Improving the sensitivity of high speed cameras

Specialised Imaging Ltd. have introduced the new SIL-2 family of high performance, gated image intensifier systems to improve the sensitivity, gating time and spectral response and scope of operation of both high-speed video and ultra-high-speed framing cameras.

Extensive triggering facilities and a comprehensive programmable timing range allow the SIL-2 to be readily interfaced to most any manufacturer’s high-speed cameras, and in particular to high-speed video systems. Constructed around high gain MCP intensifiers these units provide an unmatched range of sensitivity, gain and resolution options to satisfy even the most demanding low light imaging applications. Incorporating a quartz input window enables the SIL-2 to capture events that emit radiation at the shorter wavelengths of the UV region right through to the Near Infrared.

Triggered synchronously at high speed, the SIL-2 image intensifiers allow the fast framing rates and short exposure times necessary to investigate rapidly evolving, low light processes such as occur in automotive combustion research, high-voltage breakdown studies, flow visualisation studies as well as fluorescence and chemiluminescence recording of biological events.

The compact SIL-2 has been designed in 2 parts to enhance ease of use and simplify interfacing to almost any high-speed electronic or video camera. An integral mechanical capping shutter is included to provide additional protection for the sensitive image intensifier. The comprehensive range of operating parameters are can be locally programmed from the intuitive local keypad and powerful menu driven software or remotely from a remote PC via Ethernet link, which also allows archiving and loading of timing set-ups. With electronics refined to interface to a wide range of camera and gating inputs the SIL-2 enables shortening of effective frame exposure times thus arresting high-speed motion blurring effects.