Date of Award

9-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Department of Engineering Physics

First Advisor

Todd V. Small, PhD

Abstract

Light curve analysis is often used to discern information about satellites in geosynchronous orbits, and since solar panels comprise relatively large surface areas, their reflected energy can contribute greatly to observed light curves. Data was collected using a space qualified solar cell interrogated by a green HeNe laser. The data validated certain aspects from previous work, but also identified multi-slit behavior, showed that the specular term was a second diffraction pattern, and diagnosed the out-of-plane diffraction curvature as the conical diffraction phenomenon. Two physical-optics-based models were developed to incorporate these new features and better predict solar cell BRDF solely from surface characteristics. The first model uses a Fourier optics approach, which successfully corrects in-plane diffraction errors, while also allowing for more flexible illumination conditions, as well as both near- and far-field effects. The second model uses an electromagnetic physical equivalence theorem approach, which successfully replicates out-of-plane conical diffraction, and provides a physical explanation without the need for microfacet coordinates.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENP-DS-23-S-006

Comments

An embargo was observed for posting this dissertation.
This work is marked Distribution A: Approved for public release, distribution unlimited.
PA case number 88ABW-2023-0803

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