RIS Checkout Report
Efficiency of reflection of RIS at 532 nm has been measured since the ADEOS initial checkout period. The upper panel of Fig. 1. shows the measured efficiency for several paths and the lower panel shows the theoretical efficiency for the same paths which was reported in our previous paper [1].
Fig. 1 Measured and theoretical efficiency of reflection of RIS.
The intensity of return at 532 nm was estimated from the image taken with an ICCD camera mounted on the guide telescope of the tracking telescope at CRL. The efficiency was estimated by comparing the image of RIS with that of the geodetic satellite Ajisai. The measured efficiency is affected by tracking error and atmospheric conditions, but the maximum efficiency for each path generally agreed with the theory.
Reflection at 10 microns has been obtained in the experiments since 13 November. Figure 2 shows an example of the transmitted and received TEA CO2 laser pulses.
Fig. 2 Example of transmitted and received TEA CO2 laser pulses.
The intensity of the infrared return from RIS is close to that estimated from the theory using the sensitivity of the detector and the parameters of detection circuit.
[1] N. Sugimoto and A. Minato, Optical Characteristics of the Retroreflector in Space for the Advanced Earth Observing Satellite, Optical Review 3, No.2, 62-64 (1996).
(Dec. 10, 1996)
To RIS Science Team News
Return to RIS home page
Detailed information
RIS science team members