Framing camera used to observe behaviors of plasma for fusion energy power generator

Sept. 4, 2013
In order to observe the behavior of plasma used to facilitate heat for a fusion energy power generator, Sorlox Corporation used SIM-D8 high-speed framing cameras from Specialised Imaging (SIM). These cameras feature CCD image sensors and are capable of capturing up to 32 images at 1 billion fps.

Fusion energy research and development company Sorlox Corporation uses Deuterium as a fuel source for its Nautilus Compressor, which employs an electric field to generate hot plasma. With a magnetic field, the system compresses the plasma to a high energy state, facilitating fusion and releasing heat that can be used for power generation.

In order to observe the behavior of plasma, Sorlox used SIM-D8 high-speed framing cameras from Specialised Imaging (SIM). These cameras feature CCDimage sensors and are capable of capturing up to 32 images at 1 billion fps. They feature full remote control using Ethernet, comprehensive triggering options, timing control, and a wide range of output signals. In addition, the cameras are coupled with a software package that includes full measurement and image enhancement functions that simplify image capturing.

Another feature of the camera, is the choice of up to 16 separate optical channels, which enables the simultaneous capture of images on different selected channel.

Wai Chan, Managing Director of Specialised Imaging, said in a press release that Specialised Imaging helped design the optics and diagnostic view ports on the Sorlox Nautilus Compressor so that it readily integrates with both high-speed framing and streak cameras.

"Using a Specialised Imaging SIM-D8 camera Sorlox was able to record ultra-fast two-dimensional images to help characterize the behavior of plasma generated by their Nautilus Compressor system."

He added: "As SIM cameras incorporate a supplementary optical port that can deliver 50% of the primary image to a secondary instrument – Sorlox has the opportunity in the future to integrate a streak camera, enabling them to obtain simultaneous streak and framing data, for more powerful analyses of very fast pulsed plasma events."

View the press release.

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About the Author

James Carroll

Former VSD Editor James Carroll joined the team 2013.  Carroll covered machine vision and imaging from numerous angles, including application stories, industry news, market updates, and new products. In addition to writing and editing articles, Carroll managed the Innovators Awards program and webcasts.

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