All Solid-State, High Speed Camera

Aspen Systems proposes to develop a high speed, electronic camera that features a large format and a diode laser illuminator. This system will offer greater resolution and versatility than has been previously available. Using illumination from a compact laser diode, the new camera will resolve the image of an object (projectile, for instance) obstructed by intense ambient light (explosive fumes). Furthermore, each captured frame will simultaneously provide both a projectile image and the plume image. Our proposed high speed (up to 25,0000 frames per second) camera will be designed as a user friendly device. It will be made perfectly compatible with the High Speed Test Track (HSTT) site environment, remotely operable and computer controlled. Included among the attractive camera features are : Image recording by an electronic array sensor, electrooptical shutter thus no moving mechanical parts, controllable and eyeshade illumination by the laser diode. To develop the novel camera, Aspen Systems will lead a team of nationally renowned experts in high speed photography, lasers and electrooptics. In Phase I we will assemble a laboratory prototype of the camera and perform experiments photographing objects obstructed by intense light. On analyzing the data, a deployable high speed camera will be designed. In Phase II, the new camera will be fabricated and tested at the HSTT site.