The SIM-D from Specialised Imaging is a compact ultra fast framing camera system, capable of scanning up to 1 billion frames / second, that combines ease of use, high reliability and high performance.

A new auxillary viewpoint option enables research groups to now interface high speed video, streak cameras or time-resolve spectrometers with their SIM-D camera.

The intuitive design of the SIM-D allows even occasional users to achieve top quality results. A novel optical periscope for focus adjustment enables rapid and simple experimental setup and optimisation. Comprehensive triggering facilities, highly accurate timing control, and a wide range of output signals, coupled with a software package that includes full measurement and image enhancement functions simplifies image capture.  Full remote operation using Ethernet connectivity comes as standard enabling the SIM-D to be easily integrated into almost any environment.

Unlike many traditional ultra fast framing cameras the optical design of the SIM-D provides the choice of up to 16 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.

Proven in leading industrial and academic research labs around the world the SIM-D Ultra Fast Framing camera is perfectly suited for applications in fields as diverse as automotive testing, biomedical research, combustion research, failure dynamics, impact studies and nanotechnology.  A brochure may be downloaded from www.specialised-imaging.com/simd_ultra_high_speed_framing_camera.php

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, military and scientific applications.

For further information, a demonstration of the SIM-D Ultra Fast Framing camera or if you have an imaging issue you would like to discuss please contact the technical support specialists at Specialised Imaging on email info@specialised-imaging.com or telephone +44-1442-827728 / +1-951-693-2148.

Specialised Imaging has announced that it is developing the capability on its SIM Ultra Fast Framing Camera to precisely measure the temperature at different points in a high-speed event.

Capable of capturing up to 32 images at 1 billion frames per second the SIM ultra fast framing camera is proven to be able to capture visual data from even the most fleeting of phenomena.  Unique technology enables SIM ultra fast framing cameras to simultaneously capture images on different selected channels.  By fitting each optical channel with wavelength filters (400-900nm) - software will enable the SIM camera to combine 2 images from 2 different wavelengths to give a precise temperature reading from selected points in the event under study.

Unlike traditional ultra fast framing cameras the optical design of SIM cameras provide the choice of up to 16 separate optical channels without comprising performance or image quality. Effects such as parallax and shading, inherent in other designs, are eliminated and the high spatial resolution (> 50 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 experimenters researchers total freedom to capture images of even the most difficult transient phenomena.  An integral TFT monitor allows users to 'see what the camera sees' in real-time, thus allowing users to easily optimise focus and lighting to achieve spectacular results.

Specialised Imaging (www.specialised-imaging.com) 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.  The company's continuing policy is to invest in the development of innovative imaging solutions, incorporate the latest technological advances and use improved components wherever possible. A total commitment to quality and a thorough understanding of applications are held as the keys to the future.

For further information on this exciting development please contact Specialised Imaging on email info@specialised-imaging.com or telephone +44-1442-827728 / +1-951-693-2148.

Specialised Imaging Ltd. has announced a new range of high power Xenon flash units optimised to give a small concentrated high intensity beam for use with ultra high-speed cameras.

The Specialised Imaging SI-IMS300 flash unit offers the user a very high intensity flash source with a very short duration making it ideal for both scientific and industrial processes that occur over a short time window. The Specialised Imaging SI-MSFH500 flash system offers the flexibility of four controllable high intensity flash lights for use in scientific and industrial environments.

When using high speed cameras to record transient phenomena very short exposure times are necessary to arrest image motion typically of a few nanoseconds duration. The overall time window for which the image capture occurs will be from a few hundred microseconds to a few milliseconds, so short duration high-intensity illumination sources are required for this type of recording.

Specialised Imaging now offers two high power flash units generate extremely high intensity illumination for short time periods that can be easily controlled and precisely synchronized to match the time frame of an event being recorded by a ultra high speed camera. The high intensity light is focused to a 6mm spot size which is then transmitted to the area of interest via a flexible fibre-optics lightguide. The flexible light guide allows the user to direct the light onto the object under study.

The flash units operate on the principle that electrical energy is stored in large capacitors and then released on command into a specially designed flash tube and in doing so creates a high energy luminous discharge. Xenon, which is used in the flash tubes, unlike other some gases, produces a spectral output which has energies at virtually all the wavelengths of the visible spectrum making it suitable for both film and solid state sensors. The life of the flash tube is rated in thousands of hours so rarely requires replacing.  Requiring just a small power source to produce the necessary levels of illumination the new SI high power flash units are cheap to run as they use very little energy. The SI flash units also produce negligible amounts of heat because the illumination results from the excitation of gas molecules. As the luminous intensity is much higher than conventional tungsten lighting the illumination from a SI high power flash unit can be concentrated onto much smaller areas of interest.

For further information please visit www.specialised-imaging.com/products.php or contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on telephone +44-1442-827728 or by email to info@specialised-imaging.com. 

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.

A new technical article from Specialised Imaging Ltd. describe a novel imaging solution for visualising the pre and post impact phenomenon of sub-millimetre projectiles travelling at hypervelocities.

The White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) Remote Hypervelocity Test Laboratory (RHTL)) (Las Cruces, NM, USA) has, for many years, used film cameras running at fixed framing speeds to record hypervelocity micro-particle impacts such as may cause problems in satellites and vehicles used in space. Whilst film cameras are able to cope with deviations from the expected velocity of micro-projectiles - they are typically large, require considerable manpower to run, have limited framing speeds / exposure times and require special optical systems and dedicated laser illumination systems to operate. A new generation of multi-frame intensified CCD cameras that operate faster, are easier to use and offer shorter exposure times are now the tool of choice for recording hypervelocity events. However with fewer frames to record the hypervelocity event it is critical that the timing of the arrival of the micro-projectile is extremely accurate such that the frame sequence coincides with the arrival of the projectile prior to the impact.

Application article 11, downloadable from http://www.specialised-imaging.com/pdf/ApplicationNote11.pdf, describes the use by NASA researchers of two SIMX8 Ultra High Speed Framing Cameras, manufactured by Specialised Imaging Ltd., for capturing and analysing framing sequences of these hypervelocity impact events. To deliver ultra high spatial resolution imaging of framing sequences of micro-projectiles travelling in excess of 8 km / second - absolutely correct timing was ensured by a new and novel SURESHOT™ triggering technique developed by Specialised Imaging Ltd. Full details of the hypervelocity impact experiment and novel triggering technique are described.

The article demonstrates how the SURESHOT triggering system has improved the timing accuracy of their hypervelocity impact experiments to nearly 100%. Using this major technical advance the NASA researchers are able to routinely capture different sequences of framing data enabling the velocity, shape, size, orientation and integrity of the fast travelling micro-projectile to be calculated.

Unlike many traditional ultra fast framing cameras the optical design of the SIMX provides the choice of up to 16 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 (> 50 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 +44-1442-827728 / +1-951-693-2148 or email info@specialised-imaging.com.

Specialised Imaging Ltd. has announced a new version of its popular Trajectory Tracker video tracking system to precisely correlate high-speed video data with 3D visualisation and measurement information.

Designed to enable engineers and ballisticians fully understand the flight behaviour of high speed objects the SI Tracker 2 builds upon the proven performance of its predecessor with new facility for full motorised 3-axis remote control, pseudo real-time scan correction and greater accuracy all in a compact lightweight frame. Designed to house the most modern high speed video cameras the SI Tracker 2 offers unmatched performance, durability and ease-of-use. The new system provides consistent and accurate tracking of objects in flight using a computer-controlled triggered rotating mirror positioned infront of a high speed video camera.

In order to fully evaluate the failure modes of high speed objects, it is often necesary to observe their flight performance over a significant proportion of the trajectory. The SI Tracker 2 allows observations to be made of inflight behaviour of high-speed objects over more than 100 metres with a tracking accuracy of better than 0.2 degrees over its full scan. The resulting slow motion record of the test object inflight allows accurate diagnosis of events such as fin deployment and motor burn time as well as calculation of pitch, yaw and spin rate.

Using multiple input triggers positioned down range enables the SI Tracker 2 to correct in real-time scan speed and position thereby allowing accurate 3D tracking of high-speed objects such as Earth re-entry space vehicles that exhibit unpredictable flight behaviour.

For further information on the SI Tracker 2 please contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on telephone +44-1442-827728 or by email to info@specialised-imaging.com.

Specialised Imaging Ltd. (www.specialised-imaging.com) 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. The company's continuing policy is to invest in the development of innovative imaging solutions, incorporate the latest technological advances and use improved components wherever possible. A total commitment to quality and a thorough understanding of applications are held as the keys to the future.

To demonstrate the wide range of applications being undertaken using its ultra-high speed imaging equipment - Specialised Imaging Ltd. has extended its online bibliography of research articles, application notes, videos and applications images.

Hosted at www.specialised-imaging.com/apps_and_results.php the comprehensive open access resource should be of considerable interest to anyone using ultra-high speed imaging equipment to unlock the secrets behind ultra-high speed and transient events and processes.

Specialised Imaging Ltd's range of high resolution framing cameras, trajectory trackers, still cameras, image intensifiers and accessories open the door to exciting discoveries, ground breaking research and new measurement solutions in a wide range of applications areas.

Traditionally, ultra high-speed framing cameras have been deployed in the science of very fast phenomena, such as high voltage discharge, crack propagation, detonics, and hypervelocity particle-impact studies. These traditional sciences have now been joined by biomedical and botanical studies, nanotechnology, and space research. By comparison ultra-high speed still cameras are often the imaging equipment of choice for applications including Ballistics, Detonics, Impact Studies, Spray Particle Analysis as well as Material Research into Elasticity, Crack Propagation and shock resistance.

Specialised Imaging Ltd. (www.specialised-imaging.com) 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.  The company's continuing policy is to invest in the development of innovative imaging solutions, incorporate the latest technological advances and use improved components wherever possible. A total commitment to quality and a thorough understanding of applications are held as the keys to the future.

For further information please Specialised Imaging Ltd by email info@specialised-imaging.com or telephone +44-1442-827728.

The T-Cam from Specialised Imaging is a scientific CCD camera designed to enable high resolution imaging of transient events.

Integrating high performance 4k x 3k image sensors the T-Cam is able to capture images of transient events at up to 11-million pixel resolution. The ability to operate at shutter speeds faster than 1µs eliminates motion blur. This together with high optical sensitivity across a 12-bit dynamic range enables the T-Cam to provide unmatched image quality for a scientific CCD camera in its class.

Because accurate triggering is crucial to the ability to capture transient events, the T-Cam is equipped with two sophisticated trigger inputs capable of accepting trigger signals from almost any conceivable source. The well-respected SI Sure-shot velocity triggering system is also incorporated for use where this is appropriate. The Sure-shot system takes an input from two spatially separated detectors allowing the camera to calculate the correct exposure timing irrespective of the subject's velocity. Two independent customer-programmable pulse outputs are also included in the T-Cam to allow control of external lighting or other instruments.

Combining robust, compact design with intuitive software the T-Cam is a point and shoot scientific CCD camera that enables even occasional users to capture top quality images from transient events. Typical applications for the T-Cam include bio / chemiluminescence imaging, gas flow imaging, photochemistry, photophysics, time-resolved spectroscopy, transient absorption, emission spectroscopy and shadowgraphy.

Further technical information relating to the T-Cam is available by contacting Specialised Imaging on email info@specialised-imaging.com or telephone +44-1442-827728 / +1-951-693-2148 / +49-81416668950.

Specialised Imaging 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. The company's continuing policy is to invest in the development of innovative imaging solutions, incorporate the latest technological advances and use improved components wherever possible. A total commitment to quality and a thorough understanding of applications are held as the keys to the future.

Specialised Imaging Ltd has recently supplied a dual channel 450KV Flash X-Ray System to the UK Ministry of Defence's Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL). The system was fully containerised to allow the flexibility of moving it to different locations. Details of the target applications were not disclosed.

DSTL leads the science and technology sector's response to the UK Ministry of Defence's current and future needs. DSTL's work saves lives in the UK, overseas and on the frontline. DSTL maximises the impact of science and technology for defence and security requirements, working with industry and academia to deliver battle-winning technologies - identifying science and technology advances and pulling ideas rapidly into service.

Flash X-ray systems provide a unique method of imaging very fast events which cannot be captured using normal photographic techniques. X-ray images can be obtained in 20 to 50 nanoseconds even through smoke, fire and metal. Even under the harshest conditions precise details of a test event can be recorded. Specialised Imaging Ltd offers a range of flash x-ray products including systems with a nominal voltage of 150 kV, 300 kV, 450 kV, 1 MV and 2.3 MV, the largest commercially available system on the market.

Specialised Imaging Ltd. (www.specialised-imaging.com) 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. The company's continuing policy is to invest in the development of innovative imaging solutions, incorporate the latest technological advances and use improved components wherever possible. A total commitment to quality and a thorough understanding of applications are held as the keys to the future.

For further information on Flash X-Ray Sources and Imaging Systems please contact Specialised Imaging Ltd by email info@specialised-imaging.com  or telephone +44-1442-827728.

Specialised Imaging Ltd. have today been named as a winner of The Queen's Awards for Enterprise:Innovation 2011 - the UK's most prestigious accolade for business success.

The company was given the award for its innovation in the continuous development of a range of ultra-high-speed imaging systems used in military and scientific applications and its sustained growth in exports sales for these products over recent years.

Specialised Imaging ultra-high-speed imaging systems record, and measure parameters associated with high-speed events.  The range includes a camera, which captures 32 high-resolution frames at a billion frames per second, used in materials, medical and biological research, and another camera, which takes 11 million pixel images at an exposure time of 10 nanoseconds, used in ballistic impact analysis. Specialised Imaging also produce a video projectile tracking system, specially designed for applications in sports science and munitions testing. Through innovation, the small company has grown its commercial activity.

The Queen's Awards for Enterprise is an awards programme for British businesses and other organizations who excel at international trade, innovation or sustainable development. They are the highest official UK awards for British businesses.  Awards are made on the advice of the UK Prime Minister after examination of applications by an Advisory Committee composed of leading individuals from industry, commerce, trade unions and government.

Specialised Imaging Ltd. (www.specialised-imaging.com) 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. The company's continuing policy is to invest in the development of innovative imaging solutions, incorporate the latest technological advances and use improved components wherever possible. A total commitment to quality and a thorough understanding of applications are held as the keys to the future.

For further information please visit www.specialised-imaging.com or contact Specialised Imaging Ltd by email info@specialised-imaging.com or telephone +44-1442-827728.

Specialised Imaging Ltd., a leading technological innovator in the field of ultra high-speed imaging, has announced further expansion of its European sales and support operations with the opening of a new German subsidiary company.

After 6 years of representation in German speaking territories by Bowas Consulting & Universal Trading the new company will employ key staff from its former representative to spearhead an expansion of local support for the SI product line from a dedicated sales and service facility in Munich.

Commenting on this strategic move, Mr Wai Chan (Managing Director - Specialised Imaging Ltd.) said ' Germany, Austria and Switzerland are important markets for both our scientific and defence related products and our German speaking customer base has been growing steadily over recent years'.  Beyond looking to better serve customers with direct local German speaking support the new  office will be able to offer system integration and development for all our products including Ultra High Speed Framing Cameras, High Speed Video Systems, X-ray imaging Systems, Lighting  Systems, Specialty Optics, and Triggering systems.

Specialised Imaging Limited is a dynamic company focusing on the design, manufacture, service and supply of ultra-high-speed imaging systems and components for industrial, military and scientific applications.  The company's cameras and systems are proven to provide valuable data that enhances researchers understanding of a broad and growing  range of applications including; Materials Science, Ballistics, Plasma Physics, High Voltage studies, Biomedical engineering, Detonics, Fluid Mechanics, Combustion Research, and Shockwave Dynamics.

For further information please visit www.specialised-imaging.com or contact the company on telephone +44-1442-827728 / +49-8141-666-8950 or email info@specialised-imaging.com.

Specialised Imaging has recently supplied their renowned SIM-D Ultra Fast Framing Camera in a new multi-spectral imaging configuration. The versatile SIM-D has the capability of fitting up to 16 individual filters with wavelength from 400nm to 850nm within the optical system. This facility, coupled with the ability to take images at exposures down to 3ns with zero interframe time. enables the accurate study of wavelength dispersion when materials are stressed, the measurement of temperature, and colorimetry.

The SIM-D from Specialised Imaging has been designed as a no-compromise entry-level ultra fast framing camera system that uniquely combines ease of use, ease of maintenance, compactness and high performance.

Unlike other entry level ultra fast framing cameras the optical design of the SIM-D provides the choice of up to 16 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.

The intuitive design of the SIM-D allows even occasional users to achieve top quality results. A novel optical periscope for focus adjustment enables rapid and simple experimental setup and optimisation. Comprehensive triggering facilities, highly accurate timing control, and a wide range of output signals, coupled with a software package that includes full measurement and image enhancement functions simplifies image capture. Full remote operation using Ethernet connectivity comes as standard enabling the SIM-D to be easily integrated into almost any environment.

Sharing many common features with Specialised Imaging's performance benchmark setting SIM range of cameras, the SIM-D Ultra Fast Framing camera is perfectly suited for applications in fields as diverse as automotive testing, biomedical research, combustion research, failure dynamics, impact studies, nanotechnology and university research. A brochure describing the SIM-D in detail may be downloaded from http://www.specialised-imaging.com/simd.htm

Specialised Imaging (www.specialised-imaging.com) 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. The company's continuing policy is to invest in the development of innovative imaging solutions, incorporate the latest technological advances and use improved components wherever possible. A total commitment to quality and a thorough understanding of applications are held as the keys to the future.

For further information please contact Specialised Imaging on email info@specialised-imaging.com or telephone +44-1442-827728 / +1-951-693-2148.

Specialised Imaging will be displaying its latest product innovations and applications advances in ultra high-speed imaging at Photonics West in San Francisco, USA (January 22-27th 2011).

Visitors to Booth 4527 at this important meeting will have the opportunity to review the latest revision of the SIM Ultra Fast Framing Camera which is now capable of capturing up to 32 images at 1 billion frames per second (fps).  In addition all SIM series ultra high-speed cameras are now able to undertake Multi-Spectral imaging experiments allowing colour images to be taken at 3ns with interframe times of 1ns.

Unlike traditional ultra fast framing cameras the optical design of SIM cameras provide the choice of up to 16 separate optical channels without comprising 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 experimenters researchers total freedom to capture images of even the most difficult transient phenomena.  The ability to mount individual filters on each optical channel provides the SIM with uniquely flexible spectral selectivity.  An integral TFT monitor allows users to 'see what the camera sees' in real-time, thus allowing users to easily optimise focus and lighting to achieve spectacular results.

Also on display will be wide range of new applications data for review and discussion in areas including ballistics, combustion research, failure dynamics, elasticity, crack propagation, hypervelocity impact studies, shock resistance, medical research, detonics, impact studies, spray / particle analysis, PIV and nanotechnology.

Specialised Imaging (www.specialised-imaging.com) 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.  The company's continuing policy is to invest in the development of innovative imaging solutions, incorporate the latest technological advances and use improved components wherever possible. A total commitment to quality and a thorough understanding of applications are held as the keys to the future. 

For further information please visit Photonics West Booth 4527 or contact Specialised Imaging on email info@specialised-imaging.com or telephone +44-1442-827728 / +1-951-693-2148.

Specialised Imaging has released a new application note that describes how its SIM8 ultra fast camera offers the capability to capture and diagnose the process of detonation of high explosive driven liner.

The development of short-duration electrical-pulse detonators such as the exploding bridge wire (EBW) allows initiation of secondary explosives to be done with a higher level of safety, repeatability and reliability than is achievable with hot wire detonators.  With the development of such detonation systems, diagnostic techniques capable of accurately characterising detonator functionality are required.

Application note 14 describes how a SIM8 Ultra Fast Camera running at 1 million frames per second (1360 x 1040 pixels per frame) with 500ns exposures and front lighting was used to record the detonation of high explosive driven liner using a EBW detonator.  Initial timing for the detonator and camera were generated using timing from digital delay generators. Additional synchronization of precise delays to start of frames and flashes were achieved using internal camera timing generators with nanosecond accuracy. Framing data is presented covering the 7.5?s recording period of interest enabling clear diagnosis of how the high explosive driven liner detonates.

Crucial for ultra fast events such as explosive detonation the optical design of the SIM8 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 ultra fast framing cameras, are eliminated and the high spatial resolution (> 50 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.

A copy of Application Note 14 may be downloaded from http://www.specialised-imaging.com/apps_and_results.php.

Specialised Imaging (www.specialised-imaging.com) 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.  The company's continuing policy is to invest in the development of innovative imaging solutions, incorporate the latest technological advances and use improved components wherever possible. A total commitment to quality and a thorough understanding of applications are held as the keys to the future. 

For further information please contact Specialised Imaging on email info@specialised-imaging.com or telephone +44-1442-827728 / +1-951-693-2148.

Specialised Imaging Inc., the US sister company of Specialised Imaging Ltd. (Tring, UK), has reached agreement with Optronis GmbH (Kehl, Germany) to exclusively distribute their range of Streak camera systems throughout North America.

Streak cameras provide a unique method of imaging very fast events which cannot be captured using normal high speed imaging techniques. Streak images can be obtained in just picoseconds opening the door to fundamental research in areas including biochemistry, nanotechnology, pharmacology and semiconductor materials as well as studying energetic materials (detonics) and electrical discharge phenomena. Specialised Imaging Ltd., through their US sales office, will offer the full line of OPTOSCOPE-SC streak cameras.

Wai Chan Managing Director of Specialised Imaging commented "The Optronis Streak systems perfectly compliment our own range of ultra high-speed framing cameras.  Recording simultaneous ultra fast two-dimensional and time-resolved images through an integrated Streak / Framing camera system is of significant interest to scientists'.

Incorporating a supplementary optical port, that uses a beamsplitter to deliver 50% of the primary image to an image plane, Specialised Imaging SIM framing camera's allow secondary instruments such as streak cameras, high speed video or time resolved spectrometers to share the same optical axis as the framing channels.  Using this innovative supplementary optical port facility the SIM can be integrated with an OPTOSCOPE SC streak camera to give a true no-compromise simultaneous framing and streak camera system.

Specialised Imaging (www.specialised-imaging.com) 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.  The company's continuing policy is to invest in the development of innovative imaging solutions, incorporate the latest technological advances and use improved components wherever possible. A total commitment to quality and a thorough understanding of applications are held as the keys to the future.

Optronis GmbH (www.optronis.com) is a leading developer and manufacturer of streak cameras for scientific and industrial applications. The company's high-end cameras are used to capture ultra-fast phenomena by leading organisations worldwide.

For further information please contact Specialised Imaging on email info@specialised-imaging.com or telephone +44-1442-827728 / +1-951-693-2148.

Specialised Imaging Ltd., the leading technological innovator in ultra high-speed imaging, has launched a news and events section on its website - www.specialised-imaging.com.

Wai Chan, Managing Director commented 'Talking with the high speed imaging community we noted widespread interest in increased ease of access to news about the latest technical advances and applications innovations as well as details of specialist conferences and symposia relevant to our industry'.

Now by visiting www.specialised-imaging.com/news_and_events.php - interested parties can access the latest breaking news, archived news and forthcoming events of relevance to the ultra high speed imaging community.

In September 2010 - Specialised Imaging Ltd. will attend the 61st Aeroballistic Range Association (ARA) Meeting and the 29th International Congress on High-Speed Imaging and Photonics at which it will display its latest additions to its SIM, SIT and SIR range of ultra-high speed cameras as well as previewing a wide range of ground breaking applications data.

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 please contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on email info@specialised-imaging.com or telephone +44-1442-827728 / +1-951-693-2148.

Specialised Imaging Ltd. has published a new white paper 'Ultra high-speed imaging: taking the hype out of hypervelocity' that describes how ultra-high speed framing cameras have evolved into simple plug-and-play systems that are enabling the previously challenging study of hypervelocity micro-particle impact events.

Traditionally, ultra high-speed framing cameras have been deployed in the science of very fast phenomena, such as high voltage discharge, crack propagation, detonics, and hypervelocity particle-impact studies. These traditional sciences have now been joined by biomedical and botanical studies, nanotechnology, and space research, where the speed of image capture is not always the most important factor-and in some cases, speeds of 500,000 frames per second (fps) or less are acceptable. However, the ability to "freeze" the motion and obtain high-quality, high-resolution imagery that allows detailed, accurate analysis is of the utmost importance. In the past, a good sequence of pictures from the event was enough, but nowadays, accurate timing, high resolution, and short exposures are required as the data from the images are often correlated with simulation data and then used to adjust numerical models that deepen the understanding of the physical processes involved.

The new white paper (www.specialised-imaging.com/news_and_articles.php) describes the development of an ultra high-speed imaging engine that uniquely delivers accurate timing, short exposure times, flexible control and high resolution imagery free of artifacts such as vignetting, parallax and astigmatism.

The study of hypervelocity micro-particle impact events is one of the most taxing experiments open to study with ultra high-speed framing cameras because there is often uncertainty in the velocity of the projectile, and the images are normally taken with high magnification in a small field of view (FOV). The projectiles typically travel between 2 and 5 km/s; therefore, even the slightest variation in velocity can result in either capturing or completely missing the event.

The authors demonstrate the outstanding performance of the Specialised Imaging SIM Ultra high-speed framing camera system using customer hypervelocity micro-particle impact data courtesy of NASA, White Sands Testing Facility and the Thiot-Ingeniere Laboratory.

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 please contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on email info@specialised-imaging.com or telephone +44-1442-827728 / +1-951-693-2148.

A new 12-page brochure from Specialised Imaging Ltd. provides an informative introduction to its range of ultra fast framing cameras for Scientific research.

Widely used in scientific applications including biomedical research, impact studies, materials research, medical testing, nanotechnology and particle analysis the SIM family of Ultra Fast Framing Cameras from Specialised Imaging Ltd are proven to offer the ultimate in ultra-high-speed imaging performance.

The high performance optical design of SIM cameras offers up to 16 images without compromising shading, or parallax. High resolution intensified CCD sensors controlled by state-of-the-art electronics provide almost infinite control over gain and exposure to allow researchers the flexibility to capture even the most difficult phenomena.

Available as a hard copy or electronic pdf document the brochure provides a technical description, photograph, key technical features, target applications and a typical result for products including the SIM, SIM-02, SIM-X and SIM-D multi-channel framing cameras as well as the SIS Digital shadowgraph camera and SIL2 Image Intensifier.

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. The company's continuing policy is to invest in the development of innovative imaging solutions, incorporate the latest technological advances and use improved components wherever possible. A total commitment to quality and a thorough understanding of applications are held as the keys to the future.

For a copy of the brochure please visit www.specialised-imaging.com/products.php or contact Specialised Imaging Ltd by email info@specialised-imaging.com / telephone +44-1442-827728 / +1-951-693-2148.

The SIR3 Ballistic Range Camera from Specialised Imaging Ltd. is a new generation ultra-high speed camera designed to withstand the harsh environment of the proofing ground and to provide high reliability as well as superior image quality.

Listening to customer feedback the SIR3 camera is smaller and lighter but maintains the high performance and robustness of its popular predecessor -  the SIR2.

Maintaining its commitment to the technological development of its products - Specialised Imaging Ltd. have introduced several useful innovations on the SIR3 camera.  These include the addition of an optical viewfinder to ease image focus and framing whilst still maintaining the possibility of electronic focusing using an external TFT monitor and simplified focus button. Using the input from two separate sensors - SureShot™ real-time hardware enables reliable image capture of unpredictable high-speed objects mid frame - first time, every time.  This advance in trigger reliability also enables researchers to narrow the field-of-view of the camera, thereby increasing the achievable resolution of results.  A proprietary ruggedised Nikon F-mount, included as standard on the SIR3, incorporates a manual aperture adjuster allowing modern lenses without manual aperture control, to be used.  The camera control software is the same as for the SIR2, which makes migration for the end user much easier.

The SIR3 sets a new benchmark in terms of ultimate resolution, sensitivity, timing accuracy, and measurement capabilities.  The 11-million pixel images provide more detail than any other high-speed camera in its class. The SIR3 extends ballistic test  range capabilities further with its unique ability to acquire two separate full resolution images.  This novel feature provides valuable information on displacement and velocity for ballistics, detonics and impact studies.  The rigid all-metal IP54 compliant construction of the compact SIR3 makes it ideally suited to withstand even harsh industrial and defence research environments.

All imaging functions can be controlled over standard 1Gbps Ethernet enabling the SIR3 to be easily integrated into almost any imaging environment.  Comprehensive operational software provides simple control of imaging parameters and extensive measurement tools to accurately analyse results.   Image archiving in a wide range of industry standard file formats is supported.  For situations where more complex measurements are required, several cameras can be operated from a single control computer with timings for all camera linked to the same control screen.

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 the SIR3 please visit www.specialised-imaging.com/sir3_ultimate_resolution_ballistic_imaging.php or contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on email info@specialised-imaging.com or telephone +44-1442-827728.

Specialised Imaging Ltd., the technological leader in ultra-high speed imaging, has announced a new development that extends the capabilities of the SI Trajectory Tracker™ to precisely tracking a projectile with unpredictable flight behaviour.

Tracking a fast moving projectile relies on modelling its behaviour as accurately as possible. This model may be based on radar data obtained from previous firings. If the projectile is consistent in its behaviour, then operating the SI Trajectory Tracker in Custom Profile mode will provide accurate tracking. Variations in projectile behaviour require real-time feedback during the flight time to allow tracking correction. With a non-powered projectile, operating the SI Trajectory Tracker with three triggers is sufficient to provide feedback on the velocity and drag. This information allows accurate tracking.

However with non-linear projectile behaviour, such as when a rocket motor is involved, tracking the flight trajectory is more complex and requires more feedback. An eight sensor set-up with the sensors correctly located provides a method of tracking the projectile in a way that has not been possible up to now.

To achieve this Specialised Imaging Ltd. has developed a Multiple Trigger Unit (MTU) for its SI Trajectory Tracker system. The new Accutrack™ MTU can handle up to 4 individual Trajectory Tracker modules each with 8 input triggers. The system has been designed to simplify setup. Sensors are positioned along the line of flight; distances between sensors are then entered into the software. The embedded on-board processor automatically calculates the angles to the sensors, position of the SI Trajectory Tracker scanning mirror, and then synchronises the mirror to the position of the projectile. Real-time tracking of projectiles, rocket sleds and unpredictable projectiles is now a reality.

The SI Trajectory Tracker is a next generation video tracking system offering high performance and ease of deployment on a sturdy, fully adjustable mount.  The system provides consistent and accurate tracking of objects in flight using a computer controlled triggered rotating mirror positioned in front of a high-speed digital video camera.

In order to fully evaluate failure modes of high-speed objects, it is often necessary to observe their performance over a significant proportion of the trajectory.  The SI Trajectory Tracker allows observations to be made of in flight behaviour of high-speed objects over more than 100 metres with a tracking accuracy of better than 0.2 degrees over its full scan.  The resulting slow motion record of an object in flight allows accurate diagnosis of events such as fin deployment, motor burn time, pitch, yaw and spin rate.

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, military and scientific applications.

For further information on the latest innovations in ultra-high speed imaging please contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on telephone +44-1442-827728 or email info@specialised-imaging.com.

Specialised Imaging Ltd., the technological leader in ultra-high speed imaging innovation, has announced the launch of an information-rich new website.

Describing the philosophy behind the new site, Wai Chan Managing Director of Specialised Imaging Ltd. said "As a supplier of imaging equipment that unlocks the secrets behind ultra-high speed and transient events and processes we felt that online video clips were an ideal medium to demonstrate how our cameras work and what you can achieve with them". He added "Online streaming video brings our products to life in a way that text and static images simply cannot'. He added 'The streaming format of our videos not only engages potential customers but also reassures them of the function, performance and high quality of our cameras and the results that they can produce'.

Located at www.specialised-imaging.com the site uses a design format that is rapidly downloaded by all web search engines.  Using data provided by customers around the world - application notes and articles are available demonstrating ultra-high speed applications in aeroballistic studies, biomedical research, crack propagation, detonics, electrical discharge research, hypervelocity impact phenomena and microdroplet coalescence and growth.

Intuitively structured, the site also provides easy and rapid access to information introducing the company's broad range of high resolution framing cameras, trajectory trackers, still cameras, image intensifiers and accessories.

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 the latest innovations in ultra-high speed imaging please contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on telephone +44-1442-827728 or email info@specialised-imaging.com.

Specialised Imaging Ltd., the technological leader in ultra-high speed imaging innovation, has announced a new online application notes and articles resource.

Located above - Specialised Imaging Ltd have assembled a bibliography of technical articles and application notes that demonstrate the broad range of applications that benefit from their ultra-high speed, high resolution imaging systems.

Using data provided by customers around the world - notes and articles are available demonstrating ultra-high speed applications in aeroballistic studies, biomedical research, crack propagation, detonics, electrical discharge research, hypervelocity impact phenomena and microdroplet coalescence and growth.

Specialised Imaging Ltd ultra-high speed imaging equipment has a proven track record of successfully unlocking the secrets behind ultra-high speed and transient events and processes. The company's broad range of high resolution framing cameras, trajectory trackers, still cameras, image intensifiers and accessories open the door to exciting discoveries, ground breaking research and new measurement solutions in a wide range of applications areas.

For further information on the latest innovations in ultra-high speed imaging please contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on telephone +44-1442-827728 or email info@specialised-imaging.com.

After 5 years of representation in North America by IMC/Photo-Sonics, Inc.(Burbank, CA), who successfully brought the product line to the forefront of the Ultra High Speed Imaging industry in the US and Canada, the new office will expand and develop support for the SI product line from a dedicated sales and service facility in California.

Commenting on this strategic move, Mr Wai Chan (Managing Director - Specialised Imaging Ltd.) said 'The US is the single largest market for our products in the world and our North American customer base has been growing strongly over recent years'. Beyond looking to better serve customers with direct local support the new US office will be able to offer system integration and development for all our products including Ultra High Speed Framing Cameras, High Speed Video Systems, X-ray imaging Systems, Lighting Systems, Specialty Optics, and Triggering systems.

Specialised Imaging Limited is a dynamic company focusing on the design, manufacture, service and supply of ultra-high-speed imaging systems and components for industrial, military and scientific applications. The company's cameras and systems are proven to provide valuable data that enhances researchers understanding of a broad and growing range of applications including; Materials Science, Ballistics, Plasma Physics, High Voltage studies, Biomedical engineering, Detonics, Fluid Mechanics, Combustion Research, and Shockwave Dynamics.

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.

A copy of Application Note 1 may be downloaded from here.

For further information on this application please contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on telephone +44-1442-827728 or email info@specialised-imaging.com.

Specialised Imaging Ltd. (Tring, UK) has reached agreement with L3 Applied Technologies Pulse Sciences (San Leandro, CA, USA) to distribute the L3 PS line of Flash X-Ray Systems throughout Europe.

Flash X-ray systems provide a unique method of imaging very fast events which cannot be captured using normal photographic techniques. X-ray images can be obtained in 20 to 50 nanoseconds even through smoke, fire and metal. Even under the harshest conditions precise details of a test event can be recorded. Specialised Imaging Ltd will offer the full line of L3 PS flash x-ray products including systems with a nominal voltage of 150 kV, 300 kV, 450 kV, 1 MV and 2.3 MV, the largest commercially available system on the market.

Wai Chan Managing Director of Specialised Imaging Ltd. commented "The L3 Flash X-Ray Systems perfectly compliment our own range of ultra high-speed framing, still and ballistic range cameras. Our new flash x-ray product portfolio offers customers investigating high-speed phenomena in environments where visible light will not penetrate an exciting new high-speed imaging diagnostic tool'.

Specialised Imaging Ltd. (www.specialised-imaging.com) 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. The company's continuing policy is to invest in the development of innovative imaging solutions, incorporate the latest technological advances and use improved components wherever possible. A total commitment to quality and a thorough understanding of applications are held as the keys to the future.

L-3 Applied Technologies Pulse Sciences is a leading developer of pulsed power hardware for wide ranging military and industrial applications. Engineers and scientists at Pulse Sciences have pioneered the use of most of the high power techniques taken for granted today: Blumlein pulse generators, Marx generators, intense bremsstrahlung and z-pinch, plasma radiation, x-ray sources, high-resolution X-radiography, low-jitter, multi-site switching systems and more. Today Pulsed Sciences continues this innovation with development programs for next-generation voltage adders, high power microwave sources, EM gun launchers and energy stores, high energy density, high reliability pulsed power and power electronics systems, and severe duty solid-state switches. L-3 Applied Technologies Pulse Sciences is a wholly owned subsidiary of L-3 Communications (www.l-3com.com).

For further information on Flash X-Ray Sources and Imaging Systems please contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on telephone +44-1442-827728 or email info@specialised-imaging.com.

Specialised Imaging Ltd., technological leader in ultra-high speed imaging, has announced a new 12-page brochure that provides an informative introduction to its comprehensive range of high speed framing cameras for defense research.

The brochure provides a description, photograph, key technical features, target applications and a typical result from each product in turn.

Described products include the Trajectory Tracker video tracking system, SIR3 and SIR2 ballistic range cameras, SIM-X and SIM-D multi-channel framing cameras, SIL2 Image Intensifier and the SIS Digital shadowgraph camera.

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. The company's continuing policy is to invest in the development of innovative imaging solutions, incorporate the latest technological advances and use improved components wherever possible. A total commitment to quality and a thorough understanding of applications are held as the keys to the future.

For further information please visit www.specialised-imaging.com or contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on telephone +44-1442-827728 or email info@specialised-imaging.com.

Specialised Imaging Ltd. has received the 2009 Small Company Of The Year Award at the British Engineering Excellence Awards (BEEA) held in London, UK.

Sponsored by the Technology Strategy Board the British Engineering Excellence Awards aim to demonstrate and promote the quality of innovative engineering design within the UK to the world.

Wai Chan Managing Director of Specialised Imaging Ltd. commented "The judges saw us as a company with a great range of products designed for use in a wide range of complex scientific, industrial and defence research applications. They were particularly impressed also how, within 5 years, Specialised Imaging Ltd. had taken on a much larger competitor and had ousted it to become the market leader in ultra high speed imaging technology".

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. The company's continuing policy is to invest in the development of innovative imaging solutions, incorporate the latest technological advances and use improved components wherever possible. A total commitment to quality and a thorough understanding of applications are held as the keys to the future.

For further information please visit www.specialised-imaging.com or contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on telephone +44-1442-827728 or email info@specialised-imaging.com.

Specialised Imaging Ltd. has announced a new technological innovation for its SIR2 camera that enables researchers to accurately record and analyse projectiles with unpredictable velocities.

Traditionally recording images of high-speed projectiles with unpredictable velocity has been very unreliable. Using the input from two separate sensors, a measured distance apart, fed into the two inputs of the SIR2 camera - the new proprietary SureShot real-time hardware is able to capture unpredictable high-speed projectiles mid frame - first time, every time. This advance in trigger reliability also enables researchers to narrow the field-of-view of the camera, thereby increasing the achievable resolution of results. The dual trigger methodology has been proven in field trials to work on projectiles moving at unpredictable velocities.

The SIR2 is a high performance, ballistic range camera proven in testing ranges worldwide to offer the ultimate in resolution, timing accuracy, and measurement capabilities. The 11-million pixel images provide more detail than any other high-speed camera in its class. The SIR2 extends ballistic test range capabilities further with its unique ability to acquire two separate full resolution images. This novel feature provides valuable information on displacement and velocity for ballistics, detonics and impact studies. Where the ultimate dynamic range is required for a measurement the SIR2 can also be operated in single image mode. The rigid all-metal IP54 compliant construction of the compact SIR2 makes it ideally suited to withstand even harsh industrial and military environments.

An integral TFT monitor allows users to 'see what the camera sees' in real-time, thus allowing users to easily optimise focus and lighting to achieve spectacular results. All imaging functions can be controlled from the intuitive local keypad for setup, while full remote operation is achieved over standard Ethernet cabling enabling the SIR2 to be easily integrated into almost any imaging environment. Comprehensive operational software provides simple control of imaging parameters and extensive measurement tools to accurately analyse results. Image archiving in a wide range of industry standard file formats is supported. For situations where more complex measurements are required, several cameras can be operated from a single control computer with timings for all camera linked to the same control screen.

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 the SIR2 please contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on telephone +44-1442-827728 or email info@specialised-imaging.com.

Specialised Imaging Ltd. has released a new application note describing how its SIM-8 ultra-high speed framing camera has been used to show the full development of a blast initation event.

The development of short-duration electrical-pulse detonators such as the exploding bridge wire and exploding foil initiator allows initiation of secondary explosives to be done with a higher level of safety, repeatability and reliability than is achievable with hot wire detonators. With the development of such detonation systems, diagnostic techniques capable of accurately characterising detonator functionality are required.

The application note describes how a spark source was placed behind the event to to produce, with the SIM-8, a pseudo schlieren imaging system able to see through the bright flash produced by an exploding foil (or slapper plate) blast initiator which normally obscures the ejection of the disc and fragments. Framing data (50ns exposures, 250ns separation) is presented that clearly shows the shock waves from the blast as well as the ejected fragments.The device slapper plate itself can be clearly seen in the later exposures being ejected vertically. The shockwave from the slapper plate is shown to have a very narrow mach angle which may be used to measure its velocity.

Unlike many traditional ultra fast framing cameras the optical design of the SIM-8 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.

A copy of Application Note 8 may be downloaded from http://www.specialised-imaging.com/application_notes.htm.

For further information on this application please contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on telephone +44-1442-827728 or email info@specialised-imaging.com.

The SIM02 framing camera from Specialised Imaging Ltd. offers the ultimate in ultra high-speed imaging performance.

Combining ultra-high resolution image intensifiers with double pulsing techniques and no-compromise optical design the SIM02 provides the leading edge performance and capabilities required by scientists and engineers expanding the boundaries of research.

A new data sheet describing the SIM02 in detail may be downloaded from www.specialised-imaging.com/sim02.htm.

The innovative optical design of the SIM02 offers up to 16 separate channels giving 32 separate images without compromising on image quality. Effects such as parallax and shading, inherent in other framing camera designs, are eliminated and the high spatial resolution (> 30 lp/mm) is the same 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 phenomena. The -8, -16 and -32 version of this innovative imaging system also incorporate a secondary optical view port, which allows other analytical instruments such as high-speed video, streak camera or time resolved spectrometer to share the camera's optical input making the SIM02 the most versatile ultra high-speed framing camera on the market.

Full remote control using Ethernet comes as standard, while an integral TFT monitor allows users to 'see what the camera sees' in real-time, thus allowing easy optimisation of focus and lighting to achieve spectacular results. Comprehensive triggering facilities, highly accurate timing control, and a wide range of output signals, coupled with a powerful software package simplifies quality image capture.

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 please contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on telephone +44-1442-827728 or email info@specialised-imaging.com.

A new application note from Specialised Imaging Ltd. describes how its SIM-8 ultra-high speed framing camera has been used by the Thiot Ingenierie Shock Physics Laboratory (Puybrun, France) to study high velocity impacts of aluminium spheres against an aluminum target at velocities in excess of 4000 m/s.

Beyond military applications considerable interest has been shown by the air and space industries on basic research into hypervelocity impact behaviour of materials. Applications for such research include enhancing the survivability of aircraft to in-flight explosions and in protecting valuable space satellites from damage from stellar debris.

To model a hypervelocity impact - Thiot Ingeniere undertook to accurately record a 3 mm ball with a velocity in excess of 4000m/s, just before, at and after impact. To allow the necessary accurate measurements of the projectiles just before impact it was determined that exposure times of 20 nanoseconds or less were required to reduce motion blur to less than the size of a pixel. Consequential to such short exposure times was also the problem of producing adequate light levels to fully define the edges and the corners of the projectile.

Data shown in the application note was produced by a SIM-8 Ultra-high speed imaging camera programmed for 200,000 frames per second with 20 ns exposures. The 3mm projectile was fired from a fixed 2-stage light gas gun. The event was backlit using a SI-AD500 flash lamp to provide adequate illumination for the complete event.

The high resolution images from the SIM-8 clearly show the cloud of ejecta thrown backwards on impact and also demonstrates that even though the projectile disintegrates on impact, the fragments maintain the original projectile shape ahead of the main fragment cloud. The test also showed that the remaining fragments do not have enough energy to penetrate a second aluminum plate when two thin layers were used instead of one thicker layer.

Unlike many traditional ultra fast framing cameras the optical design of the SIM-8 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 (> 50 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.

A copy of Application Note 9 may be downloaded from here.

For further information on this application please contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on telephone +44-1442-827728 or email info@specialised-imaging.com.

Specialised Imaging Ltd. has reported enthusiastic feedback from customers using its Trajectory Tracker video tracking system to precisely correlate high-speed video data with 3D visualisation and measurement information.

Claude Berner, a Defense Scientist at the French-German Research Institute (ISL) Ballistics Range (www.isl.eu) commented ' The SI Trajectory Tracker has proven itself to be a very useful tool and is now systematically deployed for all outdoor tests at our open range test site, especially for the observation of the sabot separation, the behavior of the model in flight as well as its impact at the target'. 'We have found using the Trajectory Tracker that preliminary quantitative information like spin rate and angles of attack can also be deduced from the videos and compared with the onboard recorded data. He added 'The recent development of the new in-flight correction mode has tremendously improved the possibilities of tracking models with unpredictable flight characteristics such as for example Earth re-entry space vehicles that exhibit unusual velocity profiles over the flown distance'. 'Models are now well centered on the camera and no repeat of the shots is necessary anymore'.

Traditionally, faced with charcterising the trajectory of unpredictable high speed objects in flight, engineers have used expensive Doppler radar equipment with sophisticated software, and on-board telemetry. While this methodology has provided useful analytical data it has not allowed visualisation of the processes. The ability to correlate both analytical and visual data over a significant part of an object's flight, using the SI Trajectory Tracker, offers engineers a valuable new high-speed imaging tool.

Using a pair of Trajectory Tracker systems, with proprietrary flight prediction software and high-speed video cameras - engineers are now able to capture a sequence of images along an objects flight path and also obtain accurate 3D measurements from those sequences. The Trajectory Tracker, with its flight prediction software, is used to accurately track the object along a large portion of the flight path. This allows a very tight field of view which results in higher accuracy for the 3D analysis. The 3D analysis software, from Image Systems AB, allows for the calibration of the system and relating this to the image data streams from the high-speed video camera, produces simultaneous correlated video & measurement data.

The Trajectory Tracker is a next generation video tracking system offering high performance and ease of deployment on a sturdy, fully adjustable mount. The system provides consistent and accurate tracking of objects in flight using a computer controlled triggered rotating mirror positioned in front of a high-speed digital video camera. In order to fully evaluate failure modes of high-speed objects, it is often necessary to observe their performance over a significant proportion of the trajectory. The Trajectory Tracker allows observations to be made of in flight behaviour of high-speed objects over more than 100 metres with a tracking accuracy of better than 0.2 degrees over its full scan. The resulting slow motion record of an object in flight allows accurate diagnosis of events such as fin deployment, motor burn time, pitch, yaw and spin rate.

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, military and scientific applications.

For further information on using the Trajectory Tracker for modeling the behavior of high speed objects in flight please contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on telephone +44-1442-827728 or email info@specialised-imaging.com.

Specialised Imaging Ltd. has announced a 60% increase in sales of its ultra high-speed cameras and systems, designed to acquire images of even the fastest events, to Asian customers over the last 12 months.

Reflecting on the strong business growth, Wai Chan (Managing Director) commented 'Over the last few years we have seen a significant increase in enquiries from Asian researchers in the government and academic sectors in particular'. 'Consequently we increased our resource allocation to the region and have seen leading government, academic and industrial research groups in China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam invest in our range of ultra-high speed framing cameras'. He added 'Feedback from customers is that they see Specialised Imaging Ltd as the leading innovator in the high-speed imaging sector, the performance advantages and novel capabilities of our systems are enabling them to make ground breaking advances in their research'. 'Backed by the support and training provided by our knowledgable local distributors the Asia / Pacific region today accounts for 25% of Specialised Imaging Ltd's global sales'.

Specialised Imaging Limited is a dynamic company focusing on the design, manufacture, service and supply of ultra-high-speed imaging systems and components for industrial, military and scientific applications.

The company's cameras and systems are proven to provide valuable data that enhances researchers understanding of a broad and growing range of applications including; Materials Science, Ballistics, Plasma Physics, High Voltage studies, Detonics, Fluid Mechanics, Combustion Research, and Shockwave Dynamics.

For further information or to locate your local Asian distributor of Specialised Imaging Ltd. ultra high-speed imaging systems please contact Specialised Imaging Ltd on telephone +44-1442-827728 or email info@specialised-imaging.com.