller coupled to stimulation signal source, and the output signals of the photosensor are measured and recorded using a measurement data recorder unit.

Abstract: An integrating optical system for measuring optical radiation. The system has a first sphere (forming a “primary” integrating cavity) and a second sphere (forming a “secondary” integrating cavity). An optical fiber interfaces to an input aperture of the first sphere so that light from the fiber enters the first sphere. A detector interfaces with the second sphere such that light from the first sphere couples to the detector by scattering within the first and second spheres and without a direct line of sight between the detector and the input aperture. The secondary integrating cavity has a smaller volume than the primary integrating cavity. The secondary integrating cavity is made smaller so as to decrease losses incurred by light scattering transmission through the first and second spheres. The detector is preferably configured so that it does not receive “specular” radiation (i.e., radiation from a single reflection) from the walls of the primary cavity.

Abstract: A color measurement instrument with improved sample targeting or positioning. The system includes an integrating sphere, a beam splitter, a video camera, and a spectrograph. The beam splitter is aligned with the viewing port of the spectrophotometer to deliver the light reflected from the sample to both the video camera and the spectrograph. The video camera provides an image of the position of the sample with respect to the viewing port of the sphere, enabling the visual observation and evaluation of the sample position prior to use of the spectrophotometer.

Abstract: A system and method of utilizing spherical and hemispherical shaped devices to function as an optical switch is disclosed. The optical switch can contain mirrors that turn on and off, or are fixed in place with a movable spherical device. Additionally, the optical switches can contain grating patterns to deflect an optical signal from its original path. The grating patterns can vary in design and pattern to deflect the optical signal in almost any direction, or to not let the optical signal continue. The optical switch can also include photo sensors along the exterior of the sphere or along the reflection device. The optical switch can also include an integrated circuits.

Abstract: A light integrating interface having a housing made substantially of pressed polytetrafluoroethylene powder. The interface has a non-spherical integrating cavity with a reflective inner surface, as well as a light energy input port and a light energy output port operatively coupled to the integrating cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing speckle during inspection of articles used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, including wafers, masks, photomasks, and reticles. The coherence of a light beam output by a coherent light source, such as a pulsed laser, is reduced by disposing elements in a light path. Examples of such elements include optical fiber bundles; optical light guides; optical gratings; an integrating sphere; and an acousto-optic modulator. These various elements may be combined as desired, such that light beams output by the element combinations have optical path length differences that are greater than a coherence length of the light beam output by the coherent light source.

Abstract: An integrating sphere, and an integrating sphere-based reflectance colorimeter/spectrophotometer for the measurement of color and appearance, having multiple receivers capable of concurrently receiving optical radiation scattered/reflected from a diffusely illuminated sample surface, with the capability of multiple measurement modes (e.g., multiple specular component excluded (SCE), SCE and specular component included (SCI), multiple SCI), multiple areas-of-view for a given measurement mode, multiple viewing angles per measurement mode, and combinations thereof. An embodiment of the invention includes two SCI receivers and two SCE receivers, each disposed at an equal viewing angle relative to the sample surface. For each viewing mode, two sample areas-of-view are provided. The SCE receivers are opposite each other, such that the specular component of each SCE receiver is excluded by the port of the other SCE receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for testing particles for composition and concentration. The device includes a particle counter, a collector screen, and a mass spectrometer. In one embodiment, the collector screen is positioned to receive particles received by the particle counter, and the mass spectrometer is positioned to receive counted particles retained on the collector screen.

Abstract: The present invention introduces system and method for an enhanced mass splice measurement system for testing a plurality of optical fiber splices and also the reliability of the mass fusion splicer itself. In one embodiment, a first light signal may be transmitted through each of a plurality of optical fibers at one end. At the other end, the plurality of optical fibers may be optically coupled to an integrating sphere using a fiber holder and an adapter. A light meter may be coupled to the integrating sphere for measuring the first light signal received at the integrating sphere. Once the first light signal has been measured, the fiber holder having the ends of the optical fiber may be removed from the integrating sphere and/or adapter and installed in a mass fusion splicer. A second fiber holder having ends of a second fiber cable may be installed in the mass fusion splicer.

Abstract: Method for inspecting an article for defects, light scattered by the article is collected. A defect in the article gives rise to a pulse scanning response signal, which is fed to a processing unit. The light beam has a wavelength such that the article is transparent thereto. At least two scanning response signals are obtained, which are associated with focal points at different focal depths in the article. The location of the defect in the direction of the light beam is determined from the steepness of the front and rear flanks of the pulse scanning response signals. By this means it is possible to determine whether a defect is on or in the article. The at least two scanning response signals can be obtained by scanning the article at least twice, with different focal depth for each scan.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus for calibrating a color imager, the calibration apparatus comprising an integrating sphere having at least one port, at least one light emitting diode, and an optical baffle so that light provided by the at least one light emitting diode is reflected upon the inner surface of the integrating sphere before exiting the at least one port.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device to carry out the method to provide quality control for a photosensor, especially a photodiode array, whose output signal depends on the intensity of an input signal formed by electromagnetic waves. The photosensor to be tested receives stimulation signals forming the input signals while the stimulation signal intensity of the stimulation signals is varied. The associated output signals of the photosensor to be tested are measured and recorded for evaluation purposes. The photosensor preferably receives at least two independently controllable, superposed individual stimulation signals with individual intensities. The different stimulation signal intensities of the individual stimulation signals are set with the aid of a controller coupled to stimulation signal source, and the output signals of the photosensor are measured and recorded using a measurement data recorder unit.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode array is driven by a digital control. The digital control modulates the pulse width of pulses applied to the light-emitting diode. The intensity of the output is controlled by controlling the width of pulses applied to the light-emitting diode. Since light-emitting diodes have very low inertial energy, this system can be rapidly turned on and turned off. The output is integrated to produce a uniform output.

Abstract: A document validation subassembly is described. The subassembly includes a light mixer for generating at least one substantially homogenous light spot. The light mixer includes a light mixing chamber, at least one input port for accommodating at least one light source, at least one output, and at least one collimator connected to the output. In an implementation, the light mixing chamber is substantially spherical, but other shapes, such as cylindrical chambers, are also contemplated. Also described are solid core light mixer implementations.

Abstract: For use with an optical scanning device, a reading head comprising a housing having at least one bore for accommodating therein a respective photo-multiplier tube and a non-intersecting lateral bore for accommodating therein a stimulating light source for producing a stimulating beam having a first wavelength. A focusing lens is mounted in association with the stimulating light source for focusing the stimulating beam on a film of the scanning device so as to produce stimulated fluorescent light having a second wavelength in the film at a point of contact by the stimulating beam. A window is provided within the housing for mounting therein a filter for transmitting therethrough the stimulated fluorescent light whilst substantially blocking reflections of the stimulating beam.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for inspecting the edge micro-texture of a semiconductor wafer. The apparatus includes a diffuse hemisphere having at least one access port and has a normal axis, a laser target sphere mounted within the hemisphere, and a laser source directing a laser beam to the laser target sphere and forming a laser spot on the laser target sphere. The laser beam is reflected from the laser target sphere. A wafer chuck presents a wafer edge to the reflected laser beam, with the wafer edge being tilted from the normal axis; and there is at least one camera for detecting radiation leaving the access port. The method includes directing a laser beam to a laser target sphere which is mounted within a diffuse hemisphere; the laser beam forming a laser spot on the laser target sphere is reflected from the laser target sphere to the edge of a wafer; and radiation which leaves the hemisphere through at least one access port of the hemisphere is detected with at least one camera.

Abstract: A reflection characteristic of a sample is measured using an integrating sphere by: measuring an apparent reflectance of a reference sample by using integrating sphere, the reference sample having a known true reflectance under a given illumination condition; calculating coefficients for rendering a linear combination of a measured apparent reflectance of the reference sample and N-th power (N is 2 or more integer) of the measured apparent reflectance closer to the known true reflectance of the reference sample; storing calculated coefficients in a storage medium as coefficients for the given illumination condition; measuring an apparent reflectance of a desired sample by using the integrating sphere; calculating a true reflectance of the desired sample under the given illumination condition by multiplying the terms of the linear combination of an measured apparent reflectance of the desired sample and N-th power of the measured apparent reflectance of the desired sample by the coefficients stored in the stor

Abstract: An optical position tracking system that tracks the position of objects, using light intensity and/or frequency with the application of geometry and ratios of detector responses, is provided, having light distributing and light detecting components that employ the concepts of constructive occlusion and diffuse reflection. Diffusely reflective cavities, masks and baffles are used to improve certain radiating characteristics of the distributing components and certain response characteristics of the detecting components, to tailor the radiation and detection profiles thereof, including them substantially uniform for all angles within a hemispheric area which the distributing and detecting components face. The distributing and/or detecting components are partitioned with specially-configured baffles. A partitioned distributor has distinct emission sections where the sections can emit spectrally-different or distinguishable radiation.

Abstract: A pixel density detector includes a cylinder (1) having a characteristic of catching incident light, an entrance window (2) provided in a shape of a slit in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder (1), and 2 pieces of light detecting device (4) disposed at a prescribed internal on the cylinder (1) at a prescribed angle against the entrance window (2).

Abstract: A spectrophotometer providing a sample measurement area of selectable size. The spectrophotometer includes a sphere defining a sample station, a lamp to illuminate the interior of the sphere and therefore the sample station, a color measurement engine including an aperture directed toward the sample station, and a measurement area size selector. The size selector includes a movable plate defining two or more holes of different sizes. The plate can be moved so that only one of the holes is aligned with the aperture to control the size of the measurement area sampled by the color measurement engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring diffuse optical transmission density of a photographic films sample uses two integrating spheres and a diffuse light source. Light from the light source is transmitted through a first light modulation system into the first integrating sphere. Light from the first integrating sphere is transmitted through a second light modulation system into the second integrating sphere. A fixed monochromator receives light at an exit port of the second integrating sphere. The light modulation systems take the form of adjustable diaphragms which allow for the modulation of the uniform radiance area located between the two integrating spheres and maintains the geometric and spectral conditions relating to the illumination of the sample located at the output port of the second integrating sphere.

Abstract: Radiant energy sensor is protected from severe environments with a radiant energy sensor assembly that off-sets the sensor from the environment. The sensor assembly includes a radiant energy sensor, a pair of reflective walls facing one another, one of the walls having a transmissive aperture for receiving radiant energy over a wide angle of incidence, an entry, the other wall having a transmissive aperture for passing energy from behind the wall to the sensor, an exit, with the walls having the reflection characteristics such that the radiant energy entering the entry aperture at any angle is always reflected to the exit aperture. The reflective walls may be paraboloids or Fresnel surfaces in geometry.

Abstract: A reflection characteristic measuring apparatus is provided with a hollow integrating sphere. The integrating sphere is formed with four apertures: a sample aperture where a sample to be measured is placed; a first illumination aperture for allowing light to enter the sphere from a first illuminator; a second illumination aperture for allowing light to enter the sphere from a second illuminator; and a measurement aperture for allowing light to exit from the sphere. A photoreceptor receives light reflected from the sample that exits the measurement aperture. A reflection characteristic calculator is used to for calculating first and second reflection characteristics of the sample based on the light received by the photoreceptor. A corrector is used to correct the calculated first and second reflection characteristics.