Solar-blind technology is a set of technologies to produce images without interference from the Sun. This is done by using wavelengths of
ultraviolet
Ultraviolet (UV) is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelength from 10 nm (with a corresponding frequency around 30 PHz) to 400 nm (750 THz), shorter than that of visible light, but longer than X-rays. UV radiation ...
light that are totally absorbed by the
ozone layer
The ozone layer or ozone shield is a region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation. It contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) in relation to other parts of the atmosphere, although still small in rel ...
, yet are transmitted in the Earth's atmosphere. Wavelengths from 240 to 280 nm are completely absorbed by the ozone layer. Elements of this technology are ultraviolet light sources, ultraviolet image detectors, and filters that only transmit the range of wavelengths that are blocked by ozone. A system will also have a signal processing system, and a way to display the results (image).
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Ultraviolet sources
Ultraviolet illumination can be produced from longer wavelengths using non-linear optical materials. These can be a second harmonic generator. They must have a suitable birefringence in order to phase match the output frequency doubled UV light. One compound commercially used is L-arginine phosphate monohydrate
Arginine is the amino acid with the formula (H2N)(HN)CN(H)(CH2)3CH(NH2)CO2H. The molecule features a guanidino group appended to a standard amino acid framework. At physiological pH, the carboxylic acid is deprotonated (−CO2−) and both the a ...
known as LAP. Research is underway for substances that are very non-linear, have a suitable birefringence
Birefringence is the optical property of a material having a refractive index that depends on the polarization and propagation direction of light. These optically anisotropic materials are said to be birefringent (or birefractive). The birefri ...
, are transparent in the spectrum and have a high degree of resistance to damage from lasers.
Optical system
Normal glass does not transmit below 350 nm, so it is not used for optics in solar-blind systems. Instead calcium fluoride
Calcium fluoride is the inorganic compound of the elements calcium and fluorine with the formula CaF2. It is a white insoluble solid. It occurs as the mineral fluorite (also called fluorspar), which is often deeply coloured owing to impurities.
...
, fused silica
Fused quartz, fused silica or quartz glass is a glass consisting of almost pure silica (silicon dioxide, SiO2) in amorphous (non- crystalline) form. This differs from all other commercial glasses in which other ingredients are added which ch ...
, and magnesium fluoride
Magnesium fluoride is an inorganic compound with the formula MgF2. The compound is a white crystalline salt and is transparent over a wide range of wavelengths, with commercial uses in optics that are also used in space telescopes. It occurs natur ...
are used as they are transparent to shorter wavelengths.[
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Filters
An optical filter can be used to block out visible light and near-ultraviolet light. It is important to have a high transmittance within the solar-blind spectrum, but to strongly block the other wavelengths.[
Interference filters can pass 25% of the wanted rays, and reduce others by 1000 to 10,000 times. However they are unstable and have a narrow field of view.
Absorption filters may only pass 10% of wanted UV, but can reject by a ratio of 1012. They can have a wide field of view and are stable.
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Ultraviolet detectors
Semiconductor ultraviolet detectors are solid state, and convert an ultraviolet photon, into an electric pulse. If they are transparent to visible light, then they will not be sensitive to light.[
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Use
Solar-blind imaging can be used to detect corona discharge, in electrical infrastructure. Missile exhaust can be detected from the troposphere or ground. Also when looking down on the Earth from space, the Earth appears dark in this range, so rockets can be easily detected from above once they pass the ozone layer.
References
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Ultraviolet radiation
Military optical devices