The low light test facility at Pershore (otherwise known as the Pershore Dark Tunnel) is a large area for undertaking trials in controlled lighting conditions. Primarily used for sensor assessment, this flexible space can be used many other applications requiring repeatably controlled lighting such as dynamic vehicle testing, human factors integration, or light leakage testing.
Using the integrated lighting system within the facility, we are able to recreate illumination conditions from twilight to complete darkness over the whole test area. The lighting system operates outside of the visible waveband, allowing testing of other imaging devices such as night vision systems. As the facility is an enclosed environment, it is the perfect environment to conduct high power free-space laser propagation trials.
The facility has a test area of 100 m by 40 m by 9 m with large access doors of 5.4 m width and 5 m high and provides a dark environment with ambient illumination of less than 30 microlux. The integral illumination operates from twilight (approx. 10 lux) to extreme overcast starlight (approx. 50 microlux), with the ability to add additional lighting where required.
The facility is supported by a range of test equipment to allow characterisation of sensor systems, including test charts, irradiance sources, sensitive detectors and imagers covering the electromagnetic spectrum from the ultraviolet to long-wave infrared.
- Large test area, 100 m x 40 m x 9 m
- Integrated lighting over a range of 10 lux to 50 microlux
- Covers a wide spectral range, allowing broad characterisation
- Able to conduct a wide range of activities within the facility
- Adjacent laboratories with connectivity through to the test area
- Up to class 4 laser systems can be operated within the facility
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Our unique capabilities
Testing &
evaluation
We can support the testing and evaluation of materials, systems and platforms.
Research & development
Our technical teams are involved in the development of novel materials and systems.
Technical consultancy
Our scientists and engineers can provide ad-hoc support or fully integrate with your team.
Other specialist
facilities
Explore our other first-class test and experimentation facilities at our Pershore site.
Site Location
Our Low Light Test Facility is located at our site on Throckmorton Airfield.
Formally known as RAF Pershore, Throck Morton Airfield is home to the Throckmorton Air Show and was built in the 1940s, during the Second World War and was home to No 23 Operational Training Unit equipped with Wellington bombers.
Malvern Optical,
Hangar 3, Throckmorton Airfield,
Long Ln, Throckmorton,
Pershore WR10 2JH
