Laser Illumination for Imaging of Energetics and Ballistics
Energetic and Ballistic Events
High-speed imaging of explosive (energetic) events allows you to evaluate important aspects including device behaviour and shockwave formation. However, there are significant challenges. Primarily, explosions generate a high amount of excess light. This will oversaturate the image and block all detail. Secondly, energetic events are high-energy and fast-moving. They release fragments at very high velocities. Therefore, standard imaging techniques will result in motion blur. What is the solution?
Energetics and Ballistics Companies come to Oxford Lasers for Imaging Solutions
Oxford Lasers’ FireBIRD and FireFLY laser illumination systems work with high-speed cameras to provide powerful, high-speed light sources that cut through the brightness of a fireball to enable detailed imaging.
The short-pulse and high frequency capability of the lasers combined with the single wavelength enable blur-free images of the fragments within the fireball. Furthermore, the FireBIRD and FireFLY systems are ideal for Schlieren applications to view the invisible details of dynamic processes like shockwaves.
Seeing through a Fireball
Using FireBIRD laser illumination with an 808 nm bandpass filter enables detailed imaging of an energetic event. Right-hand side shows the detailed image when the 808 nm bandpass filter is applied to the camera lens. Compare the simultaneous left-hand image where the brightness obliterates any detail. Camera provided by Ametek. Filmed at the University of Sheffield, UK.
Shape Charge Imaging
Sequence of images showing a shape charge detonation using a FireBIRD laser as the imaging illumination source. Photo credit: Idaho National Laboratory.
How do we do it?
Both the FireBIRD 1000W and the FireFLY 500W short-pulsed laser systems are superior choices as illumination sources for enabling detailed imaging of energetic and ballistic events.
Triggering
The laser synchronises with any monochrome high-speed camera and will trigger when it receives a 5 Volt TTL from the camera indicating that the exposure has opened. The laser can alternatively be triggered internally.
Filtering Out the Excess Light
- The FireBIRD and FireFLY lasers emit light at a single wavelength (808 nm). Through the application of an 808 nm bandpass filter onto a camera lens, a large proportion of the excess light from an explosive event can be filtered out resulting in highly detailed imaging.
- The process is enhanced through the optimisation of the F-Stop and the exposure time on the camera. The process can be further optimised through a choice of laser pulse length.
Field of View
Our lasers’ optics are designed to illuminate a broad range of fields of view at various distances depending upon the application requirements. Contact us for more details.
Operational Modes
The laser systems can work in either continuous or burst mode where, for example, the FireBIRD works continuously up to 1 MHz and provides up to 3 MHz in burst mode providing up to 5000 images.
Laser Safety
- The FireBIRD and FireFLY systems are Laser Class 4 and have built-in safety features including a manual shutter, key switch operation and emergency stop.
- Laser safety goggles are provided with the system.
- The camera is connected to the laser controller. Software control through ethernet communication combined with key switch operation (that can be either at the laser controller or at a further distance up to 600 meters) enables operation at a safe distance from the energetic event.
Applications, Techniques and Products
The FireBIRD and FireFLY laser illumination systems each have been designed to easily interface with high-speed cameras for capturing the highest quality images of difficult to-capture processes. With direct area illumination or a flexible light guide delivery arrangement, the FireBIRD and the FireFLY make high-quality, high-speed imaging possible. They are ideal for use in imaging energetic and ballistic events as well as similar bright events and high-speed imaging applications.
Example of Schlieren imaging of a ballistics event using FireBIRD laser illumination showing a pellet traveling through air. Photo credit: Hadland Imaging, LLC
Schlieren Imaging
Schlieren imaging is an advanced technique to visualise air, gas or liquid flow.
The FireBIRD and FireFLY laser illumination enables imaging of energetic and ballistic events that include visualisation of shockwaves from charges and fragments as well as air flow along the path of a projectile.
Using our laser illumination systems, they will enable you to see your dynamic process in high detail.
Advanced Imaging Products and Services
Oxford Lasers is ready to provide our customers with a range of options to ensure high-quality imaging solutions.
Advanced high-speed laser illumination: FireBIRD & FireFLY
Our high-performance laser-based illumination technology enables you to see what was previously hidden. With maximum power at a single wavelength (808nm), the short-pulsed illumination from our lasers give you the ability to capture high-quality images of fast-moving particles without blur. Read about our illumination systems. We also provide laser illumination and high-speed imaging contract services and rentals.
Image-based measurement systems: VisiSize Range
For droplet and particle characterisation, Oxford Lasers has designed image-based VisiSize products. We provide real-time information on fast-moving particles and droplets over a range of requirements. Read more about our VisiSize systems. We also provide customers particle sizing contract services and rentals.
