Developing apparatus for permanent space patrol of the ionizing radiation of the sun

This paper presents the results of work on the optoelectronic apparatus of a solar space patrol for constant monitoring of the soft x rays and far-UV radiation of the sun From spacecraft. The sensitivity of the resulting devi ces-a radiometer and a UV spectrometer-is sufficient for recording radiatio n fluxes in the 0.14-157-nm spectral interval both from a quiet sun and in periods of any solar flares. A description is given of the features of this apparatus, including the electronics of the photodetector, along with some results of laboratory testing on calibrated x-ray and VUV sources. (C) 200 1 The Optical Society of America.