Solar simulator and method

A method of simulating solar radiation to test an object by utilizing a lamp array of solar lamps connected to an array frame, each solar lamp having a direction axis, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) arranging the relative positions of the lamp array and the surface of the object so that a plane of the lamp array is parallel to the light collecting surface of the object, and so that the respective direction axes of each of a plurality of the solar lamps are parallel to each other and can all intersect a light receiving surface of the object substantially inclined at the same predetermined angle to the light receiving surface;
• (b) simultaneously tilting all of the solar lamps of the lamp array to aim the direction axes of the respective solar lamps onto the surface of the object so that the direction axes intersecting the light receiving surface remain sufficiently parallel to produce uniform intensity of light from the lamp array along the light receiving surface of the object, the distance between the surface of the object and the light emitting surface of one of the solar lamps along the axis of that lamp having a value that causes said uniform intensity to have a predetermined level when said solar lamps are on;
• and
• (c) applying substantially the same amount of electrical power to each of said solar lamps to turn said solar lamps on.

A solar simulator for producing radiation spectrum to approximate the solar spectrum, said solar simulator comprising in combination:

• (a) a plurality of spaced solar lamps that each produce a spectrum that accurately approximates the sun's spectrum, each of said solar lamps having a direction axis;
• (b) an array frame for supporting said plurality of solar lamps, said solar lamps being arranged to form a lamp array;
• (c) a plurality of lamp support means pivotally connected to said array frame for supporting said plurality of lamps in a plurality of predetermined orientations relative to a plane of said array frame;
• (d) means connected to said lamp support means for controllably, continually maintaining the orientations of said lamps so that the direction axes of said respective lamps are parallel to each other;
• (e) means for adjusting the relative position of said array frame and an object to be exposed to light produced by said lamps so that a light-receiving surface of said object is parallel to the plane of said array frame, and so that the direction axis of each of said lamps makes a predetermined angle with the light receiving surface of the object and the distance along each of the direction axes between the surface of the object and a respective one of said lamps is a predetermined distance, to thereby produce uniform intensity of radiation along the surface of the test object.