1. Introduction on Optical Calibration Laboratory

Optical Calibration Laboratory building was completely built in 10 March 2006. It was the pioneer lab in Malaysia that has capability to calibrate optical system of a satellite. This lab was fully operational in 6 April 2006 after the cleanroom located inside is commissioned. It is a double storey building with control room for the clean room, dust control area, loading area in ground floor while the first floor is research office.

2. Optical Calibration Laboratory Main Function

The main purpose for this facility is dedicated to the characterization and calibration of electro-optical system. The clean room was designed to meet Class 10,000 of Federal Standard 209B or equivalent to class 7 in ISO classification to regulate the environment for calibration activities involving satellite that requires a controlled environment in terms of temperature, humidity and particle. Besides, the flooring is finished with epoxy layer on top as a control for electrostatic discharge (ESD) and there is grounding connection at each corner of the clean room. The Clean room is operating with environmental condition temperature 18 ± 2 °C, humidity 50 ± 5%, dust particles smaller than or same size as 0.5μm is less than 10 000 units/ft3, grounding connection resistance less than 10 Ω, lighting condition 500 Lux, and safety control with CCTV and restricted access pass.  

3. Optical Calibration Laboratory offered at this facility

1. Dark Response;
2. Pixel Characterization;
3. Dynamic Range;
4. Response Linearity;
5. Noise Characterization;
6. Equivalent Noise Radiance;
7. Radiance Saturation;
8. Signal To Noise Ratio;
9. Absolute Radiometric Coefficient.

4. Optical Calibration Laboratory Equipments

In order to maintain a good functionality of the laboratory, equipments and instruments are important to ensure the calibration activities will be carried out smoothly. The main equipment’s function for each testing equipments are listed as below. All of these equipments play their role respectively in any calibration activities.

A. Integrating Sphere

• A 40 inches sphere that capable to produce uniform light source from wavelength 400 – 2400 nm by integrating light source from Tungsten-Halogen and Xenon lamps.
• Used as solar simulator to characterize and calibrate imaging system.

B. Spectroradiometer

• Capable to measure spectral distribution of light from wavelength 350 nm to 1050 nm
• Used for monitoring spectral distribution of light inside Integrating Sphere

C. Turn Table

• With 2250 (W) x2000 (L) mm  and 1500mm height, it is capable to support maximum 200kg load with 2000 x 2000 mm footprint size at one time.
• Used to place the satellite/device under test on top of the table and can rotate from its horizontal position to vertical position (90°) in order to align the satellite/device under test imaging system with Integrating Sphere exit port.

In addition, the laboratory is also equipped with 1000W SI (International System of Units), traceable spectral irradiance lamps, extremely stable optical table which can support up to 3 ton load and associated opto-mechanical accessories.