FireBIRD

Top-performance laser illumination system for high-speed imaging

The FireBIRD laser illumination system is a high-powered (1000 W), short-pulsed laser light source designed to synchronise with a high-speed camera for imaging with the greatest detail.

What are the Advantages of the FireBIRD?

Oxford Lasers’ FireBIRD system is a short-pulsed, powerful light sources that illuminates on a single wavelength (808 nm) 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, energetic and ballistic events. It also enables pinpoint accuracy of advanced imaging techniques for evaluation of dynamic processes such as Schlieren and PIV imaging. All 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 to enable high-quality imaging through advanced imaging techniques with laser illumination.

FireBIRD Laser Illumination System

Top Performance Features & Benefits

High power: 1000 W Laser Class 4 system
Maximum pulse frequency:
- 500 kHz continuous
- 5000 pulses at 8 MHz
- 10 MHz maximum pulse frequency
- 1 MHz – 60 seconds (2% duty cycle)
Pulse duration: 15 ns
Robust and compact: Machined aluminium case
Single wavelength: With bandpass filter enabling to see through bright events
Easy to control: Synchronised triggering with high-speed camera across all modes with a single controller.
Versatile: Integrates with any monochrome high-speed camera

Light Delivery Choices

The FireBIRD has options for optical output configurations including either a direct mounted optic or a flexible light delivery guide. We allow you greater options for placement of the laser to produce highly detailed images.

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 a choice of optics to meet your application needs, 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)

FireBIRD Technical Specifications

LASER CLASS	Laser Class 4
WAVELENGTH	808 nm
LASER POWER	1000 W (at the diode)
PULSE DURATION	50 ns; 15 ns reduced power
DUTY CYCLE	Up to 1% continuous operation; >1% to 2% operation up to 60 s
MAXIMUM PULSE FREQUENCY	10 MHz (254 pulses internal trigger); 8 MHz (5000 pulses external trigger); 1 MHz (60 seconds); 500 kHz (continuous)
VOLTAGE	100 to 240 VAC
FREQUENCY	50/60 Hz
OPERATING SYSTEM	MS Windows-based FireBIRD control software; Single controller for all modes
DIMENSIONS	Laser head (no optic): 130 x 150 x 150 mm Controller: 310 x 200 x 80 mm
PRODUCT WEIGHT	Laser head (no optic): 4.7 kg Laser controller: 2.3 kg
LIGHT DELIVERY OPTIONS	Direct mounted or flexible light delivery. Range of optics available.
OPTION – REMOTE OPERATIONAL CONTROL	Extended use up to 500 m. Longer lengths on request.

Advanced Imaging Products and Services

Oxford Lasers provides our customers with a range of options to ensure high-quality imaging solutions.

Advanced short-pulsed 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 (808 nm), 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 laser illumination systems. We also provide laser illumination and high-speed imaging contract services and rentals.

Image-based particle 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 particle measurement systems. We also provide customers particle sizing contract services and rentals.