Design, development and fabrication of a Solar Experiment Alignment Sensor (SEAS)

The design, development and testing of a laboratory SEAS (Solar Experiment Alignment Sensor) system are presented. The system is capable of overcoming traditional alignment and calibration problems to permit pointing anywhere on the solar disc to an accuracy of five arc seconds. The concept, development and laboratory testing phases of the program are discussed, and particular attention has been given to specific problems associated with selection of materials, and components. The conclusions summarize performance capability and discuss areas for further study including the effects of solar limb darkening and effects of annual variations in the apparent solar diameter.