Search
Menu
PI Physik Instrumente - 50 ways hexapod ROS LB 7/24
Photonics Dictionary

streak camera

A streak camera is a specialized instrument used to capture and analyze ultrafast phenomena, such as extremely short pulses of light or rapidly changing events. Unlike traditional cameras that capture a single image at a specific moment in time, a streak camera records the temporal evolution of light intensity over a short duration.

streak camera suppliers →

The basic principle of a streak camera involves spatially dispersing the incoming light along one axis (typically the horizontal axis) and temporally resolving it along another axis (usually the vertical axis). This is achieved using a combination of optical elements, such as a diffraction grating or prism for spatial dispersion and a fast-moving slit or CCD array for temporal resolution.

As light enters the streak camera, it is dispersed in the spatial dimension according to its wavelength or frequency. Simultaneously, a rapidly moving slit or electronic shutter scans across the image, allowing light to pass through only during a very brief time interval. By synchronizing the motion of the slit with the arrival of the light pulses, the streak camera records the intensity of light as a function of time, producing a two-dimensional image known as a "streak image" or "streak photograph."

Streak cameras are widely used in various scientific fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering, for studying ultrafast processes such as laser-induced plasma dynamics, chemical reactions, and shock waves. They provide valuable insights into the dynamics of events that occur on picosecond (10-12 seconds) to femtosecond (10-15 seconds) timescales.
Products & Suppliers
Related Categories


Explore Our Content
News
Features
Latest Products
Webinars
White Papers
All Things Photonics Podcast
Videos
Our Summits & Conferences
Industry Events
Bookstore
Join Our Community
Subscribe
Advertise
Become a member
Sign in
Contribute a Feature
Suggest a Webinar
Submit a Press Release
Mobile Apps

About Us
Our Company
Our Publications
Contact Us
Career Opportunities
Teddi C. Laurin Scholarship

Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)



©2024 Photonics Media
100 West St.
Pittsfield, MA, 01201 USA
[email protected]
We use cookies to improve user experience and analyze our website traffic as stated in our Privacy Policy. By using this website, you agree to the use of cookies unless you have disabled them.