Solar simulator employing flexible-optics
AssigneeGeneral Dynamics Corporation, Space Systems Div.
InventorsTheodore G. Stern, Mickey Cornwall, Donald A. Nirschl
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Abstract
The solar simulator of the invention comprises a source of high intensity light simulating as closely as possible the spectral radiance of the sun directed through a flexible optic light guide into a chamber and pressure sealed through a chamber wall where this light is then directed on to a test specimen in a column or otherwise. The high intensity light is provided by one or more illuminating sources which can be positioned at the distal end or ends of the fiber optics or embedded within a fiber or liquid optic core.
Claims15
An improved efficiency solar simulator system for substantially simulating the spectral radiance of the sun comprising:
- a high intensity light source producing substantially the spectral radiance of the sun;
- source optics for concentrating the high intensity light from the source into a narrow concentrated beam of light;
- a vacuum chamber having confining walls positioned remote from said high intensity light source;
- a test specimen positioned within said vacuum chamber;
- an elongated flexible illumination guide means for guiding said narrow concentrated beam of light from said source optics through an opening in said confining wall of said vacuum chamber and forming a pressure tight seal with said opening, and
- means positioned within said vacuum chamber for expanding said narrow concentrated beam of light to illuminate said test specimen therewith.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.