Spectral Reconstruction of Material Emissivity Values using a Fabry Perot Sensor

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), will develop a non-contact spectral emissometer that is capable of measuring emissivity spectra of spacecraft thermal control materials loaded in the Space Threat Assessment Testbed at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC). Technical feasibility of PSI’s approach was established by developing a system model, constructing and functionally testing a breadboard and successfully collecting emissivity spectra of a variety of materials including painted steel, roughened aluminum, a vapor cell filled with R134, and high temperature blackbodies. Based on the validated system model, the Phase II emissometer is projected to achieve a spectral range of 2 – 14 mm, a resolution of 0.1 mm, and a spot area of 5 cm2 at a three meter standoff with a noise equivalent emissivity of 2%. The Phase II emissometer is projected to occupy ~1.2 ft3 and consume 300 watts. The Phase II program will build on the Phase I program to produce and deliver an emissometer system to AEDC that is capable of measuring the emissivity spectrum and absolute temperature of a target mounted in the STAT chamber.