Abstract

A photoelectric optical imaging system has survived one year in the earth’s radiation belts with no measurable (<20%) change in sensitivity. The system passes through all of the radiation belts twice every 64 hr, and experiences a noise level equivalent to 400 photons/sec when in their most intense regions. While this noise is far less than that of other photoelectric systems operating in the belts because of the small effective area of the photocathode, the noise per unit cathode area is 1.3 × 10⁵ photons/sec-cm², and is similar to the best of the other systems. The number and energy distribution of incident particles is calculated and then combined with shielding estimates to give the total energy absorbed in the optical elements. Radiation damage reports in the literature are shown to be consistent with the lack of a sensitivity change in this orbiting optical system. The effects of particle radiation on optical systems in general is briefly summarized, with emphasis on recent work of others.

© 1966 Optical Society of America

Effects of a Simulated High-Energy Space Environment on the Ultraviolet Transmittance of Optical Materials between 1050 Å and 3000 Å

Donald F. Heath and Paul A. Sacher
Appl. Opt. 5(6) 937-943 (1966)

Some Effects of Aerospace Thermal Environments on High-Acuity Optical Systems

William P. Barnes
Appl. Opt. 5(5) 701-711 (1966)

Optical Material Problems of Interplanetary Space

Randolph A. Becker
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Ionic Polishing of Optical Surfaces

J. B. Schroeder, S. Bashkin, and J. F. Nester
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Aerial Photography of the Earth’s Surface; its Procurement and Use

Robert N. Colwell
Appl. Opt. 5(6) 883-892 (1966)