Abstract:
Solar spectral irradiance (SSI) measurements are important for solar collector/photovoltaic panel efficiency and solar energy resource assessment as well as being important for scientific meteorological/climate observations and material testing research. To date such measurements have exploited modified diffraction grating based scientific instruments which are bulky, expensive, and with low mechanical integrity for generalized deployment. A compact and cost-effective tool for accurately determining the global solar spectra as well as the global horizontal or tilted irradiances as part of on-site solar resource assessments and module performance characterization studies would be beneficial. An instrument with no moving parts for mechanical and environment stability in open field, non-controlled deployments could exploit software to resolve the global, direct and diffuse solar spectra from its measurements within the 280-4000 nm spectral range, in addition to major atmospheric processes, such as air mass, Rayleigh scattering, aerosol extinction, ozone and water vapour absorptions.
Abstract:
Manufacturing opto-electronic modules (1) includes providing a substrate wafer (PW) on which detecting members (D) are arranged; providing a spacer wafer (SW); providing an optics wafer (OW), the optics wafer comprising transparent portions (t) transparent for light generally detectable by the detecting members and at least one blocking portion (b) for substantially attenuating or blocking incident light generally detectable by the detecting members; and preparing a wafer stack (2) in which the spacer wafer (SW) is arranged between the substrate wafer (PW) and the optics wafer (OW) such that the detecting members (D) are arranged between the substrate wafer and the optics wafer. Emission members (E) for emitting light generally detectable by the detecting members (D) can be arranged on the substrate wafer (PW). Single modules (1) can be obtained by separating the wafer stack (2) into separate modules.
Abstract:
A radiation detector, including a photodiode, has improved uniformity of sensitivity over the field of view because the receiving surface is provided by an optical diffusing layer, and the field of view is defined by a baffle arrangement, each internal surface of which is reflective. The baffle arrangement also defines a volume and the diffusing layer conforms to a part of the volume adjacent to the apex thereof. The diffusing layer may be provided by material, initially in liquid form, solidified in situ within the baffle arrangement. The receiving surface may be provided within a receiving head of the detector, spaced from the photodiode. Radiation may be transmitted from the receiving surface, whether part of a separate receiving head or not, to the photodiode by an optical fibre. An assembly of four constituent detectors, each having three orthogonally arranged mirrors, may together define a hemispherically shaped volume.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a system for measuring light transmission and/or light reflection properties of a transparent sample sheet, the system comprising a detection assembly and a control unit, wherein the detection assembly comprises an integrating sphere having a sample port, an illumination port, a detection port, an internal light source positioned at the illumination port, and a photodetector coupled to a spectrometer and positioned at the detection port; means to detect radiation coming either directly from the sample port or from the wall of the integrating sphere; an external light source axially aligned with the sample port; means to illuminate with the internal light source or with the external light source; a reference standard, and means to position it at and from the sample port. This system is relatively compact, and can advantageously be used at existing sheet production lines for process and quality control. The invention also relates to a method for measuring light transmission and/or light reflection properties of a transparent sample sheet that applies said system; and to processes of making a sheet, especially an AR-coated glass sheet, comprising said method.
Abstract:
Demultiplexing systems and methods are discussed which may be small and accurate without moving parts. In some cases, demultiplexing embodiments may include optical filter cavities that include filter baffles and support baffles which may be configured to minimize stray light signal detection and crosstalk. Some of the demultiplexing assembly embodiments may also be configured to efficiently detect U.V. light signals and at least partially compensate for variations in detector responsivity as a function of light signal wavelength.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to light sensors for measuring light characteristics. In particular, the present invention relates to a light directionality sensor that is capable of measuring light characteristics such as the light direction, light collimation, and light distribution. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a light directionality sensor comprising a photo-sensor (2), comprising a plurality of photo-sensitive elements (3), and a plurality of light-absorbing light selecting structures (1) arranged on the photo-sensor so as to form an array of light-absorbing light selecting structures. In the array of light-absorbing light selecting structures, a succession of at least some of the light- absorbing light selecting structures has varying structural characteristics. The varying structural characteristics is achieved by each individual structure of the succession being formed such that it allows light within a different angle interval with respect to the array to be sensed. Further, according to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for forming a light sensor according to the first aspect of the present invention.