FireBIRD

Top-performance laser illumination system for high-speed imaging

The FireBIRD laser illumination system is a high-powered (1000W), short-pulsed laser light source designed to synchronise with a high-speed camera for imaging with the greatest detail. The FireBIRD series is offered in two different models; the DAI (Direct Area Illumination) with a fixed lens on the laser head, and the LLG (Liquid Light Guide) with the optics output attached to a flexible liquid light guide. Both models provide powerful, short-pulsed laser illumination for high-performance imaging applications.

What are the Advantages of the FireBIRD?

Oxford Lasers’ FireBIRD systems are short-pulsed, powerful light sources that illuminate on a single wavelength (808nm) allowing for imaging of fast-paced events to the highest quality. A laser-based light source is key to capturing detailed images in high-speed imaging applications. The intensity of the FireBIRD’s single wavelength, laser illumination also makes them ideal for seeing through events that are already bright, such as welding and energetic events. These types of events struggle to be imaged with standard techniques leaving them unable to be viewed, understood and improved. Oxford Lasers offers a solution by enabling high-quality imaging with laser illumination.

FireBIRD Laser Illumination System

Key Features & Benefits

High power: 1000W
Robust: Machined aluminium case
Single wavelength: enabling to see through bright events
Computer controlled: Synchronised triggering with high-speed camera
Versatile: Integrates with any monochrome high-speed camera

Light Delivery Choices

The FireBIRD has options for optical output configurations including either a single fixed lens (DAI, Direct Area Illumination) or a flexible 2 m liquid light guide (LLG). Synchronised with a high-speed camera, we allow you greater options for placement of the laser to produce highly detailed images.

Please contact us for more information options and accessories.

Imaging Techniques and Applications

The FireBIRD laser illumination system has been designed to easily interface with a monochrome high-speed camera to capture the highest quality image of difficult to-capture processes. With direct area illumination or a flexible light guide delivery arrangement, the FireBIRD makes high-quality, high-speed imaging possible. One step further, combining laser illumination with our VisiSize software for particle characterisation, we enable you to view, analyse and then optimise your process in any of the following applications and imaging techniques:

Bright events including welding and additive manufacturing (e.g., laser cladding)
Energetic events including explosives and ballistics
General high-speed imaging (both front and back illumination)
Flow visualisation and fluid mechanics e.g., Schlieren and PIV (particle image velocimetry)

Preliminary

FireBIRD Technical Specifications*

LASER CLASS	Laser Class 4
WAVELENGTH	808 nm
LASER POWER	1000 W (at the diode)
PULSE DURATION	50 ns at peak power. 15 ns reduced power
DUTY CYCLE	2% continuous operation
MAXIMUM PULSE FREQUENCY	1,000,000 Hz continuous
MAXIMUM BURST FREQUENCY	3,000,000 Hz*
NUMBER OF PULSES PER BURST (Externally triggered)	5000*
VOLTAGE	100 to 240 VAC
FREQUENCY	50/60 Hz
OPERATING SYSTEM	Integrated FireBIRD control software
DIMENSIONS	Laser head: 230 x 150 x 150 mm Controller: 270 x 200 x 65 mm LLG model: Liquid light guide length: 2m long (1830mm light guide, 170mm output optics, 56mm diameter)
PRODUCT WEIGHT	Laser head: 5.5 kg Laser controller: 2.6 kg
LIGHT DELIVERY OPTIONS	DAI (Direct Area Illumination, single fixed optic) or LLG (Flexible 2m Liquid Light Guide)
REMOTE OPERATIONAL CONTROL	Optional: Remote triggering over extended distance up to 600 m

*Subject to change. Current as of 22 July 2024

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.