Dr. James J. Butler Profile

Dr. James J. Butler

Retired from NASA

SPIE Involvement:

Author | Editor

Publications (64)

Proceedings Article | 4 October 2023 Presentation + Paper

JPSS J2 Spectralon performance pre-launch

Xiaoxiong Xiong, James Butler, Vijay Murgai

Proceedings Volume 12685, 1268508 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2676083

KEYWORDS: Ultraviolet radiation, Reflectivity, Diffusers, Contamination, Reflection, MODIS, Sunlight, Sun, Solids, Sensors

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Proceedings Article | 30 September 2022 Paper

Comparison of lamp and detector-based integrating sphere radiance calibrations using the NASA GSFC Filter Radiometer Monitoring System (FRMS)

Elaine Lalanne, James Butler, Leibo Ding, John Cooper, Nathan Kelley

Proceedings Volume 12232, 1223201 (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2634056

KEYWORDS: Calibration, Sensors, Integrating spheres, Optical spheres, Radiometry, Optical parametric oscillators, Lamps, Satellites, Tunable lasers, Standards development

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Proceedings Article | 30 September 2022 Presentation + Paper

Comparison of BRDF results from two different scatterometers for instrument validation in support of satellite instrumentation

Jinan Zeng, James Butler, Xiaoxiong Xiong

Proceedings Volume 12232, 1223202 (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2636162

KEYWORDS: Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Sensors, Diffusers, Silicon, Light scattering, Collimation, Scattering, Satellites, Light emitting diodes, Laser sintering

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Proceedings Article | 20 August 2020 Presentation + Paper

Low degradation Spectralon selection

Vijay Murgai, James Butler, Xiaoxong Xiong, Staci Klein, Will Arnold, Brandon Russell, Steve Bowers, Chris Durell

Proceedings Volume 11501, 115010X (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2568774

KEYWORDS: Reflectivity, Ultraviolet radiation, Contamination, Calibration, Manufacturing, Sun, MODIS, Diffusers, Solids

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Proceedings Article | 20 August 2020 Presentation + Paper

The effect of UV and solar wind exposure on the reflectance of two black diffuse materials

Jinan Zeng, James Butler, Xiaoxiong Xiong, William Cook, Nathan Kelley

Proceedings Volume 11501, 115010W (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2569293

KEYWORDS: Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Ultraviolet radiation, Fractal analysis, Solar processes, Reflectivity, Sensors, Calibration, Scattering, Solar radiation

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Proceedings Article | 20 August 2020 Presentation + Paper

BSDF measurements and analyses of specular samples using a table-top goniometer in support of remote sensing instruments

Jinan Zeng, James Butler, Xiaoxiong Xiong, Anita Thompson, Robert Bousquet

Proceedings Volume 11485, 114850A (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2569290

KEYWORDS: Data modeling, Mirrors, Sensors, Light scattering, Scattering, Convolution, Reflectivity, Signal detection, Statistical modeling

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Bidirectional Scattering Distribution Function (BSDF) measurements of selected specular samples were made using the Table-Top Goniometer (TTG) in the Diffuser Calibration Lab (DCL) at NASA GSFC in the support of NASA remote sensing instruments and programs. The same TTG system has also been used in the BRDF measurements for diffuse samples. The tunable laser-based TTG possesses the advantages of small incident beam profile and configuration flexibility and is able to meet various BSDF test requirements on specular samples with flat and curved surfaces. It also has a useful capability in characterizing instrument straylight due to surface roughness and in determining the scattering light distribution function of optical surfaces. The BSDF measurements on specular samples can be performed over 8 orders of linear dynamic range with correction of instrument signatures. In this paper, we present BSDF results on two types of specular samples: a witness flat fold mirror for the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) project and four Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) samples for the Restore project at NASA GSFC. BRDF measurements in the viewing angle range of ± 90° were acquired at 500 nm, 700 nm, and 2000 nm and at incident angles of 0°, 8°, and 25° for the PACE sample, and at 500 nm, 633 nm, 700 nm, 900 nm, 1000 nm, 1550 nm, and 1800 nm at incident angles of 10° and 25° for the MLI samples. For both types of samples, the ABg model was applied to fit the BSDF data to generate the parameters for optical modeling. The ABg model is able to fit the BSDF data on the polished surface of the flat mirror very well. However, two scattering components were seen in the MLI BSDF fitting results attributed to wrinkle and surface morphology issues. Total Hemispherical Reflectance (THR) and Total Integrated Scatter (TIS) measurements were also made on the samples and were compared to the BSDF results. The details of the BSDF measurement setup and the methodology for realization of the BRDF scale for the specular samples are also described.

Proceedings Article | 10 October 2019 Presentation + Paper

The bidirectional reflectance of black silicon used in space and Earth remote sensing applications

Georgi Georgiev, Christine Jhabvala, Elena Georgieva, James Butler, Ron Shiri, Edward Wollack

Proceedings Volume 11151, 111511E (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2534799

KEYWORDS: Silicon, Reflectivity, Remote sensing, Coronagraphy, Calibration, Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Optical testing, Light scattering, Exoplanets, Aerospace engineering

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Proceedings Article | 16 September 2019 Presentation + Paper

Optical studies of low reflectance materials at solar reflective wavelengths in support of remote sensing instrument development and calibration

Jinan Zeng, James Butler, Xiaoxiong Xiong, Nathan Kelley, William Cook

Proceedings Volume 11127, 111270G (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2528533

KEYWORDS: Reflectivity, Calibration, Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Remote sensing, Spectrophotometry, Light sources, Integrating spheres, Ultraviolet radiation

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Proceedings Article | 9 September 2019 Paper

Highly absorptive pupil mask fabricated with black silicon

Pete Petrone, Marc Kuchner, Edward Wollack, Michael Biskach, Timo Saha, Will Zhang, James Butler, Ron Shiri, Christine Jhabvala, Georgi Georgiev, Alyssa Barlis, Remi Soummer

Proceedings Volume 11116, 111161H (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2532567

KEYWORDS: Photomasks, Reactive ion etching, Etching, Silicon, Reflectivity, Cryogenics, Semiconducting wafers, Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Exoplanets, Coronagraphy

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Proceedings Article | 11 October 2018 Paper

Performance assessments and comparisons of S-NPP and NOAA-20 (JPSS-1) VIIRS on-orbit calibration

Hongda Chen, Kwofu Chiang, Kevin Twedt, Xiaoxiong Xiong, Amit Angal, James Butler, Ning Lei, Yonghong Li

Proceedings Volume 10785, 1078514 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2326866

KEYWORDS: Calibration, Sensors, Signal to noise ratio, Long wavelength infrared, Black bodies, Stray light, Contamination, Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Near infrared, Satellites

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Proceedings Article | 7 September 2018 Paper

MODIS and VIIRS on-orbit calibration and characterization using observations from spacecraft pitch maneuvers

Xiaoxiong Xiong, Aisheng Wu, Amit Angal, Kwofu Chiang, James Butler

Proceedings Volume 10764, 107640V (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2324023

KEYWORDS: MODIS, Calibration, Sensors, Space operations, Mirrors, Spatial resolution, Sensor calibration

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Proceedings Article | 7 September 2018 Presentation + Paper

Characterizations of a KHz pulsed laser detection system

Leibo Ding, James Butler, Jinan Zeng, Elaine Lalanne, John Cooper

Proceedings Volume 10764, 1076407 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2323349

KEYWORDS: Pulsed laser operation, Light sources, Calibration, Light emitting diodes, Tunable lasers

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Proceedings Article | 7 September 2018 Presentation + Paper

JPSS-1 VIIRS solar diffuser witness sample BRF calibration using a table-top goniometer at NASA GSFC

Jinan Zeng, James Butler, Xiaoxiong Xiong, Nathan Kelley

Proceedings Volume 10764, 1076404 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2321970

KEYWORDS: Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Calibration, Diffusers, Sensors, Reflectivity, Light sources, Indium gallium arsenide, Lamps, Silicon, Semiconductor lasers

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Proceedings Article | 5 September 2017 Presentation + Paper

Establishing BRDF calibration capabilities through shortwave infrared

James Butler, Kurt Thome, Catherine Cooksey, Leibo Ding, Georgi Georgiev

Proceedings Volume 10402, 104021N (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2273007

KEYWORDS: Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Calibration, Short wave infrared radiation, Reflectivity, Diffusers, Remote sensing, Shortwaves, Infrared radiation, Satellites, Data modeling

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Proceedings Article | 5 September 2017 Presentation + Paper

JPSS-1 VIIRS RSB sensor spectral response calibration and its applications

Jinan Zeng, Jim Butler, Xiaoxiong Xiong, Hassan Oudrari, Jeff Mcintire, Tom Schwarting, Qiang Ji

Proceedings Volume 10402, 104021J (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2275264

KEYWORDS: Calibration, Sensor calibration, Sensors, Reflectivity, Radio optics, Spectral calibration, Visible radiation, Near infrared, Transmittance, Bandpass filters

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Proceedings Article | 19 September 2016 Presentation + Paper

Preliminary results of BTDF calibration of transmissive solar diffusers for remote sensing

James Butler, Catherine Cooksey, Kurt Thome, Leibo Ding, Georgi Georgiev

Proceedings Volume 9972, 997205 (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2235802

KEYWORDS: Diffusers, Calibration, Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Reflectivity, Satellites, Transmittance, Near infrared, Remote sensing, Sensors, Ultraviolet radiation

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Proceedings Article | 2 May 2016 Paper

Global space-based inter-calibration system reflective solar calibration reference: from Aqua MODIS to S-NPP VIIRS

Xiaoxiong Xiong, Aisheng Wu, David Doelling, Changyong Cao, Amit Angal, James Butler, Xiangqian Wu

Proceedings Volume 9881, 98811D (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2224320

KEYWORDS: Calibration, MODIS, Sensors, Reflectivity, Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Sensor calibration, Diffusers, Sensor performance, Domes, Satellites

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Proceedings Article | 2 May 2016 Paper

JPSS-1 VIIRS pre-launch radiometric performance

Hassan Oudrari, Jeff McIntire, Xiaoxiong Xiong, James Butler, Qiang Ji, Tom Schwarting, Jinan Zeng

Proceedings Volume 9881, 98810J (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2223188

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Calibration, Reflectivity, Polarization, Signal to noise ratio, Seaborgium, Stray light, Long wavelength infrared, Electronics, Attenuators

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Proceedings Article | 11 September 2015 Paper

Characterization and application of a LED-driven integrating sphere source

Leibo Ding, Elena Georgieva, John Cooper, Georgi Georgiev, Gilbert Smith, James Butler

Proceedings Volume 9607, 96070Y (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2191371

KEYWORDS: Light emitting diodes, Integrating spheres, Sensors, Light sources, Polarization, Amplifiers, Optical spheres, Interference (communication), Silicon, Tunable lasers

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Proceedings Article | 11 September 2015 Paper

Assessment of MODIS and VIIRS solar diffuser on-orbit degradation

Xiaoxiong Xiong, Jim Butler, Amit Angal, Xu Geng, Jon Fulbright, Zhipeng Wang

Proceedings Volume 9607, 96071T (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2185817

KEYWORDS: MODIS, Sensors, Calibration, Sun, Diffusers, Signal attenuation, Near infrared, Reflectivity, Radiometry, Space operations

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Proceedings Article | 8 September 2015 Paper

VIIRS/J1 polarization narrative

Eugene Waluschka, Joel McCorkel, Jeff McIntire, David Moyer, Brendan McAndrew, Steven Brown, Keith Lykke, James Young, Eric Fest, James Butler, Tung Wang, Eslim Monroy, Kurtis Thome, Gerhard Meister, Kevin Turpie

Proceedings Volume 9607, 960712 (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2190138

KEYWORDS: Polarization, Sensors, Polarizers, Optical filters, Calibration, Bandpass filters, Mirrors, Stray light, Radiometry, Integrating spheres

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Proceedings Article | 8 September 2015 Paper

JPSS-1 VIIRS pre-launch radiometric performance

Hassan Oudrari, Jeff McIntire, Xiaoxiong Xiong, James Butler, Boryana Efremova, Qiang Ji, Shihyan Lee, Tom Schwarting

Proceedings Volume 9607, 960710 (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2188257

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Calibration, Signal to noise ratio, Polarization, Seaborgium, Reflectivity, Attenuators, Long wavelength infrared, Stray light, Infrared sensors

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Proceedings Article | 26 September 2014 Paper

CLARREO calibration uncertainty assessment tool: status and path forward

Boryana Efremova, Aisheng Wu, Xiaoxiong Xiong, James Butler

Proceedings Volume 9218, 92181U (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2061962

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Sun, Reflectivity, Calibration, Remote sensing, Attenuators, Stray light, Climate change, Environmental sensing, Climatology

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Proceedings Article | 16 October 2013 Paper

MODIS and VIIRS lunar observations and applications

Zhipeng Wang, Junqiang Sun, Xiaoxiong Xiong, James Butler, Amit Angal, Jon Fulbright

Proceedings Volume 8889, 88890V (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2028954

KEYWORDS: MODIS, Calibration, Sensors, Modulation transfer functions, Spatial resolution, Space operations, Mirrors, Reflectivity, Sensor calibration, Earth observing sensors

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Proceedings Article | 23 September 2013 Paper

Characterization of a radiometric monitoring system for NASA code 618's SIRCUS-G

Leibo Ding, John Cooper, Aboubakar Traore, Gilbert Smith, James Butler

Proceedings Volume 8866, 886614 (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2026982

KEYWORDS: Radiometry, Calibration, Indium gallium arsenide, Silicon, Phase modulation, Amplitude modulation, Sensors, Optical spheres, Laser systems engineering, Integrating spheres

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Proceedings Article | 23 September 2013 Paper

Improvements of VIIRS and MODIS solar diffuser and lunar calibration

Xiaoxiong Xiong, James Butler, Ning Lei, Junqiang Sun, Jon Fulbright, Zhipeng Wang, Jeff McIntire, Amit Angal

Proceedings Volume 8866, 88661M (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2024792

KEYWORDS: MODIS, Calibration, Sensors, Modulation, Sun, Diffusers, Mirrors, Near infrared, Signal attenuation, Reflectivity

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Proceedings Article | 19 November 2012 Paper

Comparison of MODIS and VIIRS On-board blackbody Performance

Aisheng Wu, Kwofu Chiang, Boryana Efremova, Sriharsha Madhavan, Jeff McIntire, Hassan Oudrari, Xiaoxiong Xiong, Jim Butler

Proceedings Volume 8533, 853318 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.977560

KEYWORDS: MODIS, Calibration, Sensors, Black bodies, Temperature metrology, Staring arrays, Space operations, Radiometry, Mirrors

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Proceedings Article | 15 October 2012 Paper

An overview of Suomi NPP VIIRS calibration maneuvers

Junqiang Sun, James Butler, Xiaoxiong Xiong, Robert Barnes, Kwofu Chiang, Frederick Patt

Proceedings Volume 8510, 85101J (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.930993

KEYWORDS: Space operations, Calibration, Diffusers, MODIS, Infrared radiation, Visible radiation, Sensors, Mirrors, Infrared imaging, Reflectivity

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The first Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument was successfully launched on-board the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) spacecraft on October 28, 2011. Suomi NPP VIIRS observations are made in 22 spectral bands, from the visible (VIS) to the long-wave infrared (LWIR), and are used to produce 22 Environmental Data Records (EDRs) with a broad range of scientific applications. The quality of these VIIRS EDRs strongly depends on the quality of its calibrated and geo-located Sensor Date Records (SDRs). Built with a strong heritage to the NASA’s EOS MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument, the VIIRS is calibrated on-orbit using a similar set of on-board calibrators (OBC), including a solar diffuser (SD) and solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM) system for the reflective solar bands (RSB) and a blackbody (BB) for the thermal emissive bands (TEB). Onorbit maneuvers of the SNPP spacecraft provide additional calibration and characterization data from the VIIRS instrument which cannot be obtained pre-launch and are required to produce the highest quality SDRs. These include multiorbit yaw maneuvers for the characterization of SD and SDSM screen transmission, quasi-monthly roll maneuvers to acquire lunar observations to track sensor degradation in the visible through shortwave infrared, and a driven pitch-over maneuver to acquire multiple scans of deep space to determine TEB response versus scan angle (RVS). This paper provides an overview of these three SNPP calibration maneuvers. Discussions are focused on their potential calibration and science benefits, pre-launch planning activities, and on-orbit scheduling and implementation strategies. Results from calibration maneuvers performed during the Intensive Calibration and Validation (ICV) period for the VIIRS sensor are illustrated. Also presented in this paper are lessons learned regarding the implementation of calibration spacecraft maneuvers on follow-on missions.

Proceedings Article | 15 October 2012 Paper

Preliminary assessment of Suomi-NPP VIIRS on-orbit radiometric performance

James Butler, Hassan Oudrari, David Moyer, Xiaoxiong Xiong, Kwofu Chiang, Jeff McIntire

Proceedings Volume 8510, 851011 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.930498

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Calibration, Signal to noise ratio, MODIS, Reflectivity, Mirrors, Ultraviolet radiation, Space operations, Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Data modeling

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Proceedings Article | 15 October 2012 Paper

NPP VIIRS on-orbit calibration and characterization using the moon

J. Butler, X. Xiong, J. Sun

Proceedings Volume 8510, 85101I (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.939933

KEYWORDS: Calibration, MODIS, Sensors, Staring arrays, Safety, Mirrors, Visible radiation, Reflectivity, Space operations, Near infrared

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Proceedings Article | 15 October 2012 Paper

VIIRS on-orbit optical anomaly: investigation, analysis, root cause determination and lessons learned

James Butler, Xiaoxiong Xiong, Bruce Guenther, Larissa Graziani, Craig Kent, Eugene Waluschka, Robert Lambeck, Eric Johnson, Brian Kennedy, Glenn Iona

Proceedings Volume 8510, 85101C (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.933863

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Mirrors, Contamination, MODIS, Ultraviolet radiation, Tungsten, Near infrared, Coating, Reflectivity, Satellites

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SPIE Journal Paper | 1 November 2011

Development and performance of a filter radiometer monitor system for integrating sphere sources

Leibo Ding, John Cooper, Gilbert Smith, Matthew Kowalewski, Robert Barnes, Eugene Waluschka, James Butler

OE, Vol. 50, Issue 11, 113603, (November 2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.3646532

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Optical spheres, Phase modulation, Integrating spheres, Radiometry, Lamps, Calibration, Indium gallium arsenide, Optical filters, Silicon

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Proceedings Article | 3 October 2011 Paper

SWIR calibration of Spectralon reflectance factor

James Butler, Georgi Georgiev, Kurtis Thome, Catherine Cooksey, Leibo Ding

Proceedings Volume 8176, 81760W (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.898325

KEYWORDS: Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Calibration, Short wave infrared radiation, Reflectivity, Sensors, Diffusers, Receivers, Indium gallium arsenide, Photodiodes, Ultraviolet radiation

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Proceedings Article | 14 September 2011 Paper

Results from solar reflective band end-to-end testing for VIIRS F1 sensor using T-SIRCUS

Steven Brown, David Moyer, Bruce Guenther, Keith Lykke, Frank De Luccia, Xiaoxiong Xiong, James McCarthy, James Butler, Jeff McIntire

Proceedings Volume 8153, 81530I (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.891917

KEYWORDS: Collimators, Sensors, Calibration, Reflectivity, Integrating spheres, Aerospace engineering, MODIS, Diffusers, Radiometry, Infrared sensors

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Proceedings Article | 4 November 2010 Paper

Initial studies of the bidirectional reflectance distribution function of carbon nanotube structures for stray light control applications

Manuel Quijada, John Hagopian, June Tveekrem, Georgi Georgiev, Stephanie Getty, James Butler

Proceedings Volume 7862, 78620D (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.869569

KEYWORDS: Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Reflectivity, Silicon, Carbon nanotubes, Stray light, Light scattering, Titanium, Optical testing, Stray light control, Diffusers

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Proceedings Article | 29 October 2010 Paper

Comparison of two methodologies for calibrating satellite instruments in the visible and near infrared

Steven Brown, Robert Barnes, Xiaoxiong Xiong, Keith Lykke, Bruce Guenther, James Butler

Proceedings Volume 7862, 78620C (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.868356

KEYWORDS: Calibration, Sensors, Optical spheres, Diffusers, Near infrared, Visible radiation, Integrating spheres, Lamps, Manufacturing, Satellites

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Proceedings Article | 14 October 2010 Paper

Characterization of a double monochromator

Leibo Ding, Matthew Kowalewski, John Cooper, James Butler, Gilbert Smith

Proceedings Volume 7826, 782624 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.865091

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Integrating spheres, Monochromators, Optical spheres, Mercury, Calibration, Radiometry, Stray light, Lamps, Ultraviolet radiation

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Proceedings Article | 31 August 2010 Paper

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes for stray light suppression in space flight instruments

Patrick Roman, Cleophus Hunt, Ron Shiri, David Deglau, June Tveekrem, Andrew Monica, John Hagopian, Georgi Georgiev, Xianfeng Zhang, James Butler, Jeff Livas, Stephanie Getty, Stergios Papadakis, Saikat Talapatra, Alejandro Maldonado, Manuel Quijada

Proceedings Volume 7761, 77610F (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.864386

KEYWORDS: Stray light, Mirrors, Reflectivity, Carbon nanotubes, Silicon, Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Aerospace engineering, Nanoimprint lithography, Stray light control, Light scattering

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Observations of the Earth are extremely challenging; its large angular extent floods scientific instruments with high flux within and adjacent to the desired field of view. This bright light diffracts from instrument structures, rattles around and invariably contaminates measurements. Astrophysical observations also are impacted by stray light that obscures very dim objects and degrades signal to noise in spectroscopic measurements. Stray light is controlled by utilizing low reflectance structural surface treatments and by using baffles and stops to limit this background noise. In 2007 GSFC researchers discovered that Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) are exceptionally good absorbers, with potential to provide order-of-magnitude improvement over current surface treatments and a resulting factor of 10,000 reduction in stray light when applied to an entire optical train. Development of this technology will provide numerous benefits including: a.) simplification of instrument stray light controls to achieve equivalent performance, b.) increasing observational efficiencies by recovering currently unusable scenes in high contrast regions, and c.) enabling low-noise observations that are beyond current capabilities. Our objective was to develop and apply MWCNTs to instrument components to realize these benefits. We have addressed the technical challenges to advance the technology by tuning the MWCNT geometry using a variety of methods to provide a factor of 10 improvement over current surface treatments used in space flight hardware. Techniques are being developed to apply the optimized geometry to typical instrument components such as spiders, baffles and tubes. Application of the nanostructures to alternate materials (or by contact transfer) is also being investigated. In addition, candidate geometries have been tested and optimized for robustness to survive integration, testing, launch and operations associated with space flight hardware. The benefits of this technology extend to space science where observations of extremely dim objects require suppression of stray light.

Proceedings Article | 21 August 2009 Paper

Progress in BRDF calibration measurements in the SWIR

James Butler, Georgi Georgiev

Proceedings Volume 7452, 745205 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.827356

KEYWORDS: Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Calibration, Receivers, Reflectivity, Short wave infrared radiation, Diffusers, Sensors, Light sources, Data modeling, Photodiodes

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Proceedings Article | 21 August 2009 Paper

MODIS solar reflective calibration traceability

Xiaoxiong Xiong, Jim Butler

Proceedings Volume 7452, 74520K (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.824761

KEYWORDS: Calibration, MODIS, Sensors, Reflectivity, Diffusers, Mirrors, Climatology, Near infrared, Sensor calibration, Environmental sensing

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Proceedings Article | 21 August 2009 Paper

Development of a filter radiometer monitor system for integrating sphere sources

John Cooper, Matthew Kowalewski, Leibo Ding, Gilbert Smith, James Butler

Proceedings Volume 7452, 745206 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.827721

KEYWORDS: Phase modulation, Amplitude modulation, Sensors, Optical spheres, Integrating spheres, Lamps, Calibration, Radiometry, Silicon, Indium gallium arsenide

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Proceedings Article | 9 October 2008 Paper

Calibration of a radiance standard for the NPP/OMPS instrument

B. Carol Johnson, James Butler, Scott Janz, Robert Barnes, Robert Saunders, John Cooper, Matthew Kowalewski

Proceedings Volume 7106, 71060Z (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.800194

KEYWORDS: Calibration, Optical spheres, Radiometry, Standards development, Remote sensing, Integrating spheres, Lamps, Aerospace engineering, Diffusers, Spectroscopy

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Proceedings Article | 20 August 2008 Paper

BRDF study of gray-scale Spectralon

Georgi Georgiev, James Butler

Proceedings Volume 7081, 708107 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.795931

KEYWORDS: Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Reflectivity, Calibration, Sensors, Diffusers, Satellites, Remote sensing, Vegetation, Systems modeling, Light scattering

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Proceedings Article | 17 October 2007 Paper

Modeling spectral effects in Earth-observing satellite instruments

James Butler, Robert Barnes

Proceedings Volume 6744, 67441K (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.736683

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Spectral models, Lawrencium, Transmittance, Absorption, Satellites, Instrument modeling, Calibration, Spectroscopy, Atmospheric modeling

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We present a simple, spreadsheet-based model to examine the effects of the spectral response functions of individual instrument bands on their measurements of top-of-the-atmosphere radiances. The model uses spectral radiances at 1 nm resolution from the near ultraviolet to the shortwave infrared at wavelengths from 300 nm to 2500 nm, convolving them with the spectral responses of the bands to calculate band-average spectral radiances. For on-orbit calibration purposes, the model uses nominal solar irradiance and lunar albedo spectra to provide saturation, diffuser, and lunar radiances for the bands. For prelaunch calibration purposes, the model uses a 2850K Planck function, normalized to a maximum value of unity, to approximate the spectral shape from a laboratory integrating sphere source. For Earth-exiting radiances, the model uses nominal radiance spectra over a blue ocean, a desert, and a grassland. These spectra are provided with the effects of atmospheric trace gas absorption removed. In addition, the model includes a trace gas transmittance spectrum that can be modified as a function of airmass. Currently, a spectrum with an airmass of 2.4 is used. In the model, this transmittance spectrum is combined with the three Earth-exiting radiance spectra to provide top-of-the-atmosphere radiance spectra both with and without trace gas absorption features. Here we use the model to investigate three types of spectral response features. The first study involves the out-of-band response from one of the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) bands. Using the model, we demonstrate a technique to correct for the effect of that response on measurements of Earth-exiting radiances. The second study shows the effect of in-band spectral differences in an instrument band with multiple detectors. In this example, the effects are small, but differ with the type of Earth scene and with the amount of atmospheric trace gas absorption. On-orbit corrections for portions these detector-to-detector spectral differences are possible. However, at some level these differences will cause a residual striping in the band's measurements that cannot be removed. The final study examines measurements by a proposed multispectral grating-based spectrometer of the wavelength region near 760 nm, where there is a substantial absorption feature from atmospheric oxygen. Based on the bandwidth and wavelength spacing of the instrument's bands, we investigate the use of the absorption feature to provide a wavelength calibration for the instrument. This model provides a tool for use in the design of new satellite instruments. In addition, it is possible to use the model to help mitigate the effects of actual spectral response features in instrument bands after those features are revealed during prelaunch characterization.

Proceedings Article | 26 September 2007 Paper

Validation of radiometric standards for the laboratory calibration of reflected-solar Earth-observing satellite instruments

Joseph Rice, B. Carol Johnson, Steven Brown, Robert Barnes, James Butler

Proceedings Volume 6677, 667707 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.733922

KEYWORDS: Calibration, Radiometry, Satellites, Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Reflectivity, Short wave infrared radiation, Integrating spheres, Sensors, Infrared radiation, Shortwaves

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Proceedings Article | 26 September 2007 Paper

System-level pre-launch calibration of onboard solar diffusers

James Butler, Steven Brown, Gerald Fraser, Robert Barnes, Keith Lykke

Proceedings Volume 6677, 667704 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.731804

KEYWORDS: Calibration, Diffusers, Collimators, Sensors, Integrating spheres, Alternate lighting of surfaces, Optical spheres, Telescopes, Reflectivity, Satellites

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Proceedings Article | 7 September 2006 Paper

Bandwidth and spectral stray light effects in the NASA GSFC Radiometric Calibration Facility primary transfer radiometer

James Butler, John Marketon, B. Carol Johnson, Steven Brown, Robert Barnes, John Cooper

Proceedings Volume 6296, 629604 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.679493

KEYWORDS: Optical spheres, Signal detection, Radiometry, Stray light, Lamps, Calibration, Sensors, Scattering, Free electron lasers, Integrating spheres

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Proceedings Article | 7 September 2006 Paper

Comparison between laboratory and airborne BRDF measurements for remote sensing

Charles Gatebe, James Butler, Georgi Georgiev, Michael King

Proceedings Volume 6296, 629603 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.680542

KEYWORDS: Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Sensors, Reflectivity, Remote sensing, Vegetation, Backscatter, Solar radiation models, Calibration, Scattering, Light scattering

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Proceedings Article | 22 August 2005 Paper

Use of the moon as a calibration reference for NPP VIIRS

Gerhard Meister, Robert Eplee, Robert Barnes, James Butler, Frederick Patt

Proceedings Volume 5882, 588215 (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.618370

KEYWORDS: MODIS, Alternate lighting of surfaces, Instrument modeling, Space operations, Calibration, Diffusers, Reflectivity, Satellites, Sensors, Reverse modeling

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Proceedings Article | 22 August 2005 Paper

The effect of speckle on BRDF measurements

Georgi Georgiev, James Butler

Proceedings Volume 5882, 588203 (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.620128

KEYWORDS: Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Speckle, Sensors, Diffusers, Laser sources, Telescopes, Reflectivity, Calibration, Speckle pattern, Light sources

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SPIE Journal Paper | 1 March 2005

Bidirectional reflectance distribution function and directional-hemispherical reflectance of a martian regolith simulant

Georgi Georgiev, James Butler

OE, Vol. 44, Issue 03, 036202, (March 2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.1870001

KEYWORDS: Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Scattering, Reflectivity, Light scattering, Sensors, Optical engineering, Optical spheres, Calibration, Mars, Receivers

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Proceedings Article | 4 November 2004 Paper

Radiometric characterization of the NASA GSFC radiometric calibration facility primary transfer radiometer

Peter Abel, John Marketon, John Cooper, Steven Brown, James Butler

Proceedings Volume 5570, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.565623

KEYWORDS: Luminescence, Calibration, Radiometry, Optical spheres, Lamps, Sensors, Integrating spheres, Stray light, Silicon, Radio optics

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Proceedings Article | 4 November 2004 Paper

Use of the Moon as a reference for satellite-based climate change measurements

Frederick Patt, James Butler, Gerhard Meister, Robert Barnes

Proceedings Volume 5570, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.565058

KEYWORDS: Space operations, Instrument modeling, Data modeling, Satellites, Reverse modeling, Reflectivity, Climate change, Phase measurement, MODIS, Calibration

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Proceedings Article | 4 November 2004 Paper

The effect of incident light polarization on spectralon BRDF measurements

Georgi Georgiev, James Butler

Proceedings Volume 5570, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.565686

KEYWORDS: Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Polarization, Sensors, Calibration, Diffusers, Reflectivity, Scattering, Light scattering, Satellites, Ultraviolet radiation

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Proceedings Article | 26 October 2004 Paper

Long-term comparison of spectralon BRDF measurements in the ultraviolet

Georgi Georgiev, James Butler

Proceedings Volume 5542, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.559920

KEYWORDS: Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Calibration, Ultraviolet radiation, Sensors, Satellites, Target acquisition, Ozone, Diffusers, Remote sensing, Aerospace engineering

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Proceedings Article | 10 November 2003 Paper

Preliminary results of aperture-area comparison for exo-atmospheric solar irradiance

Maritoni Litorja, B. Johnson, James Butler

Proceedings Volume 5151, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.506904

KEYWORDS: Satellites, Radiometry, Solar energy, Solar radiation, Metrology, Earth's atmosphere, Environmental sensing, Microscopes, Standards development, Climate change

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Proceedings Article | 16 October 2003 Paper

The effect of weave orientation on the BRDF of tarp samples

James Butler, Georgi Georgiev

Proceedings Volume 5189, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.505865

KEYWORDS: Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Sensors, Reflectivity, Calibration, Error analysis, Receivers, Light sources, Ultraviolet radiation, Optical spheres, Near infrared

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Proceedings Article | 8 April 2003 Paper

Comparison of ultraviolet bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) measurements of diffusers used in the calibration of the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS)

A. Erik Zoutman, Edward Early, Jos Schaarsberg, James Butler, Patricia Barnes, Stefanie van Buller-Leeuwen, Carina van Eijk-Olij, Hongwoo Park

Proceedings Volume 4881, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.463013

KEYWORDS: Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Diffusers, Calibration, Ozone, Telescopic pixel displays, Scatter measurement, Sensors, Ultraviolet radiation, Receivers, Spectroscopy

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Proceedings Article | 8 April 2003 Paper

Integrating sphere source monitoring and stability data

Peter Abel, John Cooper, John Marketon, James Butler, Gilbert Smith

Proceedings Volume 4881, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.462589

KEYWORDS: Optical spheres, Integrating spheres, Calibration, Lamps, Sensors, Aluminum, Temperature metrology, Coating, Radiometry, Signal detection

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Proceedings Article | 22 October 2002 Paper

Bidirectional reflectance distribution function and hemispherical reflectance of JSC MARS-1

Georgi Georgiev, James Butler

Proceedings Volume 4780, (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.461934

KEYWORDS: Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Reflectivity, Calibration, Ultraviolet radiation, Near infrared, Receivers, Error analysis, Scatter measurement, Optical spheres, Sensors

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Proceedings Article | 28 December 1999 Paper

Radiometric measurement comparisons using transfer radiometers in support of the calibration of NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) sensors

Robert Barnes, Fumihiro Sakuma, Howard Yoon, James Butler, Brian Markham, Paul Spyak, John Cooper, Edward Zalewski, Stuart Biggar, B. Carol Johnson, Steven Brown

Proceedings Volume 3870, (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.373186

KEYWORDS: Radiometry, Optical spheres, Calibration, Integrating spheres, Short wave infrared radiation, Sensors, Satellites, Infrared radiation, Lamps, Remote sensing

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EOS satellite instruments operating in the visible through the shortwave infrared wavelength regions (from 0.4 micrometer to 2.5 micrometer) are calibrated prior to flight for radiance response using integrating spheres at a number of instrument builder facilities. The traceability of the radiance produced by these spheres with respect to international standards is the responsibility of the instrument builder, and different calibration techniques are employed by those builders. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) Earth Observing System (EOS) Project Science Office, realizing the importance of preflight calibration and cross-calibration, has sponsored a number of radiometric measurement comparisons, the main purpose of which is to validate the radiometric scale assigned to the integrating spheres by the instrument builders. This paper describes the radiometric measurement comparisons, the use of stable transfer radiometers to perform the measurements, and the measurement approaches and protocols used to validate integrating sphere radiances. Stable transfer radiometers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the University of Arizona Optical Sciences Center Remote Sensing Group, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, and the National Research Laboratory of Metrology in Japan, have participated in these comparisons. The approaches used in the comparisons include the measurement of multiple integrating sphere lamp levels, repeat measurements of select lamp levels, the use of the stable radiometers as external sphere monitors, and the rapid reporting of measurement results. Results from several comparisons are presented. The absolute radiometric calibration standard uncertainties required by the EOS satellite instruments are typically in the plus or minus 3% to plus or minus 5% range. Preliminary results reported during eleven radiometric measurement comparisons held between February 1995 and May 1998 have shown the radiance of integrating spheres agreed to within plus or minus 2.5% from the average at blue wavelengths and to within plus or minus 1.7% from the average at red and near infrared wavelengths. This level of agreement lends confidence in the use of the transfer radiometers in validating the radiance scales assigned by EOS instrument calibration facilities to their integrating sphere sources.

Proceedings Article | 8 October 1998 Paper

Intercomparisons of reflectance measurements

Carol Bruegge, Stuart Biggar, Patricia Barnes, B. Carol Johnson, James Butler, Paul Spyak, Edward Early, Milutin Pavlov

Proceedings Volume 3425, (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.326663

KEYWORDS: Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Reflectivity, Aluminum, Remote sensing, Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Standards development, Sensors, Radio optics, Optical testing, Statistical analysis

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Proceedings Article | 11 November 1996 Paper

EOS AM-1 preflight radiometric measurement comparison using the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection radiometer (ASTER) visible/near-infrared integrating sphere

Katsumi Suzuki, James Butler, J. Cooper, Stuart Biggar, B. Carol Johnson, Masaru Hiramatsu, Fumihiro Sakuma

Proceedings Volume 2820, (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.258101

KEYWORDS: Radiometry, Optical spheres, Calibration, Integrating spheres, Lamps, Sensors, Optical filters, Satellites, Black bodies, Silicon

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Proceedings Article | 14 September 1994 Paper

Comparisons of UV spectral radiance calibrations of SBUV/2 type ozone monitoring instruments and traceability to NIST

James Butler, V. Nelson, William Fowler, Zongying Wei, Donald Heath, Ernest Hilsenrath

Proceedings Volume 2282, (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.186624

KEYWORDS: Diffusers, Optical spheres, Calibration, Bidirectional reflectance transmission function, Spectral calibration, Spherical lenses, Ultraviolet radiation, Black bodies, Lamps, Free electron lasers

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Showing 5 of 64 publications

Proceedings Volume Editor (21)

SPIE Conference Volume | 19 October 2022

Earth Observing Systems XXVII

SPIE Conference Volume | 9 September 2021

Earth Observing Systems XXVI

SPIE Conference Volume | 30 September 2020

Earth Observing Systems XXV

SPIE Conference Volume | 4 November 2019

Earth Observing Systems XXIV

SPIE Conference Volume | 30 November 2018

Earth Observing Missions and Sensors: Development, Implementation, and Characterization V

Showing 5 of 21 publications

Conference Committee Involvement (30)

Earth Observing Systems XXVII

23 August 2022 | San Diego, California, United States

Earth Observing Systems XXVI

3 August 2021 | San Diego, California, United States

Earth Observing Systems XXV

24 August 2020 | Online Only, California, United States

Earth Observing Systems XXIV

11 August 2019 | San Diego, California, United States

Earth Observing Missions and Sensors: Development, Implementation, and Characterization V

25 September 2018 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

Earth Observing Systems XXIII

21 August 2018 | San Diego, California, United States

Earth Observing Systems XXII

6 August 2017 | San Diego, California, United States

Earth Observing Systems XXI

30 August 2016 | San Diego, California, United States

Earth Observing Missions and Sensors: Development, Implementation, and Characterization IV

4 April 2016 | New Delhi, India

Earth Observing Systems XX

10 August 2015 | San Diego, California, United States

Earth Observing Missions and Sensors: Development, Implementation, and Characterization III

13 October 2014 | Beijing, China

Earth Observing Systems XIX

18 August 2014 | San Diego, California, United States

Earth Observing Systems XVIII

27 August 2013 | San Diego, California, United States

Earth Observing Missions and Sensors: Development, Implementation, and Characterization II

30 October 2012 | Kyoto, Japan

Earth Observing Systems XVII

13 August 2012 | San Diego, California, United States

Earth Observing Systems XVI

23 August 2011 | San Diego, California, United States

Earth Observing Missions and Sensors: Development, Implementation, and Characterization

13 October 2010 | Incheon, Korea, Republic of

Earth Observing Systems XV

2 August 2010 | San Diego, California, United States

Atmospheric and Environmental Remote Sensing Data Processing and Utilization VI: Readiness for GEOSS IV

1 August 2010 | San Diego, California, United States

Atmospheric and Environmental Remote Sensing Data Processing and Utilization V: Readiness for GEOSS III

5 August 2009 | San Diego, California, United States

Earth Observing Systems XIV

3 August 2009 | San Diego, California, United States

Atmospheric and Environmental Remote Sensing Data Processing and Utilization IV: Readiness for GEOSS II

12 August 2008 | San Diego, California, United States

Earth Observing Systems XIII

11 August 2008 | San Diego, California, United States

Atmospheric and Environmental Remote Sensing Data Processing and Utilization III: Readiness for GEOSS

27 August 2007 | San Diego, California, United States

Earth Observing Systems XII

26 August 2007 | San Diego, California, United States

Atmospheric and Environmental Remote Sensing Data Processing and Utilization II: Perspective on Calibration/Validation Initiatives and Strategies

16 August 2006 | San Diego, California, United States

Earth Observing Systems XI

14 August 2006 | San Diego, California, United States

Earth Observing Systems X

31 July 2005 | San Diego, California, United States

Earth Observing Systems IX

4 August 2004 | Denver, Colorado, United States

Earth Observing Systems VIII

3 August 2003 | San Diego, California, United States

Showing 5 of 30 Conference Committees

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