TO EVALUATE(Sanitized)MICRODENSITOMETERS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04747A000200010044-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 23, 2001
• Sequence Number: 44
• Publication Date: July 17, 1964
• Content Type: TRIP

Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP78B04747A00020001t444T1NTL
17 July 1964
MJM:bb:335:jg
STATINTL
July 8, 9 , 1964
Purpose: To Evaluate
STATINTL
STATINTL
A trip was made on July 8 and 9, 1964 for the purpose of
gathering information on, and testin , their microdensitometers to complete
STATINTL the survey being conducted for STATINTL
The TL
is a small firm employing about 80 persons. They have been
active in the field of linear measurements for several years and began
producing microdensitometers in about 1960. Each of the instruments they
manufacture is custom made following customer specifications. A wide
variety of ancillary equipment can be incorporated in or supplied with their
instruments which at present consists of a basic mechanical-optical system
STATINTL designed by the
STATINTL
Two instruments, which were being built for Holloman Air Force
Base, were available for our inspection and testing. The two instruments
were unfortunately still in the final stages of assembly and testing and were
thus not representative of completed instruments. STATINTL
The-Model 1032A, presently priced at includes L
such features as a complete digital output system using magnetic ape and
shaft encoding for position, with auxiliary alphanumeric input capabilities
and a thresholding device for clipping densities over the ran e 0ogram-
mable scanning in both the X and Y directions, the Micro
Spot" Projector, a two pen (one for plotting the first derivative o density
distance function) Mosely recorder, an automatic roll film transport, and
completely variable bilateral illumination and analytical apertures. An auto-
matic film transport device is also available for the instrument. The electronic
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 STATINTL
STATINTL
STATINTL
Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP78BO4747A000200010044-1
TRIP REPORT
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17 July 1964
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components were supplied by the
optical components are used in the with bSgTINTL
meta urgical and biological objectives used, depending on the desired
ma reification, at approximately double the normal tube length. Although
warned them that this would decrease performance
serious y t hey Mimed that they could detect no such deterioration. No
oculars are used in the system. The claimed that oculaATINTL
introduced problems of chromatic aberration and non-uniform illumination
when used in their system.
We spent most of the first day examining the features of and
testin the 1032A microdensitometer. Their only density standard was
a Step Tablet which resulted in a non-linear density calibration as
determined using our "Fish Schurman" filters. They were quite interested
in our neutral density filters as well as in our sine wave test charts. Some
scans were made using the 1032A instrument, but the minimum scan spped
of 0. 625 millimeters per minute will cause some degradation of the edge
trace due to the quoted 0. 4 second full scale response of the reco eATINTL
The second day(July 9) was spent testing the 1140 model
STATINTL microdensitometers, a~analog instrument utilizing
electronic components. This instrument has an automatic scan capability in
only the X direction with a manual drive for the Y position. Scan speeds
from 0. 025 millimeters per minute up to 2. 5millimeters per minute were
available on this instrument but it was found that at the two lowest scan
speeds that the stage travel was intermittent due to a faulty gear box. All
testing had to be done at a scan speed of 0. 25 millimeters per minute. The
aperture widths were continuously variable with a series of fixed aperture
lengths being obtained by adjusting a "fish tail" plate. The illuminating slit
dimensions were kept larger than the pickup slit dimensions by about 30%
STANTL which is - suggested procedure.
Because of the incomplete status of both of the instruments no
conclusive data was obtained pertaining to the performance of the optical
systems. It was agreed that the evaluation of the mechS,TATTL
optical system could be conducted on a completed instrument such as that
STATINTL possessed by the
The salient features of the ON ' nstruments and their operation
were thoroughly discussed during the two- ay visit. STATINTL
They emphasized the linear measuring accuracy of their instru-
ment in which the plane of motion containing the sample, and the lead screw,
have been kept as close as possible to the guiding ways in order to insure I
to 2-1/2,M accuracy over the entire scan length. They also pointed out that
their quoted accuracy is for the actual sample motion as opposed to, (as they
claim some other manufacturer's state) quotations of the lead screw or guiding
way accuracy alone. They pointed oft that the most precise working standard
available was accurate to only 0. 3 microns and that any statements of accuracy
near or below that value (hinting at - were meaningless. STATINTL
Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP78BO4747A000200010044-1
 Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP78BO4747A000200010044-1
TRIP REPORT
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17 July 1964
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The standard sample viewin device supplied with the
instruments consists of a modified 'zoom macrS VFL
although a viewin screen has been incorporate in one of the instruments
STATINTL produced for Viewing and scanning cannot be accomplished
simultaneously. T e approximate location of targets of interest can be
accomplished while the operator is standing while precise location and
alignment are accomplished while seated and looking through the viewing
microscope. The precise alignment, while easily accomplished, is some-
what awkward because the operator must reach up to manipulate the manual
STATINTL drives for the stage.
End window photomultiplier tubes (EMI 950ZB) are used in the
instruments. These tubes offer greater homogeneity of area response
v4se than do the side window type of tube. STATINTL
STATINTL The is presentl engaged in the production of a
trichromatic instrument for the
This instrument will be available in early 1965.
STATINTL
STATINTL
Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP78BO4747A000200010044-1