An investigation into the spectral transfer function and characterization of a terrestrial solar-blind ultraviolet electro-optical system

Solar-blind Ultraviolet cameras are used to detect missile plumes and perform the detection of corona on high voltage electrical lines. This study investigates the influence of the spectral transfer function of a specific solar-blind Ultraviolet camera upon Ultraviolet energy measurement results. In addition to the spectral transfer response investigated, is the influence of other related factors, including the specific camera operation and design. The possibility that the particular camera‟s measurements are being influenced by its own spectral transfer function, is initially investigated by using a simplified model. The objective of the model was to determine if the hypothesis is possible. In addition to the spectral transfer function of the camera, other factors that could influence camera measurements were also investigated in the literature. Included are highlights from other research conducted utilising this type of camera for high voltage electrical purposes, as well as comments for further research. Subsequently experiments were executed to characterise the camera, including the determination of the spectral transfer function of the specific camera, taking into considering limitations of the camera and related equipment. Derived from the spectral transfer of the camera and the other experiments and literature, a proposed method of calibration is presented, as well as suggestions for the improvement of the camera and better utilisation thereof.Son-blind ultraviolet kameras word gebruik om missiel uitlaat gasse sowel as korona op hoogspannings kraglyne op te spoor. Die studie ondersoek die invloed van die spektrale oordragfunksie van „n spesifieke son-blind ultraviolet kamera op ultraviolet energie meetingsresultate. Addisioneel tot die spektrale response geondersoek, is die invloed van ander verwante faktore op metings insluitend die spesifieke kamera se werking en ontwerp. Die moontlikheid dat die spesifieke kamera se metings beïnvloed word deur sy eie spektrale oordragfunksie, word aanvanklik eers ondersoek aan die hand van ‟n eenvoudige model. Die doel van die model is om te bepaal of die hipotese moontlik is. Addisioneel tot die spektrale oordragfunksie van die kamera, word ander faktore wat die kamerametings kon beïnvloed het, ook ondersoek in die literatuur. Ingesluit is hoogtepunte van ander navorsing wat die tipes kameras gebruik vir hoogspannings elektriese doeleindes, plus kommentaar vir verdere navorsing. Vervolgens is eksperimente uitgevoer om die kamera te karakteriseer, insluitend die bepaling van die spesifieke kamera se spektrale oordragfunksie, met inagneming van die beperkings van kamera en verwante toerusting. Afgelei uit die spektrale oordragfunksie van die kamera en die ander eksperimente en literatuurstudie, is „n voorgestelde kalibrasiemetode aangebied, asook voorstelle vir die verbetering en die kamera en meer effektiewe gebruik daarvan.Dissertation (MEng (Electronic Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2015.Electrical, Electronic and Computer EngineeringMEng (Electronic Engineering)Unrestricte