The application of image orthicon techniques to auroral observation

The relatively high quantum efficiency of the photocathodes now used in photoelectric devices is an essential feature which makes these devices attractive for use in astronomical and auroral observations. In addition to possessing high sensitivity by virtue of the photocathode, certain types of photoelectric devices allow an image to be accumulated over some increment of time and then be read out in the form of an electrical signal which can be processed directly or used to produce a 2-dimensional image. One of these devices, the image orthicon television tube, has been found to be quite useful for obtaining auroral photographs and auroral and airglow spectra of very short exposure.