8,509 terms
Photonics Dictionary
AELaccessible emission limit
aeolightA glow discharge lamp consisting of a cold cathode and a mixture of inert gases. The intensity of illumination varies with the applied signal voltage. This lamp was commonly used as a source of...
aerial cameraCamera designed for the imaging of the earth's surface in order to obtain high quality aerial images
aerial filmFilm designed especially for the needs and conditions encountered in aerial photography. It is produced in a variety of widths, lengths and emulsions.
aerial mappingThe use of photographs taken from the air to construct graphic maps and charts of ground surfaces.
aerial perspectiveAn optical illusion in which distant objects are lighter in tone and less distinct in outline than those closer to the observer because of the atmospheric diffusion of light.
aerial photogrammetryThe application of aerial photographs as a means of measurement in map making and surveying.
aerial photographyPhotographing of terrain on the ground and objects in the air by cameras mounted in aircraft; utilized in satellites, multispectral scanning and intricate data handling systems.
aerial reconnaissanceThe use of optical or electronic recording systems to extract information from the terrain, while aloft, for reconnaissance applications.
aerial surveyThe creation of a planned sequence of data input that is obtained while airborne for use in aerial photogrammetry and other types of map making and surveying. The data can be photographic, electronic...
aerocartographyThe creation of topographical maps and charts from a stereographic record produced through the overlapping of consecutive aerial photographs by more than 50 percent.
aeronaeronautics
aerosolA two-phase system consisting of dispersed liquid or solid particles in a gas; examples include dust, smoke and clouds.
aerotriangulationIn aerial photography, the geometric method of indicating the three-dimensional location of ground points from a pair of aerial photographs.
AESAuger electron spectroscopy; atomic emission spectrometry
AFaudio frequency; autofocusing
AFCautomatic frequency control
AFCEAArmed Forces Communications and Electronics Association
affine transformationTransformation of an image, such as a change in position or scale, that does not alter the linearity of the original image.
AFMatomic force microscope
afocalAn optical system with object and image points at infinity. Literally, "without a focal length."
AFOSRAir Force Office of Scientific Research
AFSatomic fluorescence spectroscopy
after-imageThat image remaining on the detector after the primary stimulus has been removed. In the visual system, the after-image commonly appears as the complementary color of the primary stimulus.
afterglowThe luminosity that remains in a rarefied gas after an electrodeless discharge has traversed the gas.
AGCautomatic gain control
AGEaerospace ground equipment
AGETAdvisory Group on Electron Tubes
AGRINaxial gradient index
AGVautomated guided vehicle
AHantihalation
Ahampere-hour
AHARSattitude heading and reference system
AIartificial intelligence
AIAAutomated Imaging Association
AIAAAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
AICHEAmerican Institute of Chemical Engineers
AIDairborne intelligent display; area imaging device
AIEEAmerican Institute of Electrical Engineers
aiming beamA visible laser beam generated coaxially with an infrared or other invisible laser beam to aid in its positioning.
aiming circleAn instrument designed to measure angles in azimuth; used in general topographic work and military gunnery.
AIPAmerican Institute of Physics
air bearingA support device in which a column or chamber of air permits the free travel of a mobile part. In optical mounting and positioning equipment, air bearings are of two types, linear or rotary,...
air doseA quantitative measure of the amount of radiation given off by an instrument, expressed in roentgens per unit of free air.
air-spaced doublet -> doublet1. A compound lens consisting of two elements. If there is an air space between the elements it is called an "air-spaced doublet.'' If the inner surfaces are cemented together, it is called a...
air-to-ground phototransmission systemA category of systems designed to communicate a photo taken from the air (e.g., aircraft, balloon, satellite) to a ground station. It can be done by direct television transmission of the photo, or by...
airglowDiffuse light emitted by the atmosphere due to the excitation of particles of atmospheric gas. These excited particles release light that is visible from Earth as a faint luminescence in the night...
AIRSautomatic image retrieval system
Airy differential equationThe equation devised by Sir G.B. Airy for the analysis of light diffraction near a caustic surface: (d2f/dz2) - zf = 0 where z represents the independent variable, and f is the value of the function.
Airy discThe central peak (including everything interior to the first zero or dark ring) of the focal diffraction pattern of a uniformly irradiated, aberration-free circular optical element or system.
Photonics Dictionary