Ultra High Speed Recording of Extremely Bright High Explosive Events

Specialised Imaging Ltd. has released a new application note describing how its SIMD8 ultra-high speed framing camera has been used to record the detonation of high explosives.

The application note describes how 8 ounces of high explosive was detonated in a blast containment chamber with the SIMD8 sited 3 metres away looking through a polycarbonate viewing port. The SIMD8 was programmed to take an 8 frame sequence, at 100,000 frames per second, with an initial delay of 15 s and equally spaced interframe times of 10 s. The exposure time for all frames was programmed for 20ns. Framing data is presented that clearly shows no crosstalk or ghost imaging in either the early or later frames.

Unlike many traditional ultra fast framing cameras the optical design of the SIMD8 provides the choice of up to 8 separate optical channels without compromising performance or image quality. Effects such as parallax and shading, inherent in other designs, are eliminated and the high spatial resolution (> 36 lp/mm) is the same from frame to frame and in both axes. Individual ultra-high resolution intensified CCD detectors, controlled by state-of-the-art electronics, offer almost infinite control over gain and exposure allowing researchers total freedom to capture images of even the most difficult transient phenomena.


Specialised Imaging Ltd. is a knowledgeable, dynamic company focused upon design, manufacture, service and supply of ultra high-speed imaging systems and components for industrial, defence and scientific applications.

For further information on this application please contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on telephone +44 (0) 1442 827 728 or email info@specialised-imaging.com.