CCD-camera system for stereoscopic optical observations of the aurora

摘要

Abstract: A system of three identical CCD-cameras was developed enabling stereoscopic auroral observations. An image intensifier allows for real-time imaging of auroral arcs with interference or broad-band filters. The combination of a small-angle optics with a CCD-chip of 756 by 580 pixels provides spatial resolutions of auroral small-scale structures down to 20 m. The cameras are controlled by personal computers with integrated global positioning (GPS) modules enabling time synchronization of the cameras and providing the exact geographical position for the portable cameras. Calibration with a standard light source is the basis for quantitative evaluation of images by image processing techniques. The current technical development is the combination with local operating networks (LON) for monitoring camera parameters like voltage and temperature and remote control of parameters like filter positions, mounting tilt angles and camera gain. !17