Unmet Need:
Measuring the output of combustion reactions is essential for the understanding of reaction mechanisms and the burn characteristics of a reaction. This is especially valuable when measuring the combustion of metal fuels such as Al, B, Mg, Zr, Ti. Currently available systems including spectroscopy and pyrometry are limited in their spatial resolution and typically are not correlated with images of individual particles and hence do not provide a detailed view into the combustion process. This is because of the rapid and destructive nature of the reactions. Hence, there is a need for a system capable of providing superior analytical capabilities for combustion measurements.
Technology Overview
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed an imaging system named snapshot hyperspectral imager for emission and reactions (SHEAR) for the analysis of energetic events. The system involves the splitting of a camera sensor which allows for the recording of the original color image and the registered emission spectra of a reaction. The system operates at a kilohertz framerate and images can be captured without the need for traditional apertures like those found in current spectroscopy systems. This technology allows for effective 2D spectroscopy alongside spatially resolved temperature measurement, marking a significant improvement in the industry.
Stage of Development
The system has been fully prototyped and tested. Future work is planned for refinement and optimization of both the hardware and software.
Publication
Milad Alemohammad, Elliot R. Wainwright, Jasper R. Stroud, Timothy P. Weihs, and Mark A. Foster, "Kilohertz frame rate snapshot hyperspectral imaging of metal reactive materials," Appl. Opt. 59, 10406-10415 (2020)
