This is the first of a series of experimental silicon target phototubes used by James Westphal and his group for astronomical imaging. This vacuum tube was initially developed and manufactured at the Bell Laboratories for use with telephone picture phones. It consists of a Vidicon imaging tube, similar to those used for TV, in which the photosensitive front image target has been replaced by a silicon photodiode. The back of the target is scanned by beam of electrons; these create a current when they meet an area of the target that has been exposed to light. This current is then converted electronically into an image. The SIDAC, which was quite sensitive and had a wide dynamic range, was used to study the planets.
The California Institute of Technology donated this to the Museum in 1983.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Electronics
Manufacturer
Bell Laboratories
Dimensions
3-D (Box): 19.7 × 9.5 × 5.1cm (7 3/4 × 3 3/4 × 2 in.)
3-D (Image Sensor): 17.8 × 3.5 × 3.5cm (7 × 1 3/8 × 1 3/8 in.)
Materials
Cardboard.
Coating
Glass
Copper Alloy
Aluminum
Coating
Synthetic
Inventory Number
A19840034000
Credit Line
Gift of the California Institute of Technology
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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