UK National Physical Laboratory Invests in SIM-D Camera

Specialised Imaging Ltd. has recently delivered a 16-channel SIM-D framing camera capable of capturing images at 1,000,000,000 frames per second, with gating down to 3ns, to the UK’s National Physical Laboratory, which is located in Teddington, Middlesex.

The National Physical Laboratory is the UK’s National Measurement Institute, and is a world-leading centre of excellence in developing and applying the most accurate measurement standards, science and technology available.

Gianluca Memoli, Senior Research Scientist at NPL, who is using the SIMD-16 for his cavitation research, says: “I particularly like the possibility of adjusting the timing of each single frame without paying with pixel resolution, as both factors are extremely valuable for complex phenomena like bubble dynamics. Also, I am very happy about the assistance I am receiving from the manufacturer: when there is a glitch, I know I can count on them”.

Originally introduced in 2006, continuous innovative technological development of the SIM framing camera range has enabled it to establish itself as the leading ultra-high speed camera for industrial and academic research groups around the world. Applications for ultra-high speed multiple framing cameras include material studies (impact mechanics, crack propagation, impact deformation), automotive (combustion research), aerospace (stress failure, aerodynamic performance), high voltage electrical discharge research, plasma display studies and micro-device research (dynamics of operation).

Wai Chan, Managing Director of Specialised Imaging Ltd. commented “We are delighted to have received this noteworthy order from such a prestigious research institute as NPL”. He added “I feel our continuous investment in technical innovation is recognized by many researchers as providing them with reliable ultra-high speed imaging tools capable of helping them undertake leading-edge research by making measurements not previously possible and opening up new applications”.

The SIM-D framing camera from Specialised Imaging Ltd. takes the capture of images for accurate, high-speed spatial analysis of fast transient events to a new level. Unlike the traditional high-speed framing cameras the unique optical design of the SIM-D provides the choice of 4, 6, 12, or even 16 separate optical channels without compromising performance or image quality. Focusing functions can be controlled locally at the camera, whilst full remote operation is achieved over standard Ethernet cabling, which enables the SIM-D to be easily integrated into almost any environment. Optional fiber optic communications are available when the camera is used in electrically noisy environments. Comprehensive operational software provides simple control of imaging parameters and extensive measurement tools to accurately analyze results. Image archiving in a wide range of industry standard file formats is supported.