A repetitively pulsed system, designed to meet a highly specialized set of test requirements for the U.S. Air
Force, was demonstrated at repetition rates of 2 kHz for full energy and 3 kHz
at reduced energy. The system provided relatively short pulses (a few microseconds) that could
freeze rapid motion.
The accompanying pictures contrast two images of a rapidly rotating disk taken at 1000 fps. The
first uses illumination from 1600 W of halogen lighting (Fig. 1), the second from a demo strobe
lamp operating at 360 W (Fig. 2). These images reveal the strobe's ability to stop motion and
provide more energy-efficient illumination.
We designed the original system using two synchronized lamps to reduce shadowing. It provided
wide-angle illumination over 20 square feet (for f/4 400 ASA imaging). The compact demonstration
system was capable of operating in adverse environments using 120 VAC power and up to 8000 pulses
in a burst.
Changes in the Air Force's test approach eliminated the need for this unique source with its unusual
characteristics (such as extremely wide-angle output), so we are now reviewing more general test
needs before settling on the parameters of a product.
One suggestion is a system operating at least 1000 fps (1 kHz) for 1000–2000 frames with enough
light to expose 100 square feet and an approximately 50-degree beam spread (full angle).
Please let us know: What
are your specific needs in high-repetition-rate imaging, including framing rate, area coverage, beam spread and maximum exposure time?
|