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Smithson, R. C.

Publications and source records attributed to Smithson, R. C..

4 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

Correlation tracking study for meter-class solar telescope on space shuttle

The theory and expected performance level of correlation trackers used to control the pointing of a solar telescope in space using white light granulation as a target were studied. Three specific trackers were modeled and their performance levels predicted for telescopes of various apertures. The performance of the computer model trackers on computer enhanced granulation photographs was evaluated. Parametric equations for predicting tracker performance are presented.

Smithson, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The Lockheed diode array magnetograph

A new magnetograph using a solid state monolithic linear silicon diode array has been constructed at Lockheed Solar Observatory. This magnetograph uses a digital image processor, and makes data available both in digital and analog form. The diode array detector is capable of a signal-to-noise ratio of 2000:1 or better when cooled to a temperature of -40 deg centigrade. Thus, intensity differences of the order of one part in a thousand may easily be detected without signal averaging. This instrument may be considered a prototype for an instrument using a two-dimensional array. The magnetograph is now fully operational, and is being used to produce data for statistical studies of solar magnetic field diffusion.

Smithson, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Analog video magnetograms in real time.

Description of a video differential photometer which is the result of an attempt to adapt television technology to the task of producing an electronic equivalent of the photographic subtraction technique. Advantages of electronic subtraction are potentially greater field sensitivity, immediate availability of the subtracted magnetograms (virtually in real time), and greater versatility in combining and comparing image data. Commercial television equipment was used in construction of the apparatus. All video subtraction, averaging, and other processing is done in analog form. The final magnetogram is displayed on an ordinary television monitor.

Smithson, R. C.↗