Physics – Optics
Scientific paper
Jan 1997
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1997isr2.meet...17j&link_type=abstract
In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU II) Technical Interchange Meeting, p. 17
Physics
Optics
Charge Coupled Devices, Ccd Cameras, Imaging Techniques, Optical Microscopes, Photomicrography, Television Systems, Planetary Surfaces, In Situ Measurement, Extraterrestrial Resources, Ultraviolet Microscopy, Near Infrared Radiation, Photomicrographs, Signal Processing, Planetary Geology, Magnification, Mirrors, Regolith, Chips (Electronics)
Scientific paper
To obtain "mineralogical and morphologic" information "in situ" on planetary surfaces we have designed, constructed and undertaken preliminary tests of a Microtel, compact TV-microscope imaging system that allows us to image an area of several square centimeters and/or millimeters of planetary surface (regolith or rock samples). The Microtel has been constructed with a minimum of moving parts. Because of its simplicity it could be part of a robotic probe or could be used by an astronaut as a hand-held lens. The microscope (or hand held lens equivalent) uses a photosensitive device (e.g., CCD chip) combined with the microscopic lenses, mirrors, internal light and/or fiber optics to image the area in visible, UV or NIR. The size of the monitored area translated to magnification could be easily changed, depending on needs, by varying the optics. The other modes of magnification, i.e., false electronic magnification, through dense CCD chips could be used as well. Microscope lenses with a short working distance between the optic system and the "eye" (CCD) are used. Magnification of 10 to 1000 times (using a TV screen) were explored. The best results were obtained with magnifications of 10 times to about 100 times at the TV screen. Good images were provided with sufficient depth of focus and good resolution (better than 5 microns). Different apertures are used to vary the depth of the focus. The device is connected by cable to a signal processing unit and to a TV monitor, videoprinter, videorecorder or PC. The equipment camera and illumination with focusing system is small and lightweight (50 x 50 x 20 millimeters, or tube of 100 mm long and 20 mm in diameter) and less than 250g. The Microtel has its own light source and is easily transportable, allowing the imaging of normally inaccessible areas.
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