Engineering topics

Ando, K. J.

Publications and source records attributed to Ando, K. J..

9 records

NASA NTRS1983

Future Imaging Sensor Capabilities

Advanced imaging sensor technologies that are being developed for future NASA earth observation missions are discussed. These include the multilinear array, the Shuttle imaging spectrometer, and the Shuttle imaging radar. The principal specifications and functional descriptions of the instruments are presented, and it is shown that the advanced technologies will enable a synergistic approach to the use of VIS/IR and microwave imaging sensors for remote sensing research and applications. The key problems posed by these future imaging sensor technologies are discussed, with particular attention given to data rates, power consumption, and data processing.

Carver, K. R.↗

NASA NTRS1983

The NASA MLA program

The NASA Multispectral Linear Array (MLA) program is structured to provide for the evolutionary development of advanced sensor concepts, technologies, and scientific basis for future remote sensing missions. Program elements include the development of multispectral visible and shortwave infrared (SWIR) detector arrays, optics and on-board signal processing technologies, sensor design studies, and supporting research. The research consists of advanced airborne sensor development with data acquisitions, field measurements, and supporting science studies. At the present time, two instrument concepts, including an imaging spectrometer, are in development as payloads for a series of Shuttle remote sensing research flights beginning as early as 1987. Progressively more advanced capability instruments suitable for extended duration Shuttle, free flyer, and space platform missions in the 1990's are also being studied.

Ando, K. J.↗

NASA NTRS1982

MLA imaging systems

The development of the enabling technology and instrument/mission definition phase for the application of advanced solid state sensors for future experimental remote sensing missions is discussed. The development of focal planes, instrument concept/design, mission studies, and service requirements and an imaging spectrometer technology and a Shuttle sortie mission definition are outlined.

Ando, K. J.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Land remote sensing activities in the US

The LANDSAT D system, shuttle imaging radar instruments, the thermal infrared multispectral scanner system, the shuttle multispectral infrared radiometer, and the multispectral linear array program are described. These programs will develop advanced optical and microwave sensor technologies to support a broad spectrum of aircraft, shuttle and free flier missions for research in agriculture, geology, hydrology and geography. A broad based fundamental research effort coupled with the development of improved data acquisition and information extraction techniques is planned to improve fundamental understanding of the remote sensing process and fully exploit its capabilities.

Keller, S. W.↗

NASA NTRS1982

The MLA program at NASA

The Thematic Mapper (TM) on Landsat-D represents a significant improvement compared to the Multispectral Scanner (MSS) of the current Landsat satellites. However, there is a need for even higher spatial and spectral resolution. Such developments would, for instance, provide a significantly greater capability for mineral identification and the detection of vegetation stress. The pushbroom mode of imaging utilizing solid state linear or area arrays is widely regarded as the best approach to overcome the inherent limitations of a scanning type system. The Multispectral Linear Array (MLA) has become the generic term for the sensor concept and the technology associated with solid state electronically scanned arrays operating in the pushbroom mode. A brief review is provided of the MLA instrument concepts, associated technology developments, program status, and future plans.

Ando, K. J.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Advanced multispectral remote sensing technology and applications; Proceedings of the Conference, Arlington, VA, May 6, 7, 1982

Sensor system concepts are discussed, taking into account a multispectral linear array instrument design, an improved earth resources sensing instrument, design tradeoffs for a multispectral linear array instrument, imaging spectrometer technologies for advanced earth remote sensing, and the design concept for an optimized earth radiation budget sensor. Topics related to supporting optics and signal processing methodologies are explored, giving attention to two mirror objective design for multispectral remote sensing, the measurement of optical modulation functions in sparsely sampled mosaic focal plane arrays, multispectral linear array focal plane signal processing, signal processing for the NASA multispectral linear array, the concept for a multiple resolution pushbroom sensor, and the evolution of the octal radiometer. Techniques and applications for multispectral data are considered along with aspects of focal plane technology.

Ando, K. J.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Assessment study of infrared detector arrays for low-background astronomical research

The current state-of-the-art of infrared detector arrays employing charge coupled devices (CCD) or charge injection devices (CID) readout are assessed. The applicability, limitations and potentials of such arrays under the low-background astronomical observing conditions of interest for SIRFT (Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility) are determined. The following are reviewed: (1) monolithic extrinsic arrays; (2) monolithic intrinsic arrays; (3) charge injection devices; and (4) hybrid arrays.

Ando, K. J.↗

NASA NTRS1975

MTF and point-spread function for a large-area CCD imager

The MTF degradation due to lateral diffusion is calculated for a back illuminated CCD imager for typical device parameters. The discrete nature of the CCD and finite size of the photosensitive elements result in an additional MTF degradation. The Fourier transform approach is utilized to calculate the effective point spread function for these processes in the time domain. Experimental data are presented on the point spread function for a three phase, double level anodized aluminum 160 x 100 thinned and back illuminated CCD imager and compared with the theoretical results. A simple modification of the Crowell and Labuda model suggested by these results is presented.

Ando, K. J.↗

NASA NTRS1971

The silicon vidicon: Integration, storage and slow scan capability - Experimental observation of a secondary mode of operation.

Description of the performance of the silicon diode array vidicon - an imaging sensor which possesses wide spectral response, high quantum efficiency, and linear response. These characteristics, in addition to its inherent ruggedness, simplicity, and long-term stability and operating life make this device potentially of great usefulness for ground-base and spaceborne planetary and stellar imaging applications. However, integration and charged storage for periods greater than approximately five seconds are not possible at room temperature because of diode saturation from dark current buildup. Since dark current can be reduced by cooling, measurements were made in the range from -65 to 25 C. Results are presented on the extension of integration, storage, and slow scan capabilities achievable by cooling. Integration times in excess of 20 minutes were achieved at the lowest temperatures. The measured results are compared with results obtained with other types of sensors and the advantages of the silicon diode array vidicon for imaging applications are discussed.

Ando, K. J.↗