Uniblitz On-board the PICARD Satellite

Uniblitz On-board the PICARD Satellite

ByStephanie Schaffer

Launched out of Yasny, Russia in June 2010, PICARD is a satellite designed to provide absolute measurements of the total solar irradiance (TSI) and spectral solar irradiance (SSI), the diameter and shape of the sun, as well as the distance to the sun’s interior using helioseismology. In addition, measurements and images captured by PICARD during its…

Optical Shutters: Asking the Right Questions Leads to the Best Shutter Design

Optical Shutters: Asking the Right Questions Leads to the Best Shutter Design

ByStephanie Schaffer

The need for a shutter in an optical system sometimes becomes clear late in the development process. Answering some specific questions can help detect this need as early as possible. Electromechanical shutters are vital components in a broad spectrum of optical assemblies and systems. Shutter requirements are sometimes not apparent nor considered during optical system…