DIGITAL DRUM CAMERA FOR DYNAMIC RECORDING

Currently, digital imaging and hard copy techniques are extensively us ed in photomechanics research. However, the slow speed of popular vide o systems limits their use in dynamic photomechanics. New devices and sensors are being introduced to meet the high-speed requirements in dy namic applications. We report the applications of a low-cost, high-spe ed time delay and integration (TDI) camera in some of the dynamic phot omechanics experiments. TDI is a special operating mode built on the t raditional full-frame imager architecture. In this mode, the charge-co upled device (CCD) camera functions similarly to a drum camera. The hi gh sensitivity of the CCD enables the use of low-cost, low-power semic onductor light sources. After a brief description and comparison of TD I operation with conventional recording schemes, two applications are demonstrated. First, dynamic photoelasticity experiments using streak and strobe recording are exemplified. In the second demonstration, ima ging and inspection of curved objects rotating at high speeds are pres ented. (C) 1996 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.