HIGH-SPEED INFRARED CAMERA

We have developed a staring-mode, high-speed infrared camera based on a RCA 160 X 244 PtSi Schottky-barrier charge-coupled device image sensor. The camera uses a unique method to achieve greater temporal resolution of rapidly varying thermal phenomena in the 3-5-mu-m band. Rather than increase the imager's frame rate, we decrease the image integration time while maintaining a frame rate that is compatible with standard RS-170 video. This technique allows us to display and record repetitive events that occur at frequencies up to 5 kHz with conventional video equipment. In this article we describe the theory and operation of this system.