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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Gain-compensation Methodology for a Sinusoidal Scan of a Galvanometer Mirror in Proportional-Integral-Differential Control Using Pre-emphasis Techniques

Gain-compensation Methodology for a Sinusoidal Scan of a Galvanometer Mirror in Proportional-Integral-Differential Control Using Pre-emphasis Techniques

Published on: April 4, 2017

Equations for solar tracking.

Alexis Merlaud¹, Martine De Mazière, Christian Hermans

¹Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy, Brussels, Belgium. alexis.merlaud@aeronomie.be

Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)

|June 6, 2012

Summary

This study details the geometry of a solar tracker essential for atmospheric research. It provides formulas for accurately directing sunlight into spectrometers, improving trace gas quantification.

Keywords:

Fourier transform infrared spectrometry algorithms solar tracker

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Published on: March 2, 2021

Area of Science:

Atmospheric chemistry and spectroscopy.
Optical instrumentation for environmental monitoring.

Background:

Direct sunlight absorption is key for quantifying atmospheric trace gases.
Solar trackers, using motorized mirrors, are vital for aligning sunlight with spectrometers.
Practical implementation faces angular offset challenges, necessitating feedback systems.

Purpose of the Study:

To compile essential geometrical formulas for a common solar tracker design.
To present a practical application of these formulas using a custom-built solar tracker.
To aid researchers in atmospheric trace gas analysis using solar spectroscopy.

Main Methods:

Derivation and presentation of geometrical formulas for an altazimuthal solar tracker.
Utilizing two 45° mirrors for solar light redirection.
Integration of a light position sensor for feedback control.
Experimental validation with a solar tracker developed for atmospheric research.

Main Results:

A comprehensive set of geometrical formulas for solar tracker alignment.
Demonstration of precise solar tracking capabilities for spectrometer input.
Successful application in an atmospheric research context.

Conclusions:

Accurate solar tracking is achievable with a well-defined geometrical approach.
The presented formulas and tracker design facilitate robust atmospheric measurements.
This work supports advancements in solar spectroscopy for environmental science.