COMPUTER MODELING OF INTEGRATING SPHERES

I present a Monte Carlo model for predicting the performance of integr ating spheres as a function of incident Aux direction. The model was d eveloped specifically to aid in the design of integrating spheres used as cosine collectors but is of general applicability. I discuss a met hod of generating uncorrelated random numbers. The probability density functions associated with uniform irradiance over a circular entrance port and Lambertian reflectors or emitters are presented. A compariso n of the model with analytic equations predicting performance for an u nbaffled integrating sphere is included. The average of the data gener ated by the model agrees with the analytic solution for sphere through put to better than 0.25% (sigma = 8.3%). (C) 1996 Optical Society of A merica