High Speed Framing Cameras for Fusion Research

Hits:18   Date: 1/21/2026

Specialised Imaging reports how its state-of-the-art SIM family of ultra-high-speed framing cameras is enabling scientists to generate comprehensive data on extreme states of matter crucial to understanding fusion energy.
 
Selecting a suitable high speed framing camera for fusion research depends heavily on the specific application you are studying as different phenomena require different camera capabilities. Ultra-high speed/frame rates, high sensitivity and the flexibility to configure a system with different filters, sensors with different spectral response and gain makes SIM cameras the perfect choice for fusion research.

SIM ultra-high speed framing camera for fusion research

 
Keith Taylor – Technical Director of Specialised Imaging commented “Plasma events in fusion reactors happen rapidly, our SIM cameras offer the high frame rates (billion frames per second) and short exposure times (nanoseconds) to capture transient dynamics like edge localized modes or fast pulsed events. In addition, fusion plasmas commonly emit low light signals across different spectral wavebands, our SIM cameras can be optimized to detect ultra-fast events in almost any spectral region. SIM cameras also offer high quantum efficiency and unmatched ultra-low read noise which is critical to reliably quantify the typically faint signals associated with fusion events.”
 
He added “Unlike many ultra-fast framing cameras the optical design of SIM cameras provides the choice of up to 16 separate optical channels without comprising performance or image quality. SIM cameras also incorporate a supplementary optical port that can deliver 50 per cent of the incident light to a secondary instrument – such as a streak camera, enabling them to obtain simultaneous streak and framing data, for more powerful analyses of very fast pulsed plasma events. Today, SIM cameras are capturing rapid events that are helping scientists develop better models and designs for future fusion power generators and create new materials that can withstand the harsh environments within a fusion reactor.”
 
For further information about SIM ultra-high-speed framing cameras please visit www.specialised-imaging.com. To learn more about the ongoing development of a next generation camera for fusion research please contact Specialised Imaging on +44-1442-827728 (UK) / +1-951-296-6406 (USA) / +49-8141-666-8950 (Germany) / info@specialised-imaging.com.

Specialised Imaging Limited is a dynamic company focusing on the design, manufacture, service and supply of ultra-high-speed imaging systems and components for industrial, defence, and scientific applications.

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