Crystal Streak Camera

S. W. Thomas

doi:10.1117/12.955195

14 September 1977 Crystal Streak Camera

S. W. Thomas

Proceedings Volume 0097, 12th Intl Congress on High Speed Photography; (1977) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.955195
Event: 12th International Congress on High Speed Photography, 1976, Toronto, Canada

Abstract

A high speed optical deflection system has been designed for picosecond laser pulse diagnostics. Evaluation of a prototype system indicates that an ultracompact streak camera with picosecond resolution can be constructed from readily available components with a relatively low cost. A commercially available electro-optic beam deflector with a 2-mm aperture ADP crystal is used in the prototype. This unit is capable of deflecting wavelengths from the visible to 1.06 pm. When high power single picosecond pulses are used, previous limitations of electro-optic deflectors due to signal beam absorption, internal heating, and mechanical shock waves are overcome. At 532 nm, a resolution of 18 spot diameters is obtained, while the dynamic range in excess of 200 is limited by the readout system. Use of a crystal material with a much higher electro-optic coefficient produces a theoretical resolution c,omparable to that of electro-optic cameras. The high current required to drive the crystal presents some difficult electronics problems and available solutions are discussed. Readout is accomplished with film, a TV camera, or a linear diode array. Computer manipulation of the output data can be used to improve resolution and dynamic range.

Citation Download Citation

S. W. Thomas "Crystal Streak Camera", Proc. SPIE 0097, 12th Intl Congress on High Speed Photography, (14 September 1977); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.955195

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